If you have a craving for something comforting and utterly delicious, this Chicken and Garlic Gravy with Cheesy Mashed Potatoes Recipe is just the ticket. It’s a warm embrace on a plate, combining tender, juicy chicken smothered in a rich, garlicky gravy with creamy mashed potatoes loaded with melty cheddar. Every bite is a beautiful balance of savory flavors and velvety textures that feel like the ultimate comfort food. Whether you’re cooking for family or friends, this dish brings a cozy restaurant-worthy vibe straight to your dining table with ingredients you probably already love.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This recipe keeps things simple with classic ingredients that each play an essential role in making the dish sing. From the tender chicken thighs to the sharp cheddar cheese, every element works together to build flavor, texture, and color.
- 4 chicken thighs or breasts: Choose thighs for more juiciness or breasts for leaner meat, either way you’ll get tender, satisfying protein.
- 2 tablespoons olive oil: Essential for searing the chicken to a golden-brown perfection and bringing out its flavor.
- 4 cloves garlic, minced: Garlic forms the soul of the gravy with its punchy, aromatic goodness.
- 1 small onion, finely chopped: Adds subtle sweetness and a lovely base note to the gravy.
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour: The secret to thickening that luscious garlic gravy just right.
- 2 cups chicken broth: Deepens the savory flavor and keeps the gravy rich without heaviness.
- 1/2 cup heavy cream: Brings dreamy creaminess and smooth texture to the sauce.
- Salt and pepper to taste: Simple seasonings that elevate every bite.
- 4 large potatoes, peeled and chopped: The perfect base for buttery, cheesy mashed potatoes.
- 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese: Melts into the potatoes, adding tangy, gooey indulgence.
- 1/4 cup milk: Adjusts the mashed potatoes to creamy, luscious consistency.
- 2 tablespoons butter: Key for richness and that comfort-food mouthfeel in the mash.
How to Make Chicken and Garlic Gravy with Cheesy Mashed Potatoes Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Mashed Potatoes
Start by boiling your peeled and chopped potatoes in salted water until they are beautifully tender, which usually takes about 15 minutes. Once soft, drain them well and mash immediately with the butter, milk, and shredded cheddar cheese. This combination creates mashed potatoes that are creamy with just the right cheesy pull to make every forkful irresistible. Set these tantalizing mashed potatoes aside and keep them warm while you move on to the chicken and gravy.
Step 2: Cook the Chicken
Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat to get it nice and hot. Season your chicken thighs or breasts with salt and pepper, then cook them in the skillet for about 6 to 7 minutes on each side, or until they’re perfectly browned and cooked through. The key here is developing that golden crust which locks in the juices, ensuring every bite is tender and flavorful. Once done, remove the chicken and keep it warm—you’ll bring it back to the pan soon to soak in all that garlic gravy goodness.
Step 3: Sauté Aromatics
In the same skillet, toss in your finely chopped onion and minced garlic. Cooking them here means they absorb all the leftover chicken flavors, resulting in a fragrant and tasty base. Sauté until the onion turns translucent and the garlic releases its irresistible aroma—that moment when your kitchen starts smelling like heaven!
Step 4: Make the Roux
Sprinkle the flour over the onions and garlic, stirring constantly for about 1 to 2 minutes. This creates a roux, which will thicken your gravy perfectly without lumps. Pay close attention here—the flour should cook enough to lose that raw taste but not so long that it browns too deeply. This step sets the stage for velvety smooth gravy.
Step 5: Create the Garlic Gravy
Gradually whisk in the chicken broth and heavy cream, stirring continuously to blend everything into a silky sauce. Let it simmer just long enough until the gravy thickens to that creamy consistency you want. This sauce captures all the savory notes from the chicken and aromatics and ties the whole dish together beautifully.
Step 6: Combine Chicken and Gravy
Return your cooked chicken to the skillet, coating each piece generously with the rich garlic gravy. Let everything heat together for an additional 2 to 3 minutes so the chicken soaks in the sauce’s flavors. This final step ensures the dish is piping hot and ready to serve with maximum deliciousness.
Step 7: Serve and Enjoy
Spoon those rich, garlicky chicken thighs right over a fluffy bed of cheesy mashed potatoes and watch the crowd’s faces light up. This dish is comfort food elevated, perfect for any night you crave something warm and satisfying.
How to Serve Chicken and Garlic Gravy with Cheesy Mashed Potatoes Recipe
Garnishes
Simple garnishes can bring out the best in this dish. A sprinkle of fresh chopped parsley or chives adds a pop of green color and a hint of freshness that cuts through the richness. For a little extra flair, consider a tiny drizzle of olive oil or a handful of crispy fried onions on top to add texture and a touch of crunch.
