Chicken and Gravy Mashed Potatoes: The Ultimate Comfort Food Recipe

Chicken and gravy mashed potatoes: the ultimate comfort food trifecta! Imagine sinking your fork into a fluffy cloud of mashed potatoes, generously smothered in savory, rich gravy, and topped with tender, juicy pieces of chicken. Is your mouth watering yet? Mine certainly is! This isn’t just a meal; it’s a warm hug on a plate, perfect for chilly evenings or whenever you need a little bit of soul-soothing goodness.

While the exact origins of combining these three elements are somewhat hazy, each component boasts a rich history. Mashed potatoes, a humble yet versatile dish, have been a staple in European cuisine for centuries. Gravy, in its various forms, has been used to enhance flavors since medieval times. And chicken, well, it’s a universally loved protein! Bringing them together in this harmonious way feels like a natural evolution of comfort food.

People adore chicken and gravy mashed potatoes for so many reasons. The creamy texture of the potatoes, the savory depth of the gravy, and the satisfying protein of the chicken create a symphony of flavors and textures that is simply irresistible. It’s also incredibly convenient! This recipe is relatively easy to prepare, making it a perfect weeknight dinner option. Plus, it’s a fantastic way to use leftover roasted chicken, transforming it into a brand new, exciting meal. Get ready to experience pure culinary bliss!

this RECIPE

Ingredients:

• For the Chicken:
• 2 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
• 1/2 teaspoon paprika
• 1/4 teaspoon dried thyme
• 1/4 teaspoon dried rosemary
• For the Gravy:
• 4 tablespoons butter
• 4 tablespoons all-purpose flour
• 4 cups chicken broth
• 1/2 cup heavy cream
• 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
• 1/2 teaspoon salt (or to taste)
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper (or to taste)
• 1/4 teaspoon onion powder
• 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
• Optional: 1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley, for garnish
• For the Mashed Potatoes:
• 3 lbs Yukon Gold potatoes, peeled and quartered
• 1 cup milk
• 1/2 cup butter, softened
• 1/2 teaspoon salt (or to taste)
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper (or to taste)

Preparing the Chicken:

1. First, let’s get our chicken ready. Pat the chicken breasts dry with paper towels. This helps them brown nicely.
2. In a small bowl, combine the salt, pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, thyme, and rosemary. This is our spice rub that will give the chicken a fantastic flavor.
3. Sprinkle the spice rub evenly over both sides of the chicken breasts, making sure each piece is well coated. Don’t be shy with the spices!

Cooking the Chicken:

1. Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. You want the skillet to be nice and hot before adding the chicken.
2. Carefully place the seasoned chicken breasts in the hot skillet. Make sure not to overcrowd the pan; you might need to cook the chicken in batches.
3. Sear the chicken for about 5-7 minutes per side, or until it’s golden brown and cooked through. The internal temperature should reach 165°F (74°C). Use a meat thermometer to be sure!
4. Once the chicken is cooked, remove it from the skillet and set it aside to rest on a cutting board. This allows the juices to redistribute, resulting in more tender chicken.
5. While the chicken is resting, cover it loosely with foil to keep it warm.
6. After about 5-10 minutes of resting, slice the chicken breasts into bite-sized pieces or shred them with two forks. I prefer slicing, but shredding works great too!

Making the Gravy:

1. Now, for the gravy! In the same skillet you used to cook the chicken (don’t clean it!), melt the butter over medium heat. All those browned bits from the chicken will add amazing flavor to the gravy.
2. Once the butter is melted, whisk in the flour until it forms a smooth paste. This is called a roux, and it’s the base of our gravy.
3. Cook the roux for about 1-2 minutes, stirring constantly, until it turns a light golden brown color. This helps to get rid of the raw flour taste.
4. Slowly pour in the chicken broth, whisking constantly to prevent lumps from forming. Keep whisking until the gravy is smooth and creamy.
5. Bring the gravy to a simmer, then reduce the heat to low and let it simmer for about 5-7 minutes, or until it has thickened to your desired consistency. Stir occasionally to prevent it from sticking to the bottom of the pan.
6. Stir in the heavy cream, Worcestershire sauce, salt, pepper, onion powder, and garlic powder. Taste and adjust the seasonings as needed. I sometimes add a pinch of red pepper flakes for a little kick!
7. If you want a smoother gravy, you can strain it through a fine-mesh sieve. This is optional, but it will remove any small lumps.
8. Stir in the sliced or shredded chicken into the gravy and heat through.
9. If using, stir in the chopped fresh parsley for garnish.

