Creamy Garlic Chicken with Mashed Potatoes

Creamy Garlic Chicken with Mashed Potatoes is one of my favorite comfort food meals. Tender chicken breasts are pan-seared and simmered in a rich, garlicky cream sauce, then served over a bed of buttery mashed potatoes. It’s cozy, satisfying, and perfect for when I want a hearty dinner that feels like a warm hug on a plate.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

I love how luxurious this dish feels without being complicated. The creamy garlic sauce coats the chicken beautifully and pairs perfectly with the smooth mashed potatoes. It’s one of those meals I make when I want something filling, flavorful, and ready in under an hour. The balance of creamy, savory, and garlicky flavors always hits the spot.

ingredients

(Here’s a tip: Check out the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

For the creamy garlic chicken:

• Boneless, skinless chicken breasts

• Salt and black pepper

• Olive oil

• Butter

• Garlic cloves, minced

• Heavy cream

• Chicken broth

• Parmesan cheese (optional, for extra richness)

• Fresh parsley or thyme (for garnish)

For the mashed potatoes:

• Russet or Yukon Gold potatoes

• Butter

• Milk or cream

• Salt and pepper

directions

1. I season the chicken breasts with salt and pepper on both sides.

2. In a skillet, I heat olive oil and sear the chicken for about 5–6 minutes per side until golden and cooked through. I remove them from the pan and set them aside.

3. In the same skillet, I melt butter and sauté the garlic until fragrant.

4. I pour in chicken broth and let it reduce slightly, then stir in the heavy cream and a handful of Parmesan if I want extra richness.

5. I return the chicken to the pan, spoon the sauce over the top, and simmer for a few minutes to bring all the flavors together.

6. For the mashed potatoes, I peel and boil the potatoes until fork-tender, then mash them with butter, warm milk, salt, and pepper until creamy.

7. I serve the chicken over a generous scoop of mashed potatoes, topped with the creamy garlic sauce and fresh herbs.

Servings and timing

This recipe serves 4 people.
Prep time: 15 minutes
Cook time: 30 minutes
Total time: 45 minutes

Variations

Sometimes I add mushrooms or spinach to the sauce for extra veggies. If I’m in the mood for a lighter version, I use half-and-half instead of heavy cream. I’ve also made this with boneless thighs for a juicier bite, and it turns out just as good.

storage/reheating

I store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, I warm the chicken and sauce gently on the stove over low heat, adding a splash of broth or cream to loosen it up. I reheat the mashed potatoes in the microwave or in a pot with a bit of milk stirred in to bring back the creamy texture.

FAQs

Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?

Yes, I often use boneless, skinless thighs when I want a juicier texture—they work perfectly in this sauce.

What can I use instead of heavy cream?

I substitute with half-and-half or a mix of milk and a bit of cream cheese if I want a lighter but still creamy result.

How do I know when the chicken is fully cooked?

I check that the internal temperature reaches 165°F, and the juices run clear when sliced.

Can I make this ahead of time?

Yes, I make the chicken and sauce ahead and reheat gently before serving. I make the mashed potatoes fresh or reheat with added milk.

What sides go well with this dish?

I sometimes add steamed green beans, roasted carrots, or a fresh side salad to balance the richness.

Conclusion

Creamy Garlic Chicken with Mashed Potatoes is one of those meals I turn to when I want something indulgent yet easy to make. The smooth, garlicky sauce, tender chicken, and buttery mashed potatoes come together for a dish that feels like home. It’s a recipe I know I’ll keep making again and again.