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 chicken broth; 1 cup heavy cream; 1 tablespoon olive oil; 1 medium onion, chopped; 2 garlic cloves, minced; 1 teaspoon dried thyme; Salt and pepper to taste; 4 large potatoes, peeled and cubed; 1/4 cup butter; 1/2 cup milk; Salt and pepper to taste

Highlighted under: Comfort Table Favorites

I absolutely love this Comfort Food Creamy Chicken and Mashed Potatoes recipe! It’s the perfect dish for cozy evenings when I want something warm and filling. The creamy sauce, loaded with tender chicken and paired with fluffy mashed potatoes, makes it feel like a hug in a bowl. Plus, it’s surprisingly easy to prepare, which is a bonus on busy nights. Making this dish feels like preparing a little piece of comfort that always hits the spot.

Created by

Georgia Lane

Last updated on 2026-01-26T03:53:34.201Z

Each time I make this creamy chicken, I remember the first cold night I prepared it. The aroma filled my home, creating an inviting atmosphere that was impossible to resist. I chose to use fresh herbs, which made a significant difference in elevating the flavors, and my family couldn’t stop asking for seconds. It’s a dish that truly brings everyone together.

The key to the velvety texture of the sauce is allowing the cream and chicken broth to simmer together just right. It intensifies the flavors and creates that luscious consistency. Don’t rush this step; the patience you invest truly pays off in the final taste!

Why You Will Love This Recipe
Rich, creamy sauce that envelops each bite
Fluffy mashed potatoes that perfectly complement the chicken
Hearty and satisfying meal that warms the soul

Mastering Creamy Chicken Sauce

The creamy chicken sauce is truly the heart of this dish. To achieve the perfect consistency, it’s important to add the heavy cream gradually while stirring. This technique helps emulsify the sauce, ensuring it becomes luxuriously smooth without separating. Keep the heat low once you add the cream; too high a temperature can cause the sauce to curdle, leading to an undesirable texture.

Another key factor in developing flavor in this sauce is the cooking time. Allowing the chicken and broth to simmer together for at least 10 minutes helps deepen the flavors. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking, and you’ll notice the sauce thickens beautifully as it reduces. If you prefer a richer taste, you can substitute half of the chicken broth with white wine, which adds an additional layer of flavor.

Perfecting Mashed Potatoes

To achieve the ultimate fluffy mashed potatoes, it’s crucial to avoid overworking them. After boiling, drain the potatoes well and let them sit for a minute before mixing. This allows excess moisture to escape, preventing gummy potatoes. I recommend using a potato ricer or a food mill for a lighter texture, but if you prefer a more rustic approach, a traditional masher will work just fine as long as you mash gently.

When it comes to seasoning mashed potatoes, the choice of butter and milk is significant. For a richer flavor, try using unsalted butter and whole milk or even cream. You can enhance the potatoes further by incorporating garlic powder or sour cream for an added tang. Make sure to taste and adjust the seasoning, as a little extra salt can really elevate the dish.

Ingredients

Gather the following ingredients to start making this delicious dish.

For the Creamy Chicken

2 cups cooked chicken, shredded
1 cup chicken broth
1 cup heavy cream
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 medium onion, chopped
2 garlic cloves, minced
1 teaspoon dried thyme
Salt and pepper to taste

For the Mashed Potatoes

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

Make sure to have all your ingredients ready before starting the cooking process!

Instructions

Follow these simple steps to create your Comfort Food Creamy Chicken and Mashed Potatoes.

Prepare the Mashed Potatoes

In a large pot, boil the cubed potatoes in salted water until tender, about 15 minutes. Drain and return to the pot. Add butter and milk, then mash until smooth. Season with salt and pepper to taste.

Cook the Chicken Sauce

In a skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Sauté the chopped onion until translucent, about 5 minutes. Add minced garlic and cook for an additional 1 minute. Stir in shredded chicken, chicken broth, and thyme. Let simmer for 10 minutes.

Finish the Sauce

Reduce heat to low and slowly stir in heavy cream. Allow it to cook for another 5 minutes until the sauce thickens slightly. Season with salt and pepper as needed.

Serve

Spoon the creamy chicken over a generous helping of mashed potatoes. Enjoy your comforting meal!

Take your time to enjoy the process, and most importantly, enjoy your meal!

Pro Tips

For extra flavor, consider adding freshly chopped parsley or chives as a garnish before serving.

Storage and Make-Ahead Tips

This creamy chicken and mashed potatoes dish is perfect for meal prep. You can prepare the chicken sauce up to two days in advance. Just store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator. Reheat gently on the stove over low heat, adding a splash of chicken broth or cream as necessary to loosen the sauce back to its original creamy state.

As for the mashed potatoes, they also store well. You can prepare them a day ahead and keep them in the fridge. To reheat, add a little extra milk or butter to regain that smooth texture. Microwaving works well, but be sure to stir frequently to prevent uneven heating.

Variations and Customizations

Feel free to experiment with the ingredients in this dish to suit your tastes. For a veggie twist, you can add peas, carrots, or spinach into the creamy sauce. Just stir them in during the last few minutes of simmering, and they’ll add both color and nutrition to your meal.

If you want a spicier kick, add a pinch of cayenne pepper or a splash of hot sauce to the chicken sauce. Alternatively, for a southwestern flare, consider incorporating diced green chilies or taco seasoning. These variations can put a fun twist on this classic recipe while still delivering that comforting feel.

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I use leftover chicken for this recipe?

Absolutely! Leftover rotisserie chicken works perfectly.

→ Can I make this dish ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the chicken sauce ahead and reheat when ready to serve.

→ How do I store leftovers?

Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

→ Can I add vegetables to the chicken sauce?

Definitely! Peas or carrots would be a wonderful addition.