Side Dishes
Though the cheesy mashed potatoes are star quality next to the chicken and gravy, you can round out the meal with a crisp green salad or roasted seasonal vegetables like asparagus or green beans. These sides add necessary brightness and balance the creamy, savory main dish with their fresh, vibrant flavors.
Creative Ways to Present
If you’re hosting a cozy dinner, try plating the chicken and gravy over a neat mound of mashed potatoes, then drizzle some extra gravy around the plate for a restaurant-style finish. Serving the mashed potatoes in a small ramekin beside the chicken can also add a touch of elegance and shows off the cheesy goodness in all its glory.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
This Chicken and Garlic Gravy with Cheesy Mashed Potatoes Recipe makes excellent leftovers. Store any uneaten portions in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to three days. Keeping the chicken separate from the potatoes can help maintain better texture, but if stored together, just give it a good stir when reheating to recombine the flavors.
Freezing
You can freeze this dish, though mashed potatoes with cheese can sometimes change texture slightly after thawing. For best results, freeze the chicken and garlic gravy separately from the mashed potatoes in freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty bags. Frozen portions will keep well for up to 2 months, making this recipe perfect for meal prep or quick future dinners.
Reheating
Reheat the chicken and gravy gently on the stovetop over low heat, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking or separation. Warm the mashed potatoes in the microwave or on the stove with a splash of milk to restore creaminess. Reheating slowly ensures the dish tastes just as wonderful as freshly made.
FAQs
Can I use chicken breasts instead of thighs in this Chicken and Garlic Gravy with Cheesy Mashed Potatoes Recipe?
Absolutely! Chicken breasts work beautifully if you prefer a leaner option. Just be careful not to overcook them so they stay juicy and tender.
What type of cheese works best in the mashed potatoes?
Cheddar cheese is a fantastic choice for its sharp, melty qualities, but feel free to experiment with gouda, Monterey Jack, or even a bit of Parmesan for a different flavor twist.
Is it possible to make this recipe dairy-free?
You can substitute butter for a dairy-free alternative and replace heavy cream and milk with coconut milk or other plant-based creams, though flavors will shift slightly. The dish will still be comforting and delicious.
How can I make the garlic gravy thicker?
If you want a thicker gravy, simply let it simmer a little longer on low heat or add a bit more flour during the roux step next time. Just whisk well to avoid lumps!
Can this dish be prepared in advance for a dinner party?
Yes! You can make the chicken and gravy a day ahead and gently reheat before serving, while preparing the mashed potatoes fresh or warming leftovers at the last minute. It’s a great make-ahead option that still impresses.
Final Thoughts
This Chicken and Garlic Gravy with Cheesy Mashed Potatoes Recipe is the kind of meal that makes you feel instantly at home. It’s approachable, rich in flavor, and a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. Don’t hesitate to dive in and make it your own—once you try it, this comforting classic will likely become a favorite in your recipe box!
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
This comforting Chicken and Garlic Gravy with Cheesy Mashed Potatoes recipe combines tender, pan-seared chicken thighs or breasts smothered in a creamy garlic gravy, served over rich, cheesy mashed potatoes. The dish is straightforward to prepare and perfect for a hearty family dinner.
Ingredients
For the Chicken and Garlic 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
For the 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 for about 15 minutes or until tender. Drain them well.
- 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 thighs or breasts with salt and pepper. Cook the chicken until browned and cooked through, approximately 6-7 minutes per side. Remove from skillet and keep warm.
- Sauté Aromatics: In the same skillet, add the finely chopped onion and minced garlic. Sauté until fragrant and the onion becomes translucent.
- Make Roux: Sprinkle the all-purpose flour over the onions and garlic in the skillet. Stir constantly for 1-2 minutes to form a roux for thickening the gravy.
- Add Liquids: Gradually whisk in the chicken broth followed by the heavy cream. Cook the mixture while stirring until the gravy thickens to the desired consistency.
- Combine Chicken and Gravy: Return the cooked chicken to the skillet and coat it thoroughly with the garlic gravy. Heat through for an additional 2-3 minutes.
- Serve: Serve the chicken and garlic gravy immediately over a bed of cheesy mashed potatoes for a satisfying meal.
Notes
- Use chicken breasts or thighs based on preference; thighs tend to be juicier.
- For a thicker gravy, cook a little longer or add a bit more flour.
- Adjust seasoning with salt and pepper according to taste.
- For a richer flavor, consider adding fresh herbs such as thyme or parsley to the gravy.
- Make sure potatoes are well-drained before mashing to avoid watery mash.
