Chicken and Garlic Gravy with Cheesy Mashed Potatoes is the kind of meal you crave on a chilly night or when you need a little extra comfort on your plate. Tender, juicy chicken is smothered in a silky, deeply flavorful garlic gravy, then perched atop the creamiest, cheesiest mashed potatoes you can imagine. Every bite delivers a perfect mix of savory, garlicky goodness and rich, velvety potatoes. This dish ticks all the boxes for a show-stopping, crowd-pleasing dinner—one that’s surprisingly easy to pull off, even on a weeknight!
Ingredients You’ll Need
This recipe shines thanks to a handful of simple, honest ingredients. Each one plays an essential role—whether it’s building deep flavor in the gravy, giving the chicken its juicy tenderness, or making the mashed potatoes irresistibly cheesy and creamy. Here’s what you’ll need:
- Chicken thighs or breasts: Choose a cut you love—thighs for more flavor, breasts for leaner bites—both work beautifully here.
- Olive oil: For a golden sear and subtle richness that sets the savory base for your chicken.
- Butter: Adds luxurious flavor to both the gravy and the potatoes, tying the whole dish together.
- Garlic (6 cloves, minced): The star of the gravy, infusing the sauce with deep, aromatic warmth.
- All-purpose flour: This is your gravy thickener—don’t skip it for that classic, velvety texture.
- Chicken broth: Brings savory depth and helps form the backbone of the sauce.
- Heavy cream: For an extra layer of richness and that luscious, creamy finish in the gravy.
- Dried thyme: Adds a hint of earthy, herbal balance to cut through the richness.
- Salt and black pepper: Essential for seasoning and bringing all the flavors to life.
- Chopped parsley (optional): For a bright, fresh garnish that pops against the creamy tones.
- Yukon Gold potatoes: Their buttery flavor and texture make them the gold standard for mashed potatoes.
- Milk (warm): Helps create smooth, creamy potatoes without cooling them down.
- Shredded sharp cheddar cheese: Melts smoothly for gooey, cheesy goodness in every bite.
- Grated Parmesan cheese: Adds a salty, nutty kick that pairs perfectly with the cheddar.
How to Make Chicken and Garlic Gravy with Cheesy Mashed Potatoes
Step 1: Make the Cheesy Mashed Potatoes
Start by getting your potatoes going so they’re warm and ready when the chicken and garlic gravy is done. Place the Yukon Gold potatoes in a large pot and cover with cold salted water. Bring them to a rolling boil and cook until fork-tender, about 15 minutes. Once they’re ready, drain and return them to the pot. Mash with butter until smooth, then stir in the warm milk, cheddar, and Parmesan cheeses. Season generously with salt and pepper, tasting as you go. Cover the pot to keep the potatoes warm and creamy while you finish the rest of the dish.
Step 2: Sear the Chicken
While the potatoes cook, heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Pat the chicken dry and season both sides with salt and pepper. Sear the chicken until golden brown and cooked through, about 5 to 6 minutes per side, depending on thickness. Once done, transfer the chicken to a plate and tent loosely with foil to keep warm. These golden pieces will soon be bathing in a glorious garlic gravy!
Step 3: Make the Garlic Gravy
In the same skillet, reduce the heat to medium-low and add a tablespoon of butter, letting it melt into all those wonderful browned bits left from the chicken. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for 1 to 2 minutes until fragrant—but don’t let it brown. Sprinkle the flour over the garlic and stir for a minute to cook off the raw taste, forming a light roux. Slowly whisk in the chicken broth, scraping up any flavorful bits from the bottom of the pan. Pour in the heavy cream and add the dried thyme. Let the gravy simmer for 5 to 7 minutes, stirring frequently, until it thickens into a luscious sauce.
Step 4: Return Chicken to the Gravy
Once your gravy has thickened to luxurious perfection, nestle the seared chicken pieces back into the skillet. Spoon the garlic gravy over each piece, letting them soak in all that flavor. Simmer together for another 2 minutes to ensure the chicken is heated through and perfectly coated in sauce.
Step 5: Serve and Enjoy
To serve, spoon a generous heap of cheesy mashed potatoes onto each plate, then top with the chicken and a big ladle of garlic gravy. Sprinkle with chopped parsley if you want a pop of color and freshness. The resulting plate of Chicken and Garlic Gravy with Cheesy Mashed Potatoes is pure comfort food bliss—creamy, savory, and impossible to resist!
How to Serve Chicken and Garlic Gravy with Cheesy Mashed Potatoes
Garnishes
A sprinkle of fresh chopped parsley is my go-to finishing touch for Chicken and Garlic Gravy with Cheesy Mashed Potatoes. It adds a vibrant color contrast and a little herbal lift to each bite. You could also try chives or thinly sliced green onions for extra pop. If you want to get fancy, a dusting of freshly ground black pepper or a pinch of smoked paprika on top can give your plates that restaurant-worthy look.
Side Dishes
This meal is hearty on its own, but if you’re looking to round out the table, light and crisp sides work beautifully. A bright green salad with a tangy vinaigrette helps balance the richness. Roasted asparagus, green beans, or even a pile of sautéed spinach are perfect companions. Warm, crusty bread is always welcome for sopping up every last bit of that dreamy garlic gravy!
