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: 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts; 1 tablespoon olive oil; 2 cups chicken broth; 1 cup heavy cream; 1 teaspoon garlic powder; 1 teaspoon onion powder; Salt and pepper to taste; Chopped parsley for garnish; 2 pounds potatoes, peeled and diced; 1/2 cup butter; 1/2 cup heavy cream; Salt and pepper to taste

Highlighted under: Warm & Cozy Home Meals

I absolutely love this Comfort Food Creamy Chicken and Mashed Potatoes recipe! It brings back such wonderful memories of family gatherings around the dinner table, where warmth and laughter filled the air. The combination of tender chicken, rich cream sauce, and fluffy mashed potatoes creates a truly satisfying meal. We enjoy this dish on chilly nights when we crave something comforting. It's quick to prepare, easy to customize, and always brings a smile to my family's faces. Trust me, you'll want to make this dish a staple in your home too!

Created by

Ariana Brooks

Last updated on 2026-01-26T04:09:34.434Z

My love for Comfort Food Creamy Chicken and Mashed Potatoes stems from the countless times I've made it for family and friends. Each time, I meticulously roast the chicken, ensuring it stays juicy and flavorful before adding it to the creamy sauce. The fusion of flavors never fails to impress, and I've perfected this recipe over time, ensuring that every bite is rich and comforting.

I recall one evening when we enjoyed this dish together, the aroma of garlic and herbs filled our home. The fluffy mashed potatoes, whipped to perfection, paired beautifully with the rich sauce. A secret tip I've learned is to add a touch of cream cheese to the potatoes for extra creaminess. It's simply divine!

Why You'll Love This Recipe
Creamy sauce that envelops every piece of chicken
Fluffy mashed potatoes with a rich, buttery taste
Perfect for cozy family dinners or impressing guests

Perfecting the Creamy Sauce

The creamy sauce is the heart of this dish, and getting it just right can make all the difference. After browning the chicken, deglazing the skillet with chicken broth not only adds flavor but also ensures that you capture all the tasty bits stuck to the bottom. When you bring the broth to a simmer before adding the heavy cream, make sure to stir constantly to maintain an even consistency. You’re aiming for a sauce that’s rich and slightly thickened, so keep an eye on it to avoid letting it boil too vigorously, which can lead to separation.

If you prefer a thicker sauce, consider adding a teaspoon of cornstarch mixed with a tablespoon of cold water after the cream is added. This will help the sauce cling beautifully to the chicken without becoming too heavy. Conversely, if you find the sauce too thick, simply whisk in a bit more chicken broth until it reaches your desired consistency. Experimenting with herbal notes like thyme or rosemary can elevate the flavor profile as well, bringing a lovely aromatic quality to the dish.

Mastering Fluffy Mashed Potatoes

The key to achieving perfectly fluffy mashed potatoes lies in the type of potatoes you choose. Starchy varieties like Russets or Idaho potatoes yield the best results, providing a light and airy texture. When boiling the diced potatoes, start them in cold water and bring them to a boil together; this helps them cook evenly. A great tip is to check for doneness by piercing a potato with a fork; they should be fork-tender but not falling apart, ideally around 15-20 minutes of boiling.

Incorporating the butter before the cream is essential for achieving a rich flavor without making the potatoes gummy. For an additional depth of taste, you can infuse the cream with garlic or herbs before mixing it into the potatoes. If you’re looking for a healthier option, consider substituting half of the cream with Greek yogurt or sour cream, which adds creaminess while cutting down on fat. Don't rush the mashing process; a hand masher or ricer works best to avoid overworking the potatoes.

Storing and Serving Suggestions

This dish can easily become a go-to for meal prep! After cooking, allow the chicken and sauce to cool and store it in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. For reheating, gently warm it on the stove over low heat to keep the sauce smooth, adding a bit of water or broth if it thickens too much. The mashed potatoes can also be stored in the same manner; just remember to cover them tightly to maintain their moisture. Reheating mashed potatoes can be tricky, but adding a splash of cream or milk can help regain that creamy texture.

