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: 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts; 1 onion, chopped; 2 cloves garlic, minced; 1 cup chicken broth; 1 cup heavy cream; 1 tablespoon white wine (optional); Salt and pepper to taste; 2 tablespoons olive oil; 2 pounds russet potatoes, peeled and quartered; 1/2 cup butter; 1/2 cup milk; Salt and pepper to taste

Highlighted under: Soulful Dishes

When I think of comfort food, creamy chicken and mashed potatoes come to mind immediately. This dish is a nostalgic favorite that I often prepare for family gatherings or cozy nights at home. The creamy sauce enveloping tender chicken is so satisfying, and when paired with buttery, fluffy mashed potatoes, it creates a meal that's simply irresistible. I love how this recipe brings me back to childhood, and every bite feels like a warm hug. Just a heads up, you might want to double this recipe because everyone will be coming back for seconds!

Created by

Hallie Foster

Last updated on 2026-01-26T02:41:34.687Z

I've always cherished the joy of cooking for my loved ones, and this Comfort Food Creamy Chicken and Mashed Potatoes recipe holds a special place in my heart. After trying numerous variations, I've discovered that using marinated chicken enhances the flavor of the dish immensely. The secret ingredient? A splash of white wine in the creamy sauce, which elevates the richness and complements the chicken perfectly.

While experimenting, I learned that the key to achieving fluffy mashed potatoes is using freshly boiled, starchy potatoes. It’s tempting to use a mixer, but I find a ricer to be the best tool for achieving that creamy texture without overworking the potatoes. This dish not only warms the heart but also creates beautiful memories with each meal shared.

Why You Will Love This Recipe
A classic comfort dish that warms the soul
Irresistibly creamy chicken enveloped in rich sauce
Fluffy mashed potatoes that melt in your mouth

Unlocking the Creamy Sauce

The creamy sauce in this dish is what elevates it to comfort food status. Using a combination of chicken broth and heavy cream creates a rich flavor profile that coats the chicken beautifully. Make sure to simmer the broth and white wine until it reduces slightly—this intensifies the flavors. The incorporation of garlic and onion adds a delightful aroma and sweetness to the sauce, enhancing the overall taste. Remember to scrape the pan while simmering to incorporate those delicious browned bits into the sauce for added depth.

Don’t be shy to adjust the thickness of the sauce according to your preference. If you like it thicker, allow it to simmer slightly longer after adding the cream. Conversely, if it's too thick, a splash of additional chicken broth can help achieve your desired consistency. I often add a pinch of thyme or rosemary for an extra layer of flavor, but feel free to experiment with your favorite herbs to customize it to your liking.

Perfecting the Mashed Potatoes

To achieve the fluffiest mashed potatoes, start by cooking the potatoes evenly. Quartering them ensures that they cook uniformly, so they come out perfectly tender. After boiling, I like to let them steam for a few minutes in the pot, as this helps remove excess moisture, leading to a creamier mash. Using a ricer is my preferred method for mashing; it gives a light, fluffy texture that is hard to beat compared to a traditional masher.

When mixing in the butter and milk, do so while the potatoes are still hot, as this allows for optimal absorption. For a twist, consider using sour cream or cream cheese instead of regular milk for a tangy flavor. Always taste and adjust seasoning; sometimes a touch more salt makes all the difference in bringing out the flavor of the potatoes.

Serving Suggestions and Variations

To serve this dish with an elevated flair, garnish with chopped fresh parsley or chives for a pop of color and freshness. You can also serve it alongside steamed green beans or sautéed spinach to add a nice green element, enhancing both nutrition and presentation. If you want to make this a full meal, consider adding crusty bread on the side to soak up that luscious sauce.

For those looking to switch things up, try adding vegetables like mushrooms or baby carrots to the sauce for added nutrition and flavor. Additionally, substituting chicken with turkey or even a plant-based protein can adapt the recipe for different dietary preferences. Remember, the heart of this recipe lies in its creamy sauce and buttery potatoes, so you can get creative while keeping these essential elements intact.

Ingredients

For the Chicken and Sauce

4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
1 onion, chopped
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 cup chicken broth
1 cup heavy cream
1 tablespoon white wine (optional)
Salt and pepper to taste
2 tablespoons olive oil

For the Mashed Potatoes

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

Instructions

Prepare the Chicken

Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Season the chicken breasts with salt and pepper, then cook for 5-7 minutes on each side until golden brown. Remove from the skillet and set aside.

Make the Sauce

In the same skillet, add chopped onion and cook until translucent. Stir in minced garlic and cook for an additional minute. Pour in chicken broth and white wine, scraping the skillet to release any browned bits. Let it simmer for 5 minutes.

Add Cream

Lower the heat and add heavy cream to the skillet, stirring well to combine. Return the chicken to the skillet, cover, and cook on low for 10-15 minutes until the chicken is fully cooked.

Cook the Potatoes

While the chicken is cooking, place the potatoes in a large pot of salted water and bring to a boil. Cook for about 15-20 minutes until tender. Drain and return to the pot.

Mash the Potatoes

Add butter and milk to the drained potatoes. Use a ricer or a potato masher to achieve a creamy consistency. Season with salt and pepper to taste.

Serve

Plate the creamy chicken with a generous serving of mashed potatoes on the side. Drizzle some of the sauce over the chicken and enjoy!

Pro Tips

For added flavor, try garnishing the dish with fresh herbs such as parsley or chives before serving. This will brighten up the creamy sauce and add a pop of color.

Make-Ahead Options

This creamy chicken and mashed potatoes recipe can easily be made ahead for busy weeknights or meal prepping. The chicken can be cooked and stored in the sauce for up to three days in the refrigerator. Just reheat it gently on the stovetop before serving to maintain that creamy texture. If you're planning to freeze it, I recommend separating the chicken from the sauce and mashed potatoes, as they reheat more smoothly this way.

For the mashed potatoes, you can make them in advance as well. Once cooled, spoon them into an airtight container and store them in the fridge for up to two days. To reheat, add a splash of milk and microwave or heat on the stovetop, stirring frequently to ensure they remain fluffy and do not dry out.

Common Troubleshooting Tips

If your chicken isn't cooking evenly, consider using a meat thermometer; the internal temperature should reach 165°F for safe consumption. Cooking it on medium heat ensures that the outside doesn’t burn while the inside cooks through. In case your sauce turns out too thin, try thickening it by reducing it further, or incorporating a slurry of cornstarch mixed with cold water—this will give it a glossy finish without altering the flavor much.

On the other hand, if your mashed potatoes turn out lumpy, don’t worry! You can always whip them with a hand mixer to break up any lumps. Similarly, if they feel too heavy, fold in a bit of hot cream or milk in small quantities to lighten them up. The goal is to achieve that melt-in-your-mouth texture miles away from any heavy or dense feel.

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?

Absolutely! Chicken thighs will add extra flavor and moisture to the dish.

→ Can I make this dish ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the chicken and sauce in advance. Just reheat gently before serving.

→ Is there a dairy-free option?

Yes, you can substitute heavy cream with coconut milk or a dairy-free cream alternative for a lighter version.

→ What do I serve with this dish?

Alongside mashed potatoes, consider a side of steamed vegetables or a fresh salad for a complete meal.