Savory Shredded Chicken with Creamy Gravy Over Mashed Potatoes

This Savory Shredded Chicken with Creamy Gravy Over Mashed Potatoes is the ultimate comfort food—tender, juicy chicken simmered in a rich, flavorful gravy and served over buttery, creamy mashed potatoes. Perfect for a cozy family dinner, this dish is easy to prepare and packed with homestyle goodness.

Ingredients

For the Shredded Chicken & Gravy:

• 2 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts (or thighs for extra tenderness)
• 2 cups chicken broth
• 1 cup heavy cream (or half-and-half for a lighter option)
• 3 tbsp unsalted butter
• 3 tbsp all-purpose flour
• 1 small onion, finely chopped
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tsp salt (adjust to taste)
• ½ tsp black pepper
• ½ tsp smoked paprika (optional)
• ½ tsp dried thyme
• ½ tsp dried rosemary
• 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
• 1 tbsp Dijon mustard (for depth of flavor)

For the Mashed Potatoes:

• 2 lbs Yukon Gold or Russet potatoes, peeled and cubed
• ½ cup heavy cream (or milk for a lighter option)
• 4 tbsp unsalted butter
• ½ tsp salt (or to taste)
• ¼ tsp black pepper
• ¼ cup sour cream (optional, for extra creaminess)

Instructions

Step 1: Cook the Chicken

1. Slow Cooker Method:
   • Place the chicken in a slow cooker and add chicken broth, onion, garlic, salt, pepper, paprika, thyme, rosemary, Worcestershire sauce, and Dijon mustard.
   • Cover and cook on LOW for 6-7 hours or HIGH for 3-4 hours, until the chicken is tender and shreds easily.
2. Stovetop Method:
   • In a large pot, melt 1 tbsp of butter over medium heat. Sauté the onion and garlic until fragrant.
   • Add the chicken, broth, and seasonings. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low and cover. Simmer for 45-60 minutes, until the chicken is fully cooked and tender.

Step 2: Make the Gravy

1. Remove the cooked chicken and shred it using two forks. Set aside.
2. In a saucepan, melt 3 tbsp of butter over medium heat.
3. Whisk in the flour and cook for 1-2 minutes until golden brown.
4. Gradually pour in 1½ cups of the reserved chicken broth, whisking constantly to avoid lumps.
5. Add heavy cream, stirring continuously until the gravy thickens (about 3-5 minutes).
6. Return the shredded chicken to the gravy and let it simmer for 5 minutes to absorb the flavors.

Step 3: Prepare the Mashed Potatoes

1. Boil the Potatoes:
   • In a large pot, add cubed potatoes and cover with cold water. Add 1 tsp salt.
   • Bring to a boil and cook for 15-20 minutes, or until potatoes are fork-tender.
2. Mash and Mix:
   • Drain the potatoes and return them to the pot.
   • Add butter, heavy cream, sour cream, salt, and black pepper. Mash until smooth and creamy.

Step 4: Assemble & Serve

1. Scoop a generous portion of mashed potatoes onto a plate.
2. Spoon the shredded chicken with creamy gravy over the top.
3. Garnish with chopped fresh parsley or a sprinkle of black pepper.

Serving Suggestions

• Side Vegetables: Roasted carrots, green beans, or steamed broccoli.
• Bread: Serve with dinner rolls or garlic bread to soak up the extra gravy.
• Extra Toppings: Add a sprinkle of shredded cheese or crispy fried onions for more flavor.

Storage & Reheating

• Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
• Reheating: Warm in a saucepan over medium-low heat, adding a splash of broth or cream to loosen the gravy.

This Savory Shredded Chicken with Creamy Gravy Over Mashed Potatoes is a meal the whole family will love. Try it tonight for a comforting, delicious dinner!

Recipe Variations & Customizations

This dish is already packed with rich flavors, but you can customize it to suit different tastes and dietary needs. Here are some great ways to tweak the recipe:

1. Slow Cooker vs. Instant Pot vs. Stovetop

• Slow Cooker: Best for hands-off cooking; just set it and forget it.
• Instant Pot: Pressure cooking reduces cooking time to about 20 minutes on HIGH pressure. Quick-release and shred.
• Stovetop: Great for a quick one-pot meal, taking around 45 minutes to an hour.

