If you’re craving comfort food that feels like a warm hug on a plate, then this Creamy Chicken and Gravy Over Mashed Potatoes Recipe is going to be your new best friend. It combines tender, juicy chicken with a rich, savory gravy that’s just perfectly thickened and seasoned, all pooled over fluffy mashed potatoes that soak up every luscious bite. Whether it’s a weeknight dinner or a special weekend treat, this dish delivers satisfying flavors that welcome you in and make you feel right at home with every forkful.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The image shows several clear glass bowls and a measuring cup arranged on a white marbled surface. At the top right, there is a bowl with two raw, pale pink chicken pieces. Next to it, on the left, a small bowl holds light yellow oil. Below this, a clear glass measuring cup contains a light golden-yellow liquid. To the right of the measuring cup, a bowl filled with white flour is placed. Above it and on the right side of the image, small glass bowls hold different ingredients: one with a pale yellow stick of butter, one with coarse white salt and black pepper, one with a mixture of light beige powders, and the last bowl has a bright yellow mustard or paste. The setup is neat, showing all ingredients separately on the white marbled surface, ready for preparation. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Gathering simple, straightforward ingredients is key to making this recipe a breeze in your kitchen while ensuring every component sings in harmony. Each ingredient brings a unique texture, depth, or pop of flavor that makes this dish truly special.

Chicken breasts (2 large or 4 medium/small): The star protein that cooks up juicy and tender for the perfect gravy base.
Olive oil (1 Tbsp): Adds a light, fruity flavor and helps in searing the chicken to golden perfection.
Kosher salt & black pepper: Essential seasonings to enhance the natural flavors without overpowering the dish.
Butter (3 Tbsp): Creates a silky base for the gravy and brings richness to every spoonful.
Chicken base (1 Tbsp): Intensifies that warm chicken flavor; Better Than Bouillon brand is a fantastic choice.
All-purpose flour (4 Tbsp): The magic thickener that turns broth into gorgeous gravy.
Onion powder (1/2 tsp): Adds a subtle sweet savoriness, elevating the gravy’s depth.
Garlic powder (1/2 tsp): Brings a gentle garlic warmth without overpowering the chicken’s flavor.
Chicken stock (2 cups): The liquid that forms the body of the gravy, rich and hearty.
Water (1/2 cup): Helps thin the gravy slightly to the perfect consistency.
Heavy cream (1/4 cup, optional): For those who love ultra-smooth and creamy gravy, this is a delightful touch.
Instant Pot mashed potatoes: Fluffy, buttery mashed potatoes ready to soak up all the saucy goodness.

How to Make Creamy Chicken and Gravy Over Mashed Potatoes Recipe

Step 1: Preparing the Chicken

Start by seasoning your chicken breasts lightly with kosher salt and black pepper—just enough to enhance their natural flavor. Then, heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat and cook the chicken about 5 minutes per side until it reaches an internal temperature of 165 degrees Fahrenheit. This step ensures juicy, flavorful chicken that’s cooked through but still tender.

Step 2: Mix Your Flour and Spices

While the chicken cooks, combine the all-purpose flour with onion powder, garlic powder, salt, and pepper in a small bowl. This blend is the foundation of your roux, which will thicken the gravy and bring in those cozy aromas we all love.

Step 3: Create the Roux and Begin the Gravy

Once the chicken is done, remove it from the pan and lower the heat to medium-low. Add the butter and chicken base, stirring as the butter melts, releasing those wonderful savory notes. Sprinkle the flour and spice mixture into the pan and stir it for about 30 seconds to 1 minute. This cooks out the raw flour taste and starts forming your luscious roux.

Step 4: Add Liquids and Thicken the Gravy

Slowly pour in the chicken stock while scraping the pan bottom to lift those flavorful browned bits. Add the half cup of water and whisk thoroughly to avoid lumps. Let the mixture simmer gently until it thickens to your preferred consistency, transforming into a silky, velvety gravy that hugs every bite of chicken and potatoes.

