Comfort Food Creamy Chicken and Mashed Potatoes
Highlighted under: Classic Hearty Meals
I absolutely love this recipe for creamy chicken and mashed potatoes. It hits the spot when I'm craving some hearty comfort food. The creamy sauce enveloping tender chicken paired with velvety mashed potatoes creates a dish that's satisfying and rich in flavor. What I find truly remarkable is how quickly this meal comes together. In just a little over an hour, I can prepare a wholesome dinner that feels indulgent yet is entirely manageable. It’s become a staple in my kitchen, and I can’t wait for you to try it!
One rainy afternoon, I decided to whip up a batch of creamy chicken and mashed potatoes that would warm my soul. I carefully sautéed the onions and garlic, letting their aromatic goodness fill my kitchen. As the chicken simmered in the homemade gravy, I realized that the key is letting it cook low and slow to develop those rich flavors.
When it was time to mash the potatoes, I experimented with adding a touch of sour cream to enhance their creaminess. The combination of savory chicken and fluffy potatoes left me craving more. It’s a dish that not only fills the belly but warms the heart!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Rich, creamy texture that satisfies your cravings
- Perfectly seasoned chicken for a burst of flavor
- Comforting mashed potatoes that are a hit with everyone
Cooking Techniques for Perfect Chicken
To achieve perfectly cooked chicken breasts, it’s essential to monitor the heat level. Medium heat is ideal for browning the outsides while ensuring the insides are juicy and tender. A meat thermometer can be a valuable tool here — the internal temperature should reach 165°F. If you find the chicken is browning too quickly, simply reduce the heat to low to prevent drying out.
Don't skip the step of letting the heavy cream simmer with the chicken after it's cooked through. This not only enhances the flavor by marrying the ingredients together but also thickens the sauce, creating a luxurious texture. Stir often to prevent sticking, and watch for a glossy finish that indicates it's ready to serve.
Mastering Mashed Potatoes
For the smoothest mashed potatoes, be sure to drain them thoroughly to remove excess water after boiling. This prevents your mashed potatoes from becoming watery. I recommend using a potato ricer or a food mill for the fluffiest results. If you mash them directly with a fork or a masher, do so gently to avoid a gluey texture — overworking the potatoes releases too much starch.
To customize your mashed potatoes, consider adding roasted garlic or herbs like chives and parsley for a flavor boost. If you're looking for a healthier alternative, Greek yogurt can replace sour cream, offering creaminess with a bit of tang. Adjust the milk and butter to your preferred consistency — some like it richer, while others prefer a lighter texture.
Ingredients
To make this delightful dish, you will need the following ingredients:
For the Chicken
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 1 onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup heavy cream
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
For the Mashed Potatoes
- 2 pounds russet potatoes, peeled and cubed
- 1/2 cup milk
- 1/4 cup sour cream
- 4 tablespoons butter
- Salt and pepper to taste
Gather all your ingredients and let’s get cooking!
Instructions
Follow these simple steps to create your creamy chicken and mashed potatoes:
Cook the Chicken
In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and garlic, sautéing until soft. Season the chicken breasts with salt and pepper, then add them to the skillet. Pour in the chicken broth and simmer for 20 minutes until the chicken is cooked through. Stir in the heavy cream and let it thicken for another 5 minutes.
Prepare the Mashed Potatoes
While the chicken is cooking, boil the peeled and cubed potatoes in salted water until tender, about 15 minutes. Drain and return them to the pot. Add butter, sour cream, and milk. Mash until smooth, adjusting the seasoning with salt and pepper to taste.
Serve and Enjoy
Spoon the creamy chicken over a generous portion of mashed potatoes. Garnish with fresh herbs if desired, and enjoy your comforting meal!
Now you can relish this comforting dish that warms the heart and fuels the spirit!
Pro Tips
- For extra flavor, consider adding some fresh herbs like thyme or parsley to the chicken sauce. This enhances the aroma and appearance of the dish.
