There’s nothing quite like a hearty, comforting meal that warms the soul, and this Savory Chicken and Garlic Gravy with Cheesy Mashed Potatoes Recipe is exactly that. Juicy, golden-brown chicken thighs bathed in a luscious garlic-infused gravy pair perfectly with creamy, cheesy mashed potatoes that are velvety and full of rich flavor. This dish strikes the perfect balance between simple ingredients and indulgent taste, making it a go-to favorite for cozy family dinners or impressing guests with minimal fuss.
Ingredients You’ll Need
What’s amazing about this recipe is how straightforward the ingredients are, yet each component plays a vital role in building layers of flavor, color, and texture. Let’s take a look at what you’ll need to create this delicious masterpiece:
- Bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs: These pack the best flavor and stay juicy throughout cooking.
- Salt: Enhances all the natural flavors in the dish.
- Pepper: Adds a gentle, warming bite.
- Olive oil: Perfect for achieving a beautiful sear on the chicken skin.
- 6 minced garlic cloves: Infuses the gravy with aromatic depth and warmth.
- 1 cup chicken broth: The savory base that brings the gravy to life.
- 1 cup heavy cream: Adds a luxurious creaminess to the gravy and potatoes.
- 2 pounds potatoes (Yukon Gold or Russet): Ideal for fluffy, creamy mashed potatoes.
- ½ cup heavy cream: Ensures the mashed potatoes are silky and rich.
- ½ cup shredded cheddar cheese: Brings sharpness and melty goodness to the mash.
- 4 tablespoons butter: Adds a smooth, buttery richness that perfectly rounds out the potatoes.
How to Make Savory Chicken and Garlic Gravy with Cheesy Mashed Potatoes Recipe
Step 1: Searing the Chicken
Start by heating a tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Give your chicken thighs a generous seasoning of salt and pepper—this is where the foundational flavor begins. Place the chicken skin-side down and sear for 5 to 7 minutes until the skin turns beautifully golden and crispy. Flipping the thighs for another 5 minutes helps lock in those juices. Once the sear is perfect, set the chicken aside; this first step sets the stage for that unforgettable texture contrast.
Step 2: Building the Garlic Gravy
In the same skillet, add another splash of olive oil if it looks dry, and toss in your minced garlic cloves. Sauté for about 30 seconds until the kitchen is filled with that irresistible garlicky aroma. Next, pour in 1 cup of chicken broth, and don’t forget to scrape the skillet’s bottom to lift all those flavorful browned bits. Bring everything to a gentle simmer, which will gently coax the most flavor out of your ingredients.
Step 3: Simmering the Chicken in Gravy
Return your chicken thighs to the skillet, skin side up, and cover. Lower the heat to maintain a gentle simmer and cook for about 30 to 35 minutes. This slow simmer ensures the chicken becomes tender while soaking in all the garlicky goodness, making bites both juicy and flavorful.
Step 4: Finishing the Gravy
Once the chicken is perfectly cooked, take it out again and stir in 1 cup of heavy cream into the skillet. Let it simmer for a few minutes to thicken into a rich, velvety sauce. If it’s thicker than you prefer, a splash more broth can bring it back to the perfect consistency. Taste and season with additional salt and pepper if needed, then return the chicken to coat it lovingly in that luxurious garlic gravy.
Step 5: Preparing the Cheesy Mashed Potatoes
While your chicken is cooking, peel and chop your potatoes into even-sized pieces. Bring a pot of cold water to a boil, add the potatoes, and cook until fork-tender—usually around 15 to 20 minutes. Drain and transfer them back to the pot, where ½ cup of heavy cream, ½ cup shredded cheddar cheese, and 4 tablespoons butter await. Mash everything together until creamy and smooth. Don’t be shy to season with salt and pepper, and if you’re craving extra richness, stirring in a bit more cheese or cream cheese makes for a heavenly indulgence.
How to Serve Savory Chicken and Garlic Gravy with Cheesy Mashed Potatoes Recipe
Garnishes
To elevate your dish visually and taste-wise, sprinkle fresh chopped parsley, thyme leaves, or chives over the chicken and potatoes. A light drizzle of olive oil or a few cracked black pepper flakes can brighten the presentation and add subtle flavor contrasts. These little touches not only make the dish pop but invite everyone to dig in eagerly.
Side Dishes
This dish is a full-flavored centerpiece, but if you want to add some fresh balance, consider serving it alongside a simple green salad with a lemon vinaigrette, roasted asparagus, or sautéed green beans. The crispness and acidity in these sides complement the richness of the chicken, gravy, and potatoes beautifully.
Creative Ways to Present
For a stunning and creative approach, consider plating the cheesy mashed potatoes in a neat mound or using a ring mold for a clean shape. Nestle the chicken thigh on top or beside it, and generously spoon that glossy garlic gravy over everything. You could even serve the chicken chopped atop the mash for a rustic bowl presentation, making it perfect for casual meals or family-style serving.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover Savory Chicken and Garlic Gravy with Cheesy Mashed Potatoes Recipe stores beautifully in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Keep the chicken and potatoes separate if possible; this helps maintain the best texture when reheating.