Step 5: Finish the Gravy and Combine

If you love an extra creamy touch, stir in the optional heavy cream now. Shred the cooked chicken if you like, then add it back into the gravy along with any juices you collected. Let everything simmer together for a few minutes so those flavors marry beautifully.

Step 6: Taste and Adjust

Before serving, taste your gravy. Because the chicken and chicken base add plenty of salty goodness, you likely won’t need extra salt, but feel free to adjust the seasoning to your liking.

How to Serve Creamy Chicken and Gravy Over Mashed Potatoes Recipe

A large silver pan filled with a thick, light brown sauce as the base layer, with shredded white meat scattered unevenly on top, some pieces dipped into the sauce. A woman's hand holding red-tipped tongs is mixing the shredded meat into the sauce, showing a mix of textures – the smooth, creamy sauce contrasting with the fibrous meat. The pan is placed on a stove with a visible metal grate underneath, and the overall setting has a white marbled surface. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

Fresh garnishes bring brightness and color to this hearty dish. Chopped parsley or chives sprinkled on top add a pop of fresh flavor and make the plate look inviting. A dash of black pepper cracked fresh over the gravy can add a little subtle heat and depth with every bite.

Side Dishes

This recipe stands wonderfully on its own over mashed potatoes, but pairing it with something green like steamed peas or sautéed green beans adds a pleasant crunch and a burst of color. Garlic bread is another fantastic choice that soaks up any extra gravy and rounds out the meal beautifully.

Creative Ways to Present

For a cosy dinner party, serve the creamy chicken and gravy in individual shallow bowls over a mound of mashed potatoes, topped with garnishes for a picture-perfect presentation. Or, layer the shredded chicken and gravy in a baking dish with mashed potatoes on top, then broil lightly to achieve a golden crust for a homestyle casserole twist.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftovers of this Creamy Chicken and Gravy Over Mashed Potatoes Recipe store wonderfully in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Keep the chicken and gravy separate from the mashed potatoes if possible to maintain the best texture for each.

Freezing

You can freeze the chicken and gravy mixture in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months. Though the mashed potatoes can be frozen, they might lose some fluffiness upon thawing. For best results, freeze them separately and reheat gently.

Reheating

Reheat your leftovers slowly on the stove over low heat, stirring occasionally, to prevent the gravy from breaking or burning. Add a splash of chicken stock or water if it thickens too much. The mashed potatoes reheat nicely in the microwave with a little butter stirred in to revive that creamy texture.

FAQs

Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?

Absolutely! Chicken thighs are a great alternative that adds extra juiciness and richness. Just adjust the cooking time slightly, making sure they reach the proper internal temperature.

Is there a way to make this recipe gluten-free?

Yes! Swap out the all-purpose flour for a gluten-free flour blend or cornstarch to thicken the gravy. This way, you keep all the creamy goodness without gluten.

Can I make the gravy without heavy cream?

Definitely. The heavy cream is optional and adds extra richness, but the gravy will still be delicious and creamy without it, thanks to the butter and roux base.

How do I know when the gravy is thick enough?

The gravy should coat the back of a spoon nicely without being runny. If it’s too thin, simmer gently a bit longer. Remember it will thicken more as it cools.

What’s the best potato for mashed potatoes to serve with this dish?

Starchy potatoes like Russets or Yukon Golds give you the fluffiest, creamiest mashed potatoes that soak up the gravy beautifully.

Final Thoughts

Now that you have the steps and tips for this Creamy Chicken and Gravy Over Mashed Potatoes Recipe, I can’t wait for you to try it and feel the comfort it brings. This classic combination of juicy chicken, silky gravy, and dreamy mashed potatoes is the kind of meal that creates lasting memories and keeps everyone coming back for seconds. So roll up your sleeves, get cooking, and enjoy every cozy, satisfying bite!