If you’re craving comforting, hearty food that feels like a warm hug on a plate, this Chicken and Garlic Gravy with Cheesy Mashed Potatoes Recipe is exactly what you need. Juicy chicken simmered in a rich, flavorful garlic gravy pairs perfectly with creamy, cheesy mashed potatoes to create a dish that’s both satisfying and bursting with flavor. This recipe is straightforward, uses simple ingredients, and delivers big on taste, making it your soon-to-be favorite weeknight dinner or special gathering staple.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Each ingredient in this recipe plays a key role in building layers of flavor and texture. From the tender chicken to the creamy, cheesy potatoes, these simple essentials come together to make something truly special.
- Chicken (thighs or breasts): Choose your favorite cut; thighs offer more juiciness, breasts cook faster but stay tender when not overcooked.
- Olive oil: For browning the chicken and sautéing the aromatics, adding subtle richness without overpowering.
- Garlic (minced): The star of the gravy, bringing that warm, savory punch that elevates the sauce.
- Small onion: Adds sweetness and depth when sautéed alongside the garlic.
- All-purpose flour: Creates the roux that thickens the garlic gravy into a luscious, silky sauce.
- Chicken broth: The flavorful base for the gravy, making it hearty without being too heavy.
- Heavy cream: For a touch of richness and a velvety texture in the gravy.
- Salt and pepper: Essential for seasoning both the chicken and the potato mash, balancing all flavors perfectly.
- Large potatoes (peeled and chopped): These form the creamy base of the cheesy mashed potatoes, fluffy and smooth.
- Shredded cheddar cheese: Adds a sharp, gooey punch to the mashed potatoes, making them irresistible.
- Milk: Helps create a silky mashed potato texture without thinning out the flavor.
- Butter: Vital for richness and smoothing out the potatoes, and also for layering flavor.
How to Make Chicken and Garlic Gravy with Cheesy Mashed Potatoes Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Cheesy Mashed Potatoes
Start by boiling your peeled and chopped potatoes in salted water until they’re perfectly tender, about 15 minutes. This is the foundation of your cheesy mashed potatoes, so don’t rush this step. Once soft, drain the potatoes and mash them with butter, milk, and shredded cheddar cheese for that creamy, cheesy goodness. Keep them warm until serving — their rich texture is absolutely dreamy alongside the chicken.
Step 2: Cook the Chicken
While the potatoes are boiling, heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Season your chicken thighs or breasts with salt and pepper, then cook them in the hot oil until each side is beautifully browned and cooked through, around 6 to 7 minutes per side depending on thickness. This caramelization adds incredible flavor. Once cooked, remove the chicken from the skillet and keep it warm — you’ll bring it back in later to soak up all the garlic gravy.
Step 3: Create the Garlic Gravy Base
In the same skillet, toss in your finely chopped onion and minced garlic. Sauté them until fragrant and translucent, filling your kitchen with an irresistible aroma. This is the flavor foundation for your gravy.
Step 4: Make the Roux
Sprinkle all-purpose flour over the onions and garlic, stirring constantly for 1 to 2 minutes. This step forms the roux, which will thicken your gravy, giving it that perfect silky consistency without any lumps.
Step 5: Add Broth and Cream
Gradually whisk in the chicken broth and heavy cream, stirring constantly as the mixture warms and thickens. You’ll notice the gravy transform into a luscious sauce that clings beautifully to the chicken. Season it with salt and pepper to taste.
Step 6: Coat the Chicken in Garlic Gravy
Return the cooked chicken breasts or thighs to the skillet, nestling them into the rich garlic gravy. Heat everything together for 2 to 3 minutes to ensure the chicken absorbs those incredible flavors and stays piping hot.
Step 7: Serve It All Up
It’s time to bring it all together. Spoon generous helpings of the cheesy mashed potatoes onto plates, then top with the garlic gravy-coated chicken. The combination of creamy, cheesy potatoes with the garlicky sauce and tender chicken is simply irresistible.
How to Serve Chicken and Garlic Gravy with Cheesy Mashed Potatoes Recipe
Garnishes
A sprinkle of freshly chopped parsley or chives on top of the chicken and mashed potatoes adds a pop of vibrant color and a fresh, mild onion flavor that complements the dish perfectly. For a little extra zing, a light dusting of smoked paprika can add warmth and a subtle smoky finish.
Side Dishes
While this recipe is quite filling on its own, pairing it with a simple side of steamed green beans or a crisp mixed greens salad provides a refreshing contrast. Roasted vegetables like carrots or Brussels sprouts also pair brilliantly, adding texture and additional depth to the meal.
