If you’re searching for a heartwarming, soul-satisfying dish that hits all the right notes, look no further than this Shredded Chicken Gravy on Mashed Potatoes Recipe. It’s the perfect blend of creamy, savory chicken gravy poured generously over fluffy mashed potatoes, creating a comforting meal that feels like a warm hug on a plate. This dish is not only easy to make but also brings together pantry staples in a way that makes weeknight dinners feel truly special.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Don’t be fooled by the simplicity of these ingredients—each one plays a crucial role in building the rich flavors and creamy textures that make this dish an absolute standout. These pantry-friendly staples come together to create an irresistible combination of taste and comfort.
- Cream of chicken soup: This creamy base gives the gravy its smooth texture and rich flavor.
- Water: Helps to thin the soup into a luscious gravy consistency.
- Chicken gravy mix packets: Adds an extra punch of savory chicken flavor and thickens the sauce beautifully.
- Chicken breasts (about 2 lbs): Provides tender, juicy protein that will be shredded into the gravy.
- Instant mashed potatoes: Quick and easy, these fluffy potatoes soak up every bit of the delicious gravy.
- Garlic powder, salt, and pepper: Essential seasoning for enhancing the natural flavors of the chicken and gravy.
- Butter (for mashed potatoes): Adds richness and a velvety finish to the potatoes.
How to Make Shredded Chicken Gravy on Mashed Potatoes Recipe
Step 1: Create the Gravy Base
Start by combining the cream of chicken soup, water, and chicken gravy mix packets in your crockpot. This trio forms the heart of your gravy, already packed with flavor and ready to slowly meld together over hours of cooking.
Step 2: Prepare and Add the Chicken
Lightly season your chicken breasts with garlic powder, salt, and pepper for just the right savory touch. Nestle them into the gravy mixture in the crockpot, making sure they’re fully covered so they cook evenly and soak up all those tasty juices.
Step 3: Slow Cook to Perfection
Cover the crockpot and set it to cook on low for 7 to 8 hours. This slow cooking method ensures the chicken becomes incredibly tender and infused with the delicious flavors of the gravy.
Step 4: Shred the Chicken
Once your chicken is perfectly cooked, remove the breasts from the crockpot and shred them using two forks. This step is where the magic starts to come together—those tender shreds will soon be swimming in the creamy, flavorful gravy.
Step 5: Combine Chicken and Gravy
Pop the shredded chicken back into the crockpot and stir it into the gravy. Give it a good mix so every shred gets coated with the creamy, savory sauce, making each bite entirely irresistible.
Step 6: Prepare the Mashed Potatoes
While your chicken and gravy finish melding flavors, prepare the instant mashed potatoes according to the package instructions. Adding butter here is a small step that makes a huge difference, yielding rich and fluffy potatoes ready to soak up that luscious gravy.
Step 7: Serve and Enjoy
Spoon a generous helping of the creamy shredded chicken gravy over a scoop of buttery mashed potatoes. This beloved Shredded Chicken Gravy on Mashed Potatoes Recipe truly shines when served piping hot, offering comfort in every bite.
How to Serve Shredded Chicken Gravy on Mashed Potatoes Recipe
Garnishes
Brighten up your plate with some fresh garnishes like chopped parsley or chives. Not only do they add a pop of vibrant green color, but their fresh, herbal notes cut through the richness of the gravy, balancing the dish beautifully.
Side Dishes
This meal pairs wonderfully with simple steamed vegetables like green beans or broccoli, which add a refreshing crunch and nutritional boost. A crisp side salad tossed in a light vinaigrette also complements the creamy textures perfectly.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, try serving the shredded chicken gravy in a bread bowl or spoon it over baked potatoes instead of mashed. You could even layer it in a casserole with cheese and breadcrumbs for a comforting baked dish that will wow anyone at your table!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Once cooled, transfer your leftover shredded chicken gravy and mashed potatoes into airtight containers and store them in the refrigerator. They will keep well for up to 3 days while maintaining their flavor and texture.
Freezing
You can freeze the shredded chicken gravy separately in freezer-safe containers. It freezes beautifully and can last up to 3 months. For the mashed potatoes, freezing is possible, but it’s best to consume them fresh or refrigerated as their texture can change when thawed.
