If you’re craving a cozy dinner that feels like a warm hug after a long day, Chicken and Garlic Gravy with Cheesy Mashed Potatoes might just be your new weeknight hero. I’m talking about tender chicken, a garlicky gravy that smells like pure comfort, and mashed potatoes so creamy and cheesy they could steal the spotlight all on their own.
This is the kind of meal you make when the day has been loud, the kids are hungry right now, or you simply want something familiar and deeply satisfying without spending hours in the kitchen. I’ve been there—juggling schedules, half-listening to homework stories, and still wanting dinner to feel special. That’s exactly where this recipe shines.
Pull up a chair, friend. Let’s cook something comforting together.
Table of Contents
Why You’ll Love This Chicken and Garlic Gravy with Cheesy Mashed Potatoes
There’s something magical about the combination of chicken, garlic, and potatoes. It’s classic. It’s reliable. And honestly? It never lets you down.
Here’s why this dish earns a regular spot in my kitchen:
- Weeknight-friendly: Simple steps, familiar ingredients, and no fancy equipment.
- Family-approved: Even picky eaters tend to clean their plates (extra gravy helps ).
- Comfort food vibes: Perfect for chilly evenings, stressful days, or Sunday dinners.
- Flexible: Works with chicken breasts or thighs, with or without cream.
This recipe checks all the boxes when you want comfort without chaos.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Before we dive in, let’s talk ingredients. Everything here is easy to find, and chances are you already have most of it waiting in your kitchen.
For the Chicken and Garlic Gravy
- Chicken breasts or thighs – Boneless and skinless keep things quick and easy
- Fresh garlic – The star of the gravy; don’t skimp
- Chicken broth – Builds that savory, cozy base
- Butter – For richness and flavor
- Flour – Thickens the gravy beautifully
- Heavy cream (optional) – Adds extra silkiness
- Salt & pepper – Simple seasoning goes a long way
For the Cheesy Mashed Potatoes
- Yukon Gold potatoes – Naturally buttery and perfect for mashing
- Milk – Makes them smooth and creamy
- Butter – Because mashed potatoes deserve it
- Cheddar cheese – Sharp or mild, your call
- Salt & pepper – Taste as you go
For Serving
- Fresh parsley or chives – A little green makes everything prettier
Refer to the recipe card below for exact ingredient measurements and full nutritional information.
How to Make Chicken and Garlic Gravy with Cheesy Mashed Potatoes
Don’t worry—this isn’t one of those recipes that reads like a novel and leaves you confused. These steps are straightforward and forgiving, just the way home cooking should be.
Step 1: Sear the Chicken
Season both sides of your chicken with salt and pepper. Heat a skillet over medium-high heat with a little oil. Sear the chicken until it’s golden on both sides and fully cooked through. You’re looking for an internal temperature of 165°F.
Once done, transfer the chicken to a plate and cover it to keep warm. (This is not the time to let your hard work get cold.)
Step 2: Start the Garlic Gravy Base
Using the same skillet—because flavor lives there—lower the heat to medium and add the butter. Once it melts, toss in the minced garlic. Stir for about a minute until fragrant.
Your kitchen should smell incredible right about now. If the garlic starts browning, turn the heat down. Burnt garlic is nobody’s friend.
Step 3: Make the Roux
Sprinkle the flour over the garlic and butter. Stir constantly until it forms a smooth paste. Let it cook for 1–2 minutes. This step helps the gravy thicken without tasting like raw flour.
Step 4: Build the Gravy
Slowly whisk in the chicken broth, a little at a time, smoothing out any lumps. Let it simmer until it thickens into a pourable, glossy gravy.
If you’re feeling indulgent (and I usually am), stir in a splash of heavy cream. Season with salt and pepper, then let it gently simmer while you handle the potatoes.
Step 5: Boil the Potatoes
Peel and cube your Yukon Gold potatoes. Boil them in well-salted water until fork-tender, about 12–15 minutes. Drain them well—no watery mashed potatoes here.
Step 6: Mash and Make Them Cheesy
Mash the potatoes with butter and milk until smooth. Stir in the shredded cheddar cheese and watch it melt into creamy perfection. Season with salt and pepper until they taste just right.
Step 7: Serve It Up
Spoon a generous helping of cheesy mashed potatoes onto each plate. Top with sliced chicken and ladle that luscious garlic gravy all over everything. Finish with a sprinkle of parsley or chives, and try not to smile too hard.
My Best Cooking Tips (Learned the Real-Life Way)
- Don’t rush the gravy. Let it simmer gently so the flavors can really come together.
- Taste as you go. Potatoes especially need proper seasoning to shine.
- No cream? No problem. The gravy is still rich and comforting without it.
- Leftover gravy is gold. Save it for biscuits, rice, or even toast the next day.
