Comfort Food Chicken And Mashed Potatoes

Name: Comfort Food Chicken And Mashed Potatoes
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 45 min
Total time: 1 h 5 min
Yield: 4 servings
Ingredients: 4 chicken breasts; 2 tablespoons olive oil; 1 teaspoon garlic powder; 1 teaspoon onion powder; Salt and pepper to taste; 2 cups chicken broth; 1 tablespoon cornstarch; 1 tablespoon water; 2 pounds russet potatoes, peeled and cubed; 1/2 cup milk, warmed; 4 tablespoons unsalted butter; 2 cloves garlic, minced; Salt and pepper to taste

Highlighted under: Warm Table Favorites

I absolutely love the combination of tender chicken and creamy mashed potatoes; it just feels like a warm hug on a plate! This dish takes me back to Sunday dinners at my grandmother's house, where we'd gather around the table, savoring every bite. The rich, flavorful gravy poured over the chicken pairs perfectly with the fluffy potatoes, creating a meal that’s both nostalgic and satisfying. I can't wait for you to experience how easy it is to recreate this comfort food classic in your own kitchen.

Created by

Naomi Clarke

Last updated on 2026-01-24T08:43:08.724Z

Growing up, chicken and mashed potatoes were staples at our family gatherings, and I’ve always loved how each bite brings back cherished memories. I remember spending time in the kitchen with my mother, learning the perfect way to whip the potatoes to achieve that light, fluffy texture. It's these little tips that make all the difference, like using warm milk and butter for the mash to keep them creamy.

Recently, I experimented with adding garlic to the mashed potatoes for an extra flavor kick, and it completely elevated the dish! Not only did it complement the savory chicken, but it also became a hit with my friends during dinner parties. It’s amazing how simple tweaks can transform a classic recipe into something memorable!

Why You'll Love This Recipe
Juicy and flavorful chicken cooked to perfection
Creamy mashed potatoes with a hint of garlic
Hearty gravy that ties the meal together

Mastering the Chicken

To achieve the best flavor in your chicken, be generous when seasoning with salt and pepper. A well-seasoned chicken breast not only enhances the taste but also helps to create a deliciously golden crust during cooking. Look for firm, evenly cooked chicken, which should have an internal temperature of 165°F. This ensures it remains juicy while preventing any dryness.

When cooking the chicken, resist the urge to overcrowd the skillet; instead, work in batches if necessary. Overcrowding can trap steam, resulting in the chicken steaming rather than browning. The goal is to get that nice golden color on both sides. Once you've seasoned the chicken and let it sit for a few minutes, the flavors will penetrate deeper, making each bite as savory as possible.

Perfecting the Mashed Potatoes

For creamy mashed potatoes, the type of potatoes you use plays a crucial role. Russet potatoes are ideal because their high starch content yields a fluffy texture, while their skin can contribute an earthy flavor, enhancing the overall taste. Be sure to cut the potatoes into even-sized cubes to ensure they cook uniformly and tenderly.

Adding warm milk and butter to the potatoes rather than cold ingredients helps them absorb the liquids more easily, resulting in a smoother texture. I recommend mashing the potatoes without overworking them; use a potato masher until smooth, but stop before they become gummy. For an extra touch, consider folding in some sour cream for a tangy finish or replacing half of the butter with cream cheese for a rich variation.

Ingredients

Gather these ingredients for your comfort food feast:

For the Chicken and Gravy

4 chicken breasts
2 tablespoons olive oil
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1 teaspoon onion powder
Salt and pepper to taste
2 cups chicken broth
1 tablespoon cornstarch
1 tablespoon water

For the Mashed Potatoes

2 pounds russet potatoes, peeled and cubed
1/2 cup milk, warmed
4 tablespoons unsalted butter
2 cloves garlic, minced
Salt and pepper to taste

Make sure to have everything ready before you start cooking!

Instructions

Follow these steps to create your dish:

Prepare the Chicken

Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Season the chicken breasts with garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Cook the chicken in the skillet until golden brown on both sides, about 6 minutes per side.

Make the Gravy

Reduce the heat and add the chicken broth to the skillet. Simmer for about 15-20 minutes until the chicken is cooked through. In a small bowl, mix cornstarch and water until smooth, then add to the skillet to thicken the gravy.

Cook the Mashed Potatoes

While the chicken is cooking, boil the cubed potatoes in salted water until tender, about 15 minutes. Drain the potatoes and return them to the pot. Add warmed milk, butter, minced garlic, salt, and pepper, and mash until smooth and creamy.

Serve

Plate the mashed potatoes and top them with the cooked chicken, drizzling the gravy over the top. Enjoy your comforting meal!

For best results, serve immediately and enjoy the warmth of this comforting dish!

Pro Tips

For an extra layer of flavor, consider marinating the chicken in buttermilk for a few hours before cooking. It helps keep the meat tender and juicy.

Gravy Tips

The gravy is the heart of this dish, and achieving the right consistency is vital. If your gravy appears too thin, don't fret! Just mix an extra teaspoon of cornstarch with a little cold water and whisk it into the simmering gravy until it thickens. Aim for a rich, glossy sauce that clings perfectly to the chicken and potatoes.

If you're looking to add depth to the gravy, consider sautéing some chopped onions or mushrooms in the skillet after removing the chicken. This extra step will add a lovely complexity to the gravy and enhance the overall flavor profile of the meal, making it feel even more gourmet.

Storage and Leftovers

This recipe makes for fantastic leftovers! Store any uneaten chicken and mashed potatoes in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. When reheating, aim for lower heat to retain moisture; a microwave or stovetop works well—just splash with a little additional chicken broth or milk to bring back creaminess.

For longer storage, consider freezing the chicken and gravy in separate containers. Wrap the mashed potatoes tightly in plastic wrap before placing them in a freezer bag. Both can be frozen for up to 3 months. To reheat, let them thaw overnight in the fridge, then warm gently, adding a splash of liquid if necessary to restore their creamy texture.

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I use thighs instead of breasts?

Absolutely! Chicken thighs are juicier and will work wonderfully in this recipe.

→ What can I substitute for milk in the mashed potatoes?

You can use chicken broth, almond milk, or even sour cream for a different flavor profile.

→ How long can leftovers be stored?

Leftovers can be stored in the fridge for up to 3 days in an airtight container.

→ Can I freeze this dish?

Yes, both the chicken and mashed potatoes can be frozen for up to 2 months. Just make sure to cool them completely before freezing.