Comfort Food Creamy Chicken and Mashed Potatoes

Name: Comfort Food Creamy Chicken and Mashed Potatoes
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 45 min
Yield: 4 servings
Ingredients: 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts; 2 tablespoons olive oil; 1 teaspoon garlic powder; Salt and pepper to taste; 1 cup half-and-half; 1 cup chicken broth; 1 teaspoon dried thyme; 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard; 1 tablespoon cornstarch mixed with 2 tablespoons water; 2 pounds potatoes, peeled and cut into chunks; 1/2 cup butter; 1/2 cup milk; Salt and pepper to taste

Highlighted under: Timeless Comfort Foods

I absolutely love this Comfort Food Creamy Chicken and Mashed Potatoes recipe! It brings back memories of Sunday family dinners where the whole house filled with warmth and delicious aromas. Each bite is a nostalgic journey, with the creamy sauce enveloping tender chicken paired perfectly with buttery mashed potatoes. It's a dish that combines comfort and satisfaction in every mouthful. Whether it's a cozy weeknight meal or a gathering with loved ones, this recipe never fails to bring smiles to the table.

Created by

Maya Richardson

Last updated on 2026-01-26T04:29:34.572Z

As I was developing this recipe, I wanted to create something that would bring warmth and happiness to my dinner table. I experimented with different herbs and spices to find the perfect combination that enhances the flavor of the chicken while keeping the sauce creamy and luxurious. What worked fabulously was letting the chicken simmer in the sauce to absorb all those wonderful flavors.

One of my favorite tips is to use a mix of half-and-half and chicken broth to achieve the perfect creamy consistency for the sauce. I usually serve it with a side of sautéed greens for a touch of freshness, and it makes a complete meal that everyone adores. Trust me, you’ll want to make this again and again!

Why You'll Love This Recipe
Rich, creamy sauce that complements tender chicken perfectly
Fluffy mashed potatoes that are irresistibly buttery
A comforting dish that’s perfect for family gatherings

Customizing the Creamy Sauce

The creamy sauce in this recipe can be modified to suit your preference or to accommodate what you have on hand. For a richer flavor, consider swapping half-and-half for heavy cream; this will increase the thickness and add an incredibly luxurious texture. You can also infuse the sauce with additional flavors by incorporating freshly chopped herbs like rosemary or parsley, which pair beautifully with chicken and elevate the overall dish.

If you're looking for a low-sodium option, opt for low-sodium chicken broth and reduce the salt you add to the chicken and mashed potatoes. Alternatively, if you want to add a little zing to the sauce, a splash of lemon juice or a sprinkle of red pepper flakes can brighten its flavors without overwhelming the dish.

Perfecting Your Mashed Potatoes

When making mashed potatoes, the type of potato you choose can greatly influence the final texture. Yukon Gold potatoes yield a creamy, buttery mash, while Russet potatoes will give a fluffier consistency. For the best results, ensure that you are boiling the potatoes until they are fork-tender but not falling apart, about 15 minutes. This will prevent them from absorbing too much water, which can lead to gummy mashed potatoes.

For an extra touch of decadence, mix in cream cheese or sour cream when mashing the potatoes. This can enhance the creaminess and introduce a tangy flavor that complements the rich chicken sauce. If you're preparing these in advance, mash the potatoes and store them in an airtight container in the fridge; simply reheat with a splash of milk to restore their creamy texture before serving.

Serving Suggestions and Leftover Storage

When serving this dish, I like to garnish with fresh herbs, like parsley or chives, to add a pop of color and freshness that cuts through the richness. Pair it with a simple side salad or steamed green vegetables to balance the meal. If you're feeling indulgent, a warm baguette or garlic bread serves as a perfect companion for soaking up any leftover sauce.

If you have leftovers, store the creamy chicken and mashed potatoes separately to maintain texture. They can be refrigerated for up to three days. To reheat, gently warm the chicken in a skillet over low heat, adding a splash of chicken broth to maintain moisture. For the mashed potatoes, microwave with a little extra milk, stirring until creamy. Alternatively, they can be reheated on the stovetop—just be sure to stir frequently to prevent sticking.

Ingredients

For the Chicken

4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
2 tablespoons olive oil
1 teaspoon garlic powder
Salt and pepper to taste

For the Creamy Sauce

1 cup half-and-half
1 cup chicken broth
1 teaspoon dried thyme
1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
1 tablespoon cornstarch mixed with 2 tablespoons water

For the Mashed Potatoes

2 pounds potatoes, peeled and cut into chunks
1/2 cup butter
1/2 cup milk
Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

Steps

Cook the Chicken

In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Season chicken breasts with garlic powder, salt, and pepper, then add to the skillet. Cook for 6-7 minutes on each side until golden and cooked through. Remove chicken and set aside.

Make the Creamy Sauce

In the same skillet, add half-and-half, chicken broth, thyme, and Dijon mustard. Bring to a simmer, scraping up any brown bits from the bottom. Stir in the cornstarch mixture and cook until thickened.

Combine Chicken and Sauce

Return the chicken to the skillet, coating it in the creamy sauce. Let it simmer for an additional 5 minutes for the flavors to meld.

Prepare the Mashed Potatoes

While the chicken is simmering, place potatoes in a large pot of salted water. Boil until fork-tender, about 15 minutes. Drain and return to the pot. Add butter, milk, salt, and pepper, then mash until smooth.

Serve

Spoon the creamy chicken over a generous serving of mashed potatoes and enjoy this comforting dish!

Enjoy!

Pro Tips

For extra flavor, try adding sautéed onions or mushrooms to the creamy sauce. You can also garnish with fresh parsley before serving for a pop of color.

Tips for Cooking Chicken

To achieve perfectly cooked chicken breasts, ensure that your skillet is preheated before adding the oil; this will create an even sear, locking in moisture and flavor. When seasoning, don't skimp on salt and pepper—these basic seasonings enhance the chicken's natural flavors. Cook the chicken until it registers an internal temperature of 165°F to guarantee it's safe to eat, ensuring juiciness while avoiding dryness.

After cooking the chicken, let it rest for a few minutes before slicing to retain the juices. This step can make a significant difference in texture and flavor, yielding a succulent bite when it's time to dine.

Make-Ahead Options

This comforting chicken and mashed potatoes dish is a fantastic option for meal prep. You can cook the chicken and prepare the sauce a day ahead. Simply store the cooked chicken in the sauce, and refrigerate it in an airtight container. This allows the flavors to meld beautifully overnight, enhancing the overall taste when you reheat it on the stovetop.

For the mashed potatoes, you can prepare them as well in advance and keep them stored separately. Making them a day ahead makes dinner timing easier; simply reheat and serve for a hassle-free meal that still brings the warmth and comfort of homemade cooking.

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I use boneless thighs instead of breasts?

Absolutely! Boneless chicken thighs will add a richer flavor to the dish.

→ Can I make this dish ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the chicken and sauce in advance and heat them up when you're ready to serve.

→ What should I serve on the side?

This dish pairs wonderfully with a simple green salad or steamed vegetables for balance.

→ Is this recipe suitable for freezing?

Yes, you can freeze the creamy chicken without the mashed potatoes. Just reheat in a saucepan when ready to eat.