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 chicken thighs, boneless and skinless; 2 tablespoons olive oil; 1 onion, diced; 2 cloves garlic, minced; 1 cup chicken broth; 1 cup heavy cream; 1 teaspoon dried thyme; Salt and pepper to taste; 4 large potatoes, peeled and cubed; 1/2 cup butter; 1/2 cup cream; Salt and pepper to taste

Highlighted under: Feel-Good Meals

I absolutely love indulging in a warm, hearty meal, and this Comfort Food Creamy Chicken and Mashed Potatoes makes my heart sing every time I prepare it. The creaminess of the chicken paired with fluffy mashed potatoes creates a dish that's truly soothing. Perfect for cozy nights or family dinners, this recipe brings comfort to our table. The way the rich flavors meld together is nothing short of magical, and you'll find yourself going back for seconds—or thirds!

Created by

Imogen Walker

Last updated on 2026-01-26T03:43:35.137Z

When I first stumbled upon this recipe, I knew I had to try it. The balance of creamy chicken with buttery mashed potatoes was calling my name. After several trials and tweaks, I discovered that using chicken thighs instead of breasts adds a depth of flavor that makes this dish extraordinary. The sauce thickens beautifully, creating a velvety coating for the chicken.

One of my favorite moments in making this dish is mashing the potatoes. I prefer leaving some lumps for texture, and adding a splash of cream makes everything so rich. The entire family gathers around the table, and the delightful aroma fills the home, creating the perfect atmosphere for cherished memories.

Why You'll Love This Recipe
Creamy chicken in a savory sauce that warms your soul
Fluffy mashed potatoes with a hint of garlic for extra flavor
Ideal for gathering with friends and family on a chilly evening

Mastering the Creamy Sauce

The creamy sauce in this recipe is what truly elevates the dish, providing a rich and comforting backdrop for the chicken. The heavy cream adds a velvety texture, but you can adjust the creaminess according to preference by substituting half the amount with chicken broth for a lighter version. Be sure to stir the sauce occasionally while it simmers to prevent it from sticking and to ensure even cooking. When it's ready, it should coat the back of a spoon nicely—this indicates that the sauce has thickened properly.

Incorporating fresh herbs can make a significant difference in flavor. If you have fresh thyme on hand, use it instead of dried for an aromatic punch. You’ll want to add it towards the end of the cooking process to keep its vibrant flavor intact. Just remember, if using fresh herbs, increase the amount to about three times the dried seasoning, as their flavor is less concentrated.

Perfecting Your Mashed Potatoes

To achieve the fluffiest mashed potatoes, ensure your potatoes are cut into evenly sized cubes, roughly 1 to 2 inches, so they cook uniformly. Boiling them in salted water not only assists in cooking but also imparts flavor directly into the potatoes. You’ll know they’re ready when a fork easily pierces them, which usually takes about 15 minutes. It's essential to drain them thoroughly to avoid watery mashed potatoes—allow them to steam for a minute after draining to evaporate any excess moisture.

For an extra layer of flavor in your mashed potatoes, consider roasting garlic ahead of time. Wrap peeled garlic cloves in foil with a bit of olive oil and roast them at 400°F (200°C) for about 30 minutes until soft and golden. Mash this roasted garlic into your potatoes for a sweet, mellow garlic flavor that complements the creamy chicken beautifully. If you're entertaining, you can prepare the mashed potatoes ahead of time and reheat them gently over low heat with a splash of cream.

Ingredients

For the Chicken

4 chicken thighs, boneless and skinless
2 tablespoons olive oil
1 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

4 large potatoes, peeled and cubed
1/2 cup butter
1/2 cup cream
Salt and pepper to taste

Preparation Steps

Instructions

Directions

Prepare the Chicken

In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Season the chicken thighs with salt and pepper, and sear them for about 5 minutes until golden brown. Flip and add the diced onion and garlic, sautéing until the onions become translucent.

Make the Sauce

Pour in the chicken broth and heavy cream, add dried thyme and stir. Bring to a gentle simmer, cover, and cook for about 25 minutes until the chicken is cooked through and the sauce thickens.

Prepare the Mashed Potatoes

While the chicken cooks, boil the cubed potatoes in salted water for 15 minutes or until tender. Drain and return them to the pot. Add butter, cream, salt, and pepper, and mash until the desired consistency is reached.

Serve

Serve the creamy chicken over a generous scoop of mashed potatoes, ensuring you drizzle some of that delicious sauce over everything.

Enjoy Your Meal!

Pro Tips

For added flavor, try incorporating fresh herbs such as parsley or chives into the mashed potatoes. You can also substitute half-and-half for the heavy cream to lighten the dish.

Storing and Reheating

If you have leftovers, store the creamy chicken and mashed potatoes separately in airtight containers in the fridge. When properly stored, the chicken should be consumed within 3 days while the mashed potatoes can last for up to 5 days. To reheat, place the chicken in a saucepan over low heat, adding a splash of chicken broth or water to prevent it from drying out. The mashed potatoes can be reheated in the microwave or on the stovetop; just add a bit of cream or milk to restore their creamy texture.

For longer storage, both the chicken and mashed potatoes can be frozen. Freeze the chicken in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months and the mashed potatoes can also be frozen, although their texture may change slightly upon thawing. To freeze mashed potatoes without losing their creaminess, consider adding a tablespoon of butter for every cup of potatoes before freezing. Just allow both the chicken and potatoes to cool completely before freezing them.

Serving Suggestions

This dish pairs wonderfully with a variety of sides. Consider adding steamed green beans or sautéed spinach to add a pop of color and nutrition to your plate. A simple salad with a tangy vinaigrette can also offset the creaminess, providing a delightful contrast to the rich flavors of the chicken and potatoes. You might also want to sprinkle some fresh parsley or chives on top just before serving for an appealing finish.

If you're feeling adventurous, try variations of this dish by adding different vegetables to the chicken sauce, such as mushrooms or bell peppers. Simply sauté them along with the onions at the beginning for added flavor. Additionally, serving the creamy chicken and potatoes in individual ramekins and topping them with cheese before broiling for a few minutes can create a beautiful crispy layer that adds a delightful texture to each bite.

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I use chicken breasts instead of thighs?

Yes, chicken breasts can be used, but thighs provide a juicier and more flavorful result.

→ How can I make this dish low-carb?

Consider using cauliflower instead of potatoes for a low-carb alternative. Steam, then mash the cauliflower for a similar creamy texture.

→ Can I prepare the chicken sauce ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can make the sauce a day in advance and refrigerate it. Just reheat before serving.

→ What can I serve as a side dish?

Steamed vegetables like broccoli or green beans pair wonderfully with this meal.