Comfort Food Creamy Chicken and Mashed Potatoes

Name: Comfort Food Creamy Chicken and Mashed Potatoes
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 40 min
Total time: 1 h
Yield: Serves 4
Ingredients: 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts; 2 tablespoons olive oil; 4 cloves garlic, minced; 1 cup chicken broth; 1 cup heavy cream; 1 teaspoon dried thyme; Salt and pepper to taste; 2 pounds russet potatoes, peeled and diced; 1/2 cup butter; 1/2 cup milk; Salt and pepper to taste

Highlighted under: Hearty Home Cooking

I absolutely love making Comfort Food Creamy Chicken and Mashed Potatoes, especially on chilly evenings. This dish offers a delightful combination of tender chicken smothered in a luscious, creamy sauce, paired perfectly with buttery mashed potatoes. Every bite brings a sense of warmth and nostalgia, reminiscent of Sunday dinners with loved ones. The simplicity of this recipe makes it a go-to for me when I want to serve something that feels special yet comes together with minimal effort.

Created by

Callie Morgan

Last updated on 2026-01-26T05:50:35.793Z

When I first stumbled upon this recipe, I was in search of a dish that could bring comfort to my family after a long day. I tweaked a few elements to suit our taste, and it's now a beloved family staple. The creamy sauce has a hint of garlic and herbs, which elevates the simple chicken so beautifully. Making the mashed potatoes from scratch makes all the difference; the creamy texture is so much better than using instant varieties.

One of my favorite tips is to let the chicken rest after cooking. This ensures that it remains juicy and tender before cutting it into pieces. I sometimes even make extra mashed potatoes for leftovers because they are just as delightful the next day, perhaps topped with a bit of gravy for a quick lunch!

Why You Will Love This Recipe
Creamy sauce that envelops every piece of chicken
Fluffy mashed potatoes that pair perfectly with rich flavors
Ideal for family dinners or cozy nights in

Perfecting the Creamy Chicken

The key to achieving a perfectly cooked chicken breast lies in the initial searing. Ensure your skillet is preheated over medium heat before adding the olive oil and chicken. This creates a nice golden-brown crust that enhances both flavor and texture. If the chicken starts to brown too quickly, reduce the heat slightly to cook it through without burning the exterior.

While cooking the chicken, it's important to avoid overcrowding the skillet. If your pan is too crowded, the chicken will steam rather than sear, resulting in a less desirable texture. If necessary, cook in batches, keeping the first batch warm in a low oven (around 200°F) while you finish the rest.

Sauce Secrets for Rich Flavor

When making the creamy sauce, the order of adding ingredients matters. Sautéing the garlic until fragrant before adding the chicken broth allows its oils to release and meld into the dish—this step is crucial for developing a robust flavor. Don’t rush this; 1-2 minutes is ideal to ensure the garlic doesn’t burn and become bitter.

Scraping up the brown bits (the fond) from the skillet is essential. These bits contain concentrated flavors that contribute to the overall taste of the sauce. Use a wooden spoon to gently scrape them up when you pour in the broth, creating a deeper background flavor. Simmering until slightly thickened gives the sauce a luxurious texture that clings beautifully to the chicken.

Mastering Mashed Potatoes

For the fluffiest mashed potatoes, ensure the potatoes are fully cooked before mashing. After boiling for about 15 minutes, check doneness by piercing them with a fork; they should easily break apart. Returning them to the pot after draining helps evaporate excess moisture, preventing watery mashed potatoes—a common pitfall.

One of my favorite tricks is to warm the milk and melt the butter together before adding them to the potatoes. This helps to create a smooth consistency without cooling down the mash. For variety, consider adding roasted garlic or cream cheese for a different flavor profile, making this classic dish adaptable to your tastes.

Ingredients

For the Creamy Chicken

4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
2 tablespoons olive oil
4 cloves garlic, minced
1 cup chicken broth
1 cup heavy cream
1 teaspoon dried thyme
Salt and pepper to taste

For the Mashed Potatoes

2 pounds russet potatoes, peeled and diced
1/2 cup butter
1/2 cup milk
Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

Cook the Chicken

In a large skillet over medium heat, heat the olive oil. Season the chicken breasts with salt and pepper, then add them to the skillet. Cook for 5-7 minutes on each side or until golden brown and cooked through. Remove from the skillet and set aside.

Make the Sauce

In the same skillet, add the minced garlic and sauté until fragrant. Pour in the chicken broth, scraping any browned bits from the bottom of the pan. Stir in the heavy cream and dried thyme. Simmer for about 5 minutes until slightly thickened.

Prepare the Mashed Potatoes

While the sauce simmers, boil the diced potatoes in salted water until tender, about 15 minutes. Drain and return to the pot. Add butter, milk, salt, and pepper, then mash until smooth and creamy.

Serve It Up

Slice the chicken and serve it over a generous scoop of mashed potatoes, drizzled with the creamy sauce. Enjoy your warm comfort food!

Pro Tips

For extra flavor, consider adding freshly chopped parsley or chives on top of the mashed potatoes before serving.

Serving Suggestions

To elevate your Comfort Food Creamy Chicken and Mashed Potatoes, consider garnishing with fresh herbs such as parsley or chives. Not only do they add a pop of color, but they also introduce fresh notes that cut through the richness of the cream. A sprinkle of freshly ground black pepper can also add zest.

Pairing this dish with a simple side salad or steamed vegetables helps balance the meal and add freshness. A light vinaigrette works well to complement the heaviness of the chicken and sauce, ensuring a well-rounded dining experience.

Storage and Reheating Tips

If you find yourself with leftovers, store the mashed potatoes and chicken separately in airtight containers. When refrigerated, the chicken is best consumed within 3-4 days, while mashed potatoes can last up to a week. For longer storage, consider freezing both components. The chicken will freeze well for up to 3 months, and mashed potatoes will stay fresh for 1-2 months.

When reheating, remember that the creamy sauce may thicken after cooling. You can add a splash of chicken broth or milk while gently reheating in a saucepan over low heat, stirring until it reaches a creamy consistency again. This will ensure your dish stays flavorful and comforting, even when reheated.

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I use frozen chicken breasts?

Yes, just ensure they are fully cooked through and increase the cooking time slightly.

→ What can I substitute for heavy cream?

You can use half-and-half or a dairy-free alternative like coconut cream for a lighter option.

→ Can I add vegetables to this dish?

Absolutely! Steamed broccoli or green beans make excellent additions to the meal.

→ How do I store leftovers?

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in a skillet or microwave.