Comfort Food Creamy Chicken and Mashed Potatoes

Name: Comfort Food Creamy Chicken and Mashed Potatoes
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 50 min
Yield: 4 servings
Ingredients: 4 boneless, skinless chicken thighs; 1 tablespoon olive oil; 1 medium onion, chopped; 2 cloves garlic, minced; 1 cup chicken broth; 1 cup heavy cream; 1 teaspoon dried thyme; Salt and pepper to taste; 4 large russet potatoes, peeled and chopped; 1/2 cup butter; 1/2 cup milk; Salt and pepper to taste

Highlighted under: Comfort Food Delights

I absolutely love making Comfort Food Creamy Chicken and Mashed Potatoes on cozy nights. This dish is a perfect blend of tender chicken in a rich, creamy sauce paired with buttery, smooth mashed potatoes. Each bite feels like a warm hug, enveloping you in comfort. The combination of flavors and textures creates a wonderful harmony that satisfies the soul. Plus, it's quite easy to prepare, making it an ideal choice for a weeknight dinner or a special occasion. I can't wait for you to try this delicious recipe!

Created by

Josie Lambert

Last updated on 2026-01-26T04:25:34.306Z

When I first attempted this recipe, I wanted a way to bring the essence of comfort food into my kitchen without spending hours slaving over the stove. The trick I discovered is to use boneless chicken thighs, which stay tender and moist, while a quick sauté builds great depth of flavor. The creamy sauce thickens perfectly when mixed with just the right amount of chicken broth and heavy cream.

One evening, I experimented with different seasonings, and found that a touch of garlic powder and dried thyme elevate the dish immensely. This dish isn’t just about flavor; it’s about the memories created around the dinner table. Pairing it with fluffy mashed potatoes means you're sure to have second servings!

Why You'll Love This Recipe
Hearty chicken in a luscious sauce that warms your heart
Creamy mashed potatoes that are perfect for soaking up flavors
Quick enough for weeknight dinners but impressive for guests

Preparing the Chicken Perfectly

When cooking the chicken, it's essential to focus on achieving a beautiful golden-brown crust. Don't rush this step; let the chicken thighs sear for about 5-7 minutes on each side over medium heat. This browning not only enhances the flavor but also creates a depth in the sauce that forms later. If your pan is too crowded, consider cooking the chicken in batches to allow for even browning without steaming.

After browning, let the chicken rest for a few minutes before returning it to the skillet. This resting phase allows the juices to redistribute throughout the meat, ensuring each bite remains tender and moist. While the chicken thighs are rich and flavorful, using skinless thighs keeps the dish lighter and allows for the cream sauce to shine through without overwhelming fat.

Mastering the Creamy Sauce

The key to a rich and creamy sauce lies in the balance of chicken broth and heavy cream. When you add the broth, be sure to scrape up any flavorful brown bits left in the skillet—they contain essential flavor that will elevate your sauce. Simmering the chicken in this mixture not only infuses the meat with flavor but also allows the sauce to thicken slightly, creating a luscious texture that's perfect for draping over your mashed potatoes.

If you find that the sauce is too thin after simmering, a simple fix is to let it cook uncovered for a few additional minutes to reduce and thicken. Alternatively, you can make a slurry with a teaspoon of cornstarch mixed with a bit of water and stir it in to achieve the desired thickness. Adjust the seasoning right before serving, as the flavors will deepen during cooking.

Perfecting Mashed Potatoes

For the creamiest mashed potatoes, opt for russet potatoes as they have a high starch content, which leads to a fluffy texture. After boiling the peeled and chopped potatoes until they are fork-tender—about 15 minutes—you’ll want to avoid over-mashing, which can make them gluey. Instead, use a potato masher or ricer for a light and airy consistency, adding the butter and milk gradually to achieve your preferred creaminess.

If you're looking for an extra flavor boost, consider roasting garlic before mixing it into your potatoes for a subtle, sweet flavor addition. For those who are dairy-free, you can swap the butter for olive oil or vegan butter and use almond or oat milk instead of regular milk. This adjustment keeps the spirit of the dish while catering to different dietary needs.

Ingredients

Gather these ingredients to get started:

For the Chicken and Sauce

4 boneless, skinless chicken thighs
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 medium onion, chopped
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 russet potatoes, peeled and chopped
1/2 cup butter
1/2 cup milk
Salt and pepper to taste

Make sure you have everything on hand before you begin.

Instructions

Follow these simple steps to create your dish:

Prepare the Chicken

Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Season the chicken thighs with salt and pepper. Add them to the skillet and brown each side for about 5-7 minutes. Remove the chicken and set aside.

Create the Sauce

In the same skillet, add onion and garlic. Sauté until softened, then pour in chicken broth, scraping the brown bits from the bottom of the pan. Add the cream and thyme, then return the chicken to the skillet, cover, and simmer for 15 minutes.

Make the Mashed Potatoes

While the chicken is cooking, boil the chopped potatoes in salted water until tender, about 15 minutes. Drain and return to the pot. Add butter, milk, salt, and pepper, then mash until smooth.

Serve the Dish

Once the chicken is cooked through, serve it over a generous scoop of mashed potatoes, drizzling the creamy sauce on top. Enjoy!

Enjoy your delicious meal!

Pro Tips

For an extra touch, add freshly chopped parsley on top before serving. It adds a nice color and flavor contrast!

Storing and Reheating Leftovers

If you happen to have leftovers after enjoying this comforting dish, storing them properly will maintain their delicious flavors. Place the chicken and sauce in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. The mashed potatoes can be also stored separately, which will help in keeping their texture intact. When reheating, add a splash of milk to the potatoes to restore their creaminess, and warm the chicken sauce gently in a skillet over low heat to prevent it from separating.

For longer storage, you can freeze the chicken and sauce for up to three months. Just make sure to cool the dish completely before transferring it to a freezer-safe container. The mashed potatoes can be frozen as well, but consider adding a bit of cream or butter before freezing to maintain a silky texture. To reheat, thaw overnight in the refrigerator before warming up in the oven or on the stovetop.

Serving Suggestions

This Comfort Food Creamy Chicken and Mashed Potatoes pairs beautifully with a variety of side dishes to complete your meal. A simple green salad dressed with a light vinaigrette can provide a refreshing contrast to the richness of the chicken and sauce. Steamed vegetables like green beans or broccoli also add color and a healthy component to the plate.

If you're hosting, consider presenting this dish in individual bowls for a more upscale feel. You can garnish the chicken with fresh herbs like parsley or thyme for a pop of color and freshness. A sprinkle of cracked black pepper just before serving offers a delightful finishing touch that enhances the overall flavor experience.

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I use chicken breast instead of thighs?

Yes, but chicken thighs will yield a juicier result. If you use breasts, be careful not to overcook them.

→ Can I make this dish ahead of time?

Absolutely! Just reheat the chicken in the sauce before serving, and make the mashed potatoes fresh for the best texture.

→ What can I substitute for heavy cream?

You can use half-and-half for a lighter option, but the sauce will be less creamy.

→ Can I add vegetables to this recipe?

Certainly! Adding peas or carrots during the last few minutes of cooking will enhance the dish's color and nutrition.