2. Lightened-Up Version

• Use boneless, skinless chicken breast instead of thighs for a leaner protein option.
• Substitute low-fat milk instead of heavy cream in both the gravy and mashed potatoes.
• Swap Greek yogurt for sour cream in the mashed potatoes for a protein boost.

3. Dairy-Free Option

• Replace heavy cream with coconut milk or cashew cream.
• Use dairy-free butter alternatives in both the mashed potatoes and gravy.

4. Extra Flavor Enhancements

• Add a smoky touch: Stir in ½ tsp smoked paprika into the gravy.
• Make it extra rich: Mix in ½ cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese into the mashed potatoes.
• Boost umami: A splash of soy sauce or balsamic vinegar can deepen the flavor of the gravy.

Best Side Dishes to Serve with Shredded Chicken & Gravy

While mashed potatoes are a classic pairing, here are some other great side dish ideas:

Vegetable Sides

• Roasted Brussels Sprouts – Toss with olive oil, salt, and pepper; roast at 400°F (200°C) for 25 minutes.
• Sautéed Garlic Green Beans – Light and fresh, balances the richness of the gravy.
• Honey-Glazed Carrots – Adds a touch of sweetness to the meal.

Bread Options

• Buttermilk Biscuits – Perfect for soaking up the creamy gravy.
• Cornbread – A Southern twist that adds a subtle sweetness.
• Garlic Bread – A crispy, garlicky complement to the dish.

Alternative Bases Instead of Mashed Potatoes

• Rice: White, brown, or cauliflower rice for a lower-carb option.
• Egg Noodles: A comforting base similar to chicken and dumplings.
• Cauliflower Mash: A low-carb alternative that still delivers creaminess.

How to Store & Reheat Leftovers

This meal is great for meal prep! Here’s how to store and reheat it for the best texture and flavor:

Refrigeration:

• Store shredded chicken and gravy in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
• Mashed potatoes can also be refrigerated for 3-4 days.

Freezing:

• Shredded Chicken & Gravy: Freeze in a sealed container for up to 3 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating.
• Mashed Potatoes: Freeze in portions; reheat with a splash of milk or broth to maintain creaminess.

Reheating:

• Stovetop: Warm chicken and gravy over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally.
• Microwave: Heat in 1-minute intervals, stirring in between until hot.
• Oven: Place in a baking dish, cover with foil, and bake at 350°F (175°C) for 15 minutes.

Final Thoughts

This Savory Shredded Chicken with Creamy Gravy Over Mashed Potatoes is the perfect homestyle comfort food for any occasion. Whether you make it in the slow cooker, Instant Pot, or stovetop, it delivers tender, flavorful chicken in a rich, creamy gravy that pairs beautifully with fluffy mashed potatoes.

Try this recipe tonight and let us know how it turns out!

Common Questions & Troubleshooting

1. Why is my shredded chicken dry?

• Overcooking can cause chicken to become dry. If using a slow cooker, cook on LOW for juicier chicken.
• Using chicken thighs instead of breasts can result in more tender meat.
• Always let the chicken rest for 5 minutes before shredding to retain moisture.

2. How do I thicken my gravy?

• If the gravy is too thin, mix 1 tablespoon cornstarch with 2 tablespoons cold water and stir it into the gravy. Let it simmer until thickened.
• Cooking the roux (butter + flour mixture) for an extra minute or two can also create a thicker base.

3. Can I make this in advance for meal prep?

Yes! This recipe is perfect for meal prep:

• Store in meal prep containers for easy reheating.
• For best results, keep the mashed potatoes and chicken separate to maintain texture.

4. What’s the best way to shred chicken?

• Two Forks: The traditional method—pull the chicken apart with forks.
• Electric Mixer: Use a hand mixer or stand mixer for quick, effortless shredding.

A Step-by-Step Cooking Flowchart in Mermaid Diagram

To visualize the cooking process, here’s a simple diagram:

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Comforting & Filling – The perfect hearty meal for cold nights.
• Easy to Make – Simple ingredients and easy steps make this dish beginner-friendly.
• Customizable – Works with different sides, bases, and dietary preferences.
• Great for Leftovers – Stays delicious even after reheating.

Final Thoughts

This Savory Shredded Chicken with Creamy Gravy Over Mashed Potatoes is a tried-and-true recipe that brings comfort, warmth, and flavor to your table. Whether you make it for a weeknight dinner, family gathering, or meal prep, it’s guaranteed to be a crowd-pleaser.

Give this recipe a try and let us know how it turns out!