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: 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded; 1 cup heavy cream; 1 cup chicken broth; 2 tablespoons butter; 1 onion, diced; 2 cloves garlic, minced; 1 teaspoon dried thyme; 1 teaspoon dried rosemary; Salt and pepper to taste; 4 large potatoes, peeled and cubed; 1/2 cup milk; 1/4 cup butter; Salt and pepper to taste

Highlighted under: Family Comforts

I absolutely love making this Comfort Food Creamy Chicken and Mashed Potatoes because it feels like a warm hug on a plate. The rich, creamy sauce envelops succulent pieces of chicken, and the buttery mashed potatoes are the perfect canvas to soak it all up. Every bite brings back nostalgic memories of family dinners. It's incredibly satisfying to prepare and share with loved ones, bringing everyone together around the table. Plus, it’s a great way to impress guests with a home-cooked meal that radiates comfort and joy.

Created by

Heidi Lawson

Last updated on 2026-01-26T01:58:34.622Z

Making this dish has become a cherished ritual in my kitchen. I've found that using a combination of fresh herbs and a splash of cream elevates the flavor to another level, transforming a simple chicken dinner into something truly special. Each time I prepare it, I try to tweak the herbs to see what works best. Recently, I added thyme and rosemary, and it turned out fantastic!

This recipe is perfect not just for family dinners but also for cozy nights in. The creamy sauce pairs beautifully with buttery mashed potatoes, creating that warm, comforting experience we all crave. It's a great dish to make ahead and reheat, which saves time on busy weeknights!

Why You'll Love This Recipe
Rich, creamy sauce that wraps around tender chicken pieces
Smooth, buttery mashed potatoes for the perfect comfort food combo
Makes your kitchen smell incredible while cooking

Understanding the Sauce

The creamy sauce for this dish is what elevates the chicken from ordinary to extraordinary. Using heavy cream creates a rich texture that coats the chicken perfectly. For a lighter version, you can substitute half of the heavy cream with Greek yogurt or sour cream, which still provides creaminess while adding tanginess. Always remember to stir the sauce gently to avoid curdling, especially if you're simmering it over medium heat.

To enhance the depth of flavor, consider sautéing the onion and garlic until they are golden brown. This caramelization process develops sweetness and richness that compliments the chicken beautifully. If you enjoy a bit of heat, you can add a pinch of cayenne pepper or a dash of hot sauce to the mix during the simmering stage.

Mastering the Mashed Potatoes

For perfectly creamy mashed potatoes, it’s crucial to choose the right type of potato. Starchy potatoes like Russets are ideal because they yield a fluffy texture, while waxy potatoes result in a denser mash. If you want to experiment, you can mix in some Yukon Gold potatoes, which provide a balance of both textures. Remember to avoid over-mashing, which can lead to gumminess; stop once they’re creamy and smooth!

Another trick to enhance the flavor of your mashed potatoes is to infuse your milk with garlic or herbs before adding it to the potatoes. Simply heat the milk gently with crushed garlic cloves until fragrant, strain, and mix in. This simple addition will give your mashed potatoes an extra layer of flavor that pairs beautifully with the creamy chicken.

Ingredients

For the Chicken

2 cups cooked chicken, shredded
1 cup heavy cream
1 cup chicken broth
2 tablespoons butter
1 onion, diced
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 teaspoon dried thyme
1 teaspoon dried rosemary
Salt and pepper to taste

For the Mashed Potatoes

4 large potatoes, peeled and cubed
1/2 cup milk
1/4 cup butter
Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

Steps

Prepare the Mashed Potatoes

In a large pot, boil the cubed potatoes until fork-tender, about 15 minutes. Drain and return to the pot. Add milk, butter, salt, and pepper, then mash until creamy.

Cook the Chicken

In a skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the diced onion and garlic, cooking until soft. Stir in the shredded chicken, thyme, rosemary, salt, and pepper. Pour in the chicken broth and cream, simmering until heated through and slightly thickened, about 10 minutes.

Serve

Spoon the creamy chicken over a generous portion of mashed potatoes. Garnish with fresh herbs if desired and enjoy your comforting meal!

Pro Tips

To add a twist, consider mixing in some vegetables like peas or carrots to the creamy chicken. It not only enhances the flavor but also adds a pop of color to your dish.

Serving Suggestions

This dish shines when served warm, but you can elevate the presentation by adding a pop of color. Fresh parsley or chives sprinkled on top not only add visual appeal but also a fresh flavor contrast to the richness of the chicken and potatoes. For a complete meal, serve with a side of steamed vegetables, such as green beans or broccoli, to add freshness.

If you're looking to feed a crowd, consider serving the chicken and mashed potatoes in a large casserole dish. This allows everyone to help themselves while creating a cozy, family-style dining experience. Keeping the dish warm in the oven on low heat while guests arrive will also ensure everything stays at the right temperature.

Make-Ahead and Storage Tips

This Creamy Chicken and Mashed Potatoes recipe is fantastic for meal prep. You can prepare the chicken and sauce a day in advance. Simply store it in an airtight container in the fridge. When ready to serve, gently reheat it on the stove over low heat, adding a splash of chicken broth to return the sauce to its creamy consistency.

The mashed potatoes can also be made ahead of time. If you make them too early, just store them in a covered pot with a layer of plastic wrap pressed directly on the surface, which helps prevent drying. When reheating, stir in a bit more milk and butter for that freshly made taste. You can reheat them in the microwave or oven, but be careful not to overcook.

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I use leftover rotisserie chicken?

Absolutely! Leftover rotisserie chicken is perfect for this recipe and saves you time.

→ Can I make this dish ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the chicken and potatoes ahead. Just reheat gently before serving.

→ What can I serve alongside this dish?

A side salad or steamed vegetables work great for added nutrition and color.

→ Is there a vegetarian option for this recipe?

Yes! You can substitute the chicken with sautéed mushrooms and use vegetable broth for the sauce.