Mashed Potatoes With Crispy Chicken Cutlets

Name: Mashed Potatoes With Crispy Chicken Cutlets
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 45 min
Yield: 4 servings
Ingredients: 2 pounds of Russet potatoes; 1/2 cup of heavy cream; 1/4 cup of unsalted butter; Salt to taste; Pepper to taste; 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts; 1 cup of buttermilk; 1 cup of all-purpose flour; 1 cup of panko breadcrumbs; Salt and pepper to taste; Oil for frying

Highlighted under: Simple Comfort Plates

I absolutely love the cozy comfort of mashed potatoes paired with crispy chicken cutlets. Growing up, this dish was a staple at family dinners, and it still remains one of my favorites today. The creamy, buttery mashed potatoes complement the golden, crunchy cutlets perfectly, creating a delightful balance of textures and flavors on my plate. This recipe is not only satisfying, but it also brings back cherished memories of sharing meals with loved ones. It's the ultimate comfort food that never fails to brighten my day.

Created by

Paige Sullivan

Last updated on 2026-02-27T18:25:35.878Z

Making mashed potatoes with crispy chicken cutlets is a labor of love that yields incredible satisfaction. The key to achieving that perfect creamy consistency in the potatoes is to use starchy varieties like Russet or Yukon Gold. I always ensure that I mash them while still hot for the best texture. The inclusion of cream and butter takes it to the next level of decadence, ensuring every bite is a delight.

As for the chicken cutlets, using a panko breading gave me that irresistible crunch I craved. I marinated the chicken in buttermilk before breading, which not only enhances the flavor but keeps the meat juicy and tender. Pairing these with fresh herbs and a squeeze of lemon creates a bright contrast to the dish, making it a standout at any meal.

        Why You'll Love This Recipe
        Creamy, buttery mashed potatoes that melt in your mouth
Crispy chicken cutlets with a golden-brown crust
Perfect combination of textures for a delightful meal

      

The Importance of Proper Potato Selection

Using Russet potatoes for your mashed potatoes is crucial for achieving that fluffy, creamy texture that melts in your mouth. Their high starch content allows them to absorb butter and cream wonderfully, creating a rich consistency. Avoid waxy potatoes like red or new potatoes in this recipe, as they will yield a gummy texture that's undesirable for smooth mashed potatoes.

When peeling and dicing your Russet potatoes, aim for uniform chunks about one to two inches. This ensures they cook evenly. If any pieces seem particularly large, cut them in half to avoid undercooked potatoes. The goal is to boil them until they’re fork-tender, which typically takes around 20 minutes.

Perfecting Your Chicken Cutlets

The marination process using buttermilk is key to creating tender and flavorful chicken cutlets. If you're short on time, a quick 30 minutes will work, but marinating for a few hours or even overnight will deepen the flavor and improve the tenderness even more. Don’t skip this step, as it sets the foundation for juicy cutlets.

For breading, make sure to press the panko breadcrumbs firmly onto the chicken after dipping. This helps achieve that coveted crispy crust. If you don’t have panko on hand, you can use regular breadcrumbs, but the texture won't be as airy and crunchy. For an extra flavor pop, consider adding some grated Parmesan cheese or Italian seasoning to the panko.

Ingredients

For the Mashed Potatoes

2 pounds of Russet potatoes
1/2 cup of heavy cream
1/4 cup of unsalted butter
Salt to taste
Pepper to taste

For the Crispy Chicken Cutlets

4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
1 cup of buttermilk
1 cup of all-purpose flour
1 cup of panko breadcrumbs
Salt and pepper to taste
Oil for frying

Instructions

Prepare the Mashed Potatoes

Peel and dice the Russet potatoes into even chunks. Place them in a pot of salted water and bring to a boil. Cook until tender, about 20 minutes. Drain and return to the pot. Add heavy cream, butter, salt, and pepper. Mash until creamy; set aside.

Marinate the Chicken

In a bowl, soak the chicken breasts in buttermilk for at least 30 minutes. This will tenderize the meat and infuse flavor.

Bread the Chicken

In separate shallow dishes, place flour, salt, and pepper in one, and panko breadcrumbs in another. Dredge each chicken piece first in flour, then dip in buttermilk, and finally coat in panko.

Fry the Chicken Cutlets

Heat oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Once hot, fry the breaded chicken cutlets until golden brown and cooked through, about 5-7 minutes per side. Remove and drain on paper towels.

Serve

Plate the mashed potatoes and top with crispy chicken cutlets. Optionally, garnish with fresh herbs or a squeeze of lemon.

Pro Tips

For an extra twist, try adding roasted garlic or cheese to your mashed potatoes. They make the dish even more indulgent and flavorful.

Make-Ahead Tips

For busy weeknights, you can prepare the mashed potatoes in advance. After cooking, cool them to room temperature and store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to two days. Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave, adding a splash of heavy cream to restore creaminess.

Chicken cutlets can also be breaded ahead and frozen. Simply place the breaded pieces in a single layer on a baking sheet before freezing, then transfer them to a zip-top freezer bag. When ready to cook, no thawing is necessary—just fry them for a minute or two longer until they’re cooked through.

Serving Suggestions

While the classic pairing of mashed potatoes and chicken cutlets is comforting, consider adding a side of sautéed green beans or a simple salad for a fresh contrast. The crunch of vegetables will enhance your meal's texture and flavor diversity.

For a delightful twist, you can top the plated mashed potatoes with a drizzle of gravy or a sprinkle of fresh herbs like parsley or chives. This not only enhances visual appeal but also infuses extra layers of flavor that complement the rich potatoes and crispy chicken.

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I use skin-on potatoes for the mash?

Yes, using skin-on potatoes can add a rustic flavor and texture to your mashed potatoes.

→ What can I do with leftover chicken cutlets?

Leftover chicken cutlets can be used in sandwiches, salads, or reheated in the oven for a quick meal.

→ Is there a substitute for buttermilk?

You can make a quick substitute by mixing regular milk with a teaspoon of vinegar or lemon juice and letting it sit for 5 minutes.

→ How can I make the mashed potatoes dairy-free?

Replace the heavy cream with plant-based milk and the butter with a dairy-free alternative.