Creamy Garlic Chicken with Mashed Potatoes

Creamy Garlic Chicken with Mashed Potatoes is the ultimate comfort food dinner. Tender, golden-seared chicken breasts are simmered in a rich garlic cream sauce and served over fluffy, buttery mashed potatoes. It’s one of those meals that feels like a warm hug on a plate—simple, hearty, and full of flavor.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

I love how this dish combines simple ingredients into something that tastes like it took hours to make. The creamy garlic sauce is velvety and packed with flavor, and it pairs perfectly with the soft, buttery mashed potatoes. It’s a restaurant-quality meal that I can make in under an hour, and it always impresses without being fussy.

ingredients

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

For the Chicken:

• Boneless, skinless chicken breasts

• Salt and freshly ground black pepper

• Garlic powder

• All-purpose flour (for dredging)

• Olive oil

• Butter

For the Creamy Garlic Sauce:

• Fresh garlic, minced

• Chicken broth

• Heavy cream

• Parmesan cheese, grated

• Italian seasoning

• Fresh parsley (for garnish)

For the Mashed Potatoes:

• Russet or Yukon gold potatoes, peeled and chopped

• Butter

• Milk or heavy cream

• Salt and pepper

directions

1. I start by boiling the potatoes in salted water until tender, about 15–20 minutes, then drain and mash them with butter, milk, salt, and pepper until smooth.

2. I season the chicken with salt, pepper, and garlic powder, then lightly dredge each piece in flour.

3. In a large skillet, I heat olive oil and butter, then sear the chicken on both sides until golden and cooked through. I remove it and set it aside.

4. In the same skillet, I add more butter and the minced garlic, sautéing until fragrant.

5. I pour in the chicken broth and scrape up the brown bits from the pan, then reduce the heat and stir in the cream, Parmesan, and Italian seasoning.

6. I simmer the sauce until it thickens slightly, then return the chicken to the pan and spoon the sauce over it to finish cooking together.

7. I plate the chicken over the mashed potatoes and drizzle with the creamy garlic sauce, garnishing with fresh parsley.

Servings and timing

This recipe serves 4 and takes about 45 minutes—25 minutes for prep and 20 minutes for cooking.

Variations

Sometimes I add sautéed mushrooms or spinach to the sauce for extra flavor and texture. I’ve also used chicken thighs for a juicier option. If I want to lighten it up, I use half-and-half instead of heavy cream. For a cheesy twist, I mix a bit of shredded mozzarella into the mashed potatoes.

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 in a skillet over low heat and microwave the mashed potatoes with a splash of milk to bring back their creaminess.

FAQs

Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?

Yes, I often use boneless thighs—they’re more flavorful and stay juicy. I just adjust the cooking time slightly.

What’s the best way to thicken the sauce?

The Parmesan and cream usually do the trick, but I let it simmer a few extra minutes if it needs more thickness. I avoid adding flour directly to the sauce to keep it smooth.

Can I make the mashed potatoes ahead of time?

Absolutely. I make them earlier in the day and reheat them with a bit of butter and milk stirred in.

What if I don’t have heavy cream?

I use half-and-half or whole milk with a bit of extra Parmesan. It won’t be quite as rich, but it still tastes great.

Can I add vegetables to this dish?

Yes, steamed broccoli, peas, or roasted carrots go really well on the side—or I stir spinach right into the sauce.

Conclusion

Creamy Garlic Chicken with Mashed Potatoes is the kind of meal I make when I want something comforting, flavorful, and easy to pull together. It’s rich, savory, and always hits the spot, whether I’m cooking for my family or just treating myself to a cozy dinner. With its creamy sauce and hearty sides, it’s a timeless classic I keep in regular rotation.