Comfort Food Creamy Chicken and Mashed Potatoes
Highlighted under: Comfort Food
When I think of comfort food, creamy chicken and mashed potatoes always come to mind. The combination of tender chicken simmered in a luscious sauce, served alongside fluffy mashed potatoes, warms my heart and satisfies my cravings. It’s the kind of meal that feels like a warm hug on a chilly day. I love preparing this dish for family gatherings because it's quick to make yet feels indulgent. With a few simple ingredients, I can create something that everyone enjoys, making me feel accomplished as a cook.
Creating comfort food is one of my favorite kitchen activities. I particularly enjoy making this creamy chicken dish with mashed potatoes because it brings back memories of family dinners. I experimented with different herbs and spices, finally settling on a combination that elevates the flavors without overpowering the dish. The method of browning the chicken first really seals in the juices and adds depth.
When it comes to the mashed potatoes, I used a medley of butter and cream to achieve that perfect richness. A little sprinkle of fresh parsley on top not only looks great but also enhances the overall experience with a burst of freshness. This dish is perfect for weeknight meals or special occasions.
Why You Will Love This Recipe
- Rich and creamy sauce that coats the chicken beautifully
- Fluffy mashed potatoes that are perfect for scooping up with the chicken
- Easy to prepare, making it perfect for weeknight dinners or gatherings
Getting the Chicken Just Right
To achieve perfectly golden brown chicken, start by ensuring your skillet is adequately preheated. This means the olive oil should shimmer slightly before adding the seasoned chicken. Overcrowding the skillet can cause steaming rather than searing, so cook the chicken in batches if necessary. You'll know it's ready to flip when the chicken releases easily from the skillet, revealing a nice crust, about 6-7 minutes per side.
When combining the chicken with the sauce later, ensure that it simmers gently rather than boiling vigorously. A gentle simmer allows for even distribution of heat and helps the sauce thicken appropriately without breaking. If you notice the sauce is too thin, let it simmer uncovered for a few more minutes, stirring occasionally, until it reaches your desired thickness.
Mastering the Mashed Potatoes
For the best texture in your mashed potatoes, choose Russet potatoes as they are high in starch, making them fluffy when mashed. After boiling, make sure to let them dry for a few minutes in the pot before adding any fats like butter or milk. This step helps prevent gummy mashed potatoes by allowing excess moisture to evaporate, leading to a creamy, smooth finish. Mash thoroughly to eliminate lumps, but avoid over-mixing to keep them light.
If you're looking for a little variation, add flavor to your mashed potatoes by incorporating roasted garlic or cream cheese for extra creaminess. You could also substitute half the milk with sour cream or buttermilk for a tangy twist that beautifully complements the creamy sauce of the chicken.
Ingredients
Gather the following ingredients to create this delicious meal:
For the Chicken and Sauce
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh parsley for garnish
For the Mashed Potatoes
- 2 pounds Russet potatoes, peeled and cubed
- 1/2 cup milk
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter
- Salt and pepper to taste
Make sure to have everything ready before you start cooking!
Instructions
Follow these steps to create your comfort meal:
Prepare the Chicken
In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Season the chicken breasts with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder. Add the chicken to the skillet and cook until golden brown on both sides, about 6-7 minutes per side.
Make the Sauce
Once the chicken is cooked, remove it from the skillet and set it aside. In the same skillet, pour in the chicken broth and bring it to a simmer. Stir in the heavy cream, then return the chicken to the skillet, covering it with the sauce.
Prepare the Mashed Potatoes
While the chicken is simmering, boil the cubed potatoes in salted water until tender, about 15 minutes. Drain the potatoes and return them to the pot. Add the butter, milk, salt, and pepper to the potatoes, then mash until smooth and creamy.
Serve the Dish
Spoon the mashed potatoes onto plates, top with the creamy chicken, and drizzle the sauce over everything. Garnish with fresh parsley and serve hot.
