Comfort Food Creamy Chicken and Mashed Potatoes

Name: Comfort Food Creamy Chicken and Mashed Potatoes
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 45 min
Yield: Serves 4
Ingredients: 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts; 1 tablespoon olive oil; 1 onion, chopped; 2 garlic cloves, minced; 1 cup chicken broth; 1 cup heavy cream; 1 teaspoon dried thyme; Salt and pepper to taste; 2 pounds russet potatoes, peeled and cubed; 1/2 cup milk; 1/4 cup unsalted butter; Salt to taste

Highlighted under: Warm Kitchen Classics

I absolutely love whipping up a comforting dish like creamy chicken and mashed potatoes, especially on chilly evenings. The combination of tender chicken simmered in a rich and velvety sauce, served over a mound of fluffy mashed potatoes, makes for a delightful meal. It’s the kind of dish that warms your heart and soul, and the best part is that it’s relatively easy to prepare. I can’t wait to share this indulgent recipe with you, as it’s sure to become a favorite in your household too!

Created by

Lila Morgan

Last updated on 2026-01-26T02:33:35.040Z

When I first made this creamy chicken and mashed potatoes dish, I quickly realized how comforting and satisfying it truly is. The chicken becomes tender and juicy as it cooks in a creamy sauce that’s infused with garlic and herbs. I remember sitting down to dinner and watching my family devour it with smiles on their faces—they just couldn’t get enough!

One of my favorite tips is to use a bit of chicken broth for added flavor in the sauce. This elevates the dish even further and allows every bite of chicken to be soaked in savory goodness. It’s a simple trick, but it makes a world of difference!

Why You Will Love This Recipe
Rich, creamy sauce bursting with flavor
Tender chicken makes for a satisfying meal
Served over fluffy, buttery mashed potatoes

The Heart of the Dish: The Creamy Sauce

The secret to this dish's richness lies in the creamy sauce made from heavy cream and chicken broth. By using high-quality chicken broth, you enhance the overall flavor dramatically. Simmering the sauce allows the ingredients to meld together beautifully, creating a luscious texture that'll cling to the chicken and potatoes. Ensure that you taste the sauce before adding salt, as the broth might already contain sufficient seasoning.

As the sauce thickens while cooking, it turns glossy and coats the back of a spoon. This visual cue indicates that it’s ready to serve. If your sauce becomes too thick, you can always whisk in additional chicken broth or a touch of milk to achieve your desired consistency. Alternatively, if you prefer a heartier flavor, adding a splash of white wine during the simmer can elevate the taste profile.

Perfecting the Mashed Potatoes

For the fluffiest mashed potatoes, start with russet potatoes, known for their high starch content that results in a light texture. Don’t skip the step of boiling them in salted water, as it ensures the potatoes absorb flavor during the cooking process. Once drained, return them to the pot over low heat for a minute to ensure any excess moisture evaporates, making them creamier when mashed. I like to use a potato ricer for an ultra-smooth finish, but a traditional masher works well too.

Keep in mind that the temperature of your ingredients affects the creaminess of your mash. Using warm milk and butter helps maintain the potatoes' heat, creating a creamy blend without clumping. Adjusting the milk and butter ratios provides a personalized touch; for a richer taste, consider adding a dollop of sour cream or even cream cheese.

Ingredients

Gather the following ingredients to create this delicious dish:

For the Chicken

4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 onion, chopped
2 garlic cloves, 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 cubed
1/2 cup milk
1/4 cup unsalted butter
Salt to taste

Make sure to measure out your ingredients accurately for the best results!

Instructions

Time to cook! Follow these simple steps to create your creamy chicken and mashed potatoes:

Prepare the Mashed Potatoes

In a large pot, boil the cubed potatoes in salted water until tender, about 15 minutes. Drain and return to the pot. Add milk and butter, then mash until creamy. Season with salt to taste.

Cook the Chicken

In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add chopped onion and garlic, sauté until softened. Season chicken breasts with salt and pepper, then add to skillet. Cook until browned on both sides, about 8 minutes.

Make the Creamy Sauce

Pour in chicken broth and heavy cream, then sprinkle with thyme. Simmer until the chicken is cooked through and the sauce is thickened, about 12 minutes.

Serve and Enjoy

Plate the mashed potatoes and top with the creamy chicken and sauce. Garnish as desired, serve hot, and enjoy!

For a touch of freshness, you can garnish with chopped parsley or chives!

Pro Tips

For an extra layer of flavor, try adding in some chopped spinach or mushrooms while cooking the chicken.

Serving Suggestions

This creamy chicken and mashed potatoes dish pairs wonderfully with a variety of side dishes. Steamed green beans or sautéed spinach add a fresh contrast to the richness of the meal. For added color and nutrition, consider a simple salad with a light vinaigrette; it balances the meal perfectly without overpowering the flavors.

To elevate your presentation, consider garnishing the dish with fresh herbs like parsley or thyme for a burst of color and flavor. A sprinkle of cracked black pepper also adds a finishing touch that enhances the plating aesthetics.

Make-Ahead and Storage Tips

If you're looking to prepare this dish in advance, the chicken and creamy sauce can be made a day ahead. Just store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator and reheat gently on the stovetop over low heat, adding a splash of chicken broth to loosen the sauce. Keep the mashed potatoes separate for best results, as re-heating can sometimes make them gummy.

For longer storage, both the chicken and potatoes freeze well. Portion out the chicken and sauce into freezer-safe containers and the mashed potatoes into separate bags. This way, you can thaw exactly what you need for quick weeknight dinners. When reheating, do so carefully; cover the dishes with foil to prevent drying out in the oven or use low heat on the stovetop, stirring frequently.

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I use frozen chicken breasts?

Yes, you can use frozen chicken breasts but make sure to thaw them completely before cooking.

→ What can I substitute for heavy cream?

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

→ How do I store leftovers?

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

→ Can I make this dish ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can prepare the chicken and sauce ahead of time and reheat before serving.