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: 4 servings
Ingredients: 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts; 2 tablespoons olive oil; 1 medium onion, diced; 3 cloves garlic, minced; 1 cup chicken broth; 1 cup heavy cream; 1 teaspoon dried thyme; Salt and pepper to taste; 2 lbs Yukon Gold potatoes, peeled and cubed; 4 tablespoons butter; ½ cup milk; Salt and pepper to taste

Highlighted under: Hearty Kitchen Creations

Whenever I crave a taste of home, nothing satisfies quite like creamy chicken paired with fluffy mashed potatoes. This dish combines tender chicken in a luscious sauce with buttery potatoes that melt in your mouth, creating an unforgettable harmony of flavors. It’s a go-to favorite in our household, perfect for cozy dinners, and it always brings a smile to my family's faces. With simple ingredients and a little loving care, I can whip up this comforting meal in no time. Let’s dive into how to recreate this delightful dish together!

Created by

Harriet Mason

Last updated on 2026-01-26T05:41:34.974Z

I remember the first time I made this creamy chicken and mashed potatoes dish—it was a chilly evening, and the aroma filled the whole house, making it feel warm and inviting. The secret to the creaminess lies in adding a dash of chicken broth and heavy cream, which uplifts the comforting essence of this meal. Each bite is so rich and satisfying that even after dinner, I find myself reminiscing about it long after the plates are cleared.

An important tip I discovered is to use Yukon Gold potatoes for the mash; they yield the perfect texture, and their buttery flavor complements the dish beautifully. Plus, making the mashed potatoes while the chicken simmers saves time, allowing everything to come together seamlessly. Trust me, you’ll want this recipe in your regular rotation!

Why You Will Love This Recipe
Rich, creamy sauce that’s perfect for chilly days
Fluffy mashed potatoes that soak up every drop of flavor
A comforting meal that's easy to prepare for family gatherings

Mastering the Creamy Sauce

The creamy sauce is the heart of this dish, bringing together the flavors of the chicken and the comforting potatoes. To achieve the perfect consistency, ensure you simmer the sauce gently after adding the heavy cream. If you notice it becoming too thick, a splash more of chicken broth can help loosen it without losing flavor. Aim for a glossy finish that clings to the chicken pieces beautifully, which indicates it’s ready to serve.

When seasoning the sauce, taste as you go. The dried thyme is essential for its earthy undertones; however, consider adding fresh thyme or even rosemary for a more aromatic experience. If you prefer a hint of tang, incorporating a squeeze of lemon juice at the end can brighten the flavors nicely.

The Perfect Mashed Potatoes

Yukon Gold potatoes are ideal for mashed potatoes due to their creamy texture and buttery flavor. When boiling, make sure to add a generous amount of salt to the water—this will infuse flavor directly into the potatoes. Cook them until they are very tender; a fork should easily slide through them without resistance at around 15-20 minutes. Keep an eye on them to avoid overcooking, which can lead to a watery mash.

For the smoothest mash, I recommend using a potato ricer or food mill, as this method ensures a lump-free texture. If you want to elevate the flavor, consider adding roasted garlic or sour cream in place of some of the butter for a richer taste. Don't forget to adjust the milk quantity based on your desired consistency; start with half a cup and add more if needed.

Ingredients

For the Creamy Chicken

1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts
2 tablespoons olive oil
1 medium onion, diced
3 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 lbs Yukon Gold potatoes, peeled and cubed
4 tablespoons butter
½ cup milk
Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

Prepare the Chicken

In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the diced onion and garlic, cooking until softened. Season the chicken breasts with salt and pepper, then add them to the skillet. Cook for about 6-8 minutes on each side until golden and fully cooked. Remove chicken and set aside.

Make the Sauce

In the same skillet, add chicken broth and scrape the bottom to release any browned bits. Stir in the heavy cream and thyme, bringing the mixture to a gentle simmer. Return the chicken to the skillet, spooning the sauce over the top.

Cook the Mashed Potatoes

While the chicken cooks, boil the cubed potatoes in a pot of salted water until tender, approximately 15-20 minutes. Drain and return potatoes to the pot, adding butter, milk, salt, and pepper. Mash until smooth and creamy.

Serve Together

Plate the mashed potatoes and top them with the creamy chicken and sauce. Enjoy your comforting meal!

Pro Tips

For added flavor, sprinkle fresh parsley on top of the chicken before serving.

Make-Ahead Tips

This creamy chicken and mashed potatoes dish can be a fantastic make-ahead option for busy weeknights. You can prepare the chicken and sauce in advance, storing it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. Reheat gently in a saucepan over low heat to maintain creaminess, adding a splash of chicken broth if it thickens too much.

For the mashed potatoes, they can be made ahead and refrigerated. To reheat, place them in a pot over low heat, adding a bit of milk or cream to restore their creaminess. If you want to freeze them, transfer the cooled mash into freezer bags, pressing out as much air as possible before sealing. They can be thawed overnight in the fridge and reheated on the stovetop with a little added liquid.

Serving Suggestions

To enhance your serving experience, consider elevating this dish with a few fresh parsley sprigs or a drizzle of olive oil on top just before serving. A side of steamed green beans or sautéed spinach could provide a welcome splash of color and nutrition to your plate while complementing the meal’s richness.

While this recipe is comforting as-is, feel free to experiment with adding sautéed mushrooms or peas to the creamy chicken for added texture and flavor. They’ll blend seamlessly into the sauce, enriching each bite with extra depth. If you’re feeling adventurous, a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese over the chicken before serving can add a delightful umami kick.

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I use different types of chicken?

Yes, you can use thighs or other cuts of chicken; just adjust the cooking time accordingly.

→ How do I make the mashed potatoes creamier?

You can add more butter or use sour cream for an even richer flavor.

→ Can I prepare this dish ahead of time?

Absolutely! Prepare the chicken and sauce in advance and reheat when ready to serve.

→ What sides complement this meal?

Steamed vegetables like green beans or a fresh salad pair well to balance out the richness.