Enjoy your homemade comfort food!
Pro Tips
- For extra flavor, try adding a teaspoon of Dijon mustard to the sauce.
Make-Ahead and Storage
This creamy chicken and mashed potatoes dish can be prepared ahead of time for busy weeknights or gatherings. After cooking, let the chicken and sauce cool completely before transferring them to an airtight container. They will keep in the refrigerator for up to three days or can be frozen for up to three months. If freezing, consider storing the mashed potatoes separately to retain their ideal texture when reheated.
To reheat, thaw in the fridge overnight if frozen, then gently warm the dish in a skillet over low heat. For the mashed potatoes, you may need to add a splash of milk to regain creaminess. Microwaving the mashed potatoes can also be effective; just be sure to do it in short intervals, stirring frequently, to prevent them from becoming rubbery.
Serving Suggestions
To elevate your serving experience, consider offering a side of steamed vegetables or a simple green salad. The freshness of vegetables can balance the rich, creamy chicken and potatoes, enhancing both the flavor and presentation of your meal. You can also sprinkle a little extra fresh parsley over the top just before serving to add a pop of color and freshness.
For those who love a bit of heat, serve with a side of hot sauce or red pepper flakes. A sprinkle of crispy fried onions on top of the creamy chicken can add an enjoyable crunch and extra flavor. Whether for a cozy family dinner or an inviting gathering, these little touches can make your dish feel even more special.
Questions About Recipes
→ Can I use boneless thighs instead of breasts?
Yes, boneless thighs will work well and add a richer flavor.
→ Can I make this dish ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prepare everything and reheat it just before serving.
→ What can I serve with this dish?
You can pair it with steamed vegetables or a fresh garden salad for a complete meal.
→ Can I freeze leftovers?
Yes, you can freeze the chicken and sauce together in an airtight container.
Comfort Food Creamy Chicken and Mashed Potatoes
When I think of comfort food, creamy chicken and mashed potatoes always come to mind. The combination of tender chicken simmered in a luscious sauce, served alongside fluffy mashed potatoes, warms my heart and satisfies my cravings. It’s the kind of meal that feels like a warm hug on a chilly day. I love preparing this dish for family gatherings because it's quick to make yet feels indulgent. With a few simple ingredients, I can create something that everyone enjoys, making me feel accomplished as a cook.
Created by: Bethany Clarke
Recipe Type: Comfort Food
Skill Level: Intermediate
Final Quantity: 4 servings
What You'll Need
For the Chicken and Sauce
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh parsley for garnish
For the Mashed Potatoes
- 2 pounds Russet potatoes, peeled and cubed
- 1/2 cup milk
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter
- Salt and pepper to taste
How-To Steps
In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Season the chicken breasts with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder. Add the chicken to the skillet and cook until golden brown on both sides, about 6-7 minutes per side.
Once the chicken is cooked, remove it from the skillet and set it aside. In the same skillet, pour in the chicken broth and bring it to a simmer. Stir in the heavy cream, then return the chicken to the skillet, covering it with the sauce. Let it simmer for about 10 minutes until the sauce thickens.
While the chicken is simmering, boil the cubed potatoes in salted water until tender, about 15 minutes. Drain the potatoes and return them to the pot. Add the butter, milk, salt, and pepper to the potatoes, then mash until smooth and creamy.
Spoon the mashed potatoes onto plates, top with the creamy chicken, and drizzle the sauce over everything. Garnish with fresh parsley and serve hot.
Extra Tips
- For extra flavor, try adding a teaspoon of Dijon mustard to the sauce.
Nutritional Breakdown (Per Serving)
- Calories: 480 kcal
- Total Fat: 30g
- Saturated Fat: 15g
- Cholesterol: 145mg
- Sodium: 320mg
- Total Carbohydrates: 35g
- Dietary Fiber: 4g
- Sugars: 2g
- Protein: 22g