Creamy Garlic Chicken & Mash recipe

David

The heart behind Homestyle Cooks

Let me tell you, in our house, weeknight dinners are often a battle between speed and satisfaction. We’re all tired, hungry, and frankly, sometimes inspiration is running on empty. That’s where this Creamy Garlic Chicken & Mash recipe comes in as an absolute lifesaver. I stumbled upon it during one of my frantic online recipe searches, desperately seeking something comforting, flavourful, and relatively easy to throw together. The first time I made it, the silence at the dinner table was deafening – in the best way possible! My usually picky kids devoured it, my husband declared it a “keeper,” and even I, the weary cook, felt a surge of culinary pride. The creamy, garlicky sauce coating tender chicken breasts, nestled on a bed of fluffy, buttery mashed potatoes – it’s pure comfort food heaven. Since then, it’s become a regular feature in our meal rotation, and I’ve tweaked it to perfection. Trust me, this Creamy Garlic Chicken & Mash is not just a meal; it’s an experience. Prepare for happy faces and empty plates!

Ingredients

This recipe is wonderfully versatile, and you can easily adjust quantities based on how many people you are serving. Here’s what you’ll need to create this delectable Creamy Garlic Chicken & Mash:

For the Creamy Garlic Chicken:

Chicken Breasts: 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 6-8 ounces each) – Choose breasts of similar size for even cooking. You can also use chicken thighs for a richer flavor, but cooking time might need adjustment.
Olive Oil: 2 tablespoons – Extra virgin olive oil is preferred for its flavor and health benefits, but regular olive oil or even vegetable oil will work.
Butter: 2 tablespoons unsalted butter – Butter adds richness and flavor to the sauce. Unsalted allows you to control the overall saltiness.
Garlic: 6-8 cloves, minced – Fresh garlic is key for that intense garlic flavor. Don’t skimp on it! You can adjust the amount to your garlic preference.
Shallots (Optional): 1 small shallot, finely chopped – Shallots offer a milder, sweeter onion flavor that complements the garlic beautifully. If you don’t have shallots, you can use a small amount of finely chopped onion.
Chicken Broth: 1 cup – Low sodium chicken broth is recommended to control salt content. You can also use vegetable broth if preferred.
Heavy Cream: 1 cup – Heavy cream is essential for the rich, creamy texture of the sauce. For a slightly lighter version, you can use half-and-half, but the sauce will be less thick.
Parmesan Cheese: ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese – Freshly grated Parmesan cheese melts beautifully into the sauce and adds a salty, savory depth. Pre-grated Parmesan can be used, but fresh is always better.
Dried Thyme: 1 teaspoon – Thyme adds a subtle earthy and herbaceous note that complements the garlic and chicken perfectly. You can also use dried oregano or Italian seasoning.
Dried Rosemary: ½ teaspoon – Rosemary adds a warm, piney aroma that enhances the overall flavor profile. Use sparingly as it can be quite strong.
Salt: To taste – Start with about ½ teaspoon and adjust to your preference.
Black Pepper: Freshly ground black pepper, to taste – Freshly ground 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 at the end. Optional but recommended.
Optional: White Wine: ¼ cup dry white wine (like Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio) – White wine adds depth and acidity to the sauce. If you don’t have wine, you can skip it or add a squeeze of lemon juice at the end.

For the Creamy Mashed Potatoes:

Potatoes: 2 pounds Russet or Yukon Gold potatoes – Russet potatoes are great for fluffy mashed potatoes, while Yukon Golds are creamier and slightly less starchy. You can use a mix of both.
Butter: ½ cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, cut into cubes – Butter is crucial for rich, flavorful mashed potatoes. Again, unsalted allows you to control the salt.
Milk or Cream: ½ cup milk or heavy cream – Milk will make the potatoes lighter, while cream will make them richer and more decadent. You can also use half-and-half.
Garlic Powder: ½ teaspoon – Garlic powder enhances the garlic flavor throughout the dish.
Salt: To taste – Start with about ¾ teaspoon and adjust to your preference.
White Pepper: Pinch of white pepper (optional) – White pepper adds a subtle warmth without the visible black specks. Black pepper can be used as a substitute.
Optional: Cream Cheese: 2-4 ounces cream cheese, softened – Cream cheese adds extra creaminess and tanginess to the mashed potatoes. Use full-fat for best results.
Optional: Fresh Chives: 2 tablespoons, chopped (for garnish) – Fresh chives add a mild oniony flavor and a touch of elegance. Optional but recommended.

