If comfort food had a royalty tier, Creamy Garlic Chicken with Mashed Potatoes would undoubtedly wear the crown. Juicy, pan-seared chicken breasts are bathed in a velvety garlic cream sauce, then served over a bed of buttery mashed potatoes for the kind of meal that wraps you in a warm hug.

It’s the kind of dinner that makes you slow down, take a deep breath, and savor each bite. Whether you’re cooking for your family on a weeknight or planning a cozy dinner for two, this dish hits all the right notes: flavor-packed, easy to make, and deeply satisfying.

 Ingredients:

For the Chicken:

• 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts

• Salt and black pepper to taste

• 1 tsp garlic powder

• ½ tsp paprika (optional)

• 2 tbsp olive oil

• 1 tbsp butter

For the Creamy Garlic Sauce:

• 6 cloves garlic, minced (or more for stronger flavor)

• 1 cup heavy cream

• ½ cup chicken broth (low sodium preferred)

• ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese

• 1 tsp Italian seasoning

• 1 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped (plus more for garnish)

• Salt and pepper to taste

For the Mashed Potatoes:

• 2 lbs (900g) russet or Yukon gold potatoes, peeled and cubed

• 4 tbsp butter

• ½ cup milk or cream (warm)

• Salt and pepper to taste

 Preparation:

Step 1: Prepare the Mashed Potatoes

Place the peeled and cubed potatoes into a large pot of salted water. Bring to a boil and cook for 15–18 minutes, or until potatoes are fork-tender. Drain and return to the pot.

Add butter and warm milk or cream. Mash until smooth and creamy. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Cover and set aside to keep warm.

Step 2: Season and Cook the Chicken

Season chicken breasts with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and paprika.

Heat olive oil and butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Sear chicken breasts for 5–7 minutes per side, or until golden brown and cooked through (internal temperature 165°F / 74°C). Remove from pan and set aside.

Step 3: Make the Creamy Garlic Sauce

In the same pan (don’t wipe it out – keep the flavor!), lower heat to medium and add the minced garlic. Sauté for 1–2 minutes until fragrant but not browned.

Pour in the chicken broth and scrape up any browned bits from the pan. Simmer for 2–3 minutes.

Stir in the heavy cream and Parmesan cheese. Add Italian seasoning, parsley, salt, and pepper. Simmer the sauce for 5–7 minutes, until it thickens slightly.

Step 4: Return Chicken to Sauce

Add the cooked chicken breasts back to the pan. Spoon the sauce over the top and simmer on low heat for another 2–3 minutes to reheat the chicken and meld the flavors.

Step 5: Serve and Garnish

Spoon a generous portion of mashed potatoes onto each plate. Top with a chicken breast and a hearty drizzle of creamy garlic sauce. Garnish with additional chopped parsley.

 Variations

• Add Mushrooms: Sauté sliced mushrooms in the pan before adding the garlic for an earthy, umami twist.

• Spinach Version: Stir in a handful of fresh spinach near the end of cooking for extra color and nutrients.

• Spicy Garlic Chicken: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the sauce for a bit of heat.

• Herb Infused: Use fresh thyme or rosemary instead of Italian seasoning for a garden-fresh flavor.

 Cooking Notes

• Be careful not to burn the garlic – low heat is key to unlocking its mellow sweetness.

• Chicken can be pounded to even thickness for quicker, more uniform cooking.

• Parmesan helps thicken the sauce naturally, so no need for flour or cornstarch.

 Serving Suggestions

• Serve with roasted green beans or sautéed spinach on the side.

• Add a crisp green salad with lemon vinaigrette for contrast.

• Pair with warm dinner rolls or garlic bread to soak up the extra sauce.

• For wine lovers, a buttery Chardonnay pairs beautifully.

 Tips

• Use freshly grated Parmesan for a smoother sauce that melts easily.

• Don’t skip the sear – it adds depth and color to the chicken and enhances flavor.

• Warm your cream and milk before adding to the pan or potatoes for better texture.

• Double the sauce if you want leftovers or extra for dipping bread.

 Prep Time:

15 minutes

 Cooking Time:

30 minutes

 Total Time:

45 minutes

 Nutritional Information (Per Serving – Approx.):

• Calories: 620 kcal

• Protein: 43g

• Fat: 38g

• Carbohydrates: 25g

• Sodium: 580mg

• Fiber: 2g

• Sugar: 2g

Note: Values may vary depending on portion size and ingredient brands.

 FAQs

Q: Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?
A: Yes! Boneless, skinless thighs are delicious here. Just adjust cooking time as needed.

Q: Can I make this dairy-free?
A: You can try using unsweetened almond or coconut milk with dairy-free cheese alternatives, though the sauce won’t be as thick or creamy.

Q: How do I reheat leftovers?
A: Gently reheat on the stovetop over low heat, adding a splash of cream or milk to loosen the sauce.

Q: Can I freeze Creamy Garlic Chicken?
A: Yes, but the sauce may separate slightly when reheated. Stir well and add cream if needed.

 Conclusion

Creamy Garlic Chicken with Mashed Potatoes is a cozy, hearty meal that brings comfort to your table without much fuss. From the tender seared chicken to the rich, garlicky sauce and smooth mashed potatoes, every bite is packed with warmth and flavor.

Whether you’re making it for a Sunday dinner or a comforting weeknight treat, this dish is bound to become a repeat favorite in your kitchen. It’s easy to customize, loaded with flavor, and oh-so-satisfying – just the way comfort food should be.