Chicken and Garlic Gravy with Cheesy Mashed Potatoes – Cozy, Creamy, and Comforting

There are meals that feel like home from the very first bite, and Chicken and Garlic Gravy with Cheesy Mashed Potatoes is exactly that kind of dish. The kind that warms you from the inside out, fills the kitchen with rich aromas, and makes everyone at the table sink a little deeper into their chairs with contentment. This recipe brings together two unbeatable comfort food favorites: tender seared chicken simmered in a silky garlic gravy and a mountain of fluffy, creamy, cheesy mashed potatoes.

This dish hits every note a comfort meal should—savory, buttery, garlicky, creamy, indulgent, and deeply satisfying. The chicken is juicy and flavorful, pan-seared to develop a golden crust before being smothered in a luscious gravy made from butter, garlic, broth, and cream. And those mashed potatoes? They’re not just creamy—they’re cheesy, velvety, and whipped to perfection with butter, cream, and freshly grated cheddar or parmesan.

This recipe was inspired by the kind of rustic Sunday dinners found in cozy kitchens everywhere—meals meant to be shared, slow savored, and remembered. The combination of gravy and mashed potatoes is timeless, but adding garlic-forward depth and melty cheese brings this dish to a whole new level of comfort.

Whether you’re cooking for a chilly evening, a family gathering, or just craving a warm, hearty dinner that tastes like love on a plate, this Chicken and Garlic Gravy with Cheesy Mashed Potatoes is guaranteed to become a new classic in your home.

---

Ingredients:

For the Chicken & Garlic Gravy:

• 1.5 lbs chicken thighs or breasts
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1 teaspoon black pepper
• 1 teaspoon paprika
• 2 tablespoons butter
• 6 garlic cloves, minced
• 2 tablespoons flour
• 2 cups chicken broth
• ½ cup heavy cream
• 1 teaspoon onion powder
• ½ teaspoon dried thyme
• ½ teaspoon smoked paprika
• Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

For the Cheesy Mashed Potatoes:

• 2 lbs russet or Yukon potatoes, peeled & cubed
• 4 tablespoons butter
• ½ cup milk or cream
• 1 cup shredded cheddar or parmesan
• Salt and pepper, to taste

---

Instructions:

1. Boil the potatoes:
   Add potatoes to a large pot of salted water. Boil until fork-tender, about 15 minutes.
2. Season the chicken:
   Pat chicken dry and season both sides with salt, pepper, and paprika.
3. Sear the chicken:
   Heat butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add chicken and cook 5–6 minutes per side until browned. Remove and set aside.
4. Make the garlic roux:
   In the same skillet, add garlic and sauté until fragrant, about 1 minute. Sprinkle in flour and whisk for 1 minute to create a roux.
5. Build the gravy:
   Slowly pour in the chicken broth while stirring. Add cream, onion powder, thyme, and smoked paprika. Simmer until thickened.
6. Return chicken to pan:
   Nestle the chicken into the gravy. Simmer 10–15 minutes until chicken is cooked through and gravy is silky.
7. Make the cheesy mashed potatoes:
   Drain the potatoes. Mash with butter, milk/cream, cheese, salt, and pepper until fluffy.
8. Serve:
   Spoon mashed potatoes onto plates, top with chicken, and ladle garlic gravy over everything. Garnish with parsley.

---

Tips & Tricks

• Use chicken thighs for juicier, more flavorful meat.
• Add roasted garlic to the mashed potatoes for even deeper flavor.
• Use freshly grated cheese—it melts smoother and tastes richer.
• Thin the gravy with extra broth or thicken with a bit more flour if needed.
• Add mushrooms or onions to the gravy for extra savoriness.

---

Variations

• Creamy Herb Version: Add basil, rosemary, or sage.
• Spicy Kick: Add red pepper flakes or cayenne to the gravy.
• Cheddar+Parmesan Mix: For extra cheesy mashed potatoes.
• Crispy Chicken Option: Bread the chicken lightly before searing.

---

Serving Suggestions

• Serve with roasted broccoli, green beans, or a simple salad.
• Add warm biscuits or garlic bread for soaking up extra gravy.
• Top potatoes with chives or caramelized onions.

---

Storage Information

• Refrigerate: 3–4 days in airtight containers.
• Freeze: Potatoes freeze well; gravy may separate slightly but reheats fine.
• Reheat: Add a splash of milk or broth to restore creaminess.

---

FAQ

Can I use bone-in chicken?
Yes—just increase simmering time by 10–15 minutes.

Can I make this ahead?
Yes, both the chicken and potatoes reheat beautifully.

Can I lighten the gravy?
Use half-and-half or milk instead of heavy cream.

---

History / Fun Facts

Mashed potatoes and gravy are comfort staples dating back centuries, originating in European cooking before spreading globally. Garlic gravy, in particular, became popular in farmhouse kitchens where garlic was widely grown and used to flavor broths and sauces. Combining cheesy mashed potatoes with garlic gravy elevates the classic into a luxurious modern comfort dish.