Chicken and Gravy (over mashed potatoes)

Posted on October 16, 2025

Super flavorful, yet uncomplicated, this Chicken and Gravy (over mashed potatoes) recipe is the ultimate comfort food to warm your heart and satisfy your cravings. Perfect for family dinners, special occasions, or just a cozy night in, this dish brings together tender chicken smothered in rich gravy served over creamy mashed potatoes. Its delightful combination of flavors makes it a standout choice for any meal.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Simple Preparation: Quick and easy to make, this recipe can be ready in just 30 minutes.
Rich Flavor: The savory gravy elevates the tender chicken, creating a deliciously hearty meal.
Versatile Serving Options: Enjoy it over mashed potatoes, rice, or even with crusty bread.
Crowd-Pleaser: Perfect for family gatherings or dinner parties; everyone will love it!
Comfort Food Classic: A delightful way to indulge in classic American flavors that evoke feelings of home.

Tools and Preparation

Gathering the right tools can streamline your cooking process. Here are some essential items you’ll need to create this comforting dish.

Essential Kitchen Tools

Skillet
Mixing bowl
Whisk
Meat thermometer
Ladle

Why These Tools Matter

Skillet: Ideal for searing the chicken and making the gravy all in one pan.
Mixing bowl: Perfect for combining dry ingredients before adding them to the skillet.
Whisk: Helps achieve a smooth gravy without lumps for a pleasing texture.
Meat thermometer: Ensures the chicken is cooked to perfection at 165℉.

Ingredients

Ingredients:
– 2 large chicken breasts split lengthwise into thinner breasts; or 4 medium/small chicken breasts
– 1 Tbsp olive oil
– kosher salt & black pepper
– 3 Tbsp butter
– 1 Tbsp chicken base (we recommend Better Than Bouillon brand)
– 4 Tbsp all-purpose flour
– 1/2 tsp onion powder
– 1/2 tsp garlic powder
– 2 cups chicken stock
– 1/2 cup water
– 1/4 cup heavy cream (Optional!!)
– Instant Pot Mashed Potatoes

How to Make Chicken and Gravy (over mashed potatoes)

Step 1: Season the Chicken

Lightly season the chicken breasts with kosher salt and pepper.

Step 2: Cook the Chicken

In a large skillet over medium heat, add olive oil. Cook the seasoned chicken breasts for about 5 minutes per side until they reach an internal temperature of 165℉. Remove from the skillet and set aside.

Step 3: Prepare the Roux

Lower the heat to medium-low. Add butter and chicken base to the skillet, stirring until melted. In a small bowl, mix together flour, onion powder, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Slowly sprinkle this mixture into the skillet while stirring continuously for about 30 seconds to 1 minute until it forms a roux.

Step 4: Make the Gravy

Gradually pour in chicken stock while scraping up bits from the bottom of the pan. Add water and whisk until there are no lumps. Let it simmer until thickened to your desired consistency.

Step 5: Add Cream (Optional)

If desired, pour in heavy cream and stir well to combine.

Step 6: Shred Chicken

Shred the cooked chicken if preferred, then return it along with any collected juices back into the gravy. Let it simmer together for a few more minutes.

Step 7: Final Taste Check

Taste your gravy at this stage and add any additional seasoning if needed.

Step 8: Serve It Up!

Serve your delicious Chicken and Gravy over mashed potatoes or rice. It pairs excellently with peas on garlic bread on the side for an unforgettable meal!

How to Serve Chicken and Gravy (over mashed potatoes)

Serving chicken and gravy over mashed potatoes is a delightful experience that brings comfort to any meal. This dish pairs beautifully with various accompaniments, allowing for creativity in your presentation and flavors.

Pair with Vegetables

Steamed Broccoli: Freshly steamed broccoli adds a pop of color and nutrients.
Sautéed Green Beans: Tender green beans sautéed with garlic provide a crunchy contrast.
Roasted Carrots: Sweet roasted carrots enhance the comfort factor of the meal.

Add Some Bread

Garlic Bread: Crispy garlic bread is perfect for soaking up the delicious gravy.
Dinner Rolls: Soft and fluffy rolls make for an excellent side to accompany the dish.
Biscuits: Flaky biscuits can be a great vehicle for the gravy, enhancing each bite.

Include Salad Options

Caesar Salad: A light Caesar salad adds a refreshing crunch to balance the meal.
Coleslaw: Creamy coleslaw provides a tangy contrast that complements the richness of chicken and gravy.

