Golden seared chicken breasts served over creamy, cheesy mashed potatoes and drenched in rich garlic gravy make for a comforting and delightful dinner. This Chicken and Garlic Gravy with Cheesy Mashed Potatoes is perfect for cozy nights or special weekends. With its blend of flavors and textures, this dish stands out as a family favorite that’s easy to prepare and sure to impress.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Comforting Flavors: The combination of juicy chicken, rich garlic gravy, and creamy cheesy potatoes creates a warm and inviting meal.
- Quick Preparation: In just 40 minutes, you can have a delicious dinner ready, making it great for busy weeknights.
- Versatile Dish: Perfect for family dinners or entertaining guests, this recipe suits various occasions effortlessly.
- Easy to Customize: Feel free to add your favorite herbs or vegetables to personalize the dish to your taste.
- Nutritious Ingredients: Packed with protein from chicken and vitamins from potatoes, this meal offers both comfort and nourishment.
Tools and Preparation
Before diving into the cooking process, gather your essential tools. Having everything at hand makes the cooking experience smoother.
Essential Tools and Equipment
- Skillet
- Potato masher
- Mixing bowl
- Measuring cups and spoons
Importance of Each Tool
- Skillet: Ideal for searing chicken and preparing the flavorful garlic gravy in one pan.
- Potato masher: Ensures smooth and creamy mashed potatoes without lumps.
- Mixing bowl: Useful for combining ingredients before cooking or assembling your dish.
Ingredients
For the Chicken
- 2 boneless skinless chicken breasts or thighs
- 6 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 1 ½ cups chicken broth
- ¼ cup heavy cream (optional)
For the Mashed Potatoes
- 2 pounds Yukon Gold potatoes, peeled and cubed
- ½ cup milk
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- Salt and pepper, to taste
For Garnish
- 1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley or chives
How to Make Chicken and Garlic Gravy with Cheesy Mashed Potatoes
Step 1: Season the Chicken
Season chicken with salt and pepper. In a skillet over medium-high heat, sear chicken in oil until golden brown and cooked through (internal temperature should reach 165°F). Set aside to keep warm.
Step 2: Sauté Garlic
Reduce heat to medium. In the same skillet used for the chicken, melt butter and sauté minced garlic for about 1 minute until fragrant.
Step 3: Create the Roux
Stir in flour to create a roux. Cook for 1-2 minutes while stirring continuously until slightly golden.
Step 4: Prepare the Gravy
Gradually whisk in chicken broth, breaking up any lumps. Simmer until thickened. If using heavy cream, stir it in now. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
Step 5: Boil the Potatoes
In a separate pot, boil potatoes in salted water for 12–15 minutes until tender. Drain well.
Step 6: Mash the Potatoes
Mash potatoes with butter, milk, and shredded cheddar cheese until creamy. Season with salt and pepper according to your preference.
Step 7: Assemble the Dish
Plate a generous serving of mashed potatoes, top with sliced chicken, then pour garlic gravy over it all. Garnish with fresh herbs before serving!
How to Serve Chicken and Garlic Gravy with Cheesy Mashed Potatoes
Serving your Chicken and Garlic Gravy with Cheesy Mashed Potatoes can elevate the dining experience. Here are some creative ideas to enhance your meal presentation.
Plating Ideas
- Layering: Start by placing a generous scoop of cheesy mashed potatoes on the plate, then top with sliced chicken, and finally drizzle with garlic gravy.
- Family Style: Serve everything in large bowls for a cozy, communal dining experience. Let everyone help themselves!
Garnishing Tips
- Fresh Herbs: Sprinkle chopped parsley or chives over the dish for a pop of color and freshness.
- Cheese Sprinkle: Add extra shredded cheddar cheese on top before serving for an indulgent touch.
Accompaniments
- Bread Rolls: Soft dinner rolls or crusty bread pair perfectly to soak up the delicious gravy.
- Salad: A light green salad can balance the richness of the meal.
How to Perfect Chicken and Garlic Gravy with Cheesy Mashed Potatoes
To ensure your Chicken and Garlic Gravy with Cheesy Mashed Potatoes is absolutely delightful, consider these handy tips.
- Bold seasoning: Season your chicken generously with salt and pepper before cooking to enhance its flavor.
- Roux consistency: Make sure your roux is cooked long enough to remove the raw flour taste but not so long that it darkens; it should be a light golden color.
- Potato choice: Use Yukon Gold potatoes for their creamy texture; they mash beautifully.
- Gravy thickness: If your gravy is too thick, add a little more chicken broth to reach your desired consistency.
- Creamy finish: For an extra creamy texture in your mashed potatoes, add more heavy cream or butter as needed.
- Resting time: Allowing the chicken to rest after cooking helps retain its juices, ensuring it remains tender.
Best Side Dishes for Chicken and Garlic Gravy with Cheesy Mashed Potatoes
Pairing side dishes with Chicken and Garlic Gravy with Cheesy Mashed Potatoes can create a well-rounded meal. Here are some great options to consider.
- Steamed Vegetables: Lightly seasoned broccoli or green beans add color and nutrients.