Storage and Reheating Tips
This creamy chicken and mashed potatoes dish stores well and can be kept in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. When reheating, do so gently on the stove over low heat, stirring frequently to maintain the creamy consistency. Adding a splash of chicken broth or a bit of milk can revive its lusciousness, preventing it from drying out in the microwave.
If you plan to freeze this dish, it’s best to separate the chicken and mashed potatoes to maintain texture. Freeze the chicken in its sauce in a freezer-safe container and the mashed potatoes in another. To reheat, thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat them together or separately, adding liquid as necessary to recreate that creamy feel.
Serving Suggestions and Variations
To elevate your meal, consider serving this creamy chicken and mashed potatoes with sautéed vegetables like green beans or steamed broccoli. This not only adds a pop of color to your plate but also balances the richness of the dish. You can top the creamy chicken with freshly chopped herbs or even a sprinkle of paprika for an extra layer of flavor.
For a twist on the classic recipe, try adding different herbs and spices to the cream sauce. A hint of thyme or rosemary can bring a fragrant earthiness, while a dash of hot sauce adds unexpected heat. Another delightful variation is to incorporate a layer of sautéed mushrooms into the creamy chicken for an umami kick. These small changes can transform the dish and keep it exciting!
Questions About Recipes
→ Can I use frozen chicken for this recipe?
Yes, you can use frozen chicken. Just ensure it’s fully cooked through and adjust the cooking time accordingly.
→ What can I add to the mashed potatoes for more flavor?
You can add garlic powder, cheese, or even roasted garlic for a unique taste.
→ Can I make this dish ahead of time?
Absolutely! Just reheat the chicken and mashed potatoes together on the stove or in the oven before serving.
→ What should I serve with this dish?
A fresh green salad or steamed vegetables make a great side dish to balance the meal.
Comfort Food Creamy Chicken and Mashed Potatoes
I absolutely love this recipe for creamy chicken and mashed potatoes. It hits the spot when I'm craving some hearty comfort food. The creamy sauce enveloping tender chicken paired with velvety mashed potatoes creates a dish that's satisfying and rich in flavor. What I find truly remarkable is how quickly this meal comes together. In just a little over an hour, I can prepare a wholesome dinner that feels indulgent yet is entirely manageable. It’s become a staple in my kitchen, and I can’t wait for you to try it!
Created by: Skylar Jennings
Recipe Type: Classic Hearty Meals
Skill Level: Intermediate
Final Quantity: 4 servings
What You'll Need
For the Chicken
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 1 onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup heavy cream
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
For the Mashed Potatoes
- 2 pounds russet potatoes, peeled and cubed
- 1/2 cup milk
- 1/4 cup sour cream
- 4 tablespoons butter
- Salt and pepper to taste
How-To Steps
In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and garlic, sautéing until soft. Season the chicken breasts with salt and pepper, then add them to the skillet. Pour in the chicken broth and simmer for 20 minutes until the chicken is cooked through. Stir in the heavy cream and let it thicken for another 5 minutes.
While the chicken is cooking, boil the peeled and cubed potatoes in salted water until tender, about 15 minutes. Drain and return them to the pot. Add butter, sour cream, and milk. Mash until smooth, adjusting the seasoning with salt and pepper to taste.
Spoon the creamy chicken over a generous portion of mashed potatoes. Garnish with fresh herbs if desired, and enjoy your comforting meal!
Extra Tips
- For extra flavor, consider adding some fresh herbs like thyme or parsley to the chicken sauce. This enhances the aroma and appearance of the dish.
Nutritional Breakdown (Per Serving)
- Calories: 540 kcal
- Total Fat: 32g
- Saturated Fat: 18g
- Cholesterol: 150mg
- Sodium: 360mg
- Total Carbohydrates: 45g
- Dietary Fiber: 4g
- Sugars: 6g
- Protein: 25g