Comfort Food Creamy Chicken and Mashed Potatoes
Highlighted under: Traditional Comfort Kitchen
I absolutely love digging into this Comfort Food Creamy Chicken and Mashed Potatoes recipe! It's rich, comforting, and the perfect remedy for a chilly evening. The creamy chicken paired with velvety mashed potatoes is not only delicious, but it's also straightforward enough for a weeknight dinner. I always find that using fresh herbs elevates the flavors and makes it feel special. Plus, it comes together in less than an hour, making it a fantastic choice when time is tight but a lovely home-cooked meal is desired.
When I first tried making creamy chicken, I experimented with various herbs and spices, and I quickly discovered that rosemary adds an incredible aroma and flavor. Now, it’s a must-have in my kitchen for this dish. The mashed potatoes are just as important, and I learned that using a mix of butter and cream makes them irresistibly smooth and rich.
One day, I decided to roast the chicken beforehand, which infused it with even more flavor. Since then, I’ve been roasting and shredding it, which also saves a bit of time during cooking. By pairing this chicken with homemade mashed potatoes, I’ve found the ultimate comfort food that feels like a warm hug on a plate!
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- Creamy sauce that is rich and comforting
- Fluffy, buttery mashed potatoes
- Perfectly seasoned chicken that bursts with flavor
Mastering the Creamy Sauce
The creamy sauce is the star of this dish, offering richness that perfectly complements the chicken and mashed potatoes. To achieve the right consistency, ensure you whisk the flour slurry vigorously into the simmering broth and cream mixture. This prevents lumps and helps the sauce thicken smoothly. You want to cook it until the sauce coats the back of a spoon, which usually takes about 5-7 minutes after whisking in the slurry. Adjust the seasoning with more salt or pepper according to your taste preferences.
Feel free to customize the sauce by adding ingredients like sautéed mushrooms or spinach for additional flavor and texture. If you love a touch of heat, a sprinkle of red pepper flakes can add a nice kick. You could even swap out the chicken broth for vegetable broth if you want a lighter flavor profile, especially if you're serving a vegetarian option alongside.
Perfecting Your Mashed Potatoes
When preparing the mashed potatoes, it's crucial to start with high-starch potatoes like Russets or Yukon Golds. These varieties yield a fluffier texture that complements the creamy sauce beautifully. Be sure to dice the potatoes uniformly so they cook evenly. After boiling, draining is key—let them sit in the pot for a minute before mashing to release excess steam and moisture, which can lead to a gluey consistency.
To amp up the flavor, consider infusing your butter with garlic or herbs before mixing it with the cream and potatoes. If you prefer a lighter version, substitute some of the heavy cream with low-fat milk or yogurt, though this will alter the richness of the dish. I personally like adding a hint of sour cream to enhance tanginess without compromising creaminess.
Ingredients
For the Chicken
- 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 2 tablespoons fresh rosemary, chopped
For the Mashed Potatoes
- 2 lbs potatoes, peeled and diced
- 1/2 cup butter
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- Salt to taste
- Fresh chives for garnish
For the Creamy Sauce
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 1 tablespoon flour
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
Steps
Prepare the Chicken
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). In a bowl, mix the olive oil, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Coat the chicken breasts in this mixture and place them on a baking tray. Roast for about 25 minutes until cooked through. Let them rest before slicing.
Make the Mashed Potatoes
While the chicken is roasting, boil the diced potatoes in salted water until fork-tender, about 15 minutes. Drain and return to the pot. Add butter, cream, and salt, then mash until smooth and creamy.
Prepare the Creamy Sauce
In a saucepan, combine the chicken broth and heavy cream. In a small bowl, whisk the flour with a little water to create a slurry. Whisk this into the simmering broth mixture, cooking until thickened. Season with salt and pepper.
Serve
Slice the roasted chicken and serve it on a bed of mashed potatoes. Spoon the creamy sauce over the top and garnish with fresh chives.
Enjoy!
