Introduction
This Savory Shredded Chicken with Creamy Gravy over Mashed Potatoes is the epitome of comfort food. The dish combines tender, flavorful shredded chicken enveloped in a rich, creamy gravy, all served atop a fluffy bed of buttery mashed potatoes. Perfect for those cool evenings when you crave something hearty and nourishing, this meal will warm both your heart and soul.
Detailed Ingredients with measures
- For the Shredded Chicken & Gravy:
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (or thighs)
- 1 can (10.5 oz) cream of chicken soup
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 1/2 cup sour cream
- 1 small onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tsp dried thyme
- 1 tsp dried parsley
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 2 tbsp unsalted butter
- For the Mashed Potatoes:
- 4 large russet potatoes, peeled and quartered
- 1/2 cup milk
- 4 tbsp unsalted butter
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1/4 cup sour cream (optional for extra creaminess)
Preparation Time
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
Instructions
1️⃣ **Cook the Chicken**: Melt butter in a skillet. Sauté onion & garlic until soft. Add chicken, broth, thyme, parsley, salt, and pepper. Cover and simmer for 20-25 minutes.
2️⃣ **Shred the Chicken**: Remove and shred with forks. Set aside.
3️⃣ **Make the Gravy**: Stir in cream of chicken soup and sour cream into the skillet. Mix until smooth. Return chicken to skillet; simmer for 5 more minutes.
4️⃣ **Boil Potatoes**: While chicken cooks, boil potatoes in salted water until tender, about 15-20 minutes. Drain.
5️⃣ **Mash the Potatoes**: Mash potatoes with butter, milk, and optional sour cream. Season with salt and pepper.
6️⃣ **Serve**: Plate a mound of mashed potatoes and blanket them with luscious chicken and gravy. 😋
Optional Garnish
Sprinkle with fresh parsley or a dash of black pepper.
Pro Tips
– Add mushrooms or peas to the gravy for extra depth.
– Simplify with a slow cooker: Cook chicken on low for 4-5 hours, then mix in gravy ingredients.
Nutritional Info (per serving)
Calories: 450 | Carbs: 40g | Protein: 30g | Fat: 18g
Detailed Directions and Instructions
Cook the Chicken
Melt 2 tablespoons of unsalted butter in a skillet over medium heat. Sauté 1 small diced onion and 2 minced cloves of garlic until soft, about 3-4 minutes. Add 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (or thighs), 1 cup of chicken broth, 1 teaspoon of dried thyme, 1 teaspoon of dried parsley, and salt and pepper to taste. Cover the skillet and simmer for 20-25 minutes until the chicken is cooked through.
Shred the Chicken
Remove the chicken from the skillet and use two forks to shred it into pieces. Set aside.
Make the Gravy
In the same skillet, stir in 1 can (10.5 oz) of cream of chicken soup and 1/2 cup of sour cream. Mix until smooth. Return the shredded chicken to the skillet and let it simmer for an additional 5 minutes.
Boil Potatoes
While the chicken is cooking, bring a pot of salted water to a boil. Add 4 large peeled and quartered russet potatoes and cook until tender, approximately 15-20 minutes. Drain the potatoes.
Mash the Potatoes
In a mixing bowl, mash the drained potatoes with 4 tablespoons of unsalted butter, 1/2 cup of milk, and, if desired, 1/4 cup of sour cream for extra creaminess. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
Serve
Plate a generous mound of mashed potatoes and pour the creamy chicken and gravy mixture over the top.
Optional Garnish
Sprinkle with fresh parsley or a dash of black pepper for added flavor and presentation.
Notes
Pro Tips
– For extra depth, consider adding mushrooms or peas to the gravy.
– To simplify the process, use a slow cooker: Cook the chicken on low for 4-5 hours, then mix in the gravy ingredients for a convenient option.
Cook techniques
Cooking the Chicken
Melt butter in a skillet and sauté diced onion and minced garlic until they are soft. This technique enhances the flavor foundation for the dish.
Shredding the Chicken
Once cooked, use forks to shred the chicken into bite-sized pieces. This method makes it easy to incorporate the chicken throughout the gravy.
Making the Gravy
Stir in cream of chicken soup and sour cream into the cooked chicken mixture until smooth. This technique ensures a rich and creamy gravy.
Boiling Potatoes
Boil quartered potatoes in salted water until tender. This step is crucial for achieving smooth and fluffy mashed potatoes.
Mashing the Potatoes
Mash the boiled potatoes with butter and milk until desired consistency is reached. This technique allows for a creamy texture, and adding sour cream is optional for extra richness.
FAQ
Can I use bone-in chicken for this recipe?
Yes, but bone-in chicken will require a longer cooking time to ensure it’s fully cooked and tender.
How can I make this recipe healthier?
You can use low-fat sour cream and cream of chicken soup and substitute with skinless chicken thighs or breasts.
What can I serve with this dish?
You can pair it with steamed vegetables or a green salad for a balanced meal.
Can I prepare this dish in advance?
Yes, the chicken and gravy can be made ahead and reheated before serving. Just store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator.
Is it possible to freeze leftovers?
Yes, the chicken and gravy freeze well. Just be sure to store them in a freezer-safe container.
Conclusion
This Savory Shredded Chicken with Creamy Gravy over Mashed Potatoes is perfect for cozy nights in, combining rich flavors and comforting textures for a satisfying meal.
More recipe suggestions and combinations
Chicken and Dumplings
A comforting twist with fluffy dumplings added to the savory chicken and gravy.
Garlic Mashed Cauliflower
A low-carb alternative to traditional mashed potatoes that pairs well with the chicken and gravy.
Slow Cooker Creamy Chicken and Rice
A simple one-pot meal that’s perfect for busy nights, featuring tender chicken and creamy rice.
Cheesy Broccoli Casserole
A delightful side dish that complements the savory chicken and mashed potatoes beautifully.