Instructions

Follow these step-by-step instructions to create your own restaurant-quality Creamy Garlic Chicken & Mash at home:

Part 1: Preparing the Mashed Potatoes

Peel and Chop the Potatoes: Wash and peel the potatoes. Cut them into roughly 1-inch cubes. Cutting them into uniform sizes helps them cook evenly.
Boil the Potatoes: Place the cubed potatoes in a large pot and cover them with cold water. Add a generous pinch of salt to the water. Bring the water to a boil over high heat, then reduce the heat to medium and simmer until the potatoes are fork-tender, about 15-20 minutes. The potatoes are ready when a fork easily pierces through them without resistance.
Drain the Potatoes: Once the potatoes are cooked, drain them thoroughly in a colander. Return the drained potatoes to the empty pot.
Mash the Potatoes: Add the cubed butter, milk (or cream), garlic powder, salt, and white pepper (if using) to the pot with the potatoes. If using cream cheese, add it now as well. Use a potato masher or an electric hand mixer to mash the potatoes until smooth and creamy. For extra smooth potatoes, you can use a potato ricer or pass them through a food mill. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed. Keep the mashed potatoes warm while you prepare the chicken. You can cover the pot and place it over very low heat or keep it in a warm oven.

Part 2: Making the Creamy Garlic Chicken

Prepare the Chicken: Pat the chicken breasts dry with paper towels. Season both sides generously with salt and black pepper. Drying the chicken helps it brown better.
Sear the Chicken: Heat olive oil and butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once the butter is melted and the pan is hot, carefully add the chicken breasts to the skillet. Sear the chicken for 3-4 minutes per side, until golden brown. Searing creates a flavorful crust on the chicken and helps to seal in the juices. Don’t overcrowd the pan; work in batches if necessary.
Sauté Aromatics: Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside on a plate. Reduce the heat to medium. Add the minced garlic and shallots (if using) to the skillet and sauté for 1-2 minutes, until fragrant and softened. Be careful not to burn the garlic, as it can become bitter. If using white wine, pour it into the skillet now and deglaze the pan, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom. Let the wine reduce slightly for a minute or two. Deglazing adds extra flavor to the sauce.
Create the Cream Sauce: Pour in the chicken broth and heavy cream. Stir in the dried thyme and rosemary. Bring the sauce to a simmer, then reduce the heat to low and let it simmer for 5-7 minutes, or until the sauce has slightly thickened. Simmering allows the sauce to reduce and the flavors to meld together.
Add Parmesan and Chicken: Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese until melted and the sauce is smooth and creamy. Return the seared chicken breasts to the skillet, nestling them into the sauce.
Simmer and Cook Through: Cover the skillet and let the chicken simmer in the sauce for 8-10 minutes, or until it is cooked through and no longer pink in the center. Chicken is cooked through when its internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C). You can use a meat thermometer to check. Baste the chicken with the sauce occasionally during simmering.
Garnish and Serve: Once the chicken is cooked through, remove the skillet from the heat. Stir in the fresh parsley. Taste the sauce and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper if needed.

Part 3: Plating and Enjoying

Assemble: Spoon a generous portion of creamy mashed potatoes onto each plate. Top with a creamy garlic chicken breast.
Garnish: Garnish the mashed potatoes with fresh chives (if using) and the chicken with extra fresh parsley if desired.
Serve Immediately: Serve hot and enjoy this comforting and flavorful meal!

Nutrition Facts

(Please note: Nutritional information is an estimate and can vary based on specific ingredients, brands, and portion sizes.)

Servings: 4

Approximate Calories Per Serving: 650-750 calories

Per Serving (Approximate):

Protein: 50-60 grams
Fat: 40-50 grams
Carbohydrates: 40-50 grams

This recipe is relatively high in protein and fat, making it a satisfying and filling meal. It also provides a good source of carbohydrates from the potatoes. To make it lighter, you can:

Use half-and-half instead of heavy cream.
Reduce the amount of butter in the mashed potatoes.
Use less Parmesan cheese.
Serve with a larger portion of vegetables on the side.

Preparation Time

Prep Time: 25 minutes (includes peeling and chopping potatoes, mincing garlic, etc.)
Cook Time: 30 minutes (includes boiling potatoes, searing chicken, and simmering sauce)
Total Time: Approximately 55 minutes

This Creamy Garlic Chicken & Mash is a relatively quick and easy weeknight meal that can be on the table in under an hour. You can further speed up the prep time by:

Using pre-minced garlic (although fresh is always better flavor-wise).
Peeling the potatoes while the water is heating up.
Preparing the mashed potatoes while the chicken is searing.