Pro Tips
- For extra flavor, consider adding a splash of white wine to the creamy sauce or incorporating garlic into the mashed potatoes.
Serving Suggestions
This dish can stand alone, but you can elevate your dinner by adding a simple side salad for freshness. A light green salad with a mustard vinaigrette contrasts well with the richness of the chicken and potatoes. If you’re hosting, consider offering a warm, crusty bread on the side for soaking up any leftover creamy sauce.
For a hearty twist, serve the sliced chicken alongside seasonal vegetables like roasted Brussels sprouts or green beans, both of which add color and nutrients to your meal. If you want to repeat the flavors, a dish of rosemary roasted carrots can tie everything together beautifully.
Storage and Make-Ahead Tips
This creamy chicken and mashed potatoes meal is great for meal prepping. You can roast the chicken and prepare the mashed potatoes up to 2 days in advance. Store them separately in airtight containers in the refrigerator. When ready to serve, simply reheat the chicken in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until warmed through, about 15-20 minutes, and reheat the potatoes on the stovetop or in the microwave, adding a splash of milk to restore creaminess.
If you want to make the creamy sauce ahead, it can be refrigerated for up to a week. Just remember to give it a good whisk and check the seasoning again when it's time to reheat, as flavors can intensify during storage. For long-term storage, both the chicken and sauce can be frozen for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
Questions About Recipes
→ Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?
Absolutely! Chicken thighs will add more richness and moisture to the dish.
→ How can I make this recipe dairy-free?
Substitute the butter and cream with dairy-free alternatives like vegan butter and almond milk.
→ Can I prepare this dish in advance?
Yes! You can roast the chicken and prepare the mashed potatoes ahead of time, then reheat them before serving.
→ What vegetables would go well with this dish?
Steamed green beans or roasted carrots complement this meal nicely!
Comfort Food Creamy Chicken and Mashed Potatoes
I absolutely love digging into this Comfort Food Creamy Chicken and Mashed Potatoes recipe! It's rich, comforting, and the perfect remedy for a chilly evening. The creamy chicken paired with velvety mashed potatoes is not only delicious, but it's also straightforward enough for a weeknight dinner. I always find that using fresh herbs elevates the flavors and makes it feel special. Plus, it comes together in less than an hour, making it a fantastic choice when time is tight but a lovely home-cooked meal is desired.
Created by: Blair Hudson
Recipe Type: Traditional Comfort Kitchen
Skill Level: Intermediate
Final Quantity: 4 servings
What You'll Need
For the Chicken
- 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 2 tablespoons fresh rosemary, chopped
For the Mashed Potatoes
- 2 lbs potatoes, peeled and diced
- 1/2 cup butter
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- Salt to taste
- Fresh chives for garnish
For the Creamy Sauce
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 1 tablespoon flour
- Salt and pepper to taste
How-To Steps
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). In a bowl, mix the olive oil, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Coat the chicken breasts in this mixture and place them on a baking tray. Roast for about 25 minutes until cooked through. Let them rest before slicing.
While the chicken is roasting, boil the diced potatoes in salted water until fork-tender, about 15 minutes. Drain and return to the pot. Add butter, cream, and salt, then mash until smooth and creamy.
In a saucepan, combine the chicken broth and heavy cream. In a small bowl, whisk the flour with a little water to create a slurry. Whisk this into the simmering broth mixture, cooking until thickened. Season with salt and pepper.
Slice the roasted chicken and serve it on a bed of mashed potatoes. Spoon the creamy sauce over the top and garnish with fresh chives.
Extra Tips
- For extra flavor, consider adding a splash of white wine to the creamy sauce or incorporating garlic into the mashed potatoes.
Nutritional Breakdown (Per Serving)
- Calories: 450 kcal
- Total Fat: 30g
- Saturated Fat: 15g
- Cholesterol: 110mg
- Sodium: 700mg
- Total Carbohydrates: 35g
- Dietary Fiber: 4g
- Sugars: 3g
- Protein: 22g