Mashed Potatoes With Garlic Butter Chicken

Name: Mashed Potatoes With Garlic Butter Chicken
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 45 min
Yield: 4 servings
Ingredients: 2 pounds Yukon Gold potatoes; 1/2 cup unsalted butter; 1/2 cup heavy cream; Salt to taste; Fresh chives, chopped for garnish; 4 boneless, skinless chicken thighs; 4 cloves garlic, minced; 3 tablespoons unsalted butter; Salt and pepper to taste; 1 teaspoon thyme, dried

Highlighted under: Warm & Cozy Home Meals

I absolutely love making Mashed Potatoes with Garlic Butter Chicken for family gatherings or cozy dinners at home. The creamy, buttery potatoes pair perfectly with the rich, garlicky chicken, creating a dish that's incredibly satisfying and comforting. I find that using fresh garlic and high-quality butter makes a significant difference, elevating the flavors to a whole new level. This recipe has quickly become a favorite in our home, and I think it will be in yours too!

Created by

Ariana Brooks

Last updated on 2026-02-27T21:01:36.093Z

Every time I make Mashed Potatoes with Garlic Butter Chicken, I reminisce about family dinners where everyone gathered around the table, laughing and enjoying delicious food. The creamy potatoes combined with the savory garlic butter chicken creates a harmony of flavors that's hard to resist. I prefer to roast the garlic before mixing it into the butter for a sweeter, deeper flavor.

One of my favorite tips is to mash the potatoes right after boiling them, ensuring they stay warm and fluffy. I also opt to use a mix of Yukon Gold and Russet potatoes for the perfect texture. This method not only enhances the flavor but makes the dish feel extra indulgent. You have to try it!

Why You Will Love This Recipe
Creamy potatoes that are light and fluffy
Savory garlic butter chicken bursting with flavor
A comforting meal perfect for any occasion

The Importance of Potato Choice

Choosing the right type of potato significantly impacts the texture of your mashed potatoes. Yukon Golds are ideal for this recipe as they have a naturally buttery flavor and a creamy consistency when mashed. They hold their shape well during cooking but break down nicely once mashed, providing that perfect light and fluffy texture. Avoid using waxy potatoes like red skinned or new potatoes, as they can result in a gluey mashed potato texture due to their high moisture content.

When preparing the potatoes, it's crucial to cut them into uniform pieces. This ensures they cook evenly. Aim for roughly 1-2 inch cubes, which will boil in about 15-20 minutes until fork-tender. Testing for doneness is simple; use a fork to pierce a piece, and it should easily break apart with minimal resistance.

Perfecting Garlic Butter Chicken

The combination of chicken thighs with garlic butter creates a mouth-watering flavor profile that's hard to resist. Chicken thighs are preferable for this dish because they remain juicy and tender during cooking. Always season the chicken generously with salt and pepper before searing; this not only enhances the flavor but also helps form a delicious crust. If you prefer a different cut, chicken breasts can also work, but they require closer monitoring to prevent drying out.

For the garlic butter, ensure that you monitor the heat closely while cooking the garlic. Cooking the minced garlic for just 1-2 minutes will release its aroma without burning it, which can turn a fragrant butter into a bitter one. Once the garlic is fragrant and the butter is melted, you can add the mixture directly into the potatoes for a wonderful flavor infusion.

Ingredients

Gather the following ingredients:

For the mashed potatoes

2 pounds Yukon Gold potatoes
1/2 cup unsalted butter
1/2 cup heavy cream
Salt to taste
Fresh chives, chopped for garnish

For the garlic butter chicken

4 boneless, skinless chicken thighs
4 cloves garlic, minced
3 tablespoons unsalted butter
Salt and pepper to taste
1 teaspoon thyme, dried

Prepare the ingredients before you start cooking.

Instructions

Follow these steps to create this delicious dish:

Cook the potatoes

Peel and chop the potatoes into equal-sized pieces. Place them in a large pot, cover with salted water, and bring to a boil. Cook for about 15-20 minutes until fork-tender. Drain and return to the pot.

Prepare the garlic butter

In a small saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Add minced garlic and cook for 1-2 minutes until fragrant but not browned.

Mash the potatoes

Add the melted garlic butter to the drained potatoes along with heavy cream. Mash until creamy and smooth. Season with salt to taste, and garnish with chopped chives.

Cook the chicken

Season the chicken thighs with salt, pepper, and thyme. In the same pan, sear the chicken over medium-high heat for about 6-7 minutes per side until golden and fully cooked.

Serve

Plate the creamy mashed potatoes and top with the flavorful chicken. Drizzle any remaining garlic butter from the pan over the top.

Enjoy your meal!

Pro Tips

For an extra twist, try adding some grated Parmesan cheese to the mashed potatoes for added richness.

Make-Ahead Tips

If you want to prepare this dish ahead of time, you can make the mashed potatoes and chicken separately. The mashed potatoes can be made a day in advance and stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator. To reheat, add a splash of heavy cream and warm on the stovetop over low heat, stirring frequently until heated through and creamy again. This will help revive their texture and flavors without compromising their quality.

The garlic butter chicken can also be cooked ahead and reheated gently. Store it in the fridge for up to three days. When reheating, do this on medium-low heat in a skillet to keep the chicken moist. If you find it dry, simply drizzle a bit more garlic butter over it while heating. This adds moisture and flavor back into the chicken.

Serving Suggestions

These mashed potatoes and garlic butter chicken pair wonderfully with a variety of side dishes. Consider adding a simple green salad or steamed vegetables such as broccoli or green beans to add a refreshing crunch to your meal. You can also serve the dish with a homemade gravy or a rich mushroom sauce for added depth and complexity of flavor.

For a twist, consider mixing in different herbs or spices to the mashed potatoes, like roasted garlic for a deeper flavor or even a touch of parmesan for an extra umami kick. Experimenting with ingredients can lead to unique variations that suit your taste preferences while still complementing the garlicky chicken.

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I use different types of potatoes?

Yes, you can use Russet or red potatoes too, but Yukon Gold gives the creamiest texture.

→ Can this dish be made ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can make the mashed potatoes and reheat them just before serving, or store the chicken in the fridge.

→ What can I serve this dish with?

This dish pairs well with steamed vegetables or a fresh salad.

→ How do I make the chicken spicier?

You can add crushed red pepper flakes to the garlic butter for a kick of heat!