In our home, weeknight dinners are often a balancing act between deliciousness, ease of preparation, and something that the whole family will actually enjoy. Finding that perfect recipe that ticks all the boxes can feel like striking gold. And that’s exactly how I felt when I first stumbled upon this Creamy Garlic Chicken & Mash recipe. From the moment the aroma of garlic and herbs starts to fill the kitchen, you know you’re in for a treat. The chicken, cooked to juicy perfection and smothered in a luscious, creamy garlic sauce, is simply irresistible. Paired with fluffy, buttery mashed potatoes, it’s comfort food at its finest. Even my pickiest eater, who usually approaches new dishes with suspicion, devoured this meal with gusto, asking for seconds (and thirds!). It’s become a regular feature on our dinner table, a guaranteed crowd-pleaser that brings smiles to everyone’s faces. If you’re looking for a dish that’s both comforting and flavorful, easy to make, and utterly satisfying, then look no further. This Creamy Garlic Chicken & Mash is about to become your new go-to recipe.

Ingredients

This recipe is divided into two parts: the Creamy Garlic Chicken and the Mashed Potatoes. We’ll list the ingredients for each separately to keep things clear and organized.

For the Creamy Garlic Chicken:

Chicken Breasts: 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (approximately 1.5 – 2 lbs total). Using boneless, skinless breasts makes this a quicker and leaner meal. You can also use chicken thighs for a richer flavor, but adjust cooking time accordingly.
Heavy Cream: 1 cup. Heavy cream is essential for that rich, velvety sauce. For a slightly lighter option, you can use half-and-half, but the sauce won’t be quite as thick.
Chicken Broth: 1/2 cup. Chicken broth adds depth of flavor to the sauce and helps to deglaze the pan. Low-sodium broth is recommended to control the salt levels.
Garlic: 6-8 cloves, minced. Fresh garlic is key here! Don’t skimp on the garlic; it’s the star of the show. Adjust the amount to your personal preference – if you’re a garlic lover, feel free to add more!
Butter: 2 tablespoons, unsalted. Butter adds richness and flavor to both the chicken and the sauce. Unsalted butter allows you to control the overall saltiness of the dish.
Olive Oil: 1 tablespoon. Olive oil is used for searing the chicken and adds a healthy element. You can substitute with another neutral oil like vegetable or canola oil.
All-Purpose Flour: 2 tablespoons. Flour is used to thicken the creamy garlic sauce. You can use gluten-free all-purpose flour as a substitute.
Dried Thyme: 1 teaspoon. Thyme adds a lovely earthy and aromatic note to the chicken. You can also use other herbs like rosemary or oregano.
Dried Oregano: 1/2 teaspoon. Oregano complements the thyme and garlic, adding another layer of flavor.
Salt: To taste. Start with about 1 teaspoon and adjust as needed. Remember that chicken broth and some butters can be salty.
Black Pepper: Freshly ground, to taste. Freshly ground black pepper provides a more robust flavor than pre-ground pepper.
Fresh Parsley: 2 tablespoons, chopped (for garnish). Fresh parsley adds a pop of color and freshness to the finished dish.

For the Mashed Potatoes:

Potatoes: 2 lbs Yukon Gold or Russet potatoes. Yukon Gold potatoes are naturally creamy and buttery, making them ideal for mashed potatoes. Russet potatoes are fluffier and absorb flavors well. You can also use a combination of both.
Milk: 1/2 cup. Milk adds moisture and creaminess to the mashed potatoes. You can use whole milk, 2%, or even plant-based milk like almond or oat milk.
Butter: 4 tablespoons, unsalted, divided (2 tablespoons for cooking potatoes, 2 tablespoons for mashing). Butter enhances the flavor and richness of the mashed potatoes.
Sour Cream or Cream Cheese: 2 tablespoons (optional, for extra creaminess). Adding a dollop of sour cream or cream cheese takes the mashed potatoes to the next level of creaminess and tanginess.
Salt: To taste. Start with about 1 teaspoon and adjust as needed.
Black Pepper: Freshly ground, to taste.
Garlic Powder: 1/2 teaspoon (optional, for extra flavor in the mash). Garlic powder adds a subtle garlic flavor to complement the creamy garlic chicken.

Instructions

Let’s break down the cooking process into easy-to-follow steps for both the Creamy Garlic Chicken and the Mashed Potatoes. It’s efficient to start the potatoes first as they take longer to cook.

