How to Make Creamy Garlic Chicken (with Buttery Mashed Potatoes)

Creamy Garlic Chicken with Mashed Potatoes (Rich, Cozy, and So Satisfying)

Some dinners just hit different. This Creamy Garlic Chicken with Mashed Potatoes is one of those meals. It’s a restaurant-worthy dish made right in your own kitchen—with juicy pan-seared chicken, a silky garlic-Parmesan cream sauce, and a buttery bed of mashed potatoes to soak it all up.

This is the kind of meal that turns a regular evening into something worth lingering over, whether you’re feeding your family or treating yourself.


Why I Love This Recipe

I love this dish because it feels like a warm hug on a plate. The chicken is golden and flavorful, the garlic cream sauce is absolutely dreamy, and the mashed potatoes? Soft, fluffy perfection. It comes together in under an hour but tastes like you spent all day in the kitchen.

You can even scale it up for guests or prep the sauce ahead for a weeknight win.


Ingredients

For the Chicken:

  • 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1 tablespoon butter
  • 5 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 cup heavy cream
  • ½ cup chicken broth
  • ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
  • Salt and pepper, to taste
  • Fresh parsley, for garnish (optional)

For the Mashed Potatoes:

  • 2 pounds potatoes, peeled and cubed
  • ½ cup milk (or heavy cream for extra richness)
  • ¼ cup butter
  • Salt and pepper, to taste

Ingredient Tips & Swaps

  • Chicken: Boneless thighs also work great for more flavor and tenderness.
  • Garlic: Don’t skimp—fresh garlic makes the sauce shine.
  • Cheese: Freshly grated Parmesan melts better and gives a richer flavor than pre-shredded.
  • Potatoes: Russets for fluffy mash, Yukon Golds for a creamy, buttery finish.

How to Make Creamy Garlic Chicken with Mashed Potatoes

Step 1: Sear the Chicken

  1. Heat olive oil and butter in a large skillet over medium heat.
  2. Season chicken with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning.
  3. Sear for 5–6 minutes per side until golden and cooked through.
  4. Remove chicken from skillet and set aside.

Step 2: Make the Sauce

  1. In the same pan, sauté garlic for 1 minute until fragrant.
  2. Add chicken broth and heavy cream, scraping up browned bits.
  3. Stir in Parmesan cheese. Simmer for 5–7 minutes until thickened.
  4. Return chicken to skillet and spoon sauce over. Simmer for 2–3 minutes more.

Step 3: Make the Mashed Potatoes

  1. Boil potatoes in salted water until fork-tender (15–20 minutes).
  2. Drain and mash with butter and milk (or cream).
  3. Season with salt and pepper. Mix until smooth and fluffy.

Step 4: Serve It Up

Spoon mashed potatoes onto each plate, top with creamy garlic chicken, and drizzle extra sauce over everything. Garnish with chopped parsley if desired.


Tips for Success

  • Use a cast iron or stainless skillet for the best browning and flavor development.
  • Don’t overcook the garlic—it should be golden, not brown or bitter.
  • Simmer, don’t boil the sauce once cream is added to keep it silky.
  • Warm your milk or cream before adding to the mashed potatoes for smoother mixing.

Serving Suggestions & Pairings

This dish is hearty on its own, but here are a few ways to round out your meal:


Storage & Leftovers

  • Refrigerator: Store chicken and mashed potatoes in separate airtight containers for up to 3 days.
  • Reheat: Warm chicken in a skillet over low heat with a splash of broth or cream to refresh the sauce.
  • Freezer: The mashed potatoes freeze well; the cream sauce may separate slightly, but still tastes great.

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Final Thoughts

This Creamy Garlic Chicken with Mashed Potatoes is everything comfort food should be—rich, flavorful, and made with simple ingredients. It’s the kind of dish that becomes a regular in your dinner rotation, whether you’re cooking for one or feeding the whole family.

👇 Leave a comment and let us know—did you add mushrooms, spinach, or a twist of your own? And don’t forget to tag @chefmaniac when you post your creamy creations!