Reheating
To reheat, warm the gravy gently on the stovetop over low heat, stirring occasionally until heated through. Add a splash of water or broth if it thickens too much. Heat the mashed potatoes in the microwave or on the stove with a little butter or milk to restore their creamy consistency.
FAQs
Can I use fresh mashed potatoes instead of instant?
Absolutely! Fresh homemade mashed potatoes work wonderfully and add an extra layer of creaminess, making the dish even more comforting.
Is it possible to make this recipe without a crockpot?
Yes, you can cook the chicken and gravy mix in a large pot on the stove over low heat for about 1 to 2 hours until the chicken is tender, then proceed with shredding and combining.
Can I use dark meat instead of chicken breasts?
Definitely. Dark meat like thighs or drumsticks will make the gravy even richer and juicier, though cooking times may need adjusting for tenderness.
How can I make the gravy thicker?
If you prefer a thicker gravy, mix a small amount of cornstarch with cold water and stir it into the gravy during the last 15 minutes of cooking until it reaches your desired consistency.
Is this recipe suitable for meal prepping?
Yes! This Shredded Chicken Gravy on Mashed Potatoes Recipe reheats beautifully and makes for a convenient, satisfying meal throughout the week.
Final Thoughts
This Shredded Chicken Gravy on Mashed Potatoes Recipe truly feels like a warm embrace on a busy day. It’s simple, comforting, and utterly delicious—perfect for sharing with family or treating yourself to some well-deserved comfort food. Give it a try and watch how quickly it becomes one of your favorite go-to meals.
Print
Shredded Chicken Gravy on Mashed Potatoes Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 7 hours 30 minutes
- Total Time: 7 hours 40 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Slow Cooking
- Cuisine: American
Description
This comforting Shredded Chicken Gravy on Mashed Potatoes recipe features tender slow-cooked chicken breast simmered in a creamy chicken gravy made from cream of chicken soup and chicken gravy mix, served over buttery instant mashed potatoes. Perfect for a hearty and easy weeknight meal, the dish combines creamy textures and savory flavors that satisfy every time.
Ingredients
Gravy and Chicken
- 2 cans cream of chicken soup (approx. 10.5 oz each)
- 2 cans water (use the empty soup cans to measure)
- 2 packets chicken gravy mix
- 2 packs chicken breast (approximately 2 lbs)
- Garlic powder, to taste
- Salt, to taste
- Black pepper, to taste
Mashed Potatoes
- Instant mashed potatoes (prepared according to package instructions, typically with butter)
- Butter for mashed potatoes (as per instant potato package instructions, usually 2-4 tbsp)
Instructions
- Prepare the Gravy Base: In a crockpot, combine the cream of chicken soup, water, and chicken gravy packets. Stir thoroughly to dissolve the gravy mix and create a smooth gravy base.
- Season and Add Chicken: Season the chicken breasts on both sides with garlic powder, salt, and black pepper according to your taste. Place the seasoned chicken breasts into the crockpot, making sure they are fully submerged in the gravy mixture for even cooking.
- Cook the Chicken: Cover the crockpot and cook on low heat for 7 to 8 hours to allow the chicken to become tender and infused with the savory gravy flavors.
- Shred the Chicken: After cooking, carefully remove the chicken breasts from the crockpot. Use two forks to shred the chicken into bite-sized pieces.
- Combine Chicken with Gravy: Return the shredded chicken to the crockpot and stir well to coat the chicken evenly with the flavorful gravy.
- Prepare Mashed Potatoes: While the chicken is finishing, prepare the instant mashed potatoes according to the package instructions, typically by adding butter and hot water, then stirring until smooth and creamy.
- Serve: Spoon a generous portion of mashed potatoes onto each plate, then ladle the shredded chicken and gravy over the top. Serve hot and enjoy this comforting meal.
Notes
- Using the same cans from the cream of chicken soup to measure water makes it easy and consistent.
- Adjust the seasoning of garlic powder, salt, and pepper to your liking or add fresh herbs for extra flavor.
- This dish can also be prepared in advance; after shredding the chicken, refrigerate and reheat gently before serving.
- For a richer gravy, add a splash of milk or cream when stirring the shredded chicken back in.
- Leftovers keep well and can be refrigerated for up to 3 days.
