If you are craving a comforting, soul-satisfying meal, this Fried Chicken with Creamy Mashed Potatoes Recipe is your next kitchen adventure. It pairs crispy, perfectly seasoned fried chicken breasts with luxuriously smooth mashed potatoes that melt in your mouth. Every bite brings together the nostalgic flavors of home-cooked goodness, highlighted by a marinade that tenderizes the chicken and a well-balanced blend of spices that create a golden crust. This dish is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser that transforms simple ingredients into a feast bursting with warmth and flavor.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Getting the ingredients right is key to making this Fried Chicken with Creamy Mashed Potatoes Recipe shine. Each component plays a vital role, from the buttermilk that tenderizes the chicken to the perfect russet potatoes delivering that creamy texture we all love.
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts: These are the star protein, ideal for even cooking and great for absorbing flavors.
- 1 ½ cups vegetable oil: Perfect for shallow frying, ensuring a crisp and golden crust.
- 2 cups buttermilk: Adds tanginess and tenderizes the chicken beautifully during marination.
- 2 large eggs, whisked: Helps the breading adhere perfectly to the chicken.
- 3 teaspoons salt: Enhances all the flavors without overwhelming the palate.
- 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour: The base for a crunchy, golden coating.
- ½ cup breadcrumbs: Adds extra crunch and texture to the chicken crust, whether plain or Italian style.
- 2 ½ teaspoons seasoned salt: Infuses the breading with a zesty, savory kick.
- ¾ teaspoon paprika: Provides a smoky undertone and rich color.
- ½ teaspoon cayenne pepper: Just enough heat to wake up your taste buds.
- 1 ½ teaspoons black pepper: Grounds the flavors with a mild spice and aroma.
- 2 pounds russet potatoes, peeled and cubed: The best choice for fluffy, creamy mashed potatoes.
- ½ cup whole milk: Gives the mashed potatoes a smooth, silky finish.
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter: Provides richness and depth of flavor in the potatoes.
- Salt and pepper to taste: Final seasoning touches to bring everything together harmoniously.
How to Make Fried Chicken with Creamy Mashed Potatoes Recipe
Step 1: Marinate the Chicken
Start by pounding the chicken breasts to about half an inch thick; this ensures even cooking and a juicy bite. Whisk together buttermilk, eggs, and salt in a large bowl to create the marinade. Submerge the chicken completely, cover, and refrigerate for at least 1 to 2 hours or even overnight if time allows. This step is crucial—it tenderizes the chicken and infuses flavor deep inside.
Step 2: Prepare the Breading
While the chicken marinates, mix the flour, breadcrumbs, seasoned salt, paprika, cayenne pepper, and black pepper in a shallow dish. This combination creates the crispy, flavorful crust that’s signature to an unforgettable fried chicken experience. The seasoning balance ensures each bite is bursting with just the right amount of spice and savoriness.
Step 3: Bread the Chicken
Remove the chicken breasts from the marinade one by one, letting excess drip off, then thoroughly coat each piece in the breading mixture. Press the mixture onto the chicken to adhere evenly, which guarantees that perfect crispy shell after frying. Don’t rush this step — the better the coating sticks, the crunchier and tastier your fried chicken will be.
Step 4: Fry the Chicken
Heat the vegetable oil in a skillet to about 350°F (175°C), the ideal temperature for frying so the crust crisps without absorbing too much oil. Fry the chicken breasts for 4 to 5 minutes per side until they reach a gorgeous golden brown and are cooked through internally. Use a wire rack to drain excess oil, keeping the coating crisp and light.
Step 5: Make the Mashed Potatoes
While the chicken fries, boil the peeled, cubed potatoes in salted water for roughly 15 minutes until tender. Drain well, then return them to the pot for mashing. Add whole milk, butter, and salt and pepper to taste. Mash everything together until silky smooth and creamy, balancing richness with just the right seasoning to complement the fried chicken.
How to Serve Fried Chicken with Creamy Mashed Potatoes Recipe
Garnishes
Simple garnishes like freshly chopped parsley or chives can add a subtle freshness and pop of color to your plate. A squeeze of lemon over the fried chicken can brighten the flavors beautifully without overpowering the savory notes.
Side Dishes
This dish shines on its own, but adding green beans tossed with garlic and olive oil or a crisp garden salad provides a vibrant contrast to the richness. Cornbread or soft dinner rolls make excellent accompaniments to soak up any leftover buttery mashed potatoes or chicken juices.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, serve the fried chicken sliced atop a bowl of creamy mashed potatoes with a drizzle of homemade gravy. Alternatively, arrange the chicken breasts fan-style with a scoop of mash in the center, adorned with colorful vegetable ribbons or roasted carrots for an elegant family dinner presentation.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Place any leftover fried chicken and mashed potatoes in airtight containers and refrigerate. They will keep well for up to 3 days, making it a great option for easy next-day meals.