How to Perfect Chicken and Gravy (over mashed potatoes)

To create a flawless chicken and gravy dish, consider these helpful tips. Each suggestion will ensure your meal is flavorful and satisfying.

Bold seasoning: Use kosher salt and freshly cracked pepper generously on the chicken for enhanced flavor.
Controlled heat: Cook your chicken on medium heat; this helps retain moisture while achieving a golden crust.
Roux consistency: Stir the roux until it reaches a light golden color before adding stock to achieve a rich flavor.
Simmer gently: Allowing your gravy to simmer too vigorously can lead to lumps; keep it low and slow for best results.
Taste test: Always taste your gravy before serving; adjust seasoning as needed for optimal flavor balance.
Shred wisely: Shred chicken into bite-sized pieces for better distribution over mashed potatoes.

Best Side Dishes for Chicken and Gravy (over mashed potatoes)

Complementing your chicken and gravy with side dishes can elevate your meal. Here are some fantastic options that pair well:

Mashed Potatoes: Creamy, buttery mashed potatoes are classic with chicken and gravy, providing a flavorful base.
Corn on the Cob: Sweet corn adds vibrant color and sweetness to your plate, enhancing texture variety.
Baked Sweet Potatoes: Their natural sweetness contrasts well with savory gravy; bake or mash them as desired.
Quinoa Salad: A light quinoa salad with fresh herbs offers a nutritious alternative that’s both filling and refreshing.
Mixed Greens Salad: A simple mixed greens salad dressed lightly complements the richness of your main dish nicely.
Roasted Brussels Sprouts: Crispy roasted Brussels sprouts add depth of flavor while being fun to eat!
Macaroni and Cheese: Creamy mac and cheese is always a hit, adding indulgence alongside your savory dish.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

When making Chicken and Gravy (over mashed potatoes), it’s easy to overlook some key details. Here are common mistakes to avoid for a perfect dish every time.

Skipping the seasoning: Failing to season the chicken properly can lead to bland gravy. Always lightly season your chicken breasts before cooking for enhanced flavor.
Not letting the gravy thicken: Rushing the gravy process can result in a watery texture. Allow it to simmer until it reaches your desired thickness.
Overcooking the chicken: Cooking the chicken too long can dry it out. Use a meat thermometer to ensure it reaches 165℉ without overcooking.
Neglecting to taste before serving: Forgetting to taste your dish can lead to missed opportunities for flavor adjustments. Always taste the gravy at the end and adjust seasoning as needed.
Using cold ingredients: Adding cold stock or water can shock the roux and affect consistency. Use warm or room temperature liquids for smoother integration.

Refrigerator Storage

Chicken and gravy can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Use airtight containers to keep them fresh.
Make sure to cool down the dish before refrigerating.

Freezing Chicken and Gravy (over mashed potatoes)

You can freeze Chicken and Gravy for up to 3 months.
Store in freezer-safe containers, leaving some space for expansion.
It’s best to freeze without mashed potatoes, as they may change texture.

Reheating Chicken and Gravy (over mashed potatoes)

Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place in an oven-safe dish covered with foil for about 20-30 minutes, stirring halfway through.
Microwave: Transfer it to a microwave-safe container. Heat in intervals of 1-2 minutes, stirring between, until heated through.
Stovetop: Pour into a skillet over medium heat. Stir continuously until warmed up, adding a splash of water if it thickens too much.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Chicken and Gravy (over mashed potatoes)?

Chicken and Gravy (over mashed potatoes) is a comforting dish made from tender shredded chicken served with rich gravy atop creamy mashed potatoes, making it perfect comfort food.

Can I use other meats instead of chicken?

Yes! This recipe works well with turkey or lamb if you prefer different flavors or have dietary preferences.

How do I make my mashed potatoes creamy?

For creamier mashed potatoes, use warm milk or cream while mashing and consider adding butter for extra richness.

How can I customize this Chicken and Gravy recipe?

You can add vegetables like peas or carrots into the gravy for added nutrition and flavor, or try different herbs like thyme or rosemary.

Can I make this dish ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can prepare both the chicken and gravy ahead of time and store them in the refrigerator or freezer for later use.

Conclusion

This Chicken and Gravy (over mashed potatoes) recipe is not only delicious but also versatile. It offers numerous customization options such as adding vegetables or experimenting with spices. Don’t hesitate to try this comforting meal that brings warmth and satisfaction with every bite!