Mashed Potatoes With Garlic Butter Chicken
Highlighted under: Home Cooking Favorites
I love how this dish brings comfort food to a whole new level! The creamy mashed potatoes perfectly complement the flavorful garlic butter chicken, creating a delightful harmony of tastes. This recipe is super easy to prepare and makes for a fantastic family dinner or special occasion. Personally, I find that the key to achieving the smoothest mashed potatoes lies in using a potato ricer, which eliminates any lumps and gives them a restaurant-quality texture. Trust me, you won't be disappointed!
When I first made this recipe, I had no idea how much of a hit it would become in my home! The fragrance of garlic filling the kitchen while preparing the chicken sets the stage for something special. I usually let the butter infuse with garlic for a bit longer to elevate the flavor even more!
One tip I've learned along the way is to save the chicken drippings to flavor the mashed potatoes. It adds an incredible depth of flavor that takes this dish from simple comfort food to extraordinary. Every bite is a delicious experience!
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- A delightful twist on classic comfort food
- The garlic butter adds a rich, savory flavor
- Smooth, creamy mashed potatoes paired with juicy chicken
Perfecting Your Mashed Potatoes
Achieving the ideal texture for mashed potatoes often hinges on the method you use to mash them. A potato ricer is my go-to tool for this recipe; it creates a fluffy, silky consistency that just can't be matched with a traditional masher. If you don’t have one, you can still get good results by opting for a hand mixer on low speed, ensuring not to overbeat, which can result in gummy potatoes.
Be sure to use russet potatoes, as their starchy quality yields the best mashed potatoes. If you're in a pinch, Yukon gold potatoes could be a viable substitute since they’re creamy and flavorful. Just remember that you'll likely need slightly less milk than the recipe calls for, as Yukon golds have a more moist texture.
Enhancing Garlic Butter Chicken
The garlic butter adds a significant depth of flavor to the chicken, so choose fresh garlic for the best impact. When cooking, watch for the garlic to turn lightly golden; this indicates that it's releasing its aromatic oils. If it starts browning too quickly, lower the heat to prevent bitterness, which can alter the dish’s balance.
Boneless chicken thighs are perfect for this recipe as they remain tender and juicy. If you're looking for a leaner option, chicken breast can be used but may require a slightly shorter cooking time, around 5-6 minutes per side. Always check for an internal temperature of 165°F to ensure safety and juiciness.
Ingredients for Mashed Potatoes with Garlic Butter Chicken
Mashed Potatoes
- 2 pounds russet potatoes
- 1/2 cup whole milk
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter
- Salt, to taste
- Pepper, to taste
Garlic Butter Chicken
- 4 boneless chicken thighs
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon dried rosemary
- Salt, to taste
- Pepper, to taste
Instructions
Prepare the Potatoes
Peel and chop the russet potatoes into chunks. Place them in a large pot of salted water. Bring to a boil and cook until tender, about 15 minutes. Drain and set aside.
Make the Garlic Butter
In a skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and rosemary, cooking until fragrant, about 2 minutes. Season the chicken thighs with salt and pepper, then add them to the skillet. Cook until golden brown and cooked through, about 6-7 minutes each side. Remove the chicken and let rest.
Mash the Potatoes
In a large bowl, combine the cooked potatoes, milk, and butter. Use a potato ricer or masher to whip until smooth. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
Serve
Slice the chicken and serve it over a bed of creamy mashed potatoes. Drizzle the garlic butter over the top for extra flavor.
Pro Tips
- For even creamier mashed potatoes, you can use sour cream or cream cheese in place of some of the milk.
Storage Tips
Leftover mashed potatoes can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. To reheat, warm them gently on the stove with a splash of milk, stirring continuously to restore some of their original creaminess. Microwaving is also an option, but be cautious, as they can dry out quickly if overheated.
The garlic butter chicken can be refrigerated similarly and is best eaten within three days. Reheat it in a skillet to maintain its texture—microwaving could make it rubbery. Just add a touch of water or chicken broth to keep it moist as you warm it up.
Serving Suggestions
For a vibrant presentation, consider adding a side of steamed green vegetables like broccoli or green beans. Their brightness will complement the rich flavors of both the mashed potatoes and the garlic butter chicken. A sprinkle of fresh herbs like parsley or chives can also add a fresh touch that's as appealing to the eye as it is to the palate.
If you'd like to elevate this dish further, offer a light gravy or a drizzle of balsamic glaze over the chicken. This can enhance the flavor profile, adding a touch of acidity that balances the richness. You can also experiment with incorporating different herbs or spices in both the garlic butter and the mashed potatoes for a unique twist.
Questions About Recipes
→ Can I use other types of potatoes?
Yes! Yukon Gold potatoes also work well for mashed potatoes.
→ Is this recipe suitable for meal prepping?
Absolutely! Just store the chicken and mashed potatoes separately, and they're good for up to 3 days in the fridge.
→ Can I make this recipe dairy-free?
Yes! Use non-dairy milk and vegan butter for the mashed potatoes and chicken.
→ What can I serve as a side with this dish?
Steamed vegetables or a fresh salad pair wonderfully with this meal.
Mashed Potatoes With Garlic Butter Chicken
I love how this dish brings comfort food to a whole new level! The creamy mashed potatoes perfectly complement the flavorful garlic butter chicken, creating a delightful harmony of tastes. This recipe is super easy to prepare and makes for a fantastic family dinner or special occasion. Personally, I find that the key to achieving the smoothest mashed potatoes lies in using a potato ricer, which eliminates any lumps and gives them a restaurant-quality texture. Trust me, you won't be disappointed!
Created by: Elara Whitfield
Recipe Type: Home Cooking Favorites
Skill Level: Intermediate
Final Quantity: 4 servings
What You'll Need
Mashed Potatoes
- 2 pounds russet potatoes
- 1/2 cup whole milk
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter
- Salt, to taste
- Pepper, to taste
Garlic Butter Chicken
- 4 boneless chicken thighs
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon dried rosemary
- Salt, to taste
- Pepper, to taste
How-To Steps
Peel and chop the russet potatoes into chunks. Place them in a large pot of salted water. Bring to a boil and cook until tender, about 15 minutes. Drain and set aside.
In a skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and rosemary, cooking until fragrant, about 2 minutes. Season the chicken thighs with salt and pepper, then add them to the skillet. Cook until golden brown and cooked through, about 6-7 minutes each side. Remove the chicken and let rest.
In a large bowl, combine the cooked potatoes, milk, and butter. Use a potato ricer or masher to whip until smooth. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
Slice the chicken and serve it over a bed of creamy mashed potatoes. Drizzle the garlic butter over the top for extra flavor.
Extra Tips
- For even creamier mashed potatoes, you can use sour cream or cream cheese in place of some of the milk.
Nutritional Breakdown (Per Serving)
- Calories: 500 kcal
- Total Fat: 32g
- Saturated Fat: 15g
- Cholesterol: 200mg
- Sodium: 540mg
- Total Carbohydrates: 40g
- Dietary Fiber: 4g
- Sugars: 2g
- Protein: 25g