Chicken and Garlic Gravy with Cheesy Mashed Potatoes (The Ultimate Comfort Meal)
There are comfort meals… and then there’s Chicken and Garlic Gravy with Cheesy Mashed Potatoes—a full-on cozy, creamy, savory, comforting masterpiece. This dish takes two classic favorites—juicy pan-seared chicken and rich mashed potatoes—and transforms them into something unforgettable with a silky garlic gravy that ties everything together like a warm blanket on a cold night.
This is the type of meal you make when you want pure comfort. When you want a restaurant-style dish that still feels homemade. When you want something filling, satisfying, and deeply flavorful without complicated ingredients or techniques. And best of all, it’s a one-pan-and-one-pot recipe, so cleanup stays simple even though the flavor tastes gourmet.
The chicken is seasoned and seared until golden. The mashed potatoes are creamy, buttery, and studded with melted cheddar and Parmesan. The garlic gravy is rich, silky, aromatic, and absolutely perfect poured over everything on the plate. Together? Magic.
Why You’ll Love This Chicken & Garlic Gravy Dish
✔ Garlic gravy — smooth, savory, and next-level delicious
The gravy is made from pan drippings, garlic, broth, and butter, creating deep flavor.
✔ Cheesy mashed potatoes — creamy and packed with flavor
A blend of cheddar and Parmesan makes them smooth, cheesy, and comforting.
✔ Juicy chicken — perfect every time
Seared until golden, then simmered in gravy for extra tenderness.
✔ Comfort food that’s not complicated
Every step is easy, beginner-friendly, and uses everyday ingredients.
✔ Perfect for any meal
Weeknight dinners, Sunday comfort meals, meal prep, or special occasions.
Ingredients
For the Chicken
- 1.5 lbs boneless skinless chicken breasts (or thighs)
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tsp paprika
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp onion powder
- ½ tsp dried thyme
- Salt & pepper to taste
For the Garlic Gravy
- 3 tbsp butter
- 4 garlic cloves, minced
- 2 tbsp flour
- 2 cups chicken broth
- ½ cup heavy cream (or milk)
- Salt & pepper to taste
- Optional: ½ tsp Worcestershire sauce for depth
- Fresh parsley for garnish
For the Cheesy Mashed Potatoes
- 2 lbs potatoes, peeled and cubed
- 4 tbsp butter
- ½ cup milk or cream
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- ½ cup grated Parmesan
- Salt & pepper to taste
Instructions
1. Make the cheesy mashed potatoes
Boil potatoes in salted water until tender. Drain and mash with butter, milk, cheddar, Parmesan, salt, and pepper. Mix until creamy and smooth. Set aside.
2. Season the chicken
Season chicken with paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, thyme, salt, and pepper.
3. Sear the chicken
Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Sear chicken for 4–5 minutes per side until golden. Remove from pan and set aside.
4. Start the garlic gravy
In the same skillet, melt butter. Add garlic and sauté 30–45 seconds until fragrant.
5. Make the roux
Whisk in the flour until the mixture becomes thick and lightly golden.
6. Add broth and cream
Slowly whisk in chicken broth and heavy cream. Stir and simmer until thickened. Add salt, pepper, and Worcestershire if using.
7. Add chicken back
Return chicken to the skillet and simmer 5–10 minutes until cooked through and coated in gravy.
8. Assemble
Serve juicy chicken over cheesy mashed potatoes and pour extra garlic gravy on top.
9. Garnish
Top with parsley and extra black pepper.
Chicken and Garlic Gravy with Cheesy Mashed Potatoes
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Boil potatoes until tender, then mash with butter, milk, cheddar, Parmesan, salt, and pepper.
- Season chicken with paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, thyme, salt, and pepper.
- Sear chicken in olive oil until golden, then remove from skillet.
- Melt butter in skillet and add garlic; sauté until fragrant.
- Whisk in flour to form a roux.
- Slowly add broth and cream, whisking until smooth.
- Simmer until thickened, then season with salt and pepper.
- Return chicken to skillet and simmer in gravy until cooked through.
- Serve chicken and gravy over cheesy mashed potatoes.
Notes
Tips for Perfect Mashed Potatoes & Gravy
⭐ Use russet or Yukon gold potatoes
They’re the creamiest and fluffiest.
⭐ Shred your own cheese
Pre-shredded cheese melts less smoothly.
⭐ Don’t burn the garlic
A gentle sauté keeps it sweet and aromatic.
⭐ Add broth slowly
Prevents lumps and ensures a silky gravy.
⭐ Let chicken finish in the gravy
It makes it extra tender and flavorful.
Variations
• Mushroom Gravy Version
Add sautéed mushrooms to the gravy.
• Herb Garlic Version
Add rosemary or thyme for deeper flavor.
• Spicy Gravy Version
Add a pinch of cayenne or crushed red pepper.
• Roasted Garlic Version
Use roasted garlic for sweeter, deeper flavor.
Serving Suggestions
- Roasted vegetables
- Green beans
- Dinner rolls
- Cornbread
- Side salad
Storage & Reheating
Fridge:
Up to 4 days in airtight containers.
Freezer:
Freezes well without the potatoes (potatoes may get grainy).
Reheat:
Warm gently with added milk or broth to loosen gravy or potatoes.
Short Summary
Juicy seasoned chicken smothered in rich garlic gravy served over ultra-creamy cheesy mashed potatoes—a warm, comforting, satisfying meal made with simple ingredients.