Creative Ways to Present
For a dinner party, serve this dish in shallow bowls to keep the gravy pooled around the chicken and potatoes elegantly. Or plate the mashed potatoes first, then carefully place the chicken on top, drizzling with extra gravy for a rustic yet refined presentation. Mini ramekins with a touch of parmesan on top of the potatoes could turn this into a refined side station.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store any leftover chicken and garlic gravy with cheesy mashed potatoes in airtight containers in the refrigerator. It’s best to keep the chicken and mashed potatoes together because their flavors meld beautifully even after chilling, but keep extra gravy separate if you want to control portions and reheating texture.
Freezing
This dish freezes well, especially the chicken and garlic gravy. Freeze in individual portions for easy future meals. Be sure to cool everything completely before freezing to maintain the best texture for both the potatoes and the chicken gravy.
Reheating
To reheat, gently warm the chicken and gravy on the stove over low heat, stirring occasionally to keep the sauce smooth. Reheat the mashed potatoes separately in the microwave or stovetop, adding a splash of milk or butter to bring back their creamy texture. Avoid overheating to prevent drying out.
FAQs
Can I use chicken breasts instead of thighs?
Absolutely! Chicken breasts work perfectly and cook a bit faster. Just be careful not to overcook them so they stay juicy and tender.
Can I make this recipe dairy-free?
Yes, you can substitute the butter and milk in the mashed potatoes with non-dairy alternatives like vegan margarine and almond or oat milk. Use coconut cream or a non-dairy cream alternative in the gravy for richness.
How can I make the gravy thicker?
If your gravy isn’t thick enough, let it simmer a little longer or add a bit more flour during the roux stage next time. Be sure to whisk constantly to prevent lumps and get that perfect smoothness.
What type of cheese is best for the mashed potatoes?
Sharp cheddar is the classic choice for its flavor and melting quality, but feel free to experiment with mozzarella, gouda, or even a cheese blend for different flavor profiles.
Is this recipe freezer-friendly?
Yes, both the chicken with garlic gravy and the cheesy mashed potatoes freeze well. Just store in separate containers if possible and thaw in the refrigerator before reheating gently.
Final Thoughts
There’s something so special about a homemade meal that’s both simple and spectacular — the kind that makes you want to call a friend and share the recipe right away. The Chicken and Garlic Gravy with Cheesy Mashed Potatoes Recipe is one of those gems. It’s easy to make, comfort-filled, and endlessly satisfying. Give it a try and see how this classic comfort food can brighten your dinner table any night of the week!
Print
Chicken and Garlic Gravy with Cheesy Mashed Potatoes Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Description
A comforting and flavorful dish featuring tender chicken thighs or breasts cooked in a creamy garlic gravy, served alongside rich and cheesy mashed potatoes. This recipe combines the savory taste of garlic and onion gravy with the creamy texture of cheddar-infused mashed potatoes, perfect for a satisfying family meal.
Ingredients
Chicken and Gravy
- 4 chicken thighs or breasts
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 2 cups chicken broth
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- Salt and pepper to taste
Cheesy Mashed Potatoes
- 4 large potatoes, peeled and chopped
- 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/4 cup milk
- 2 tablespoons butter
Instructions
- Boil Potatoes: Boil the peeled and chopped potatoes in salted water until tender, approximately 15 minutes. Drain the water once cooked.
- Mash Potatoes: Mash the drained potatoes with butter, milk, and shredded cheddar cheese until smooth and creamy. Set aside and keep warm.
- Cook Chicken: Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Season the chicken with salt and pepper, then cook each side for 6-7 minutes until browned and fully cooked. Remove the chicken from the skillet and keep warm.
- Sauté Onion and Garlic: In the same skillet, add chopped onion and minced garlic. Sauté until they become fragrant and translucent, about 3-4 minutes.
- Make Roux: Sprinkle the all-purpose flour over the onions and garlic. Cook, stirring constantly, for 1-2 minutes to form a roux without browning the flour.
- Add Liquids: Gradually whisk in the chicken broth and heavy cream, continuing to cook until the gravy thickens, about 3-5 minutes.
- Combine Chicken and Gravy: Return the cooked chicken to the skillet, coat it with the garlic gravy, and heat through for 2-3 minutes to meld the flavors.
- Serve: Plate the cheesy mashed potatoes and top with chicken and garlic gravy immediately for best taste.
Notes
- Use chicken thighs for juicier, more flavorful results or breasts for a leaner option.
- Make sure to stir the roux constantly to avoid lumps in the gravy.
- Keep the mashed potatoes warm while preparing the chicken and gravy to serve hot together.
- For extra richness, add a little grated Parmesan cheese to the mashed potatoes.
- Leftover gravy can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
