Comfort Food Creamy Chicken and Mashed Potatoes
Highlighted under: Simple Comfort Cooking
I absolutely love making this Comfort Food Creamy Chicken and Mashed Potatoes when I want something that feels like a warm hug on a plate. The savory, creamy chicken dish paired with fluffy mashed potatoes is the ultimate comfort meal. Every bite brings memories of family dinners and cozy evenings. Preparing this dish is a delightful experience, and I find that the secret is in the seasoning and the way I combine the ingredients. Perfect for weeknights or special occasions, this meal always hits the spot.
Making this Comfort Food Creamy Chicken and Mashed Potatoes always brings me a sense of nostalgia. I remember the first time I cooked it for my family; the kitchen was filled with comforting aromas, and everyone eagerly awaited dinner. What I love most is how simple ingredients transform into such a satisfying dish—it's creamy, hearty, and full of flavor!
One little tip I've learned is to let the chicken marinate in herbs for at least 30 minutes to enhance its flavor. The silky mashed potatoes are the perfect match; I make them extra creamy by adding a touch of sour cream. These details elevate the dish, making it a family favorite every time!
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- Rich and creamy texture that comforts with every bite
- Hearty flavors that evoke a sense of home and tradition
- Easy to prepare and perfect for any occasion
Mastering the Creamy Sauce
The creaminess of the sauce is key to this recipe's charm. Start by using a good quality heavy cream, as it gives the sauce richness and a velvety texture. When adding the cream to the chicken broth, make sure the broth is simmering. This helps the mixture come together quickly and prevents the cream from curdling. Stir continuously until you see the sauce thickening, which should take around 5-7 minutes. Aim for a glossy finish before serving, as this indicates it has achieved the right consistency.
Seasoning is where your sauce can truly shine. Adding fresh parsley not only enhances the visual appeal but also lends a bright flavor that balances the richness of the cream. Taste your sauce before serving; if it feels flat, a pinch of salt or a dash of lemon juice can enhance the overall flavor. If you want to experiment, consider incorporating a splash of white wine for a deeper flavor. Just simmer it down along with the broth.
Perfectly Fluffy Mashed Potatoes
For mashed potatoes that are truly fluffy, choose starchy potatoes like Russets or Yukon Golds. When boiling, make sure they are cut into evenly-sized chunks to ensure even cooking, about 1 to 1.5 inches is ideal. Boil the potatoes until fork-tender, about 15 minutes; overcooking can make them waterlogged, which results in gummy mashed potatoes. Drain them well and return to the pot to evaporate any excess moisture before mashing.
When mixing in ingredients like milk, sour cream, and butter, do so while the potatoes are still warm. This helps the fats incorporate better and ensures a creamy texture. Avoid over-mashing, as this can lead to a paste-like consistency. Use a potato masher for a rustic texture, or a ricer for an ultra-smooth finish. If you’re looking for a flavorful twist, consider adding roasted garlic or chives for a gourmet touch.
Ingredients
Gather these ingredients for a delightful meal.
For the Chicken
- 2 chicken breasts, boneless and skinless
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped
For the Mashed Potatoes
- 4 large potatoes, peeled and chopped
- 1/2 cup milk
- 1/4 cup sour cream
- 3 tablespoons butter
- Salt and pepper to taste
Make sure to prep your ingredients ahead for an easier cooking experience!
Cooking Instructions
Follow these steps for a delicious meal.
Prepare the Chicken
In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Season the chicken breasts with garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Cook the chicken for about 6-7 minutes per side until the internal temperature reaches 165°F.
Make the Sauce
In the same skillet, pour in the chicken broth and bring to a simmer. Add the heavy cream and let it thicken slightly. Stir in chopped parsley for flavor.
Cook the Potatoes
Meanwhile, boil the chopped potatoes in salted water until tender, about 15 minutes. Drain and return to the pot.
Mash the Potatoes
Add milk, sour cream, and butter to the potatoes. Mash until creamy and season with salt and pepper to taste.
