Mashed Potatoes With Garlic Butter Chicken

Name: Mashed Potatoes With Garlic Butter Chicken
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 45 min
Yield: 4 servings
Ingredients: 2 pounds of Yukon gold potatoes, peeled and cubed; 1/2 cup of unsalted butter; 1/2 cup of sour cream; Salt and pepper, to taste; 1/4 cup of milk; 4 chicken thighs, bone-in and skin-on; 4 tablespoons of unsalted butter; 4 cloves of garlic, minced; 1 teaspoon of fresh rosemary, chopped; Salt and pepper, to taste

Highlighted under: Cozy Comfort Meals Ideas

I absolutely love this recipe for mashed potatoes with garlic butter chicken. It's comfort food at its finest! Each time I make it, the creamy potatoes paired with the rich, garlicky chicken truly elevate my meal. The secret is in the garlic butter sauce, which infuses the chicken with flavor while making the mashed potatoes luxuriously smooth. When you're looking for a dish that warms the heart, this one never disappoints; it’s perfect for weekday dinners or special occasions alike!

Created by

Maribel Sutton

Last updated on 2026-02-27T12:38:38.621Z

When I first tried making garlic butter chicken to accompany mashed potatoes, I was amazed at how well the flavors complemented each other. The buttery garlic sauce not only makes the chicken juicy but also enhances the potatoes, creating a cohesive and delightful dish. I learned to use fresh garlic instead of powdered for a more vibrant flavor, making all the difference in taste.

After a few trials, I perfected the texture of the mashed potatoes, ensuring they’re creamy without being overly whipped. A bit of sour cream gives them a tangy twist that pairs beautifully with the garlic butter, impressing everyone at the table. This dish has quickly become a family favorite!

Why You Will Love This Recipe
Creamy mashed potatoes with a rich garlic butter flavor
Juicy chicken thighs that bring an irresistible aroma to the table
Perfect for a cozy dinner or a family gathering

Perfecting Your Mashed Potatoes

A crucial aspect of achieving the perfect mashed potatoes is selecting the right variety of potato. Yukon Gold potatoes are an excellent choice due to their creamy texture and buttery flavor. When boiling, make sure you cut them into evenly sized cubes to ensure they cook through uniformly. Additionally, starting them in cold salted water and bringing it to a boil helps them cook evenly and become nice and tender. This step is fundamental for achieving a smooth mash.

When it comes to mashing, I prefer using a potato masher for a rustic feel, although a ricer yields a fluffier consistency. Try to mash them while they’re still warm for the best results—this allows for better absorption of butter and milk. Avoid over-mashing, as this can lead to gummy potatoes. Instead, aim for a smooth yet slightly textured finish for that homemade comfort feel that pairs beautifully with the garlic butter chicken.

Mastering the Garlic Butter Chicken

For the garlic butter chicken, using bone-in, skin-on thighs enhances the dish’s overall moisture and flavor. The skin crisps up beautifully while the meat inside remains juicy—make sure to sear the chicken skin-side down initially. You’re looking for a deep golden color, which typically requires about 6-7 minutes over medium heat. This step not only adds flavor but also creates a delightful crust that contributes to the dish's richness.

Adding the minced garlic just a few minutes before the chicken is done cooking allows the garlic to infuse without burning, which can cause bitterness. Be aware that garlic cooks quickly; keep an eye on it to avoid darkening it too much. You can also deglaze the skillet with a splash of chicken broth or white wine after removing the chicken to create a quick sauce that enhances the dish's flavor profile while infusing the fond left in the pan.

Ingredients

For the Mashed Potatoes

2 pounds of Yukon gold potatoes, peeled and cubed
1/2 cup of unsalted butter
1/2 cup of sour cream
Salt and pepper, to taste
1/4 cup of milk

For the Garlic Butter Chicken

4 chicken thighs, bone-in and skin-on
4 tablespoons of unsalted butter
4 cloves of garlic, minced
1 teaspoon of fresh rosemary, chopped
Salt and pepper, to taste

Instructions

Cooking Instructions

Prepare the Mashed Potatoes

In a large pot, bring salted water to a boil. Add the cubed potatoes and cook until tender, about 15 minutes. Drain and return to the pot.

Mash the Potatoes

Add the butter, sour cream, milk, salt, and pepper to the potatoes. Mash until smooth and creamy. Set aside.

Cook the Chicken

In a skillet, melt butter over medium heat. Season chicken thighs with salt, pepper, and rosemary. Place skin-side down in the skillet and cook for 6-7 minutes until browned. Flip and cook the other side for an additional 6-7 minutes.

Add Garlic

Add minced garlic to the skillet with the chicken during the last couple of minutes of cooking, allowing the flavor to infuse.

Serve

Serve the garlic butter chicken over a generous portion of creamy mashed potatoes. Drizzle the garlic butter from the pan over the dish for added flavor.

Enjoy Your Meal!

Pro Tips

For added flavor, consider roasting the garlic before adding it to the chicken. This will bring out its sweetness and depth.

Make-Ahead and Storage Tips

This dish is fantastic for meal prepping! You can prepare your mashed potatoes ahead of time. Simply store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. When reheating, add a splash of milk and give them a good stir to regain that creamy texture. For the chicken, you can marinate it with the garlic and rosemary a day in advance, allowing the flavors to meld beautifully before cooking.

If you're planning to freeze the mashed potatoes, ensure they are fully cooled before transfer to a freezer-friendly container. They can last up to two months in the freezer. When you're ready to enjoy them again, thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating. Reheat on the stove over low heat, stirring frequently, and adding a bit more milk if needed to restore creaminess.

Variations and Creative Additions

This dish can easily be customized to suit your flavor preferences. If you enjoy a bit of heat, consider adding red pepper flakes to the garlic butter for an extra kick. Alternatively, swapping out the rosemary for thyme or oregano can change the profile beautifully, giving it a fresh twist. For the mashed potatoes, try incorporating garlic or shallots when boiling for an elevated flavor base.

For a lighter version, you can substitute Greek yogurt for sour cream or use low-fat milk instead of whole milk. You could even experiment with cauliflower mash in place of traditional potatoes for a low-carb alternative that still delivers on texture when prepared correctly. Don't hesitate to mix in roasted garlic for a deeper garlic flavor in your potatoes!

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I use chicken breast instead of thighs?

Yes, but be aware that chicken breasts can dry out more quickly. Adjust the cooking time as necessary.

→ Can I make the mashed potatoes ahead of time?

Definitely! You can prepare them a few hours in advance and keep them warm in a covered dish.

→ What can I substitute for sour cream?

Greek yogurt works well as a substitute for a similar tangy flavor and creamy texture.

→ Is there a vegetarian option for this dish?

You can replace the chicken with sautéed mushrooms and use vegetable broth instead of water for the mashed potatoes.