For a fun serving twist, consider spooning the creamy chicken over some cooked rice or wild grains instead of mashed potatoes. This not only changes the texture but also adds a nutty flavor. If you're serving guests, a simple side salad can complement the richness of the chicken and potatoes, brightening the meal with acidity. Caramelized vegetables or roasted Brussels sprouts are excellent choices to balance the dish's creaminess, bringing an exciting crunch and deeper flavors.

Ingredients

Gather all your ingredients before you start cooking to make the process smoother.

For the Creamy Chicken:

4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
1 tablespoon olive oil
2 cups chicken broth
1 cup heavy cream
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1 teaspoon onion powder
Salt and pepper to taste
Chopped parsley for garnish

For the Mashed Potatoes:

2 pounds potatoes, peeled and diced
1/2 cup butter
1/2 cup heavy cream
Salt and pepper to taste

Ensure all ingredients are room temperature to achieve the best results.

Instructions

Before starting, make sure to have all kitchen equipment ready—including pots, pans, and a masher!

Cook the Chicken

Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Season the chicken breasts with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder. Cook until golden brown on both sides, about 6-7 minutes per side. Remove and set aside.

Make the Cream Sauce

In the same skillet, add chicken broth and bring to a simmer. Slowly incorporate the heavy cream, stirring until combined. Return the chicken to the skillet and cook until the sauce thickens slightly, about 5-10 minutes.

Prepare the Mashed Potatoes

In a pot, boil diced potatoes until tender, about 15-20 minutes. Drain and return to the pot. Add butter, heavy cream, salt, and pepper. Mash until smooth and creamy.

Serve

Plate the mashed potatoes and top with the creamy chicken and sauce. Garnish with chopped parsley before serving.

Enjoy your delicious meal with a side of fresh vegetables or a salad for a complete dining experience.

Pro Tips

For added flavor in your mashed potatoes, consider mixing in roasted garlic or sour cream.

Ingredient Insights

Using heavy cream in this recipe creates a luxurious texture that enhances the creamy sauce, but if you're looking for a lighter option, half-and-half can be a worthy substitute. Just keep in mind that the sauce may not be as thick and rich. For a dairy-free version, coconut cream or a plant-based heavy cream can work, although they will impart their own distinctive flavors that slightly differ from traditional cream.

The chicken breasts in this dish not only provide protein but also absorb the flavors of the sauce beautifully. If you're in a pinch, boneless thighs can be used as an alternative, offering a richer flavor and moisture. Just ensure they are cooked through and reach an internal temperature of 165°F.

Recipe Variations

Feel free to customize the creamy chicken dish by adding in some sautéed mushrooms or spinach, which can bring not only flavor but also color to the plate. Adding veggies into the sauce can turn this comfort food into a more nutritious meal without sacrificing satisfaction.

You can also play around with the spices. If you love a little kick, adding a pinch of cayenne or paprika can enhance the flavor profile. Alternatively, incorporating Dijon mustard or a splash of white wine to the cream sauce can add a delicious tanginess that marries well with the chicken.

Troubleshooting Tips

If you find that your sauce has separated during cooking, don’t fret! Simply whisk in a teaspoon of cornstarch mixed with a little water and bring it back to a gentle heat, stirring constantly until it thickens again. Also, if your mashed potatoes turn out lumpy, try passing them through a ricer for a smoother finish; this is a quick fix that can save your side dish.

For those who want to scale the recipe, simply double all ingredients and be mindful of the cooking time. You may need to cook the chicken in batches if using a smaller skillet to ensure even cooking. Pay attention to the sauce consistency and adjust broth or cream levels accordingly to maintain balance.

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?

Yes, chicken thighs will add more flavor and tenderness to the dish.

→ How can I make this dish healthier?

You can use low-fat cream, and substitute half of the butter in the mashed potatoes with Greek yogurt.

→ Can I prepare the sauce in advance?

Absolutely! Just reheat gently before serving to avoid curdling.

→ What side dishes pair well with this meal?

Green beans or a fresh salad work wonderfully alongside this creamy dish.