Mashed Potatoes With Creamy Chicken Gravy
Highlighted under: Warm Comfort Food Favorites
I absolutely love making mashed potatoes with creamy chicken gravy during family gatherings or cozy nights in. This dish brings together the buttery, fluffy texture of mashed potatoes and the rich, savory taste of homemade gravy. It’s incredibly comforting and always a hit at the table. The secret ingredient for achieving that perfect creaminess in the potatoes is a splash of heavy cream and a generous amount of butter. Trust me, this will become your go-to comfort food!
When I first made mashed potatoes with creamy chicken gravy, I was on a quest for the ultimate comfort food. I experimented with different methods, but I found that boiling the potatoes until they are fork-tender gives the smoothest consistency. Adding heavy cream not only boosts the flavor but also makes the potatoes unbelievably silky.
The gravy is equally important; I learned that using pan drippings and a touch of flour creates a luscious sauce that clings beautifully to the potatoes. This dish has quickly become a family favorite, and I hope it brings as much joy to your table as it does to mine!
Why You Will Love These Mashed Potatoes
- Creamy consistency enhanced with rich chicken gravy
- Easy to prepare and perfect for any dining occasion
- Comfort food that warms the soul
Perfecting Your Mashed Potatoes
To achieve the ultimate creamy consistency in your mashed potatoes, be sure to use starchy potatoes like Russets or Yukon Golds. These varieties break down easily when cooked and create a fluffy texture. Avoid using waxy potatoes, as they can lead to a gluey result. Once cooked, let the potatoes sit for a moment to evaporate any excess moisture before mashing; this step elevates the creaminess by preventing a watery finish.
When mashing, consider using a potato ricer for an ultra-smooth texture. If you prefer a rustic mash, a traditional masher will do the trick. Start with just the cream and butter, mashing everything together and then adjust the seasoning gradually. This method allows for better control over the flavor and creaminess—taste as you go to achieve the perfect balance.
Crafting the Creamy Chicken Gravy
For the richest flavor in your chicken gravy, use high-quality pan drippings from rotisserie or roasted chicken if you have them. The drippings are packed with flavor and help create a more sumptuous gravy. If you don’t have drippings, you can use a tablespoon of butter sautéed with minced garlic before adding the flour to create a base. This adds a delightful depth that enhances the entire dish.
Ensure that you whisk the flour into the drippings thoroughly until no lumps remain before adding the broth; this step is crucial for a smooth gravy. Incorporate the broth gradually and continue whisking over medium heat, watching for it to bubble and thicken. If you find your gravy too thick, simply whisk in additional broth a tablespoon at a time until reaching your desired consistency.
Ingredients
Ingredients for Mashed Potatoes and Gravy
For the Mashed Potatoes
- 2 pounds of potatoes, peeled and cubed
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter
- Salt to taste
- Pepper to taste
For the Creamy Chicken Gravy
- 2 cups chicken broth
- 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/4 cup pan drippings
- Salt to taste
- Pepper to taste
Instructions
Instructions for Making Mashed Potatoes with Creamy Chicken Gravy
Prepare the Potatoes
In a large pot, bring salted water to a boil. Add the cubed potatoes and cook until fork-tender, about 15 minutes. Drain and return the potatoes to the pot.
Mash the Potatoes
Add heavy cream and butter to the potatoes. Mash until smooth and creamy. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Keep warm.
Make the Gravy
In a saucepan over medium heat, whisk together pan drippings and flour until smooth. Gradually add chicken broth, stirring constantly, until gravy thickens. Season with salt and pepper.
Serve
Spoon the creamy mashed potatoes onto plates and coat generously with chicken gravy. Enjoy!
Pro Tips
- For an added flavor boost, try adding garlic powder or sautéed onions to your mashed potatoes. Additionally, you can substitute chicken stock with vegetable broth for a lighter option.
Serving Suggestions
These mashed potatoes with creamy chicken gravy can be paired with a variety of sides. For a complete meal, consider serving them alongside roasted vegetables or a simple green salad. If you're serving this dish during the holidays, they complement turkey or ham beautifully, allowing the gravy to enhance the flavors of your main dish.
For a twist on presentation, serve the mashed potatoes in a hollowed-out baked potato or in a large, flat bowl with a drizzle of gravy on top. This not only elevates the dish but also makes it visually appealing and encourages plenty of gravy with every bite.
Make-Ahead Tips
If you’d like to prepare this dish in advance, you can make the mashed potatoes a day ahead. Store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator, and reheat them gently on the stove over low heat, stirring in more cream or butter as needed to revive their texture. This way, your potatoes remain creamy without becoming dry or stiff.
The gravy can also be made ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator. To reheat, warm it on the stove over low heat, whisking it to ensure an even consistency. If the gravy thickens too much upon refrigeration, thin it out with additional chicken broth until it's back to your desired texture.
Questions About Recipes
→ Can I use milk instead of heavy cream?
Yes, you can use milk, but the consistency will be less creamy. For best results, stick with heavy cream.
→ What type of potatoes are best for mashing?
Russet potatoes or Yukon Gold are ideal due to their starchy texture, which makes for fluffier mashed potatoes.
→ Can I make the mashed potatoes ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare them in advance. Just reheat gently before serving, and add a bit more cream if they seem dry.
→ How long will the gravy last in the fridge?
The gravy can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Just reheat on the stove before serving.
Mashed Potatoes With Creamy Chicken Gravy
I absolutely love making mashed potatoes with creamy chicken gravy during family gatherings or cozy nights in. This dish brings together the buttery, fluffy texture of mashed potatoes and the rich, savory taste of homemade gravy. It’s incredibly comforting and always a hit at the table. The secret ingredient for achieving that perfect creaminess in the potatoes is a splash of heavy cream and a generous amount of butter. Trust me, this will become your go-to comfort food!
Created by: Serena Whitaker
Recipe Type: Warm Comfort Food Favorites
Skill Level: Easy
Final Quantity: 4 servings
What You'll Need
For the Mashed Potatoes
- 2 pounds of potatoes, peeled and cubed
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter
- Salt to taste
- Pepper to taste
For the Creamy Chicken Gravy
- 2 cups chicken broth
- 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/4 cup pan drippings
- Salt to taste
- Pepper to taste
How-To Steps
In a large pot, bring salted water to a boil. Add the cubed potatoes and cook until fork-tender, about 15 minutes. Drain and return the potatoes to the pot.
Add heavy cream and butter to the potatoes. Mash until smooth and creamy. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Keep warm.
In a saucepan over medium heat, whisk together pan drippings and flour until smooth. Gradually add chicken broth, stirring constantly, until gravy thickens. Season with salt and pepper.
Spoon the creamy mashed potatoes onto plates and coat generously with chicken gravy. Enjoy!
Extra Tips
- For an added flavor boost, try adding garlic powder or sautéed onions to your mashed potatoes. Additionally, you can substitute chicken stock with vegetable broth for a lighter option.
Nutritional Breakdown (Per Serving)
- Calories: 455 kcal
- Total Fat: 30g
- Saturated Fat: 15g
- Cholesterol: 60mg
- Sodium: 800mg
- Total Carbohydrates: 38g
- Dietary Fiber: 4g
- Sugars: 2g
- Protein: 9g