If there were ever a meal that delivers pure, warm, soul-soothing comfort from the very first bite, it’s Chicken and Garlic Gravy with Cheesy Mashed Potatoes. This is the kind of dinner you dream about after a long day — juicy seasoned chicken simmered in velvety garlic gravy, spooned generously over fluffy mashed potatoes infused with melty cheese and buttery richness.

It’s nostalgic. It’s satisfying. And it’s the perfect combination of creamy, savory, garlicky, and hearty all on one plate.

This dish brings together two ultimate comfort food classics:

1. Golden seared chicken in a rich homemade gravy
2. Mashed potatoes whipped with cheese for silky perfection

The gravy alone could steal the show — buttery, aromatic, thick enough to cling to chicken and potatoes, bursting with garlic flavor without being sharp or overpowering. The chicken stays tender thanks to a gentle simmer in the gravy, soaking in all that flavor. And the mashed potatoes? They’re smooth, creamy, cheesy, and the ideal base for soaking up every drop of gravy.

Whether you’re cooking for the family, hosting friends, or treating yourself to a cozy night in, this meal always hits the mark. It’s easy enough for weeknights, satisfying enough for Sundays, and comforting enough for any time your soul needs a hug.

Let’s break down this dish from start to finish.

Why You’ll Love Chicken and Garlic Gravy with Cheesy Mashed Potatoes

1. The garlic gravy is next-level delicious.

This gravy is butter-based with golden minced garlic, flour for thickening, broth for savory depth, and milk or cream for silkiness.

2. Restaurant-quality flavor with simple ingredients.

You don’t need anything fancy — pantry staples do the magic.

3. Perfect comfort food.

Creamy potatoes + chicken in gravy = the ultimate cozy meal.

4. Ideal for meal prep.

Both chicken and potatoes reheat beautifully.

5. Easily customizable.

Swap cheeses, use chicken thighs or breasts, add herbs, or make it creamier.

Ingredients

– Chicken and Garlic Gravy –

• 1.5 lb chicken breasts or thighs, cut into chunks
• 1 tsp paprika
• 1 tsp garlic powder
• 1 tsp onion powder
• ½ tsp dried thyme
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 4 tbsp butter
• 6 garlic cloves, minced
• 4 tbsp all-purpose flour
• 2 cups chicken broth
• 1 cup milk or half-and-half
• 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce (optional for depth)
• 1 tbsp Dijon mustard (optional for complexity)
• Fresh parsley for garnish

– Cheesy Mashed Potatoes –

• 3 lb russet or Yukon Gold potatoes, peeled and cubed
• 4 tbsp butter
• ½ cup milk or cream
• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
• ½ cup grated parmesan
• Salt and pepper, to taste

Instructions

1. Prepare the mashed potatoes.

Boil potatoes in salted water until fork-tender (15–20 minutes).

2. Mash and mix.

Drain potatoes, then add butter, milk, cheddar, parmesan, salt, and pepper. Mash until creamy and smooth. Keep warm.

3. Season the chicken.

Mix paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, thyme, salt, and pepper. Coat chicken pieces evenly.

4. Sear the chicken.

Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Brown chicken on all sides; remove and set aside.

5. Start the garlic gravy.

In the same skillet, melt butter. Add garlic and cook 30–60 seconds until fragrant.

6. Make the roux.

Add flour and stir continuously for 1 minute to form a golden paste.

7. Add liquid.

Slowly whisk in chicken broth, then milk. Bring to a gentle simmer until thickened.

8. Add optional flavor boosters.

Stir in Worcestershire and Dijon (optional but amazing).

9. Return chicken to skillet.

Simmer chicken in the gravy for 5–7 minutes until cooked through and coated.

10. Serve.

Spoon creamy cheesy mashed potatoes onto a plate and top with chicken and garlic gravy. Garnish with fresh parsley.

Chicken and Garlic Gravy with Cheesy Mashed Potatoes

Tender seared chicken simmered in homemade garlic gravy, served over creamy cheesy mashed potatoes for the ultimate comfort-food dinner.

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Prep Time 20 minutes mins

Cook Time 30 minutes mins

Total Time 50 minutes mins

Servings: 4 plates

Course: Comfort Food, Dinner

Cuisine: American, Homestyle

Calories: 690

Ingredients

  

Chicken & Garlic Gravy

• 1.5 lb chicken breasts or thighs cut into chunks
• 1 tsp paprika
• 1 tsp garlic powder
• 1 tsp onion powder
• 0.5 tsp dried thyme
• salt and pepper to taste
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 4 tbsp butter
• 6 cloves garlic minced
• 4 tbsp flour all-purpose
• 2 cups chicken broth
• 1 cup milk or half-and-half
• 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce optional
• 1 tbsp Dijon mustard optional

Cheesy Mashed Potatoes

• 3 lb potatoes peeled and cubed
• 4 tbsp butter
• 0.5 cup milk or cream
• 1 cup cheddar cheese shredded
• 0.5 cup parmesan cheese grated
• salt and pepper to taste

Equipment

• Large skillet
• Pot for potatoes
• Masher or ricer
• Knife
• Cutting board

Method

 

1. Boil potatoes until tender, then mash with butter, milk, cheddar, parmesan, salt, and pepper.
2. Season chicken with paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, thyme, salt, and pepper.
3. Heat olive oil and sear chicken pieces until browned. Remove from skillet.
4. Melt butter in skillet and sauté garlic until fragrant.
5. Stir in flour to form a roux and cook for 1 minute.
6. Slowly whisk in chicken broth and milk until smooth and thickened.
7. Stir in Worcestershire and Dijon if using.
8. Return chicken to skillet and simmer until cooked through.
9. Serve chicken and garlic gravy over cheesy mashed potatoes and garnish with parsley.

Notes

For extra creaminess, add 2 oz cream cheese to the mashed potatoes.

Pro Tips for the Best Chicken & Gravy

1. Brown the chicken well.

Color = flavor. Don’t rush this step.

2. Use freshly minced garlic.

Jarred garlic won’t give the same depth.

3. Warm the milk before adding.

This prevents lumps and creates smoother gravy.

4. Don’t overmix potatoes.

Use a masher or ricer to avoid gumminess.

5. Taste as you go.

Season the potatoes generously — they should be delicious on their own.

Variations

Creamier Gravy

Add a splash of heavy cream at the end.

Herb Boost

Add rosemary, thyme, or sage.

Cheese Variations

Try:

• Gruyere
• White cheddar
• Mozzarella
• Gouda

Crispy Chicken Version

Dredge chicken in flour before pan-frying for a crisp coating.

Vegetable Add-Ins

• Mushrooms
• Peas
• Caramelized onions

Serving Suggestions

• Add a side of roasted green beans
• Serve with buttered corn
• A simple garden salad complements the richness
• Finish with fresh cracked pepper or smoked paprika

Storage & Reheating

Refrigerator:
Store chicken and potatoes separately for 3–4 days.

Freezer:
Freeze potatoes and gravy separately for best texture.

Reheat:
Warm chicken gravy in a skillet; add broth to loosen.
Reheat potatoes with extra milk.

The Inspiration Behind This Dish

This recipe draws from classic Southern-style chicken-and-gravy comfort food, pairing it with cheesy mashed potatoes inspired by homestyle American cooking. The garlic gravy adds a modern twist while staying true to the warmth and heartiness of traditional dishes. It’s the kind of meal passed around the table on chilly evenings — familiar, soothing, and universally loved.