- Roasted Brussels Sprouts: Crispy Brussels sprouts drizzled with balsamic glaze provide a sweet contrast.
- Caesar Salad: A classic Caesar salad offers crunch and a refreshing bite alongside this hearty dish.
- Coleslaw: Creamy coleslaw adds a tangy crunch that complements the soft textures of the main dish.
- Corn on the Cob: Sweet corn enhances comfort food vibes and is always a crowd-pleaser.
- Garlic Bread: Toasted garlic bread serves as a perfect vehicle for mopping up leftover gravy.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
When making Chicken and Garlic Gravy with Cheesy Mashed Potatoes, a few common pitfalls can affect your dish’s flavor and texture. Here are some mistakes to watch out for:
- Skipping the seasoning: Not seasoning the chicken properly can lead to blandness. Always season generously with salt and pepper before cooking.
- Overcooking the garlic: Garlic can quickly turn bitter if overcooked. Sauté it just until fragrant—about one minute is perfect.
- Neglecting potato preparation: Failing to boil potatoes until tender can result in lumpy mashed potatoes. Ensure they are fully cooked before mashing for a creamy texture.
- Using cold ingredients for mashed potatoes: Cold milk or butter can cool down your mashed potatoes. Make sure these ingredients are at room temperature for the best blend.
- Skipping the roux: If you don’t make a roux before adding broth, your gravy may not thicken properly. Take time to cook the flour with butter for that rich consistency.
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Refrigerator Storage
- Store leftovers in an airtight container.
- Chicken and garlic gravy will last up to 3 days in the refrigerator.
- Keep cheesy mashed potatoes separate if possible to maintain texture.
Freezing Chicken and Garlic Gravy with Cheesy Mashed Potatoes
- Freeze in airtight containers or heavy-duty freezer bags.
- This dish can be frozen for up to 3 months.
- Label containers with date and contents for easy identification later.
Reheating Chicken and Garlic Gravy with Cheesy Mashed Potatoes
- Oven: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Cover your dish with foil and heat for about 20-25 minutes or until warmed through.
- Microwave: Place portions in a microwave-safe bowl, cover loosely, and heat on medium power for 1-2 minutes. Stir halfway through.
- Stovetop: For gravy, reheat in a saucepan over low heat, stirring frequently until hot. For mashed potatoes, add a splash of milk if needed while reheating.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I make Chicken and Garlic Gravy with Cheesy Mashed Potatoes healthier?
You can use skinless chicken breast, reduce butter, or substitute heavy cream with low-fat alternatives. Adding steamed veggies on the side also boosts nutrition.
Can I prepare this recipe ahead of time?
Yes! You can marinate the chicken and prepare the gravy in advance. Just reheat everything when you’re ready to serve.
What can I serve with Chicken and Garlic Gravy with Cheesy Mashed Potatoes?
This dish pairs well with steamed vegetables or a fresh salad for added crunch and nutrients.
Can I use other types of cheese for the mashed potatoes?
Absolutely! Feel free to experiment with different cheeses like gouda or cream cheese for varied flavors in your cheesy mashed potatoes.
Final Thoughts
Chicken and Garlic Gravy with Cheesy Mashed Potatoes is a comforting dish perfect for any occasion. Its rich flavors combined with creamy textures make it a family favorite. Don’t hesitate to customize it by adding your favorite herbs or vegetables! Enjoy this versatile meal that warms both body and soul.
Chicken and Garlic Gravy with Cheesy Mashed Potatoes
Indulge in the ultimate comfort food with Chicken and Garlic Gravy served over creamy, cheesy mashed potatoes. This delightful dish features golden seared chicken breasts drenched in a rich garlic gravy, perfectly complemented by velvety mashed potatoes infused with cheddar cheese. Ideal for cozy evenings or special gatherings, this recipe is not only easy to prepare but also packed with flavor that will impress your family and friends.
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: Serves 4
Ingredients
- 2 boneless skinless chicken breasts
- 6 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 1 ½ cups chicken broth
- ¼ cup heavy cream (optional)
- 2 pounds Yukon Gold potatoes, peeled and cubed
- ½ cup milk
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley or chives
Instructions
- Season chicken with salt and pepper. In a skillet, sear the chicken until golden brown and cooked through (165°F internal temperature). Set aside.
- In the same skillet, melt butter and sauté garlic until fragrant. Stir in flour to create a roux; cook until lightly golden.
- Gradually whisk in chicken broth; simmer until thickened. Add heavy cream if desired and season.
- Boil cubed potatoes until tender; drain. Mash with milk, butter, and cheddar cheese until smooth.
- Plate mashed potatoes, top with sliced chicken, pour over gravy, and garnish with fresh herbs.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main
- Method: Skillet cooking, Boiling
- Cuisine: Comfort food
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 plate (400g)
- Calories: 615
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 820mg
- Fat: 30g
- Saturated Fat: 14g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 48g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 41g
- Cholesterol: 140mg
Keywords: Customize by adding your favorite herbs or vegetables to the gravy. For added richness in mashed potatoes, incorporate extra cheese or cream.
