Comfort Food Creamy Chicken and Mashed Potatoes

Name: Comfort Food Creamy Chicken and Mashed Potatoes
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 45 min
Total time: 1 h
Yield: 4 servings
Ingredients: 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts; 2 tablespoons olive oil; 1 onion, diced; 3 cloves garlic, minced; 1 cup chicken broth; 1 cup heavy cream; 1 teaspoon dried thyme; Salt and pepper to taste; 2 pounds russet potatoes, peeled and cubed; 4 tablespoons butter; 1/2 cup cream cheese; 1/2 cup milk; Salt and pepper to taste

Highlighted under: Home Cooking Favorites

I absolutely love this Comfort Food Creamy Chicken and Mashed Potatoes recipe! It combines tender chicken in a luscious creamy sauce with buttery, fluffy mashed potatoes. This dish is like a warm hug on a chilly day, and it's perfect for a family dinner or a quiet night in. The best part? It’s easy to prepare, so you can have a comforting meal on the table in just about an hour. I can’t wait to share this delightful recipe with you!

Created by

Elara Whitfield

Last updated on 2026-01-26T05:02:36.626Z

When I first experimented with this recipe for Comfort Food Creamy Chicken and Mashed Potatoes, I was inspired by my childhood memories of family dinners. The blend of creamy sauce and tender chicken truly captures the essence of home cooking.

Through many trials, I discovered that adding a splash of chicken broth to the sauce gives it an incredible depth of flavor while keeping everything nice and moist. Also, mashing the potatoes with a bit of cream cheese makes them irresistibly creamy and rich!

        Why You'll Love This Recipe
        Creamy sauce that coats the chicken perfectly
Fluffy mashed potatoes with a hint of creaminess
Perfectly seasoned for a comforting taste

      

Perfecting the Creamy Sauce

The creamy sauce in this recipe is what elevates the chicken dish from simple to spectacular. The combination of heavy cream and chicken broth creates a rich base that not only enhances the chicken's flavor but also makes the dish indulgently comforting. When simmering the sauce, look for a slight thickening and a glossy finish, which indicates that it’s ready to coat your chicken beautifully. If you prefer a thicker sauce, allow it to simmer a bit longer, but keep an eye on it to prevent over-reduction.

Sautéing the onions and garlic before adding the liquids allows their flavors to develop, adding depth to the dish. I recommend using a wooden spoon to scrape the bottom of the skillet to incorporate any browned bits, known as fond, into the sauce. This step enhances the umami flavor profile, making each bite of chicken incredibly satisfying. If you have fresh thyme on hand, feel free to substitute it for dried for a more vibrant flavor.

The Art of Fluffy Mashed Potatoes

The key to achieving perfectly fluffy mashed potatoes lies in how you cook and mash the potatoes. Cut the russet potatoes into even cubes to ensure they cook uniformly. Boil them until they are fork-tender, which typically takes about 15 minutes. Overcooking can lead to waterlogged potatoes, resulting in a gluey texture, so make sure to drain them while they're still slightly firm. Once drained, return them to the pot over low heat for just a minute to allow excess steam to evaporate.

For an irresistibly creamy texture, I recommend using a potato masher or a ricer. Ricing gives the smoothest consistency, but if you prefer a more rustic mash with some texture, feel free to use a masher. Incorporating cream cheese and butter elevates the creaminess, while milk adjusts the consistency. For a lighter option, Greek yogurt can be a great substitute for cream cheese, providing a tangy flavor that complements the dish's richness.

Ingredients

For the Chicken and Sauce

4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
2 tablespoons olive oil
1 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 pounds russet potatoes, peeled and cubed
4 tablespoons butter
1/2 cup cream cheese
1/2 cup milk
Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

Steps

Prepare the Chicken

In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Season the chicken breasts with salt and pepper, then add to the skillet. Cook for about 6-7 minutes per side until golden brown and cooked through.

Remove from heat and set aside.

Make the Sauce

In the same skillet, add the diced onion and garlic. Sauté until softened, about 5 minutes. Pour in chicken broth and heavy cream, stirring to combine.

Add thyme, salt, and pepper, then return the chicken to the skillet. Simmer for 10 minutes.

Prepare the Mashed Potatoes

While the chicken is simmering, boil the potatoes in a large pot of salted water until tender, about 15 minutes. Drain and return them to the pot. Add butter, cream cheese, and milk, then mash until smooth.

Season with salt and pepper.

Serve and Enjoy

Plate the mashed potatoes and top with the creamy chicken and sauce. Enjoy this heartwarming meal with your loved ones!

Enjoy Your Meal!

Pro Tips

For extra flavor, you can add chopped fresh herbs like parsley or chives to the mashed potatoes before serving.

Serving Suggestions

Pairing this dish with fresh vegetables can brighten the meal. Steamed broccoli or sautéed green beans add a lovely color contrast and a nutritional boost. Consider tossing the veggies in a bit of olive oil and sautéing them with garlic for additional flavor. You can also serve a simple side salad to cut through the richness of the chicken and mashed potatoes, providing a refreshing balance.

For a heartier meal, you might consider adding a side of biscuits or artisan bread to soak up the creamy sauce. A light drizzle of gravy can also enhance the overall flavor, making each mouthful a comforting experience. Don't forget to have a good variety of condiments at the table, such as hot sauce or pepper for those who like an extra kick.

Make-Ahead and Storage Tips

This creamy chicken and mashed potatoes recipe is fantastic for meal prep. You can prepare the chicken and sauce in advance, storing them in the refrigerator for up to three days. When you’re ready to serve, gently reheat in a skillet over medium-low heat, adding a splash of chicken broth or cream to loosen the sauce if it thickens too much. Mashed potatoes can also be made ahead; just store them in an airtight container. When reheating, a little milk can help restore their creamy texture.

For longer storage, this dish freezes well. Store the chicken and sauce in a freezer-safe container for up to three months. When using the freezer, I recommend cooling the dish completely before sealing it to prevent ice crystals from forming. To reheat from frozen, it's best to thaw in the refrigerator overnight and then warm it gently on the stove to avoid overcooking the chicken.

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?

Yes, chicken thighs work wonderfully and add even more flavor.

→ How can I make the mashed potatoes lighter?

You can substitute half of the cream cheese with Greek yogurt for a lighter option.

→ Can I prepare this dish in advance?

Yes, you can prepare the chicken and sauce ahead of time, then reheat before serving.

→ What sides pair well with this dish?

Steamed vegetables or a fresh salad would make great sides!