Comfort Food Creamy Chicken and Mashed Potatoes
Highlighted under: Comfort Kitchen Classics
I love this Comfort Food Creamy Chicken and Mashed Potatoes recipe because it brings back fond memories of family dinners. Every bite takes me back to those cozy evenings where we gathered around the table, sharing stories and laughter. The creamy texture of the chicken combined with buttery, fluffy mashed potatoes is pure comfort food bliss. It's easy to prepare and perfect for warming up on a chilly day, making it one of my go-to meals that never fails to satisfy my cravings.
I remember the first time I made this dish; it was a chilly Sunday afternoon, and I craved something hearty and fulfilling. As I sautéed the chicken, the rich aroma filled the kitchen, immediately making it feel warm and inviting. A small tip I discovered is to let the chicken marinate a bit in the cream before cooking, which enhances its flavor and tenderness.
Pairing the creamy chicken with homemade mashed potatoes was a match made in heaven. I always opt for Yukon Gold potatoes for their buttery flavor. Adding a touch of sour cream gives the mashed potatoes a tang that perfectly complements the richness of the chicken. This recipe is not just about food; it's about creating warmth and solace in every bite.
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- Rich, creamy sauce that envelops tender chicken pieces
- Silky smooth mashed potatoes that are simply irresistible
- Perfect for sharing with loved ones during any occasion
Perfecting the Creamy Sauce
The foundation of this Comfort Food Creamy Chicken dish lies in the sauce. By using both chicken broth and heavy cream, you achieve a depth of flavor that's both savory and rich. Bringing the broth to a simmer before adding the cream helps to enhance the overall taste by allowing the flavors to meld beautifully. Keep the heat on medium-low after adding the cream to prevent it from curdling, resulting in a smooth texture that's vital to the dish's appeal.
Consistency is key when it comes to the sauce. If you prefer a thicker sauce, allow it to simmer uncovered for a few extra minutes, stirring occasionally. This will enable some of the liquid to evaporate, concentrating the flavor. For those who enjoy a lighter option, you can substitute half of the heavy cream with a non-dairy alternative, such as cashew cream or coconut milk, while still maintaining a creamy texture.
Mastering Mashed Potatoes
Mashed potatoes can make or break this dish. I recommend using Yukon Gold potatoes for their naturally buttery flavor and creamy texture. Begin by boiling them until fork-tender; if you find they’re falling apart or overcooked, they may become watery when you mash. Aim for a cooking time of around 15-20 minutes and check doneness by piercing with a fork. Drain them well to eliminate excess moisture before returning them to the pot to achieve that iconic fluffiness.
For a little twist, consider infusing the butter with garlic or herbs before adding it to the potatoes. This will give an extra layer of flavor without much effort. If you're preparing this dish for a crowd, feel free to scale up; just make sure to adjust the amount of butter and cream proportionally so each potato maintains its signature creaminess.
Ingredients
Gather these simple ingredients for a delightful meal:
Ingredients for Chicken
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Ingredients for Mashed Potatoes
- 2 pounds Yukon Gold potatoes, peeled and quartered
- 4 tablespoons butter
- 1/2 cup sour cream
- 1/2 cup milk
- Salt and pepper, to taste
These ingredients come together to create a comforting dish that warms the soul.
Instructions
Follow these steps to make your meal:
Prepare the Chicken
In a skillet over medium heat, add olive oil. Season chicken breasts with garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Sauté until golden brown, about 5-7 minutes on each side. Remove from skillet and set aside.
Make the Creamy Sauce
In the same skillet, pour in the chicken broth and bring to a simmer. Add the heavy cream, stirring gently. Return the chicken to the skillet, cover, and simmer for 20 minutes until thoroughly cooked.
Cook the Mashed Potatoes
In a separate pot, bring water to a boil and add quartered potatoes. Cook until tender, about 15-20 minutes. Drain and return to the pot. Add butter, sour cream, and milk. Mash until smooth, then season with salt and pepper.
Serve and Enjoy
Plate the creamy chicken over a generous portion of mashed potatoes. Drizzle with extra sauce from the skillet and enjoy your comforting meal!