Creative Ways to Present
For a dinner party, plate the mashed potatoes in a neat mound, layer on the chicken, then spoon over the glossy gravy. Use a wide, shallow bowl for a rustic, homey vibe. Or, for a family-style meal, serve everything from big platters and let everyone dig in. Chicken and Garlic Gravy with Cheesy Mashed Potatoes also makes a fantastic open-faced sandwich: pile leftovers on buttered toast and drizzle with extra gravy for a fun twist.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you’re lucky enough to have leftovers, separate the chicken and gravy from the mashed potatoes and let everything cool completely before transferring to airtight containers. Stored this way, Chicken and Garlic Gravy with Cheesy Mashed Potatoes will keep well in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors continue to meld, making leftovers just as crave-worthy as the first serving!
Freezing
Both the chicken in garlic gravy and the cheesy mashed potatoes freeze well individually. Once cooled, spoon the chicken and gravy into a freezer-safe container, and do the same for the potatoes. Use within one month for best texture and flavor. To thaw, transfer to the fridge overnight before reheating.
Reheating
To reheat, gently warm the mashed potatoes in a saucepan over low heat, adding a splash of milk to loosen if needed. For the chicken and garlic gravy, reheat over medium-low in a skillet, stirring occasionally until warmed through. You can also use the microwave in short bursts, stirring between each, to keep everything creamy and delicious without drying out.
FAQs
Can I use chicken breasts instead of thighs?
Absolutely! Both boneless, skinless chicken breasts and thighs work well for Chicken and Garlic Gravy with Cheesy Mashed Potatoes. Just keep an eye on the cooking time, as breasts may cook a bit faster and can dry out if overdone. Thighs tend to be juicier and a bit more forgiving.
What’s the best way to make the mashed potatoes extra creamy?
For the creamiest texture, choose Yukon Gold potatoes and mash them while they’re still hot. Warm the milk before adding, and don’t be shy with the butter and cheese! If you have a potato ricer, use it for extra-smooth potatoes, but a good old-fashioned masher works just fine.
Can I make Chicken and Garlic Gravy with Cheesy Mashed Potatoes gluten-free?
You sure can. Just swap the all-purpose flour for your favorite gluten-free flour blend when making the gravy. Make sure your chicken broth and cheese are also gluten-free, and you’ll have a completely gluten-free comfort meal.
Is it possible to make this dish ahead of time?
Definitely! You can make both the mashed potatoes and the chicken with garlic gravy a day in advance. Store them separately, then reheat gently before serving. The flavors actually deepen as they rest, so your next-day meal will be extra delicious.
What other cheeses can I use in the mashed potatoes?
Feel free to experiment! Sharp cheddar and Parmesan are classic, but you can try Gruyère, Monterey Jack, or even a touch of creamy goat cheese for a whole new flavor profile in your Chicken and Garlic Gravy with Cheesy Mashed Potatoes.
Final Thoughts
If you’re looking for the ultimate in cozy, crowd-pleasing comfort food, Chicken and Garlic Gravy with Cheesy Mashed Potatoes is a must-make. It’s simple enough for a weeknight but special enough to share with friends or family. Give it a try, and you’ll see why this dish has become a staple in my kitchen!
Print
Chicken and Garlic Gravy with Cheesy Mashed Potatoes Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
A comforting and hearty meal featuring tender chicken thighs cooked in a rich garlic cream gravy, served atop creamy cheesy mashed potatoes. This dish combines robust flavors and a velvety texture, perfect for a satisfying dinner any night of the week.
Ingredients
For the chicken and gravy:
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken thighs or breasts
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 tablespoon butter
- 6 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 1 1/2 cups chicken broth
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- Chopped parsley for garnish (optional)
For the cheesy mashed potatoes:
- 2 pounds Yukon Gold potatoes, peeled and cut into chunks
- 4 tablespoons butter
- 1/2 cup milk, warm
- 1/2 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Make the mashed potatoes: Place potatoes in a large pot and cover with cold salted water. Bring to a boil and cook until fork-tender, about 15 minutes. Drain and return to the pot. Add butter and mash until smooth. Stir in warm milk, cheddar, and Parmesan until creamy and well combined. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Cover to keep warm.
- Make the chicken and garlic gravy: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Season chicken with salt and pepper, then sear on both sides until golden and cooked through, about 5 to 6 minutes per side. Remove chicken and set aside. In the same pan, reduce heat to medium-low and add butter. Stir in minced garlic and cook for 1 to 2 minutes until fragrant. Whisk in flour and cook for 1 minute to form a roux. Slowly pour in chicken broth while whisking to avoid lumps. Stir in heavy cream and thyme. Simmer for 5 to 7 minutes, or until the gravy thickens. Return chicken to the skillet and spoon sauce over the top. Simmer for 2 more minutes.
- Serve: Serve chicken and garlic gravy over the cheesy mashed potatoes. Garnish with chopped parsley if desired.
Notes
- You can use bone-in chicken for more flavor—just adjust the cooking time accordingly.
- Add sautéed mushrooms or spinach to the gravy for a tasty variation.
- For a gluten-free option, substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend.
- Adjust seasoning to taste, especially salt and pepper, depending on your preference.
- Warm the milk before adding it to the mashed potatoes to help achieve a creamier texture.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 plate
- Calories: 570
- Sugar: 3 g
- Sodium: 480 mg
- Fat: 33 g
- Saturated Fat: 17 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 14 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 35 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 35 g
- Cholesterol: 145 mg
