Name: Creamy Chicken and Potatoes
Prep time: 8 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 40 min
Ingredients: 2 pieces boneless, skinless chicken breasts; 4 medium Yukon gold or red potatoes (cut into roughly 1-inch pieces); 1 cup heavy cream (can swap for half-and-half for a lighter sauce); 1 cup low-sodium chicken broth; 2 cloves garlic, minced; 1 piece onion, chopped (yellow or sweet); 2 tablespoons olive oil; to taste salt and freshly ground black pepper; for garnish fresh parsley

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I’ve made this Creamy Chicken and Potatoes dozens of times when I needed an easy, comforting dinner that still felt a little special. It’s a one-skillet meal of browned chicken simmered with tender potatoes in a silky cream sauce — the kind of recipe you reach for on busy weeknights, rainy Sundays, or when you want something kid-friendly and satisfying without a mountain of dishes. If you enjoy simple skillet dinners, you might also like this roast chicken with creamy sauce, potatoes and asparagus for a slightly fancier take.

Why you’ll love this dish

This recipe hits several home-cooking sweet spots: it’s quick, uses few ingredients, and delivers bold comfort. The creamy sauce keeps the chicken moist while cooking the potatoes through, so you get tender, flavorful bites without juggling multiple pans. It’s also budget-friendly — pantry staples plus everyday produce — and easy to scale up for family meals or down for two.

“Weeknight magic: browned chicken, soft potatoes, and a silky cream sauce — all in one pan.” — a dinner-time convert

Why make it tonight? It’s perfect when you want an effortless meal that still impresses. Parents love it because kids usually accept mild, creamy sauces. If you’re meal prepping, leftovers reheat well and taste even better after a day.

Step-by-step overview

You’ll brown the chicken first to build flavor, then soften aromatics, add the potatoes and broth to cook through, and finish with heavy cream for a rich sauce. Expect about 35–40 minutes from start to table: 5–8 minutes prep, about 30 minutes cooking (simmer times included). This overview helps you work confidently:

Heat olive oil and sauté onion and garlic.
Brown seasoned chicken on both sides.
Add potatoes and chicken broth, cover and simmer until potatoes start to soften.
Stir in heavy cream, cook until sauce thickens and chicken is fully cooked.
Finish with fresh parsley and serve.

What you’ll need

2 chicken breasts (boneless, skinless)
4 medium potatoes (Yukon gold or red potatoes hold shape well)
1 cup heavy cream
1 cup chicken broth (low-sodium if possible)
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 onion, chopped (yellow or sweet)
2 tablespoons olive oil
Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
Fresh parsley for garnish

Notes and substitutions:

Swap heavy cream for half-and-half for a lighter sauce (sauce will be thinner).
Use bone-in chicken thighs if you prefer more flavor — increase simmer time until cooked through.
If you want a starch swap, try small baby potatoes or cut larger potatoes into uniform pieces so they cook evenly.

Step-by-step instructions

Pat the chicken breasts dry and season both sides with salt and pepper.
Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. When the oil shimmers, add the chopped onion and cook, stirring, until softened (about 3–4 minutes). Add the minced garlic and sauté for another 30 seconds until fragrant.
Push the aromatics to the side and add the chicken to the skillet. Cook until golden brown on the first side, about 4–5 minutes, then flip and brown the other side for another 3–4 minutes. Browning builds flavor — don’t skip it.
Add the potatoes (cut into roughly 1-inch pieces for even cooking) and pour in 1 cup of chicken broth. Bring to a gentle simmer, cover, and cook for about 15 minutes, or until the potatoes are starting to get tender.
Reduce the heat to low and pour in 1 cup of heavy cream. Stir to combine, cover, and simmer for another 8–10 minutes until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) and the potatoes are fork-tender. The sauce should thicken slightly; if it’s too thin, simmer uncovered for a few minutes.
Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper. Sprinkle chopped fresh parsley over the top and serve straight from the skillet.

Best ways to enjoy it

Serve spoonfuls of the chicken, potatoes, and cream sauce over a bed of steamed greens or beside a crisp salad for contrast. For texture and color, add a side of roasted Brussels sprouts or buttered green beans. If you want a comforting carb, crusty bread or warm dinner rolls are perfect for sopping up the sauce. For a playful pairing, try a small scoop of buttery mashed cauliflower for lower carbs.

If you’re feeding kids, plate the chicken and sauce over plain rice; the familiar texture helps them warm to the dish, and you might enjoy the rice-soaked sauce, too — similar comfort to this creamy chicken and rice soup in a skillet form.

Storage and reheating tips

Cool leftovers quickly and store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3–4 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop over low heat, stirring frequently; add a splash of milk or broth if the sauce has thickened too much. To freeze, place cooled portions in freezer-safe containers for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating. Always reheat to an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) for safety.

Helpful cooking tips

Cut potatoes uniformly so everything cooks at the same rate.
If chicken browns too quickly, lower the heat and finish cooking covered so the center reaches a safe temperature without burning the exterior.
For a silky finish, whisk the heavy cream briefly before adding and avoid high heat once it’s in the pan to prevent curdling.
Taste as you go — low-sodium broth can make seasoning tricky, so salt at the end if needed.
Want thicker sauce? Remove the chicken and reduce sauce over medium-high heat for a few minutes before returning the chicken to coat.
Try swapping the creamy base into other comforting dishes such as this creamy chicken mac and cheese if you have leftovers and want a quick transformation.

Creative twists

Dijon & herb: Stir 1–2 teaspoons Dijon mustard and a handful of thyme or tarragon into the cream for a tangy lift.
Mushroom add-in: Sauté sliced mushrooms with the onions for an earthy flavor.
Dairy-free: Use full-fat coconut milk and a splash of chicken broth; finish with a squeeze of lemon to brighten.
Spicy: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes when sautéing the garlic for a gentle kick.
Mediterranean: Fold in chopped sun-dried tomatoes and olives at the end, and top with crumbled feta.
For more ways to use creamy ricotta and chicken flavors in baked dishes, see this take on creamy ricotta spinach and chicken cannelloni.

Your questions answered

Q: Can I use frozen chicken breasts?
A: Yes, but thaw them completely before cooking so they brown properly and cook evenly. Starting with frozen chicken will cool the pan and prevent good browning.

Q: My sauce separated — how do I fix it?
A: Gently simmer the sauce over low heat while whisking. If separation persists, stir in a small knob of cold butter off the heat to emulsify, or whisk in a teaspoon of cornstarch dissolved in cold water and simmer briefly to bind.

Q: How long does this take from start to plate?
A: Plan for roughly 35–40 minutes total: 5–8 minutes prep, about 30 minutes cooking (including simmer times).

Q: Can I use bone-in chicken?
A: Yes. Bone-in pieces add flavor but need longer cooking (increase simmer time until internal temp is 165°F / 74°C). Keep an eye on the sauce so it doesn’t reduce too much.

Q: Is this recipe freezer-friendly?
A: Yes. Cool completely, portion, and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating gently.

Conclusion

This creamy skillet of chicken and potatoes is the kind of dependable weeknight dinner that still feels comforting and a little indulgent — great when you want minimal fuss and maximum satisfaction. For a mustard-forward variation with similar comforting vibes, try Chicken and Potatoes with Dijon Cream Sauce – Creme De La Crumb. If you’d like another one-pan, creamy chicken approach with different textures and seasonings, check out Creamy One Pan Chicken and Potatoes – Life As A Strawberry.