This creamy shredded chicken gravy over mashed potatoes is a warm hug in a bowl! The tender chicken is smothered in a rich, flavorful sauce that pairs perfectly with fluffy potatoes.
Every spoonful feels like comfort food heaven! I love making this dish on cozy nights, and I suggest adding some peas for a pop of color and taste. Yum! 🤤
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Potatoes: I love using russet potatoes for their fluffiness. Yukon golds are great too, giving a creamier texture. If you’re short on time, you can use frozen mashed potatoes—just heat and add butter!
Chicken: Boneless, skinless chicken breasts work well. If you prefer dark meat, chicken thighs add more flavor and tenderness. Leftover rotisserie chicken is also a convenient choice!
Butter: Unsalted butter provides better control over the saltiness. You can swap it for olive oil or margarine if you’re in a pinch, but it may change the flavor slightly.
Heavy Cream: It adds richness, but you can use half-and-half for a lighter version. Coconut cream can be a good dairy-free choice if you prefer that.
What’s the Best Way to Shred Chicken Effortlessly?
Shredding cooked chicken can be a bit of a hassle. Here’s a a simple method to make it easier:
- After cooking, let the chicken cool slightly. This makes handling it easier.
- Use two forks, placing one fork in the chicken to hold it steady, and the other to shred it into pieces.
- Alternatively, for quick shredding, place the cooked chicken in a stand mixer with a paddle attachment and let it mix on low speed for a couple of minutes. Perfect shreds in seconds!
How Can I Ensure My Mashed Potatoes Are Creamy and Smooth?
Getting the perfect mashed potatoes requires a bit of technique:
- Choose starchy potatoes like russet or Yukon gold for a fluffy texture.
- Don’t overboil the potatoes. Cook them until just tender (a fork should easily go through).
- For creamy potatoes, add warm milk and melted butter instead of cold. This keeps the potatoes hot and helps them absorb liquids better.
- Avoid over-mashing to prevent gumminess. Use a potato masher or ricer for the best results!
These tips will help you create delightful chicken gravy over perfectly creamy mashed potatoes every time!
Creamy Shredded Chicken Gravy Over Mashed Potatoes
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Mashed Potatoes:
- 2 pounds russet or Yukon gold potatoes, peeled and cut into chunks
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 1/2 cup whole milk (or more, as needed)
- Salt and pepper, to taste
For the Shredded Chicken:
- 2 large boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 2 cups chicken broth or stock
- Salt and pepper, to taste
For the Creamy Gravy:
- 3 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 2 cups chicken broth (can use reserved cooking broth)
- 1/2 cup heavy cream or half-and-half
- 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder (optional)
- 1/4 teaspoon onion powder (optional)
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Fresh parsley or chives, chopped (for garnish)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe will take about 15 minutes for preparation and another 30 minutes for cooking, totaling around 45 minutes. It’s a straightforward dish that delivers delicious warmth and comfort!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Cook the Chicken:
Place the chicken breasts in a pot and cover with chicken broth. Season with a pinch of salt and pepper. Bring to a simmer over medium heat, cover, and cook for 15-20 minutes or until the chicken is fully cooked (internal temperature should be 165°F/74°C). After cooking, remove the chicken and let it cool slightly. Don’t forget to reserve the broth for later!
2. Shred the Chicken:
Using two forks, shred the cooked chicken into bite-sized pieces. Set the shredded chicken aside while you prepare the rest of the dish.
3. Make the Mashed Potatoes:
In a separate pot, boil the potato chunks in salted water until tender, which should take about 15 minutes. Drain the potatoes well. Return them to the pot or a mixing bowl. Mash the potatoes with butter and milk until smooth and creamy. Season with salt and pepper to taste, then keep them warm while you make the gravy.
4. Prepare the Gravy Base:
In a saucepan, melt 3 tablespoons of butter over medium heat. Whisk in the flour and cook, whisking constantly for 2-3 minutes, until the mixture becomes golden and bubbly (this is called a roux).
5. Add Liquids:
Gradually whisk in the reserved chicken broth, making sure to whisk continuously to prevent lumps. Allow the mixture to simmer gently until it thickens up, which should take about 3-5 minutes.
6. Make it Creamy:
Stir in the heavy cream, along with garlic powder and onion powder if using. Adjust seasoning with salt and pepper as needed. Let the gravy simmer for another 2 minutes to meld the flavors.
7. Combine Chicken and Gravy:
Gently stir the shredded chicken into the creamy gravy and heat through for another 2-3 minutes.
8. Serve:
Spoon generous portions of the mashed potatoes onto plates or a serving dish. Top with the creamy shredded chicken gravy. If you’d like, garnish with a sprinkle of chopped parsley or chives for a fresh touch.
9. Enjoy!
This comforting dish is best served warm. Dig in and enjoy a hearty meal that feels like a hug in a bowl!
This recipe is a classic comfort food combination of creamy chicken gravy ladled over fluffy mashed potatoes—perfect for cozy dinners!
FAQ: Creamy Shredded Chicken Gravy Over Mashed Potatoes
Can I Use Another Type of Chicken?
Absolutely! You can use bone-in chicken thighs or even leftover rotisserie chicken for more flavor and convenience. Just adjust the cooking time accordingly if using bone-in chicken, allowing for longer cooking to ensure it’s fully cooked.
How Can I Make This Recipe Dairy-Free?
To make this dish dairy-free, substitute the butter with a plant-based alternative, and use almond or coconut milk instead of whole milk. For the creamy gravy, you can use coconut cream or a cashew cream for richness.
Can I Store Leftovers, and How Should I Reheat Them?
Yes! Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, gently warm in a saucepan over medium-low heat, adding a splash of chicken broth or milk if the gravy has thickened. Stir occasionally for even heating.
What Can I Serve with This Dish?
This creamy shredded chicken gravy is delicious on its own with mashed potatoes, but you can also serve it with biscuits for soaking up the gravy, or add a side of steamed vegetables for a complete meal!
