Comfort Food Chicken And Mashed Potatoes

Name: Comfort Food Chicken And Mashed Potatoes
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 40 min
Total time: 55 min
Yield: 4 servings
Ingredients: 4 chicken thighs, skin-on and bone-in; 2 tablespoons olive oil; 1 teaspoon salt; 1/2 teaspoon black pepper; 1 teaspoon garlic powder; 1 teaspoon fresh rosemary, chopped; 2 pounds Yukon Gold potatoes, peeled and cubed; 1/2 cup heavy cream; 1/4 cup unsalted butter; Salt to taste; Freshly cracked black pepper to taste

Highlighted under: Warm Table Delights

I absolutely love the cozy feeling that a plate of Comfort Food Chicken and Mashed Potatoes brings to my dinner table. This recipe combines tender, flavorful chicken with creamy, buttery mashed potatoes, making it a hearty meal that warms the soul. I often prepare this dish when I want to indulge in some familiar flavors and bring a sense of nostalgia to my dining experience. It's the kind of comfort food that guarantees satisfied smiles all around, making it perfect for family gatherings or a quiet night in.

Created by

Erin Wallace

Last updated on 2026-01-24T11:10:24.964Z

Every time I make Comfort Food Chicken and Mashed Potatoes, I’m reminded of family dinners at my grandmother's house. She taught me the importance of seasoning the chicken well and letting it marinate for an hour to really enhance the flavor. Using fresh herbs, like rosemary and thyme, adds a lovely aroma that fills the kitchen.

The mashed potatoes are another story—I prefer using a mix of Yukon Gold and Russet potatoes for the best texture. A splash of cream and a generous pat of butter ensure they are rich and fluffy. Cooking the potatoes until just tender allows them to maintain a perfect creamy consistency when smashed.

Why You'll Love This Recipe
Juicy chicken cooked to perfection paired with creamy mashed potatoes
A nostalgic recipe that brings warmth and comfort to any table
Easy to prepare, making it perfect for weeknight dinners and special occasions

The Importance of Chicken Thighs

Using skin-on, bone-in chicken thighs in this recipe plays a pivotal role in achieving the rich flavor and moist texture that comfort food is known for. The skin crisps up wonderfully during searing, adding a satisfying crunch that contrasts with the tender meat underneath. As the chicken bakes, the fat renders out, infusing the meat with moisture and enhancing the overall depth of flavor. If you're in a pinch, chicken breasts can be used, but be aware they may require less cooking time to avoid drying out.

Marinating the chicken in olive oil and spices not only enhances the taste but also helps in achieving a crispy skin. The oil allows the seasonings to adhere better while also providing a barrier to keep the chicken juicy as it cooks. I recommend letting the chicken marinate for more than 30 minutes—if you have the time, overnight marination can elevate the flavors even further.

Mastering Mashed Potatoes

The choice of Yukon Gold potatoes is key for making smooth, creamy mashed potatoes. They naturally have a buttery flavor and waxy texture, which results in mashed potatoes that are rich without being gluey. Make sure to cut your potatoes into uniform cubes, around 1.5 inches, so they cook evenly. Overcooking can lead to a watery texture, so keep an eye on them as they boil, testing with a fork for tenderness after about 15 minutes.

When mashing, I recommend using a potato masher or ricer for the best texture. A food processor can lead to over-mixing, resulting in gluey potatoes. After mashing, combine in the heavy cream and butter at a lower temperature to maintain that creamy consistency. If you find your mashed potatoes are too thick, add a splash more cream gradually until you reach your desired creaminess.

Serving and Storing Tips

For serving, creating layers on the plate can enhance both presentation and flavor. Start with a generous scoop of mashed potatoes, then nestle the chicken thigh on top, allowing for the pan juices to drizzle over. Not only does this look appealing, but the juices also soak into the potatoes, enhancing every bite. Consider garnishing with a sprinkle of fresh rosemary for a pop of color and additional aroma.

If you have leftovers, store the chicken separately from the mashed potatoes in an airtight container. Reheating mashed potatoes can be tricky; simply add a bit of milk or cream and warm them gently on the stove or in the microwave, stirring occasionally. The chicken can be reheated in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until warmed through, usually about 10-15 minutes, which helps maintain that crispy skin.

Ingredients

For the Chicken

4 chicken thighs, skin-on and bone-in
2 tablespoons olive oil
1 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon black pepper
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1 teaspoon fresh rosemary, chopped

For the Mashed Potatoes

2 pounds Yukon Gold potatoes, peeled and cubed
1/2 cup heavy cream
1/4 cup unsalted butter
Salt to taste
Freshly cracked black pepper to taste

Instructions

Prepare the Chicken

In a large bowl, combine the olive oil, salt, pepper, garlic powder, and chopped rosemary. Add the chicken thighs and coat them well in the marinade. Let them sit for at least 30 minutes.

Cook the Chicken

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Heat a skillet over medium-high heat and add the marinated chicken skin-side down. Sear for about 5 minutes until golden brown, then flip and transfer to the oven. Bake for 25-30 minutes until the chicken is cooked through.

Prepare the Mashed Potatoes

While the chicken cooks, place the cubed potatoes in a pot of salted water. Bring to a boil and cook for about 15-20 minutes until tender. Drain and return to the pot.

Mash the Potatoes

Add the heavy cream and butter to the drained potatoes. Mash until smooth, seasoning with salt and pepper to taste. Keep warm until serving.

Serve

Place a generous scoop of mashed potatoes on each plate and top with a chicken thigh. Drizzle with any pan juices for extra flavor.

Pro Tips

For extra flavor, consider adding roasted garlic to the mashed potatoes or finishing the chicken with a squeeze of lemon before serving.

Storage Solutions

This dish is perfect for making ahead. You can prepare the chicken and mashed potatoes in advance and store them separately in the fridge. Properly stored, the chicken will last up to three days, while mashed potatoes can be stored for about four days. Consider portioning them out into individual containers if you're planning to enjoy this meal for lunch throughout the week.

For longer storage, both the chicken and mashed potatoes can be frozen. Freeze the cooked chicken in a single layer on a baking sheet, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag once solid. Mashed potatoes can also be frozen, although their texture might change slightly after defrosting. When thawing, it's best to allow them to come to room temperature before reheating on the stove.

Variations to Try

If you're looking to switch up the flavor profile, consider adding different herbs or spices to the chicken marinade. Thyme or oregano can provide a fresh twist, or you could add a pinch of smoked paprika for a touch of warmth. Additionally, incorporating garlic cloves into the skillet while cooking the chicken can enhance the aroma and flavor further.

For the mashed potatoes, try folding in roasted garlic for added depth or substituting half of the cream with sour cream or Greek yogurt to create a tangy version. You can also mix in finely chopped chives or green onions after mashing for a lovely pop of color and flavor. These variations ensure you can enjoy this comforting dish in multiple delightful ways.

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I use boneless chicken for this recipe?

Yes, boneless chicken thighs or breasts can be used but may require less cooking time.

→ What type of potatoes are best for mashing?

Yukon Gold and Russet potatoes are both excellent choices for creamy mashed potatoes.

→ Can I make this dish ahead of time?

Yes, you can prep the chicken and potatoes in advance. Just store them separately and reheat when ready to serve.

→ How can I make the mashed potatoes healthier?

You can substitute part of the cream with low-fat milk or add Greek yogurt for creaminess without as many calories.