Comfort Food Creamy Chicken and Mashed Potatoes

Name: Comfort Food Creamy Chicken and Mashed Potatoes
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 40 min
Total time: 1 h
Yield: 4 servings
Ingredients: 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts; 1 tablespoon olive oil; 1 medium onion, diced; 2 cloves garlic, minced; 1 cup chicken broth; 1 cup heavy cream; 1 teaspoon dried thyme; Salt and pepper to taste; 2 pounds potatoes, peeled and cubed; 1/2 cup heavy cream; 4 tablespoons butter; Salt and pepper to taste

Highlighted under: Classic Comfort Dishes

When I think of comfort food, creamy chicken and mashed potatoes always come to mind. This dish is the ultimate warm hug on a plate, combining tender chicken simmered in a rich, velvety sauce with fluffy mashed potatoes. I love how the flavors meld together, creating a cozy meal that’s perfect for family gatherings or a quiet night in. Trust me, once you try this recipe, it will become your go-to for a deliciously satisfying dinner.

Created by

Lucy Bennett

Last updated on 2026-01-26T02:21:34.243Z

I have spent countless weekends perfecting my creamy chicken recipe, and this version truly hits the mark. The secret lies in the balance of seasonings and allowing the chicken to simmer low and slow, which makes it delightfully tender. I also love that preparing the mashed potatoes in the same pot saves time and reduces the cleanup, letting me enjoy the meal without added stress.

One of my favorite tips is to add a splash of cream and some garlic to the mashed potatoes—it elevates the classic flavor and brings the dish together beautifully. The result is a hearty, homestyle meal that will satisfy everyone at the table. It's a must-try!

Why You Will Love This Recipe
Creamy, flavorful sauce that complements tender chicken perfectly
Fluffy mashed potatoes infused with garlic and cream
A complete meal that's easy to prepare and served in one pot

Mastering the Creamy Sauce

The creamy sauce in this recipe is what elevates the dish from simple to extraordinary. Using heavy cream not only adds richness but also helps to create that velvety texture that envelops each piece of chicken. Make sure to add the heavy cream gradually after the chicken has been seared; this allows the flavors to meld beautifully. The result is a wondrous sauce that you will want to spoon over everything, especially those mashed potatoes.

A key tip to enhance the sauce's depth is allowing it to simmer rather than boil. When you bring it to a gentle simmer and cover the pan, the chicken absorbs the flavors from the broth and cream, while the sauce thickens slightly without losing its silky quality. To test for doneness, ensure the chicken reaches an internal temperature of at least 165°F—this guarantees it’s both safe and perfectly juicy!

Perfectly Fluffy Mashed Potatoes

To achieve that ideal fluffy texture in your mashed potatoes, I always recommend using a potato masher instead of a food processor. Over-mixing can lead to a gluey consistency, which isn't pleasant. Boiling the potatoes until fork-tender, about 15 minutes, ensures they break down easily when mashed. For extra creaminess, warm the heavy cream and butter together before adding them to the potatoes for a smooth incorporation.

Don't shy away from seasoning! The balance of salt and pepper is crucial to bring out the natural flavors of the potatoes and the richness from the cream. Taste as you go, and adjust accordingly. If you're looking to add a twist, try incorporating roasted garlic or fresh herbs like chives or parsley to your mashed potatoes for a burst of flavor!

Ingredients

Ingredients for Comfort Food Creamy Chicken and Mashed Potatoes

For the Chicken

4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 medium onion, diced
2 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 potatoes, peeled and cubed
1/2 cup heavy cream
4 tablespoons butter
Salt and pepper to taste

Make sure to gather all your ingredients before starting for a smoother cooking experience!

Instructions

How to Make Comfort Food Creamy Chicken and Mashed Potatoes

Cook the Chicken

In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add diced onions and cook until translucent, about 5 minutes. Add minced garlic and cook for an additional minute. Season chicken breasts with salt and pepper, then add them to the skillet. Sear for 5 minutes on each side.

Simmer in Creamy Sauce

Pour in chicken broth and heavy cream. Sprinkle dried thyme over the chicken and bring to a simmer. Cover and let it cook for about 20 minutes or until the chicken is cooked through.

Prepare the Mashed Potatoes

While the chicken is cooking, boil potatoes in a large pot of salted water until tender, about 15 minutes. Drain and return to the pot.

Mash and Season

Add heavy cream and butter to the drained potatoes. Mash until creamy and season with salt and pepper to taste.

Serve

Once the chicken is cooked, serve it over a generous helping of mashed potatoes, drizzling the creamy sauce on top. Enjoy your meal!

Feel free to garnish with fresh herbs for added flavor and presentation!

Pro Tips

Try using a mix of russet and Yukon Gold potatoes for a creamier texture in your mashed potatoes.

Storage and Reheating Tips

This creamy chicken and mashed potatoes dish is an excellent candidate for meal prep. You can store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. To keep the flavors vibrant, separate the chicken from the mashed potatoes when storing. Reheat in a skillet over medium heat with a splash of chicken broth or a bit of additional cream to restore its original creamy consistency.

If you want to freeze this meal, be aware that the texture of the mashed potatoes may change slightly upon reheating. For best results, cool the dish completely before transferring it to a freezer-safe container. It can be frozen for up to three months. When you’re ready to enjoy it, thaw overnight in the refrigerator and then reheat slowly on the stove.

Inevitably Hands-On Variations

If you're looking to switch things up, consider adding vegetables directly to the creamy sauce. Carrots, peas, or even spinach can be stirred in during the last few minutes of simmering. This not only adds color and nutrients but also enhances the overall flavor profile of the dish. Just make sure to cook them until they’re tender, which will only take a few minutes if added at the right time.

For those who enjoy a bit of a kick, try adding a teaspoon of Dijon mustard or a splash of hot sauce to the creamy sauce for a zesty twist. Alternatively, you could swap out the heavy cream for a lighter option such as half-and-half, although this may result in a slightly thinner sauce. Regardless of the modifications, stay true to the core elements of this recipe for that comforting experience.

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I use frozen chicken for this recipe?

Yes, just 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 butter, although it may not be as rich.

→ Can I make this dish ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can prepare everything and reheat before serving.

→ What sides go well with creamy chicken?

Green beans or a simple salad would balance the dish well.