Combine and Serve
Slice the chicken and place it on a plate, topping with the creamy sauce. Serve alongside a generous scoop of mashed potatoes.
Enjoy your comforting meal with family and friends!
Pro Tips
- For extra flavor, try adding sautéed mushrooms or spinach to the chicken sauce. You can also use leftover rotisserie chicken for a quicker meal prep.
Storage and Reheating Tips
This creamy chicken and mashed potatoes dish can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To keep everything fresh, make sure to store the chicken and mashed potatoes in airtight containers. If you plan to store the sauce separately, do so to prevent the potatoes from absorbing too much liquid.
When reheating, the stove is the best choice for maintaining texture. Warm the chicken and sauce in a skillet over low heat, covered, to prevent drying out. For mashed potatoes, add a splash of milk or cream while reheating to bring back their original creaminess. Microwaving is an option as well; just be sure to cover your dish to retain moisture.
Garnishing and Serving Suggestions
To elevate your comfort food experience, consider garnishing your plated dish with additional chopped fresh parsley or even a sprinkle of smoked paprika for a pop of color and flavor. A drizzle of olive oil can also enhance the visual appeal and richness of the meal.
This dish pairs wonderfully with steamed green vegetables like broccoli or green beans, which add a bright contrast to the buttery flavors of the mashed potatoes. For a heartier tweak, consider serving it with a side of crusty bread to soak up that delicious creamy sauce!
Questions About Recipes
→ Can I make this dish ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the chicken and sauce in advance. Just reheat and prepare the mashed potatoes right before serving.
→ Can I use other types of chicken?
Absolutely! Thighs or even shredded rotisserie chicken work well in this recipe.
→ What can I substitute for heavy cream?
You can use half-and-half or a dairy-free cream alternative for a lighter option.
→ How do I store leftovers?
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. Reheat gently on the stove.
Comfort Food Creamy Chicken and Mashed Potatoes
I absolutely love making this Comfort Food Creamy Chicken and Mashed Potatoes when I want something that feels like a warm hug on a plate. The savory, creamy chicken dish paired with fluffy mashed potatoes is the ultimate comfort meal. Every bite brings memories of family dinners and cozy evenings. Preparing this dish is a delightful experience, and I find that the secret is in the seasoning and the way I combine the ingredients. Perfect for weeknights or special occasions, this meal always hits the spot.
Created by: Adele Summers
Recipe Type: Simple Comfort Cooking
Skill Level: Intermediate
Final Quantity: 4 servings
What You'll Need
For the Chicken
- 2 chicken breasts, boneless and skinless
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped
For the Mashed Potatoes
- 4 large potatoes, peeled and chopped
- 1/2 cup milk
- 1/4 cup sour cream
- 3 tablespoons butter
- Salt and pepper to taste
How-To Steps
In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Season the chicken breasts with garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Cook the chicken for about 6-7 minutes per side until the internal temperature reaches 165°F. Remove chicken and let it rest.
In the same skillet, pour in the chicken broth and bring to a simmer. Add the heavy cream and let it thicken slightly. Stir in chopped parsley for flavor.
Meanwhile, boil the chopped potatoes in salted water until tender, about 15 minutes. Drain and return to the pot.
Add milk, sour cream, and butter to the potatoes. Mash until creamy and season with salt and pepper to taste.
Slice the chicken and place it on a plate, topping with the creamy sauce. Serve alongside a generous scoop of mashed potatoes.
Extra Tips
- For extra flavor, try adding sautéed mushrooms or spinach to the chicken sauce. You can also use leftover rotisserie chicken for a quicker meal prep.
Nutritional Breakdown (Per Serving)
- Calories: 560 kcal
- Total Fat: 32g
- Saturated Fat: 15g
- Cholesterol: 145mg
- Sodium: 950mg
- Total Carbohydrates: 50g
- Dietary Fiber: 4g
- Sugars: 5g
- Protein: 24g