Comfort Food Creamy Chicken and Mashed Potatoes
Highlighted under: Comfort Kitchen Creations
I absolutely love this Comfort Food Creamy Chicken and Mashed Potatoes recipe! It brings back fond memories of family dinners where the creamy chicken envelops the fluffy mashed potatoes, creating the perfect blend of flavors. I appreciate how simple it is to whip this dish up, and it always feels like a warm hug on a plate. The combination of tender chicken simmered in a rich, creamy sauce paired with buttery mashed potatoes makes every bite unforgettable. This meal is a celebration of comfort that I am excited to share with you!
Creating this Comfort Food Creamy Chicken and Mashed Potatoes became a delightful experiment in our kitchen. I tried adding a splash of white wine to the sauce, which elevated the flavor profile and made the dish even more special. Pairing the velvety sauce with homemade mashed potatoes is a match made in heaven, and I can’t help but go back for seconds every time!
When I serve this dish, I love garnishing it with freshly chopped parsley for a pop of color and an added freshness. It transforms a comforting meal into something visually appealing while enhancing the overall taste. Trust me, this comfort food will warm your heart and satisfy your cravings.
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- Creamy and rich sauce that perfectly complements the chicken
- Fluffy mashed potatoes that are buttery and satisfying
- Easy to make and perfect for family gatherings or cozy nights in
Understanding the Ingredients
The chicken breasts in this recipe are crucial for absorbing the rich flavors of the sauce. I recommend choosing organic, free-range chicken for the best taste and texture. Each breast should be at least 6-8 ounces to ensure even cooking, preventing dryness. It's important to check for doneness with a meat thermometer, aiming for an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) to ensure safety and juiciness.
The heavy cream and chicken broth combine to create the luxurious sauce that envelops the chicken. If you want a lighter option, you can swap out the heavy cream for half-and-half or even whole milk, but keep in mind that the sauce may be slightly less creamy. For a plant-based alternative, coconut cream can provide a similar richness, though it will introduce a different flavor profile.
Tips for Perfect Mashed Potatoes
Mashed potatoes should be light and airy, not gummy, which can happen if they are overworked. To achieve this, I recommend using a potato ricer or food mill instead of a traditional masher. Another tip is to warm the milk and butter before adding them to the potatoes; this helps them absorb the liquid more effectively, resulting in a smoother texture.
For added flavor, consider mixing in roasted garlic or cream cheese to the mashed potatoes. If you're looking to cut back on carbs, cauliflower mash can stand in for potatoes, providing a similar texture when cooked and blended until smooth. Keep in mind that you might need to adjust the seasoning as cauliflower is milder in flavor.
Ingredients
Gather these ingredients before you start cooking:
Chicken and Sauce
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tsp dried thyme
- Salt and pepper to taste
Mashed Potatoes
- 2 lbs potatoes, peeled and cubed
- 1/2 cup milk
- 1/4 cup butter
- Salt and pepper to taste
Make sure you have everything ready to go!
Instructions
Follow these steps to create your creamy chicken and mashed potatoes:
Cook the Chicken
In a large skillet over medium heat, add a bit of olive oil and cook the diced onion until translucent. Add the minced garlic and stir for another minute. Place the chicken breasts into the skillet, season with salt, pepper, and thyme.
Prepare the Sauce
Once the chicken is done, remove it from the skillet. Pour in the chicken broth and heavy cream, scraping up any brown bits from the skillet. Let it simmer for about 5 minutes until it thickens slightly.
Make the Mashed Potatoes
While the chicken is simmering, bring a pot of salted water to a boil. Add the cubed potatoes and cook until tender, about 15 minutes. Drain and return to the pot. Add milk, butter, salt, and pepper, then mash until smooth and creamy.
Serve and Enjoy
Plate the mashed potatoes and top them with the creamy chicken. Garnish with fresh parsley, if desired. Enjoy your comforting meal!
Dig in and savor every bite!