Mashed Potatoes:

Prepare the Potatoes: Wash and peel the potatoes. Cut them into roughly 1-inch cubes. Uniformly sized pieces will ensure even cooking.
Boil the Potatoes: Place the cubed potatoes in a large pot and cover them with cold water. Add about 1 teaspoon of salt to the water. Bring to a boil over high heat, then reduce heat to medium and simmer for 15-20 minutes, or until the potatoes are fork-tender. They should easily break apart when pierced with a fork.
Drain the Potatoes: Once tender, drain the potatoes thoroughly in a colander. Return the drained potatoes to the pot.
Mash the Potatoes: Add 2 tablespoons of butter, milk, optional sour cream or cream cheese, garlic powder (if using), salt, and pepper to the pot with the potatoes. Use a potato masher or an electric mixer (on low speed to avoid over-mixing, which can make them gluey) to mash the potatoes until smooth and creamy. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed. Keep warm while you prepare the chicken. You can cover the pot and place it over very low heat, or keep it warm in a barely warm oven.

Creamy Garlic Chicken:

Prepare the Chicken: Pat the chicken breasts dry with paper towels. This helps them brown better. Season both sides of the chicken breasts generously with salt, pepper, dried thyme, and dried oregano.
Sear the Chicken: Heat olive oil and 2 tablespoons of butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once the butter is melted and the pan is hot, carefully place the seasoned chicken breasts in the skillet. Sear the chicken for 3-4 minutes per side, until golden brown. Don’t overcrowd the pan; cook in batches if necessary to ensure proper browning. Browning the chicken adds flavor and seals in the juices.
Remove Chicken and Sauté Garlic: Remove the seared chicken from the skillet and set aside on a plate. Reduce the heat to medium. Add the minced garlic to the skillet and sauté for about 1 minute, or until fragrant. Be careful not to burn the garlic, as it will become bitter. Sautéing the garlic releases its aroma and flavor into the base of the sauce.
Make the Creamy Sauce: Sprinkle the flour over the sautéed garlic in the skillet. Cook for 1 minute, stirring constantly, to create a roux. This helps to thicken the sauce. Gradually whisk in the chicken broth, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the skillet (this is called deglazing and adds flavor). Cook for 1-2 minutes, or until the sauce starts to thicken slightly.
Add Cream and Simmer: Pour in the heavy cream and bring the sauce to a gentle simmer. Reduce the heat to low and simmer for 5-7 minutes, or until the sauce has thickened to your desired consistency. Simmering allows the flavors to meld together and the sauce to reduce and thicken.
Return Chicken and Finish Cooking: Return the seared chicken breasts to the skillet with the creamy garlic sauce. Spoon the sauce over the chicken to coat it evenly. Cover the skillet and simmer for another 8-10 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C). Use a meat thermometer to ensure doneness.
Garnish and Serve: Remove from heat. Stir in fresh parsley. Serve the Creamy Garlic Chicken hot, spooned generously over the mashed potatoes. Garnish with extra fresh parsley, if desired.

Nutrition Facts (Estimated)

Please note that these are estimated nutritional values and can vary based on specific ingredients, portion sizes, and cooking methods. For precise nutritional information, use a nutrition calculator with the exact brands and quantities of ingredients used.

Servings: 4

Approximate Calories per Serving: 600-750 calories

Protein: 40-50g
Fat: 35-45g (primarily from cream, butter, and olive oil)
Carbohydrates: 30-40g (primarily from potatoes and flour in the sauce)

Important Considerations:

These are estimates for a standard serving size, which is generally one chicken breast and a generous portion of mashed potatoes. Serving sizes can significantly impact calorie and macronutrient intake.
Using lighter alternatives like half-and-half instead of heavy cream, or using less butter, can reduce the calorie and fat content.
Adding vegetables as a side dish will increase the nutritional value of the meal and provide fiber.

Preparation Time

Prep Time: 20 minutes (chopping vegetables, preparing chicken, etc.)
Cook Time: 35-40 minutes (boiling potatoes, searing chicken, simmering sauce, and finishing chicken)
Total Time: 55-60 minutes

This recipe is relatively quick to prepare, making it perfect for a weeknight meal. You can save even more time by prepping ingredients like chopping garlic and peeling potatoes ahead of time.

