Cook the chicken:
Heat the olive oil or butter in a skillet over medium heat. Season both sides of the chicken breasts with garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, and pepper. Add the chicken to the skillet and cook for 6–7 minutes per side, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C). Once cooked, remove from the skillet and set aside to rest for 5 minutes. Garnish with fresh parsley, if desired.
Prepare the mashed potatoes:
While the chicken cooks, bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the peeled and chopped potatoes and cook for 15–20 minutes, or until tender when pierced with a fork. Drain the potatoes and return them to the pot.
Mash the potatoes:
Add butter and milk to the potatoes and mash with a potato masher until smooth and creamy. For an extra fluffy texture, you can use a hand mixer. Season with salt, pepper, and garlic powder (if desired). Adjust the consistency with more milk if needed.
Serve:
Divide the mashed potatoes between plates, top with the juicy chicken breasts, and garnish with fresh herbs or chives if you like. Serve immediately for a comforting, satisfying meal.