Preparing the Mashed Potatoes:

1. Let’s move on to the mashed potatoes. Place the peeled and quartered potatoes in a large pot and cover them with cold water. Add a pinch of salt to the water.
2. Bring the water to a boil over high heat, then reduce the heat to medium and let the potatoes simmer for about 15-20 minutes, or until they are fork-tender. You should be able to easily pierce them with a fork.
3. Drain the potatoes in a colander and return them to the pot.
4. Use a potato masher or an electric mixer to mash the potatoes until they are smooth. Be careful not to overmix them, as this can make them gluey.
5. Heat the milk in a separate saucepan or in the microwave until it’s warm.
6. Gradually add the warm milk and softened butter to the mashed potatoes, mixing until they are creamy and well combined.
7. Season with salt and pepper to taste. You can also add other seasonings, such as garlic powder, onion powder, or chives.
8. Taste and adjust the seasonings as needed.

Assembling the Dish:

1. Now for the best part – assembling our Chicken and Gravy Mashed Potatoes!
2. Spoon a generous portion of mashed potatoes onto each plate.
3. Top the mashed potatoes with the creamy chicken gravy.
4. Garnish with a sprinkle of fresh parsley, if desired.
5. Serve immediately and enjoy! This dish is best served hot.

Tips and Variations:

• Chicken: You can use chicken thighs instead of chicken breasts for a richer flavor. Just make sure to cook them until they reach an internal temperature of 175°F (79°C).
• Gravy: For a thicker gravy, you can add a cornstarch slurry (1 tablespoon cornstarch mixed with 2 tablespoons cold water) to the gravy while it’s simmering.
• Mashed Potatoes: You can use different types of potatoes, such as Russet potatoes or red potatoes. Just adjust the cooking time accordingly. For extra creamy mashed potatoes, try adding a dollop of sour cream or cream cheese.
• Vegetables: Add some steamed or roasted vegetables, such as broccoli, green beans, or carrots, to make it a complete meal.
• Spices: Feel free to experiment with different spices and herbs to customize the flavor of the chicken and gravy. Some other options include smoked paprika, chili powder, or Italian seasoning.
• Make Ahead: You can make the mashed potatoes and gravy ahead of time and reheat them when you’re ready to serve. Store them in separate containers in the refrigerator.
• Leftovers: Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat them in the microwave or on the stovetop.

Serving Suggestions:

• Serve with a side salad or steamed vegetables.
• Top with a sprinkle of fresh herbs, such as parsley or chives.
• Add a dollop of sour cream or Greek yogurt.
• Serve with a side of crusty bread for dipping in the gravy.

Nutritional Information (approximate):

• Calories: 600-800 per serving (depending on portion size and ingredients)
• Protein: 40-50g
• Fat: 30-40g
• Carbohydrates: 50-60g

Conclusion:

This isn’t just another recipe; it’s a warm hug on a plate, a comforting classic elevated to something truly special. The creamy, dreamy mashed potatoes, the savory, rich gravy, and the tender, juicy chicken all come together in perfect harmony. It’s a dish that satisfies on so many levels, and I truly believe it’s a must-try for anyone looking for a soul-satisfying meal. This chicken and gravy mashed potatoes recipe is guaranteed to become a family favorite!

But what makes this recipe a real winner? It’s the simplicity combined with the incredible depth of flavor. We’re not talking about complicated techniques or hard-to-find ingredients. This is about taking familiar components and transforming them into something extraordinary. The gravy, with its blend of herbs and perfectly browned chicken drippings, is the star of the show, coating every morsel of potato and chicken with its lusciousness. And the chicken? Fall-off-the-bone tender and bursting with flavor. It’s a symphony of textures and tastes that will leave you wanting more.

Now, let’s talk about serving suggestions and variations. While this dish is fantastic on its own, there are plenty of ways to customize it to your liking. For a heartier meal, consider adding some roasted vegetables like carrots, parsnips, or Brussels sprouts alongside. A simple green salad with a light vinaigrette would also be a wonderful complement, adding a touch of freshness to balance the richness of the dish.

Feeling adventurous? Try adding a dollop of sour cream or Greek yogurt to the mashed potatoes for an extra tangy twist. A sprinkle of fresh chives or parsley will add a pop of color and a burst of herbaceous flavor. And if you’re a fan of spice, a pinch of red pepper flakes in the gravy will give it a delightful kick.

For variations, you could easily swap out the chicken for turkey or even pork. A vegetarian version could be made using hearty mushrooms in place of the chicken, creating a rich and savory gravy that’s just as satisfying. You could also experiment with different types of potatoes, such as Yukon Gold or red potatoes, to change the texture and flavor of the mashed potatoes. Sweet potatoes would also be a delicious and unexpected twist!

Don’t be afraid to get creative and make this recipe your own. That’s the beauty of cooking – it’s all about experimenting and finding what you love. I encourage you to try this chicken and gravy mashed potatoes recipe as soon as possible. I promise you won’t be disappointed. It’s the perfect dish for a cozy night in, a family gathering, or any occasion that calls for comfort food at its finest.

Once you’ve tried it, I would absolutely love to hear about your experience! Share your photos, your variations, and your thoughts in the comments below. Did you add any special ingredients? Did you make any substitutions? What did your family think? Your feedback is invaluable and helps me to continue creating recipes that you’ll love. So go ahead, give this recipe a try, and let’s create some delicious memories together! Happy cooking!