How to Serve

Creamy Garlic Chicken & Mash is a complete and satisfying meal on its own, but you can elevate it further with complementary side dishes. Here are some serving suggestions:

Steamed or Roasted Vegetables:
- Broccoli: Steamed or roasted broccoli florets provide a healthy and vibrant green side.
- Green Beans: Sautéed or steamed green beans with a touch of lemon juice add a fresh element.
- Asparagus: Roasted asparagus spears with olive oil and parmesan cheese are a delicious and elegant choice.
- Carrots: Roasted or glazed carrots offer sweetness and color.
- Brussels Sprouts: Roasted Brussels sprouts with balsamic glaze or bacon bits provide a contrasting flavor.
Salads:
- Simple Green Salad: A light green salad with a vinaigrette dressing provides freshness and balances the richness of the main dish.
- Caesar Salad: A classic Caesar salad is a flavorful and satisfying option.
- Spinach Salad: A spinach salad with berries, nuts, and a light dressing adds sweetness and texture.
Bread:
- Crusty Bread: Serve with crusty bread or rolls to soak up the delicious creamy garlic sauce.
- Garlic Bread: For extra garlic flavor, garlic bread is a perfect accompaniment.
Wine Pairing:
- Dry White Wine: A crisp dry white wine like Pinot Grigio or Sauvignon Blanc pairs well with the creamy garlic sauce and chicken.
- Light-bodied Red Wine: A light-bodied red wine like Pinot Noir can also complement the dish.

Additional Tips for Perfect Creamy Garlic Chicken & Mash

Here are five tips to help you make the best Creamy Garlic Chicken & Mash every time:

Don’t Overcrowd the Pan When Searing Chicken: Overcrowding the pan will steam the chicken instead of searing it, preventing it from browning properly. Cook the chicken in batches if necessary to ensure each piece has enough space to brown. Proper searing is crucial for flavor and texture.
Use Fresh Garlic and Sauté Gently: Freshly minced garlic provides the best flavor. Sauté it gently over medium heat until fragrant, but be careful not to burn it. Burnt garlic will taste bitter and ruin the sauce. Low and slow is the way to go with garlic.
Adjust the Sauce Consistency to Your Preference: If you prefer a thicker sauce, simmer it for a longer time to reduce it further. If you want a thinner sauce, add a little more chicken broth or milk. You are the chef, so customize to your liking!
Warm Your Milk and Butter for Mashed Potatoes: Warming the milk and butter before adding them to the mashed potatoes helps them incorporate smoothly and prevents the potatoes from cooling down too quickly. Warm liquids blend better and maintain the temperature.
Don’t Over-Mash the Potatoes: Over-mashing potatoes releases too much starch, which can make them gluey and unpleasant. Mash them just until smooth and creamy. Lumps are okay! A slightly rustic mash is often more enjoyable than an over-processed one.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Here are five common questions people ask when making Creamy Garlic Chicken & Mash:

Q1: Can I use chicken thighs instead of chicken breasts?

A: Yes, absolutely! Chicken thighs are a great alternative and will result in a richer, more flavorful dish due to their higher fat content. You may need to adjust the cooking time slightly, as thighs can take a bit longer to cook through. Ensure they reach an internal temperature of 175°F-180°F (80°C-82°C) for optimal tenderness.

Q2: Can I make this recipe ahead of time?

A: Yes, you can prepare both the Creamy Garlic Chicken and Mashed Potatoes ahead of time. The chicken and sauce can be made up to 2 days in advance and stored in the refrigerator. Reheat gently in a skillet over low heat, adding a splash of chicken broth or milk if needed to loosen the sauce. Mashed potatoes are best made fresh, but you can prepare them a few hours ahead and keep them warm in a slow cooker or a barely warm oven. You might need to add a little milk or butter when reheating to restore their creamy texture.

Q3: Can I freeze Creamy Garlic Chicken & Mash?

A: The Creamy Garlic Chicken freezes fairly well, but the texture of mashed potatoes can change after freezing and thawing, becoming slightly grainy. If you want to freeze the chicken, allow it to cool completely, then transfer it to an airtight container and freeze for up to 2-3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator and reheat gently. It’s generally recommended to make mashed potatoes fresh for the best texture, but if you must freeze them, use Yukon Gold potatoes as they tend to freeze better than Russets and add extra butter and cream to help maintain moisture.

Q4: I don’t have heavy cream. Can I use something else?

A: While heavy cream provides the richest and creamiest sauce, you can substitute with half-and-half or even whole milk for a lighter option. The sauce will be thinner if you use half-and-half or milk, but it will still be delicious. You can also try using evaporated milk for a slightly richer alternative to milk, but it will still be lighter than heavy cream.

Q5: How can I add more vegetables to this meal?

A: There are many ways to incorporate more vegetables! You can add chopped vegetables like spinach, mushrooms, or bell peppers directly to the creamy garlic sauce while it’s simmering. You can also serve the Creamy Garlic Chicken & Mash with a generous side of steamed, roasted, or sautéed vegetables as suggested in the “How to Serve” section. Roasting vegetables like broccoli, carrots, or asparagus alongside the chicken is a great way to add both flavor and nutrition to the meal. You could even stir roasted vegetables directly into the mashed potatoes for a loaded mash!