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 (450g) boneless chicken breasts; 2 tablespoons olive oil; 1 medium onion, chopped; 3 cloves garlic, minced; 1 cup chicken broth; 1 cup heavy cream; 1 teaspoon dried thyme; Salt and pepper to taste; 2 lbs (900g) Yukon Gold potatoes, peeled and quartered; 1/2 cup milk, warmed; 4 tablespoons butter; Salt and pepper to taste

Highlighted under: Home-Cooked Favorites

I absolutely love the warmth and nostalgia that comes with Comfort Food Creamy Chicken and Mashed Potatoes. This dish has been my go-to during chilly evenings and family gatherings. The creamy chicken paired with fluffy mashed potatoes creates a perfect combination of flavors and textures. Each bite is a delightful blend of savory and comfort, making it hard to resist. Whether you need a pick-me-up or a hearty meal, this recipe will definitely hit the spot.

Created by

Ottilie James

Last updated on 2026-01-26T04:29:34.504Z

What I truly love about this dish is how each component complements the others. The creamy chicken, slow-cooked with garlic and herbs, infuses the mashed potatoes with rich flavor, making every bite comforting and satisfying. I've experimented with different herbs like thyme and rosemary to elevate the taste, and I found that a little bit of lemon juice adds a wonderful brightness.

I also prefer using Yukon Gold potatoes for my mash because they create a creamy texture without needing too much butter or cream. I usually whip them up with a splash of warm milk and a sprinkle of salt for that perfect consistency. This dish not only fills the stomach but also warms the soul.

Why You Will Love This Recipe
Creamy chicken sauce that envelops tender meat
Fluffy mashed potatoes that complement every bite
Quick to prepare, perfect for busy weeknights
A classic comfort dish that brings everyone to the table

Mastering the Creamy Sauce

The creamy sauce is the heart of this dish, and it's vital to get the right consistency. After adding the heavy cream, keep an eye on the simmer—if it bubbles too aggressively, lower the heat to medium-low. You should see tiny bubbles forming around the edges rather than a rolling boil. This gentle cooking allows the flavors to meld without the cream separating.

Thyme adds depth to the creamy sauce, but it's important not to overdo it. For a fresh twist, consider adding a squeeze of lemon juice at the end of cooking to brighten the flavors. This can really elevate the dish and provide a nice contrast to the richness of the cream.

Perfecting the Mashed Potatoes

Yukon Gold potatoes are preferred for their buttery flavor and creamy texture, making them ideal for mashing. When boiling the potatoes, ensure they're cut into even quarters; this promotes uniform cooking and helps achieve that ideal creamy consistency. Test for doneness by piercing them with a fork—should easily break apart without resistance.

For incredibly smooth mash, I recommend using a potato ricer. It delivers a velvety texture without leaving any lumps. If you're looking to reduce dairy, using unsweetened almond milk or oat milk as alternatives can work, though the flavor will differ slightly from traditional versions. Ensure you warm any substitutes to avoid cooling down the mash.

Ingredients

Gather these simple ingredients to create your creamy chicken and mashed potatoes.

For the Creamy Chicken:

1 lb (450g) boneless chicken breasts
2 tablespoons olive oil
1 medium onion, chopped
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 (900g) Yukon Gold potatoes, peeled and quartered
1/2 cup milk, warmed
4 tablespoons butter
Salt and pepper to taste

Ensure all ingredients are at room temperature for the best results.

Instructions

Follow these steps to create a comforting dish everyone will love.

Cook the Chicken

In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add chopped onion and cook until softened, about 5 minutes. Stir in the minced garlic and sauté for an additional minute. Add the chicken breasts, cooking until golden brown on both sides. Pour in the chicken broth and bring to a simmer. Cover and cook for about 15 minutes or until the chicken is cooked through.

Make the Creamy Sauce

Once the chicken is cooked, remove it from the skillet and stir in the heavy cream and dried thyme. Let it simmer for 5 minutes until the sauce thickens slightly. Season with salt and pepper to taste.

Prepare the Mashed Potatoes

While the chicken is cooking, boil the quartered potatoes in salted water until tender, about 15 minutes. Drain and return to the pot. Mash the potatoes with warmed milk, butter, salt, and pepper until smooth and creamy.

Serve

Slice the chicken and serve it over a generous scoop of mashed potatoes, drizzled with the creamy sauce. Enjoy your comfort food!

Serve warm and enjoy the comforting flavors of home-cooked goodness.

Pro Tips

For added flavor, consider adding sautéed mushrooms or spinach to the creamy sauce. This not only enhances the taste but also adds nutrition to the dish.

Serving Suggestions

This creamy chicken and mashed potatoes dish is versatile in serving, so don't hesitate to pair it with steamed vegetables like green beans or sautéed spinach for a pop of color and added nutrients. You can also opt for a side salad to introduce some freshness to balance out the creamy textures.

For those looking for a bit of tang, a dollop of sour cream or a sprinkle of chopped fresh herbs like parsley or chives right before serving can elevate the flavor profile. These garnishes not only enhance the dish's visual appeal but also add a fresh bite that complements the richness of the chicken and potatoes.

Make-Ahead and Storage Tips

If you're preparing this dish ahead of time, both the creamy chicken and mashed potatoes can be made up to two days in advance. Store them separately in airtight containers in the fridge. To reheat, warm the chicken sauce gently over low heat, stirring frequently to maintain the creaminess. The mashed potatoes can be reheated in the microwave or on the stove with a splash of milk to revive their creaminess.

For longer storage, consider freezing the creamy chicken mixture. Freeze it in an airtight container for up to three months. When ready to enjoy, thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat gently as described. The mashed potatoes can become a bit dense when frozen, so it's best to prepare them fresh if possible.

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I use frozen chicken for this recipe?

Yes, you can use frozen chicken, but make sure to thaw it completely before cooking for even results.

→ What can I substitute for heavy cream?

You can use half-and-half or a combination of milk and cream, but the texture will be slightly less creamy.

→ Can I make the mashed potatoes ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can prepare the mashed potatoes ahead and reheat them gently with a splash of milk before serving.

→ Is this recipe gluten-free?

Yes, all ingredients in this recipe are gluten-free, making it suitable for those with gluten intolerance.