Pro Tips
- For added flavor, consider incorporating fresh herbs like rosemary or chives into your mashed potatoes. You can also use different types of potatoes for variation, like Yukon Gold for an extra creamy texture.
Make-Ahead and Storage
This dish can be prepared ahead of time, making it ideal for busy weeknights. You can cook the chicken and make the sauce in advance, then store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. When you're ready to eat, gently reheat the chicken and sauce on the stove over low heat to maintain the creamy texture without scorching.
Mashed potatoes can also be made ahead of time; just store them in the same way. If they become too thick in the fridge, adding a splash of milk during reheating helps restore their creamy consistency.
Serving Suggestions
For an added touch, serve the creamy chicken over the mashed potatoes in individual bowls, garnished with chopped fresh parsley or chives for a pop of color. You could also pair this dish with steamed green beans or sautéed spinach for a vibrant, nutritious side that contrasts nicely with the rich flavors.
This comforting meal also works well for meal prepping. Consider packing portions in microwave-safe containers, making it easy to grab a satisfying meal during the week. A sprinkle of freshly grated Parmesan cheese on top right before serving can elevate the dish and add an extra layer of flavor.
Questions About Recipes
→ Can I use frozen chicken for this recipe?
Yes, you can use frozen chicken. Just ensure to cook it completely, which may take a bit longer.
→ How can I make the mashed potatoes vegan?
You can substitute butter with olive oil or vegan butter and use plant-based milk.
→ What can I add to the sauce for more flavor?
Mushrooms or spinach can be great additions to the sauce for extra flavor.
→ How long can I store leftovers?
Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
Comfort Food Creamy Chicken and Mashed Potatoes
I absolutely love this Comfort Food Creamy Chicken and Mashed Potatoes recipe! It brings back fond memories of family dinners where the creamy chicken envelops the fluffy mashed potatoes, creating the perfect blend of flavors. I appreciate how simple it is to whip this dish up, and it always feels like a warm hug on a plate. The combination of tender chicken simmered in a rich, creamy sauce paired with buttery mashed potatoes makes every bite unforgettable. This meal is a celebration of comfort that I am excited to share with you!
Created by: Ivy Richardson
Recipe Type: Comfort Kitchen Creations
Skill Level: Intermediate
Final Quantity: 4 servings
What You'll Need
Chicken and Sauce
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tsp dried thyme
- Salt and pepper to taste
Mashed Potatoes
- 2 lbs potatoes, peeled and cubed
- 1/2 cup milk
- 1/4 cup butter
- Salt and pepper to taste
How-To Steps
In a large skillet over medium heat, add a bit of olive oil and cook the diced onion until translucent. Add the minced garlic and stir for another minute. Place the chicken breasts into the skillet, season with salt, pepper, and thyme. Cook for about 6-7 minutes on each side until the chicken is cooked through.
Once the chicken is done, remove it from the skillet. Pour in the chicken broth and heavy cream, scraping up any brown bits from the skillet. Let it simmer for about 5 minutes until it thickens slightly. Return the chicken to the skillet, coating it with the sauce.
While the chicken is simmering, bring a pot of salted water to a boil. Add the cubed potatoes and cook until tender, about 15 minutes. Drain and return to the pot. Add milk, butter, salt, and pepper, then mash until smooth and creamy.
Plate the mashed potatoes and top them with the creamy chicken. Garnish with fresh parsley, if desired. Enjoy your comforting meal!
Extra Tips
- For added flavor, consider incorporating fresh herbs like rosemary or chives into your mashed potatoes. You can also use different types of potatoes for variation, like Yukon Gold for an extra creamy texture.
Nutritional Breakdown (Per Serving)
- Calories: 500 kcal
- Total Fat: 28g
- Saturated Fat: 15g
- Cholesterol: 150mg
- Sodium: 700mg
- Total Carbohydrates: 42g
- Dietary Fiber: 4g
- Sugars: 6g
- Protein: 30g