Comfort Food Creamy Chicken and Mashed Potatoes

Name: Comfort Food Creamy Chicken and Mashed Potatoes
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 50 min
Yield: 4 servings
Ingredients: 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts; 1 cup heavy cream; 1 cup chicken broth; 1 onion, finely chopped; 2 cloves garlic, minced; 2 tablespoons olive oil; 1 teaspoon dried thyme; Salt and pepper to taste; 2 pounds russet potatoes, peeled and quartered; 1/2 cup unsalted butter; 1/2 cup milk; Salt and pepper to taste

Highlighted under: Homemade Comfort Meals

I absolutely love this Comfort Food Creamy Chicken and Mashed Potatoes recipe! It's my go-to meal when I crave something deliciously warm and satisfying. The creaminess of the chicken paired with the buttery, smooth mashed potatoes creates a perfect harmony of flavors. I often make this dish for family gatherings or cozy nights in, as it's easy to prepare yet feels truly indulgent. The best part is how the ingredients come together to create a comforting taste that feels like a warm hug on a plate.

Created by

Aubrey Collins

Last updated on 2026-01-26T03:49:34.261Z

Making this creamy chicken and mashed potatoes recipe has been a delightful journey for me. Each time I prepare it, I discover a little more about balancing flavors and textures. I learned that searing the chicken first locks in moisture, making the dish irresistibly tender. The addition of herbs and spices elevates the creaminess, creating a wonderful depth of flavor.

One of my favorite tips is to use starchy potatoes for the mash; they create a velvety texture that pairs perfectly with the rich sauce. Every bite feels like a celebration, making it hard to resist going back for seconds!

Why You'll Love This Recipe
Rich and creamy sauce that envelops tender chicken
Perfectly smooth mashed potatoes that complement every bite
A true classic that brings comfort and joy to any meal

The Importance of Searing

Searing the chicken is a crucial step that locks in the flavors while developing a beautifully golden crust. By cooking the chicken at medium-high heat for 6-7 minutes on each side, you ensure that the interior remains juicy and tender. Use a heavy-bottomed skillet for even heat distribution, and make sure not to overcrowd the pan, which can lead to steaming rather than searing. The visual cue of a golden-brown surface indicates that the chicken is ready for the next stage.

Once the chicken is seared, removing it from the pan allows for the creation of a rich gravy, utilizing all those lovely browned bits stuck to the bottom. Don’t skip this step—those caramelized flavors are key to developing depth in your creamy sauce.

Elevating Mashed Potatoes

For the smoothest mashed potatoes, consider using a potato ricer or food mill instead of a traditional masher. This technique ensures that no lumps remain, providing a silky texture that beautifully complements the creamy chicken. Whether you're using russet or Yukon gold potatoes, make sure they are cut evenly for consistent cooking. Boil them in salted water until fork-tender, which usually takes about 15 minutes.

To truly elevate the flavor, think about infusing the milk with herbs or roasted garlic before mixing it into the potatoes. Simply warm the milk with a few sprigs of thyme or some garlic cloves during the heating process, then strain before adding. This subtle enhancement can make a significant difference in the overall taste of your mashed potatoes, taking them from comforting to indulgent.

Ingredients

Gather these ingredients to bring this comforting dish to life:

For the Chicken:

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

For the Mashed Potatoes:

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

With these ingredients on hand, you're ready to create a comforting masterpiece!

Instructions

Follow these steps to make your creamy chicken and mashed potatoes:

Cook the Chicken

In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat. Season the chicken breasts with salt, pepper, and thyme. Sear the chicken in the pan for about 6-7 minutes on each side until golden brown. Remove the chicken and set aside.

Prepare the Sauce

In the same skillet, add the chopped onion and garlic. Sauté until the onion is translucent. Pour in the chicken broth and heavy cream, scraping the bottom of the pan to release any browned bits. Bring to a simmer.

Finish Cooking the Chicken

Return the chicken to the skillet, cover, and let it simmer in the sauce for about 15 minutes, or until cooked through.

Make the Mashed Potatoes

While the chicken is cooking, boil the quartered potatoes in salted water for about 15 minutes until tender. Drain and return to the pot. Add butter and milk, then mash until smooth. Season with salt and pepper.

Serve

Plate the mashed potatoes, then top with the creamy chicken and sauce. Garnish with fresh herbs if desired.

Enjoy this comforting meal that will surely warm your heart!

Pro Tips

For added richness, feel free to use a mix of butter and cream in the mashed potatoes. You can also customize this dish by adding your favorite vegetables, like steamed broccoli or green beans, for a complete meal.

Make-Ahead Tips

This creamy chicken and mashed potatoes dish is perfect for meal prep or making ahead for busy weeknights. You can prepare the sauce and chicken a day in advance, storing them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. Reheat gently on the stove over low heat, adding a splash of chicken broth if the sauce thickens too much. Just be cautious not to overheat it, as the cream can separate if cooked too quickly.

The mashed potatoes can also be made ahead. Store them in the fridge with a layer of plastic wrap pressed directly onto the surface to prevent a skin from forming. When you're ready to serve, gently reheat in a pot over low heat, adding a bit more milk or butter as necessary to restore that creamy consistency.

Serving Suggestions

For an elegant presentation, consider garnishing your dish with freshly chopped parsley or chives. This not only adds a pop of color but also complements the savory flavors of the chicken and sauce. Pair your creamy chicken and mashed potatoes with a side of steamed green vegetables, like broccoli or green beans, for a balanced meal that brings a touch of freshness to the table.

If you want to experiment with flavor profiles, try adding a handful of grated cheese to the mashed potatoes or stirring in some sautéed mushrooms into the sauce. Both options will introduce an extra layer of flavor that can make this classic dish feel even more special. Feel free to adjust the herbs or spices according to your preferences!

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?

Yes, chicken thighs will work well and add extra flavor. Just adjust the cooking time if needed.

→ Can I make the mashed potatoes in advance?

Absolutely! You can make them ahead and reheat them before serving. Just add a splash of milk to bring back the creamy texture.

→ What can I use instead of heavy cream?

You can substitute heavy cream with half-and-half or whole milk, but the sauce may be less rich.

→ Is this recipe freezer-friendly?

Yes, you can freeze the chicken in the creamy sauce for up to 3 months. Thaw in the fridge before reheating.