Comfort Food Creamy Chicken and Mashed Potatoes

Name: Comfort Food Creamy Chicken and Mashed Potatoes
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 50 min
Yield: 4 servings
Ingredients: 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded; 1 cup heavy cream; 1 cup chicken broth; 1 tablespoon olive oil; 1 teaspoon garlic powder; 1 teaspoon onion powder; Salt and pepper to taste; 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped; 4 large potatoes, peeled and cubed; 4 tablespoons butter; 1/2 cup milk; 4 ounces cream cheese; Salt to taste

Highlighted under: Hearty Comfort Creations

I absolutely love comfort food, and there’s nothing quite like creamy chicken paired with fluffy mashed potatoes to warm the soul. This dish has become a family favorite, especially during colder months. The rich gravy complements the tender chicken while the mashed potatoes serve as the perfect canvas to soak it all in. It’s a hearty meal that’s both satisfying and easy to prepare, making it an ideal choice for busy weeknights. Trust me, once you try this, it’ll become a staple in your kitchen too!

Created by

Chelsea Payne

Last updated on 2026-01-26T03:13:34.856Z

When I first experimented with this creamy chicken recipe, I didn’t expect it to be such a hit. The key is in the seasoning and letting the chicken simmer to absorb all those flavors. I’ve found that using a mix of herbs really elevates the dish, bringing depth to every bite. My family couldn’t get enough of the buttery mashed potatoes on the side!

In my quest for the perfect texture, I discovered that whipping the potatoes with cream cheese gives them that luxurious feel we all crave. Remember, using fresh ingredients makes a huge difference, so I always opt for locally sourced chicken and fresh herbs whenever possible!

Why You'll Love This Recipe
Creamy, dreamy sauce that embraces the chicken
Fluffy mashed potatoes that complement every bite
A perfect one-pot meal for quick clean-up

Perfecting the Creamy Chicken

The creamy chicken sauce in this dish is the star attraction. The combination of chicken broth and heavy cream creates a base that's rich and velvety. You'll want to simmer the chicken mixture long enough to allow the flavors to meld—usually about 10 minutes will do. If you prefer a thicker sauce, let it simmer an additional 3-5 minutes while stirring occasionally to prevent sticking.

Seasoning is crucial for depth of flavor. I recommend tasting the sauce as it simmers and adjusting the salt and pepper as needed. For added richness, consider incorporating a splash of white wine into the mixture before you add the cream; this will elevate the dish with a subtle acidity that balances the cream.

Making the Perfect Mashed Potatoes

Achieving fluffy mashed potatoes is all about the technique. When boiling the potatoes, start them in cold salted water and bring to a boil. This ensures even cooking. Check their tenderness by piercing them with a fork; they should be soft but not falling apart, typically taking about 15 minutes. Drain them well to avoid watery mashed potatoes.

When mixing in the butter, cream cheese, and milk, I like to use a potato ricer or a quality masher for the best texture. Avoid over-mixing, as this can lead to a gummy consistency. If you have leftover mashed potatoes, they store beautifully in the fridge for a few days. Just reheat with a splash of milk to restore their creamy texture.

Serving Suggestions and Variations

This comforting dish is highly versatile. For added texture, consider topping your creamy chicken and mashed potatoes with some sautéed vegetables like green beans or broccoli. They not only provide freshness but also a pop of color on the plate, making for an appealing presentation.

If you're looking to spice things up, try adding some grated cheese into the mashed potatoes or mixing in cooked bacon bits. These small tweaks can elevate the complexity of flavors without requiring extra effort. Also, don’t hesitate to customize the herbs—thyme or rosemary can complement the chicken nicely.

Ingredients

For the creamy chicken:

2 cups cooked chicken, shredded
1 cup heavy cream
1 cup chicken broth
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1 teaspoon onion powder
Salt and pepper to taste
2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped

For the mashed potatoes:

4 large potatoes, peeled and cubed
4 tablespoons butter
1/2 cup milk
4 ounces cream cheese
Salt to taste

Instructions

Prepare the chicken mixture

In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the shredded chicken, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Pour in the chicken broth and let it simmer for 10 minutes. Gradually add the heavy cream and keep stirring until the sauce thickens.

Make the mashed potatoes

While the chicken is cooking, boil the potatoes in salted water until tender, about 15 minutes. Drain and return to the pot. Add butter, milk, cream cheese, and salt, then mash until smooth and creamy.

Combine and serve

Once the chicken mixture is ready, stir in the chopped parsley for freshness. Serve the creamy chicken over a generous scoop of mashed potatoes, and enjoy your comforting meal!

Pro Tips

For an extra flavor boost, try adding a splash of white wine to the sauce as it cooks. You can also mix in veggies like peas or carrots for added nutrition.

Storage and Reheating Tips

If you have leftovers, simply store the creamy chicken and mashed potatoes in airtight containers. They will last about 3-4 days in the refrigerator. To maintain the best texture, it's ideal to keep the chicken and potatoes separate until you're ready to reheat them.

When reheating, do so gently on the stove over low heat, adding a splash of chicken broth or milk to the chicken to restore its creaminess. For the mashed potatoes, microwave in short intervals while stirring until warmed through. This helps avoid drying out either component.

Dietary Adjustments

If you're looking to lighten this dish, consider substituting half-and-half for heavy cream. You can also use low-sodium chicken broth to reduce salt content. For a dairy-free option, use coconut cream and a dairy-free cream cheese alternative to achieve a similar creaminess without the lactose.

For those following a low-carb diet, you can replace traditional mashed potatoes with cauliflower puree. Simply prepare the cauliflower in the same way—boiling until tender, and then mashing with the same ingredients to achieve a low-carb version of this classic comfort food.

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I use leftover chicken for this recipe?

Absolutely! Leftover rotisserie chicken works perfectly and saves time.

→ What can I substitute for cream cheese?

You can use sour cream or Greek yogurt if you prefer a lighter option.

→ How do I store leftovers?

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

→ Can I freeze this dish?

Yes, you can freeze the chicken and gravy mixture. However, mashed potatoes may become grainy when reheated, so consider making them fresh.