Comfort Food Chicken And Mashed Potatoes
Highlighted under: Cozy Plate Creations
I absolutely love serving up a plate of comfort food, and nothing beats the warm, satisfying combination of chicken and mashed potatoes. This dish is not just filling, but also evokes feelings of nostalgia and home-cooked warmth. I found that using a combination of butter and cream makes the mashed potatoes irresistibly creamy, while seasoning the chicken with fresh herbs adds a lovely, aromatic flavor. Whether it's a chilly evening or a family gathering, this heartwarming recipe is sure to please everyone at the table.
Every time I make this Comfort Food Chicken and Mashed Potatoes, I’m reminded of family dinners at home. One key tip I learned is to infuse the chicken with garlic and thyme for an aromatic punch. It not only enhances the flavor but also makes the chicken incredibly tender.
The mashed potatoes are a recipe in themselves; using Yukon Gold potatoes gives a buttery texture and you can customize them by adding roasted garlic for a depth of flavor. Trust me, this slight twist elevates a traditional comfort dish into something truly delightful!
Why You Will Love This Recipe
- Hearty and satisfying for any comfort food lover
- Perfectly seasoned chicken with herbs that dance on the palate
- Creamy mashed potatoes that can be customized to your taste
Selecting the Right Chicken
When choosing chicken for this dish, I recommend bone-in thighs for their rich flavor and moisture retention during cooking. The bone helps to keep the meat juicy, while the skin adds a delicious crispness. If you prefer boneless chicken, adjust the cooking time to approximately 20-25 minutes in the oven, as boneless cuts cook faster and may dry out if overcooked.
To ensure even cooking, allow the chicken to sit at room temperature for about 15-20 minutes before searing. This helps to prevent a cold center and allows for a more consistent temperature, leading to perfectly cooked chicken that is golden on the outside and tender inside.
Mastering Creamy Mashed Potatoes
The choice of potato is crucial for achieving the ultimate creamy mashed potatoes. Yukon Golds are perfect due to their naturally buttery flavor and smooth texture. Avoid using waxy potatoes, like Red Bliss or new potatoes, as they can result in gluey mash. If you'd like a lighter option, consider substituting half of the heavy cream with buttermilk for a tangy twist.
To achieve the best texture, make sure the potatoes are fully drained after boiling to prevent excess water from making the mash watery. For the creamiest results, I recommend using a potato ricer or food mill instead of a traditional masher for a velvety finish.
Ingredients
Gather the following ingredients for a delicious chicken and mashed potatoes meal:
For the Chicken
- 4 bone-in chicken thighs
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- Salt and pepper to taste
For the Mashed Potatoes
- 2 pounds Yukon Gold potatoes, peeled and quartered
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- Salt to taste
- Black pepper to taste
Make sure to have all these ingredients before you start cooking for the best results!
Instructions
Follow these steps to create a comforting meal:
Prepare the Chicken
Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). In a large oven-safe skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Season chicken thighs with salt, pepper, garlic, and thyme. Sear the chicken in the skillet for about 5 minutes per side until golden brown.
Cook the Chicken
Transfer the skillet to the preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C). Remove from the oven and let rest for 5 minutes before serving.
Make the Mashed Potatoes
While the chicken is baking, boil the quartered Yukon Gold potatoes in a large pot of salted water until tender, about 15-20 minutes. Drain the potatoes and return them to the pot.
Mash the Potatoes
Add the butter and heavy cream to the drained potatoes. Mash until your desired creaminess is achieved, and season with salt and black pepper to taste.
Serve your succulent chicken along with a generous scoop of mashed potatoes for a truly comforting meal!
Pro Tips
- Feel free to add roasted garlic or sour cream to your mashed potatoes for extra flavor. Pair with steamed vegetables for a complete meal.
Serving Suggestions
This comfort food dish pairs wonderfully with steamed green vegetables like broccoli or sautéed green beans for an added nutritional boost. A light salad with a vinaigrette can also provide a refreshing contrast to the richness of the chicken and mashed potatoes.
For a family gathering, consider adding a side of gravy made from the drippings of the roasted chicken. Simply deglaze the skillet with chicken broth, scraping any flavorful bits. Bring to a simmer and thicken with a cornstarch slurry if desired.
Storing and Reheating Tips
Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. For better flavor and texture, I recommend refrigerating the chicken and mashed potatoes separately. When reheating, gently warm the chicken in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 15-20 minutes, avoiding the microwave, which can make the meat tough.
Mashed potatoes can be reheated on the stovetop over low heat, adding a splash of cream or milk to restore creaminess. Stir often to prevent sticking, heating until just warmed through, about 5-10 minutes.
Questions About Recipes
→ Can I use boneless chicken instead?
Yes, boneless chicken can be used, but adjust the cooking time as it will cook faster.
→ How can I make the mashed potatoes healthier?
You can substitute half of the heavy cream with low-fat milk and use less butter.
→ Can I prepare this dish in advance?
Absolutely! You can prepare the mashed potatoes and chicken ahead of time, just reheat before serving.
→ What herbs can I add to the chicken?
Rosemary or oregano work well, or you can use a mix of your favorite herbs!
Comfort Food Chicken And Mashed Potatoes
I absolutely love serving up a plate of comfort food, and nothing beats the warm, satisfying combination of chicken and mashed potatoes. This dish is not just filling, but also evokes feelings of nostalgia and home-cooked warmth. I found that using a combination of butter and cream makes the mashed potatoes irresistibly creamy, while seasoning the chicken with fresh herbs adds a lovely, aromatic flavor. Whether it's a chilly evening or a family gathering, this heartwarming recipe is sure to please everyone at the table.
Created by: Chloe Bennett
Recipe Type: Cozy Plate Creations
Skill Level: Intermediate
Final Quantity: 4 servings
What You'll Need
For the Chicken
- 4 bone-in chicken thighs
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- Salt and pepper to taste
For the Mashed Potatoes
- 2 pounds Yukon Gold potatoes, peeled and quartered
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- Salt to taste
- Black pepper to taste
How-To Steps
Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). In a large oven-safe skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Season chicken thighs with salt, pepper, garlic, and thyme. Sear the chicken in the skillet for about 5 minutes per side until golden brown.
Transfer the skillet to the preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C). Remove from the oven and let rest for 5 minutes before serving.
While the chicken is baking, boil the quartered Yukon Gold potatoes in a large pot of salted water until tender, about 15-20 minutes. Drain the potatoes and return them to the pot.
Add the butter and heavy cream to the drained potatoes. Mash until your desired creaminess is achieved, and season with salt and black pepper to taste.
Extra Tips
- Feel free to add roasted garlic or sour cream to your mashed potatoes for extra flavor. Pair with steamed vegetables for a complete meal.
Nutritional Breakdown (Per Serving)
- Calories: 480 kcal
- Total Fat: 30g
- Saturated Fat: 15g
- Cholesterol: 170mg
- Sodium: 680mg
- Total Carbohydrates: 40g
- Dietary Fiber: 4g
- Sugars: 2g
- Protein: 30g