Rustic Chicken Stock Mashed Potatoes with Sour Cream and Chives

Introduction

There’s nothing quite as comforting as a bowl of homemade mashed potatoes — especially when they’re infused with the rich flavor of chicken stock and finished with tangy sour cream and fresh chives.

This rustic version keeps the potato skins on for extra texture and nutrients, giving each bite a hearty, farmhouse feel.

Simmering the potatoes in savory stock instead of plain water adds depth, while butter and sour cream make them irresistibly creamy.

A sprinkle of chives and a touch of optional garlic or nutmeg take these mashed potatoes from simple side dish to something you’ll crave all season long.

Perfect for family dinners, holiday gatherings, or whenever you need a taste of cozy comfort!

Ingredients:

2 pounds (about 900g) potatoes, washed thoroughly (Yukon Gold or Russets work well)

2 cups chicken stock (low sodium preferred)

1 cup water

3 tbsp unsalted butter

1/2 cup sour cream (adjust to taste)

1/4 cup whole milk or cream (optional, for creamier texture)

2 tbsp fresh chives, finely chopped

Salt and pepper, to taste

Optional add-ins: A pinch of nutmeg (especially if you want to echo that spinach tip) Garlic powder or roasted garlic for more depth.

Instructions:

Prep the Potatoes:

Wash the potatoes well but leave the skins on to add rustic texture and nutrients.

Cook the Potatoes:

Place the potatoes in a large pot. Pour in the chicken stock and water, making sure the potatoes are mostly covered.

Bring to a boil over high heat, then reduce to a simmer.

Cook until the potatoes are tender and can be easily pierced with a fork — about 15-20 minutes depending on size.

Drain & Mash:

Carefully drain the potatoes, reserving a little of the cooking liquid.

Return potatoes to the pot or a large bowl. Mash using a potato masher or hand mixer to your preferred consistency.

Add Butter and Dairy:

Stir in butter until melted and incorporated. Add sour cream and milk or cream (if using).

Mix well. If the mash feels too thick, add a splash of the reserved cooking liquid until you reach your desired texture.

Season and Flavor:

Add salt and pepper to taste. Stir in the chopped chives and any optional add-ins like nutmeg or garlic powder.

Serve:

Spoon into a serving dish. Garnish with extra chives or a pat of butter if you like.

How to Store

Refrigerate:
Let the mashed potatoes cool completely, then transfer them to an airtight container. Store in the refrigerator for up to 3–4 days.

Reheat:
Rewarm gently on the stovetop over low heat or in the microwave, adding a splash of milk, cream, or a bit of reserved chicken stock to loosen them up. Stir occasionally until heated through.

Freeze (Optional):
Mashed potatoes with sour cream generally freeze well, but the texture may change slightly.

To freeze, cool completely and pack in freezer-safe containers or resealable bags. Freeze for up to 1 month.

Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating and stir well to restore creaminess — adding a bit of butter or cream helps.

Variations and Tips

📌 Flavor Variations:

Garlic Lovers: Add a few cloves of peeled garlic to the pot while the potatoes cook, or mash in roasted garlic for a sweeter, mellow garlic flavor.

Cheesy Twist: Stir in a handful of shredded sharp cheddar, Parmesan, or cream cheese for extra richness.

Herb Swap: Try fresh parsley, dill, or green onions instead of chives — or mix and match for more herbal brightness.

Smoky Upgrade: A pinch of smoked paprika or crumbled crisp bacon makes these potatoes extra special.

📌 Pro Tips:

Cut Evenly: If your potatoes vary in size, cut them into similar-sized chunks for even cooking.

Don’t Overmix: For the fluffiest mashed potatoes, mash just until smooth — overmixing can make them gluey.

Keep Warm: To hold mashed potatoes warm for a meal, keep them in a heatproof bowl over a pot of gently simmering water. Cover with foil and stir occasionally.

Make Ahead: You can make these a day ahead and reheat gently with a splash of milk or stock to loosen them back up.

📌 Serving Ideas:

Delicious alongside roast chicken, beef, or holiday ham.

Top with an extra dollop of sour cream or sprinkle with extra chives for a pretty finish.

Nutritional Information (Approx. per serving)

Serving Size: ~1 cup (makes about 4–6 servings)

Calories: ~220–250 kcal

Protein: ~4–5 g

Carbohydrates: ~35–40 g

Fat: ~8–10 g

Saturated Fat: ~5–6 g

Fiber: ~3–4 g

Sugar: ~2 g