How to Serve Creamy Garlic Chicken & Mash

This dish is quite hearty on its own, but it pairs wonderfully with a variety of side dishes and complements:

Side Dishes:

Green Vegetables: Steamed or roasted broccoli, green beans, asparagus, or spinach provide a healthy and vibrant contrast to the richness of the chicken and mash.
Salad: A crisp green salad with a light vinaigrette dressing helps to balance the creamy flavors. Consider a simple mixed greens salad, a Caesar salad, or a spinach salad.
Roasted Root Vegetables: Roasted carrots, parsnips, or sweet potatoes add a touch of sweetness and earthiness.
Garlic Bread: For extra indulgence, serve with crusty garlic bread to soak up the delicious creamy sauce.

Garnishes:

Fresh Herbs: Extra fresh parsley, chives, or thyme sprigs add a pop of color and freshness.
Red Pepper Flakes: A sprinkle of red pepper flakes adds a touch of heat for those who like a little spice.
Lemon Wedges: A squeeze of fresh lemon juice brightens the dish and cuts through the richness.
Crispy Fried Onions: For added texture and flavor, sprinkle crispy fried onions over the mashed potatoes.

Drinks:

White Wine: The same dry white wine used in the recipe (Sauvignon Blanc, Pinot Grigio) pairs beautifully.
Light-bodied Red Wine: A light-bodied red wine like Pinot Noir or Beaujolais can also complement the dish.
Iced Tea or Lemonade: For a non-alcoholic option, iced tea or lemonade are refreshing choices.

Desserts:

Fruit Crisp or Crumble: Apple crisp, peach crumble, or berry cobbler offer a warm and comforting dessert to follow the meal.
Chocolate Mousse or Pudding: A light and decadent chocolate dessert provides a satisfying sweet ending.
Ice Cream or Sorbet: Vanilla ice cream or a refreshing fruit sorbet are simple and classic dessert options.

Additional Tips for Perfect Creamy Garlic Chicken & Mash

Don’t Overcrowd the Pan: When searing the chicken, make sure not to overcrowd the skillet. Overcrowding will steam the chicken instead of searing it, resulting in less browning and flavor. Cook in batches if necessary.
Use Fresh Garlic: Freshly minced garlic is crucial for the best garlic flavor in the sauce. Jarred minced garlic can be used in a pinch, but the flavor won’t be as vibrant.
Season Generously: Don’t be afraid to season both the chicken and the mashed potatoes generously with salt and pepper. Proper seasoning is key to bringing out the flavors of the dish. Taste and adjust seasoning throughout the cooking process.
Keep the Mashed Potatoes Warm: Once the mashed potatoes are made, keep them warm while you prepare the chicken. You can keep them covered in a pot over very low heat or in a warm oven to prevent them from cooling down.
Adjust Sauce Thickness: If you prefer a thicker sauce, simmer it for a longer period to reduce it further. If the sauce becomes too thick, you can thin it out with a little extra chicken broth or milk.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: Can I make this recipe ahead of time?

A: While the dish is best served fresh, you can prepare components ahead of time. You can peel and cut the potatoes and store them in cold water in the refrigerator for a few hours. You can also make the mashed potatoes ahead of time and reheat them gently over low heat or in the microwave, adding a splash of milk or cream to loosen them up. The creamy garlic sauce can also be made a few hours ahead and gently reheated. However, it’s best to cook the chicken just before serving for optimal texture and flavor.

Q2: Can I use chicken thighs instead of chicken breasts?

A: Yes, you can definitely use boneless, skinless chicken thighs. Chicken thighs are generally more flavorful and stay moist better than chicken breasts. 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 165°F (74°C).

Q3: Can I make this recipe dairy-free?

A: It’s possible to adapt this recipe to be dairy-free, but the creamy texture will be slightly different. For the mashed potatoes, use a dairy-free milk alternative like oat milk or almond milk and dairy-free butter or olive oil. For the creamy sauce, you can try using full-fat coconut milk or cashew cream instead of heavy cream. Nutritional yeast can be used to add a cheesy flavor in place of Parmesan.

Q4: How do I store leftovers?

A: Store leftover Creamy Garlic Chicken & Mash in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Reheat gently in the microwave or in a skillet over low heat until heated through. You may need to add a splash of milk or broth when reheating the mashed potatoes to restore their creamy texture.

Q5: Can I add vegetables to this dish?

A: Absolutely! You can easily add vegetables to this dish. Consider adding sliced mushrooms, bell peppers, or spinach to the skillet when you sauté the garlic and shallots. You can also roast vegetables like broccoli, asparagus, or carrots and serve them alongside the chicken and mash. Adding vegetables will boost the nutritional value and add extra flavor and texture to the meal.

This Creamy Garlic Chicken & Mash recipe is truly a weeknight wonder. It’s comforting, flavorful, and relatively easy to make, making it perfect for busy families or anyone craving a delicious and satisfying meal. Give it a try, and I’m confident it will become a new favorite in your household too! Enjoy!