Chicken and Garlic Gravy with Cheesy Mashed Potatoes: The Ultimate Comfort Food Recipe

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When you think of the perfect comfort food, what comes to mind? Is it something that instantly makes you feel warm and cozy, evoking memories of family dinners and shared moments? If so, then Chicken and Garlic Gravy with Cheesy Mashed Potatoes is sure to become one of your go-to dishes. This meal combines tender, flavorful chicken with a creamy garlic gravy, all served over a bed of velvety cheesy mashed potatoes. It’s not just food—it’s an experience.

In this article, I’ll walk you through everything you need to know about preparing this soul-satisfying meal, from the essential ingredients to tips for perfect execution. Whether you’re a seasoned cook or someone just learning their way around the kitchen, this recipe is simple, delicious, and guaranteed to please. Let’s dive in and discover how to make Chicken and Garlic Gravy with Cheesy Mashed Potatoes your new favorite dish.   Indulge in gourmet dining at home with our Baked Spinach Mushroom Quesadillas

Ingredients You’ll Need for Chicken and Garlic Gravy with Cheesy Mashed Potatoes

The first step in any great dish is to gather your ingredients. To make this recipe a success, you’ll need a combination of fresh produce, flavorful seasonings, and rich ingredients. Below, I’ve broken down everything you’ll need to create this perfect comfort meal.

Key Ingredients for Chicken and Garlic Gravy

• Chicken (2 lbs): Choose chicken cutlets or breasts for the main protein. If you opt for breasts, pound them thin for even cooking.
• Olive Oil (4 tbsp, divided): The olive oil helps cook the chicken to perfection, ensuring a crispy exterior and juicy interior.
• Butter (8 tbsp): Butter is used both to cook the chicken and create a silky gravy. It’s a key ingredient in delivering richness and flavor.
• Garlic (6 cloves, minced): Garlic is a must for the gravy, providing that signature savory, aromatic taste that complements the chicken.
• Yellow Onion (1 medium, diced): A sweet and savory base for the gravy.
• Celery (1 stalk, diced): Celery adds texture and freshness to the gravy.
• Low-Sodium Chicken Stock (2 cups): Using low-sodium stock helps control the salt levels without sacrificing flavor.
• Sour Cream (1/3 cup): A dollop of sour cream in the gravy brings smoothness and a tangy bite.
• Salt and Pepper: Essential for seasoning the chicken and gravy to perfection.

Ingredients for Cheesy Mashed Potatoes

• Russet Potatoes (4 lbs): Russet potatoes are perfect for mashing, creating a fluffy, smooth texture.
• Monterey Jack Cheese (3/4 cup, shredded): The cheese melts into the mashed potatoes, making them irresistibly creamy and cheesy.
• Butter (1 stick, softened): Adds richness and smoothness to the mashed potatoes.
• Half and Half (1.5 cups, warmed): This creamy mixture of milk and cream ensures your potatoes have the perfect consistency.
• Garlic Powder (1 tsp): Garlic powder enhances the flavor of the mashed potatoes, tying them together with the chicken and gravy.
• Pepper: Freshly cracked black pepper brings warmth and a touch of spice.

Optional Poultry Seasoning for Chicken

For extra flavor, you can season your chicken with a homemade blend of spices. Here’s a simple poultry seasoning mix to elevate the taste:

• Smoked Paprika (1/2 tsp): Adds a smoky depth of flavor.
• Garlic Powder (1/2 tsp): Boosts the garlic flavor in the chicken.
• Onion Granules (1/2 tsp): Complements the garlic and paprika.
• Dried Thyme (1/2 tsp): A classic herb that pairs well with poultry.
• Dried Basil (1/2 tsp): Adds a subtle sweetness and aroma.
• Salt (1/2 tsp): Essential for seasoning.
• Ground Pepper (1/4 tsp): A little heat to balance the flavor.
• Cayenne Pepper (1/4 tsp): Adds a slight kick.
• Dried Sage (1/4 tsp): Complements the thyme for a fragrant, savory note.

How to Make the Perfect Chicken and Garlic Gravy

Once you have your ingredients ready, it’s time to bring them together in a sequence of steps that will transform these ingredients into a mouthwatering meal. Here’s how to make Chicken and Garlic Gravy with Cheesy Mashed Potatoes:

Step 1: Cooking the Chicken

To start, you’ll need to season your chicken. In a bowl or zip-top bag, combine your chicken breasts (or cutlets) with 2 tablespoons of olive oil and the optional poultry seasoning. Allow it to marinate for a few minutes while you heat up your skillet.