Freezing
You can freeze the fried chicken and mashed potatoes separately. Wrap the chicken tightly in foil or freezer paper to retain crispness as much as possible, and store the mashed potatoes in freezer-safe containers. Properly stored, each can last up to 2 months in the freezer.
Reheating
Reheat the chicken in a hot oven or air fryer to restore its crispy texture, and warm the mashed potatoes gently on the stovetop or microwave with a splash of milk to keep them creamy and smooth.
FAQs
Can I use bone-in chicken instead of boneless?
Absolutely! Bone-in chicken can add extra flavor, but cook times will be longer to ensure the inside is fully cooked. Adjust accordingly and monitor internal temperature for safety.
What if I don’t have buttermilk for the marinade?
A simple substitute is to mix 2 cups of milk with 2 tablespoons of lemon juice or white vinegar. Let it sit for 5 minutes before using; it’s an easy way to replicate that tangy tenderizing effect.
How do I make the mashed potatoes extra creamy?
Using russet potatoes is key, along with warming your milk and butter before adding them. Mashing while the potatoes are very hot helps achieve smooth, luscious mashed potatoes.
Is it possible to bake the chicken instead of frying?
Yes, you can bake the breaded chicken in a preheated oven at 400°F for about 25-30 minutes, flipping halfway through. While it won’t be as crispy, it’s a healthier alternative that still tastes fantastic.
Can I prepare this recipe for a large group?
Definitely! Just multiply the ingredients as needed. For bigger batches, frying in batches or using multiple skillets helps maintain the perfect oil temperature for crispiness.
Final Thoughts
There is something truly magical about this Fried Chicken with Creamy Mashed Potatoes Recipe that brings comfort and joy to any meal. It’s a blend of crispy, flavorful chicken and smooth, buttery potatoes that feels just like a warm hug on a plate. I encourage you to try making this classic dish—it’s easier than you think and sure to become a favorite in your home.
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Fried Chicken with Creamy Mashed Potatoes Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: American
Description
Crispy fried chicken breasts paired with creamy, buttery mashed potatoes make a classic, comforting meal that’s perfect for any day of the week. The chicken is marinated in a flavorful buttermilk and egg mixture, coated in a seasoned breadcrumb and flour blend, then fried to golden perfection. Served alongside smooth mashed potatoes enriched with whole milk and butter, this dish balances crunchy and creamy textures for a satisfying experience.
Ingredients
For the Fried Chicken
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 ½ cups vegetable oil (for frying)
- 2 cups buttermilk
- 2 large eggs, whisked
- 3 teaspoons salt (for marinade)
- 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- ½ cup breadcrumbs (plain or Italian)
- 2 ½ teaspoons seasoned salt
- ¾ teaspoon paprika
- ½ teaspoon cayenne pepper
- 1 ½ teaspoons black pepper
For the Mashed Potatoes
- 2 pounds russet potatoes, peeled and cubed
- ½ cup whole milk
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Marinate the Chicken: Pound the chicken breasts to about ½ inch thickness to ensure even cooking and tenderness. In a large bowl, whisk together buttermilk, eggs, and 3 teaspoons of salt until well combined. Submerge the chicken breasts in this marinade, cover the bowl, and refrigerate for 1 to 2 hours or overnight to allow flavors to penetrate and tenderize the meat.
- Prepare the Breading: In a shallow dish, mix together the all-purpose flour, breadcrumbs, seasoned salt, paprika, cayenne pepper, and black pepper. This blend adds a flavorful and crispy coating to the chicken when fried.
- Bread the Chicken: Remove the marinated chicken breasts from the buttermilk mixture, letting excess drip off. Thoroughly coat each piece in the breading mixture, pressing gently to adhere for a crunchy crust.
- Fry the Chicken: Heat vegetable oil in a heavy skillet over medium-high heat until it reaches 350°F (175°C). Carefully place the breaded chicken breasts in the hot oil and fry for 4 to 5 minutes on each side until they are golden brown and cooked through. Transfer the fried chicken to a wire rack to drain excess oil.
- Make the Mashed Potatoes: While frying the chicken, bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the peeled and cubed russet potatoes and cook for about 15 minutes or until tender when pierced with a fork. Drain the potatoes and return them to the pot. Mash the potatoes until smooth, then stir in whole milk, unsalted butter, and salt and pepper to taste until creamy and well combined.
Notes
- Pounding the chicken breasts to an even thickness ensures they cook evenly and remain juicy.
- Marinating the chicken overnight will maximize tenderness and flavor.
- Use a thermometer to maintain the oil temperature at 350°F for perfectly crispy fried chicken.
- Russet potatoes are ideal for mashing due to their high starch content.
- Drain fried chicken on a wire rack instead of paper towels to retain crispiness.