And if your gravy looks a little lumpy at first, don’t panic. Whisking fixes most things—kind of like patience in parenting.
A Little Story from My Kitchen
This Chicken and Garlic Gravy with Cheesy Mashed Potatoes became a staple during one particularly busy season in my life. Between work, family, and everything in between, I needed dinners that felt grounding.
The first time I made this, the kids scraped their plates clean and asked for seconds. That’s when I knew it was a keeper. Now it’s one of those meals that shows up when we need comfort, laughter, and a full table.

FAQs About Chicken and Garlic Gravy with Cheesy Mashed Potatoes
Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?
Absolutely. Thighs are juicier and work beautifully in this recipe.
How do I store leftovers?
Store everything in airtight containers in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stove or in the microwave with a splash of broth or milk.
Can I make this ahead of time?
Yes! The potatoes and gravy can be made ahead and reheated. Just add a little liquid when warming to keep things creamy.
What cheese works best for the mashed potatoes?
Cheddar is classic, but Colby Jack or Monterey Jack are great options too.
Bringing Comfort to the Table, One Plate at a Time
There’s a reason Chicken and Garlic Gravy with Cheesy Mashed Potatoes feels like a forever favorite. It’s hearty without being heavy, simple without being boring, and comforting in the best possible way.
Whether you’re feeding a busy family or just treating yourself to a cozy night in, this dish delivers every single time. From my kitchen to yours, I hope it brings warmth, full bellies, and maybe even a little peace to your evening. Happy cooking
More Cozy Recipes to Try Next
If this Chicken and Garlic Gravy with Cheesy Mashed Potatoes hit the spot, you’re definitely in the mood for more cozy, comforting meals—and I’ve got you covered. These reader-favorite recipes pair perfectly with the same warm, homemade vibes and are wonderful options to save for your next dinner plan:
- Craving another hands-off, cozy dinner? You’ll love this Crock Pot Chicken and Gravy, a slow-cooked classic that’s rich, comforting, and perfect for busy days.
- If the potatoes were your favorite part (no judgment!), give these Garlic Parmesan Smashed Potatoes a try—crispy edges, buttery centers, and so satisfying.
- Want to keep that mashed-potato magic going with a little twist? This Creamy Garlic Shrimp Over Mashed Potatoes is comforting, elegant, and surprisingly easy.
- And for full-on comfort food lovers, this Smothered Chicken Thighs with Gravy is rich, cozy, and absolutely worth adding to your dinner rotation.
If you made this recipe, I’d love to hear how it turned out for you! ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Scroll down and leave a star rating and a quick review—it helps other home cooks and truly means so much to me. Happy cooking, friend!
Chicken and Garlic Gravy with Cheesy Mashed Potatoes
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
Description
Chicken and Garlic Gravy with Cheesy Mashed Potatoes is a cozy comfort-food dinner made with tender chicken, rich garlic gravy, and creamy cheddar mashed potatoes—perfect for family meals.
Ingredients
For the Chicken & Garlic Gravy
-
4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs
-
Salt and black pepper, to taste
-
1 tablespoon olive oil
-
3 tablespoons butter
-
4 cloves garlic, minced
-
3 tablespoons all-purpose flour
-
2 cups chicken broth
-
¼ cup heavy cream (optional)
For the Cheesy Mashed Potatoes
-
2 pounds Yukon Gold potatoes, peeled and cubed
-
3 tablespoons butter
-
½ cup milk (more as needed)
-
1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
-
Salt and black pepper, to taste
Garnish (optional)
-
Fresh parsley or chives, chopped
Instructions
-
Season the chicken on both sides with salt and pepper.
-
Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Sear chicken until golden and cooked through (165°F internal temperature). Remove and keep warm.
-
Reduce heat to medium. Add butter to the same skillet, then stir in garlic and cook for 30–60 seconds until fragrant.
-
Sprinkle in flour and stir continuously for 1–2 minutes to form a roux.
-
Slowly whisk in chicken broth, stirring until smooth. Simmer until thickened. Add heavy cream if using and season to taste.
-
Meanwhile, boil potatoes in salted water until fork-tender, about 12–15 minutes. Drain well.
-
Mash potatoes with butter, milk, and cheddar cheese until creamy. Season with salt and pepper.
-
Serve chicken over mashed potatoes and generously spoon garlic gravy on top. Garnish if desired.
Notes
Chicken thighs add extra juiciness and flavor.
Add more broth or milk when reheating leftovers to keep everything creamy.
Gravy thickens as it cools—this is normal.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 620 kcal
- Sugar: 4 g
- Sodium: 780 mg
- Fat: 34 g
- Saturated Fat: 18 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 14 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 38 g
- Fiber: 4 g
- Protein: 42 g
- Cholesterol: 155 mg