1. Heat 2 tbsp of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
2. Add the chicken to the pan and cook until browned on one side (about 3-4 minutes). Then flip the chicken and reduce the heat to low.
3. Add the butter to the pan, allowing it to melt. Continue cooking the chicken until it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (this will ensure the chicken is fully cooked and juicy).
4. Once done, remove the chicken from the pan, cover it with foil, and let it rest while you prepare the gravy.

Step 2: Making the Garlic Gravy

Now that the chicken is cooked and resting, you’ll create the gravy using the same skillet to capture all the wonderful flavors left behind.

1. In the same skillet, add the remaining butter (6 tbsp) and allow it to melt.
2. Add the diced onions and celery and sauté until softened, about 5-6 minutes.
3. Stir in the minced garlic and cook until fragrant, about 1 minute.
4. Sprinkle the flour over the vegetables and stir well, cooking for about 1-2 minutes to form a roux.
5. Gradually pour in the chicken stock, stirring constantly to avoid lumps. Bring the mixture to a simmer and cook until it thickens, about 5 minutes.
6. Stir in the sour cream, then season the gravy with salt and pepper to taste.

Once your gravy is thick and creamy, it’s ready to be poured over the chicken.

Preparing Cheesy Mashed Potatoes

While the chicken is resting, it’s time to focus on the mashed potatoes. These will be the perfect accompaniment to the flavorful chicken and garlic gravy.

Step 1: Boiling and Mashing the Potatoes

1. Start by boiling the quartered russet potatoes in a large pot of salted water. Cook them for about 15-20 minutes, or until they are fork-tender.
2. Drain the potatoes and return them to the pot. Begin mashing the potatoes with a potato masher until smooth.

Step 2: Adding the Creamy Ingredients

1. Add the softened butter, half and half, and shredded Monterey Jack cheese to the mashed potatoes. Continue mashing until everything is well combined and the potatoes are smooth.
2. Stir in the garlic powder, salt, and pepper to taste.

Serving Your Chicken and Garlic Gravy with Cheesy Mashed Potatoes

Now that everything is cooked, it’s time to put it all together. Here are a few tips on how to serve this comforting meal:

Plating Tips

• Serve the chicken on a bed of cheesy mashed potatoes.
• Generously ladle the garlic gravy over the chicken, letting it soak into the potatoes.
• Optionally, garnish with fresh herbs like parsley or thyme for a pop of color and a hint of freshness.

Side Suggestions

To complete the meal, serve your Chicken and Garlic Gravy with Cheesy Mashed Potatoes with a side of steamed vegetables or sautéed greens. This helps balance the richness of the dish while adding extra nutrition.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Can I make this dish ahead of time?

Yes, this recipe is perfect for meal prep! You can make both the chicken and the gravy ahead of time and store them in the refrigerator. When you’re ready to serve, simply reheat and serve over fresh mashed potatoes. The mashed potatoes can also be made in advance—just reheat with a little extra butter and cream to keep them creamy.

Can I use a different type of cheese for the mashed potatoes?

Definitely! While Monterey Jack is ideal for its meltability and mild flavor, you can use any cheese you prefer. Cheddar, Gouda, or even a mix of cheeses would all work beautifully in this dish.

Is there a way to make this recipe healthier?

Yes, if you want to lighten up the dish, you can substitute the butter for olive oil in both the chicken and mashed potatoes. Additionally, you can use low-fat sour cream and opt for a lighter cheese in the mashed potatoes.

Conclusion: A Comforting Meal to Warm Your Heart

There’s nothing like a hearty meal to bring comfort, and Chicken and Garlic Gravy with Cheesy Mashed Potatoes delivers just that. This dish is the perfect balance of creamy, savory, and indulgent flavors, making it the ideal choice for any occasion—whether you’re cooking for your family, hosting friends, or treating yourself to a cozy dinner.

Now that you have the recipe, it’s time to give it a try. I guarantee that once you taste the tender chicken, flavorful gravy, and creamy mashed potatoes, you’ll have a new favorite comfort food on your hands.

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