Pair with steamed vegetables for a complete meal.
Pro Tips
- For an extra layer of flavor, add fresh herbs like thyme or parsley to the chicken sauce before serving.
Serving Suggestions
This Comfort Food Creamy Chicken pairs beautifully with a variety of sides. A fresh green salad can add a nice contrast, while steamed green beans or roasted broccoli provide a nutritious complement to the richness of the dish. Feel free to sprinkle some fresh herbs, like parsley or thyme, over the chicken and mashed potatoes just before serving for an appealing touch and a burst of freshness.
If you want to elevate your meal even further, consider adding a sprinkle of freshly grated Parmesan cheese over the creamy sauce just before serving. This will enhance the umami flavors without overshadowing the dish's comforting profile.
Make-Ahead and Storage Tips
One of the best aspects of this dish is its make-ahead potential. You can prepare the creamy chicken up to the simmering stage and store it covered in the refrigerator for up to two days. When ready to serve, simply reheat gently on the stove over low heat, adding a splash of chicken broth to loosen the sauce if needed.
As for mashed potatoes, they can be prepared ahead as well. Store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator, then reheat them on the stovetop with a splash of milk for added creaminess or in the microwave. If you have leftovers, both the chicken and the mashed potatoes freeze well—just ensure they are stored in airtight containers. They can be frozen for up to three months. When ready to enjoy, thaw overnight in the refrigerator and reheat thoroughly in the oven or on the stove.
Questions About Recipes
→ Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?
Absolutely! Chicken thighs will add more flavor and remain tender throughout the cooking process.
→ How can I make the mashed potatoes ready ahead of time?
You can make the mashed potatoes in advance and keep them warm in a slow cooker or reheated gently on the stove with a splash of milk.
→ Is there a vegetarian version of this recipe?
Yes! Replace the chicken with sautéed mushrooms and use vegetable broth for a delightful vegetarian alternative.
→ Can I freeze leftovers?
Yes, both the chicken and mashed potatoes can be frozen separately, but it's best to reheat them gently to maintain their texture.
Comfort Food Creamy Chicken and Mashed Potatoes
I love this Comfort Food Creamy Chicken and Mashed Potatoes recipe because it brings back fond memories of family dinners. Every bite takes me back to those cozy evenings where we gathered around the table, sharing stories and laughter. The creamy texture of the chicken combined with buttery, fluffy mashed potatoes is pure comfort food bliss. It's easy to prepare and perfect for warming up on a chilly day, making it one of my go-to meals that never fails to satisfy my cravings.
Created by: Jasmine Porter
Recipe Type: Comfort Kitchen Classics
Skill Level: Intermediate
Final Quantity: Serves 4
What You'll Need
Ingredients for Chicken
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Ingredients for Mashed Potatoes
- 2 pounds Yukon Gold potatoes, peeled and quartered
- 4 tablespoons butter
- 1/2 cup sour cream
- 1/2 cup milk
- Salt and pepper, to taste
How-To Steps
In a skillet over medium heat, add olive oil. Season chicken breasts with garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Sauté until golden brown, about 5-7 minutes on each side. Remove from skillet and set aside.
In the same skillet, pour in the chicken broth and bring to a simmer. Add the heavy cream, stirring gently. Return the chicken to the skillet, cover, and simmer for 20 minutes until thoroughly cooked.
In a separate pot, bring water to a boil and add quartered potatoes. Cook until tender, about 15-20 minutes. Drain and return to the pot. Add butter, sour cream, and milk. Mash until smooth, then season with salt and pepper.
Plate the creamy chicken over a generous portion of mashed potatoes. Drizzle with extra sauce from the skillet and enjoy your comforting meal!
Extra Tips
- For an extra layer of flavor, add fresh herbs like thyme or parsley to the chicken sauce before serving.
Nutritional Breakdown (Per Serving)
- Calories: 480 kcal
- Total Fat: 28g
- Saturated Fat: 15g
- Cholesterol: 140mg
- Sodium: 600mg
- Total Carbohydrates: 32g
- Dietary Fiber: 4g
- Sugars: 3g
- Protein: 25g