Freezing
You can freeze the chicken and gravy together in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months. Mashed potatoes can also be frozen, but they’re best when reheated with a splash of cream or milk to restore their creamy texture. Freezing lets you enjoy this homey meal anytime you crave comfort food.
Reheating
When reheating, gently warm the chicken and gravy in a skillet over low heat to avoid drying out the chicken. Reheat the mashed potatoes in the microwave or on the stove with a little extra cream or butter to return their softness and lusciousness. Stir frequently and avoid overheating to keep that just-cooked quality.
FAQs
Can I use boneless chicken thighs for this recipe?
Absolutely! Boneless thighs will cook faster and still offer great flavor. Just adjust the cooking time down to prevent overcooking and drying out the meat.
What kind of cheese works best in the mashed potatoes?
Cheddar is a classic choice because it melts well and has a pleasant sharpness. However, feel free to experiment with gouda, mozzarella, or even cream cheese for different flavor profiles.
Is this recipe gluten-free?
Yes, it is naturally gluten-free as long as your chicken broth is gluten-free. Always double-check the labels to be sure, especially for broth brands that may add wheat-based thickeners.
Can I make the garlic gravy without cream?
While cream adds richness and smoothness, you can substitute with a combination of milk and a thickener like cornstarch for a lighter version, though the flavor won’t be quite as indulgent.
What potatoes are best for mashed potatoes?
Yukon Gold or Russet potatoes are the top picks because they break down nicely and yield creamy, fluffy mashed potatoes that soak up cheese and butter beautifully.
Final Thoughts
If you’re searching for a meal that feels like a warm hug on a plate, this Savory Chicken and Garlic Gravy with Cheesy Mashed Potatoes Recipe is just what you need. It’s the kind of dish that gathers people around the table, sparks smiles, and fills your home with irresistible aromas. I can’t wait for you to try it and savor every cozy, cheesy, garlicky, delicious bite!
Print
Delicious Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Description
This recipe features succulent bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs cooked in a rich and savory garlic cream gravy, paired perfectly with creamy, cheesy mashed potatoes. The chicken is seared to golden perfection, then simmered slowly in a flavorful garlic and chicken broth-based gravy enriched with heavy cream. The mashed potatoes are buttery and loaded with cheddar cheese, making this a hearty and comforting meal ideal for family dinners.
Ingredients
For the Chicken and Garlic Gravy
- 4 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs
- Salt, to taste
- Pepper, to taste
- 2 tablespoons olive oil, divided
- 6 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 1 cup heavy cream
For the Cheesy Mashed Potatoes
- 2 pounds potatoes (Yukon Gold or Russet), peeled and chopped
- ½ cup heavy cream
- ½ cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 4 tablespoons butter
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Season and Sear Chicken: In a large skillet, heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil over medium-high heat. Season the chicken thighs generously with salt and pepper. Place the chicken skin-side down in the skillet and sear for 5-7 minutes until the skin turns golden brown. Flip the chicken and cook for another 5 minutes. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
- Sauté Garlic: Add another tablespoon of olive oil to the skillet if needed. Add minced garlic and sauté for about 30 seconds until fragrant, scraping up any browned bits from the chicken.
- Add Broth and Simmer Chicken: Pour in the chicken broth and bring the mixture to a simmer while scraping the skillet bottom to loosen browned bits. Return the chicken thighs to the skillet, cover, and reduce heat to low. Let them cook gently for 30-35 minutes until fully cooked and tender.
- Prepare the Gravy: Remove the chicken once more. Stir in 1 cup of heavy cream into the skillet and simmer for a few minutes, allowing the sauce to thicken. Adjust consistency by adding more broth if necessary. Season with additional salt and pepper as desired.
- Coat Chicken in Gravy: Return the chicken to the skillet and spoon the creamy garlic gravy over it, coating the thighs well before serving.
- Boil Potatoes: While the chicken cooks, peel and chop the potatoes into even pieces. Place them in a large pot, cover with cold water, and bring to a boil. Cook for 15-20 minutes until the potatoes are fork-tender. Drain and return the potatoes to the pot.
- Mash Potatoes: Add ½ cup heavy cream, ½ cup shredded cheddar cheese, and 4 tablespoons butter to the potatoes. Mash thoroughly until smooth, creamy, and cheesy. Season with salt and pepper to taste. For extra richness, additional cheese or cream cheese can be added.
- Serve: Plate the cheesy mashed potatoes alongside the savory chicken with garlic cream gravy. Enjoy this hearty and comforting meal hot.
Notes
- Use Yukon Gold potatoes for a creamy texture, or Russet potatoes for fluffier mash.
- Searing the chicken skin-side down first helps develop crispy skin and rich flavor.
- Adjust the gravy thickness by adding more chicken broth if it becomes too thick.
- For extra cheesy potatoes, mix in cream cheese or more shredded cheddar.
- Leftovers can be stored separately in airtight containers for 3 days in the refrigerator.
