Welcome to your next favorite meal: Chicken with Garlic Gravy and Cheesy Mash! This dish combines tender chicken thighs, rich garlic gravy, and creamy, cheesy mashed potatoes into one delightful plate. You’ll find easy steps to impress your family or friends without extra fuss. Ready to fall in love with comfort food? Let’s dive into these simple ingredients and steps to create a satisfying dinner everyone will enjoy!
Why I Love This Recipe
- Flavorful Chicken: The combination of seared chicken thighs, garlic, and fresh thyme creates a savory dish that is hearty and satisfying.
- Comforting Cheesy Mash: The creamy, cheesy mashed potatoes are the perfect side, adding richness and warmth to the meal.
- Simple Preparation: This recipe is easy to follow, making it accessible for both novice and experienced cooks to enjoy a lovely home-cooked meal.
- Versatile Dish: Pair it with your favorite vegetables or a fresh salad, and you have a complete meal that can please any crowd!
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 4 chicken thighs (bone-in, skin-on for flavor)
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 onion, finely chopped
- 2 cups chicken broth
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 tablespoon fresh thyme (or 1 teaspoon dried)
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 4 medium potatoes, peeled and chopped
- 1 cup milk
- 1 cup shredded cheese (Cheddar or your choice)
- 2 tablespoons butter
This dish shines with simple but rich flavors. The chicken thighs add depth, while garlic brings a warm aroma. Onions add sweetness that pairs well with the savory gravy. Fresh thyme provides a hint of earthiness.
For the cheesy mash, I use medium potatoes. They create a creamy texture when mashed. The milk and butter make the mash smooth. Adding cheese takes it over the top, giving you that cheesy goodness in every bite.
Gather all these ingredients before you start cooking. Having everything ready makes the process easy and fun. You’ll enjoy making this dish as much as you will eating it!
Step-by-Step Instructions
Preparing the Chicken
- Seasoning the chicken thighs: Start by seasoning the chicken thighs on both sides. Use salt, pepper, and fresh thyme for a great flavor boost. This step really brings out the taste.
- Searing the chicken in olive oil: Next, heat two tablespoons of olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once the oil is hot, add the chicken thighs skin side down. Sear them for about 5 to 7 minutes until they turn golden brown. Flip the thighs and sear the other side for about 5 minutes. Remove the chicken and set it aside.
Making the Garlic Gravy
- Sautéing aromatics (onion and garlic): In the same skillet, add the finely chopped onion and minced garlic. Sauté these for about 2 to 3 minutes. You want them to be fragrant and translucent, which adds depth to your gravy.
- Simmering the chicken in broth: Pour in 2 cups of chicken broth and scrape the skillet's bottom to get all those tasty bits. Return the seared chicken to the skillet. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer. Cover and cook for 25 to 30 minutes until the chicken is fully cooked. The internal temperature should reach 165°F (74°C).
Preparing the Cheesy Mash
- Boiling and mashing the potatoes: While the chicken cooks, prepare the potatoes. Peel and chop 4 medium potatoes, then add them to a pot of salted water. Bring the water to a boil and cook for 15 to 20 minutes until the potatoes are tender. Drain them well and put them back in the pot.
- Mixing in milk, butter, and cheese: To the drained potatoes, add 1 cup of milk, 2 tablespoons of butter, and 1 cup of shredded cheese. Mash everything together until smooth and creamy. Taste and adjust the seasoning with salt and pepper as needed.
Tips & Tricks
Perfecting the Chicken
To make sure your chicken is perfect, check its internal temperature. The chicken should reach 165°F (74°C) to be safe. A meat thermometer works best for this.
To get that crispy skin, sear the chicken in hot olive oil. Cook it skin side down for about 5-7 minutes until golden brown. Flip it over and cook for another 5 minutes. This locks in the juices and gives a nice crisp.
Enhancing the Gravy
If your gravy is too thin, simmer it uncovered. This lets the steam escape and thickens the sauce. Stir it often to prevent burning.
Adding fresh herbs like thyme or parsley makes the gravy pop. You can also add a splash of cream for a richer taste. Just mix it in at the end for a smooth finish.
Mashing Techniques
For smooth mashed potatoes, start with boiling the chopped potatoes in salted water. Cook them until fork-tender, then drain well.
When mashing, add milk, butter, and cheese while the potatoes are still hot. This keeps everything creamy. Cheddar is great, but you can try Gruyère or Parmesan for a twist. Mix until fluffy, and season with salt and pepper to taste.
Pro Tips
- Perfectly Sear the Chicken: Ensure your skillet is hot enough before adding the chicken. A good sear locks in flavor and moisture.
- Use Fresh Herbs: Fresh thyme adds a vibrant flavor. If using dried herbs, remember that they are more potent, so adjust the quantity accordingly.
- Thicken the Gravy: If your gravy is too thin, let it simmer uncovered for a few minutes. This will concentrate the flavors and thicken the sauce.
- Cheesy Mash Consistency: For extra creaminess in your mashed potatoes, use warm milk and butter. This helps achieve a smooth texture without lumps.
Variations
Different Protein Options
You can switch things up by using chicken breast or drumsticks. Chicken breast cooks faster but may dry out if overcooked. Drumsticks have more flavor and stay juicy longer. Both work well with garlic gravy.
For a holiday twist, substitute turkey for chicken. Turkey thighs or breasts bring a rich taste and pair well with the same gravy. Just be mindful of cooking times, as turkey often takes longer to cook through.
Flavor Profile Changes
To enhance the flavor, add different herbs and spices. Fresh rosemary or oregano can add a lovely twist to the gravy. You can also try smoked paprika for a warm, smoky note.
Incorporating vegetables into the mash can boost nutrition and flavor. Try mixing in roasted garlic, sautéed spinach, or even caramelized onions. These additions make your cheesy mash even more delightful.
Dietary Alternatives
To make the recipe gluten-free, simply use gluten-free chicken broth. This small change keeps the dish tasty without gluten. Always check labels for hidden gluten in your ingredients.
If you want vegan options, replace the chicken with a plant-based protein, like tofu or tempeh. For the gravy, use vegetable broth and a plant-based butter. In the mash, swap out milk and cheese for almond milk and nutritional yeast. These swaps keep the meal delicious and satisfying.
Storage Info
Refrigeration Guidelines
To store leftovers, cool the chicken and cheesy mash first. Place them in airtight containers. This keeps them fresh for your next meal. You can store them in the fridge for up to three days. After that, the chicken may lose its taste and texture. Cheesy mash also stays good for the same time frame.
Freezing Instructions
You can freeze cooked chicken with gravy for later use. Wrap it well in plastic wrap and foil. This helps to prevent freezer burn. Your chicken can last up to three months in the freezer. For mashed potatoes, let them cool first. Then, store them in a freezer-safe container. They can also last for about three months.
Reheating Best Practices
When reheating chicken, use a microwave or oven. If using a microwave, cover it to keep moisture. Heat until the chicken reaches 165°F (74°C). This ensures it is safe to eat. For cheesy mash, add a splash of milk when reheating. This helps bring back the creamy texture. Stir well to combine before serving.
FAQs
What to serve with Chicken with Garlic Gravy and Cheesy Mash?
For a well-rounded meal, consider these sides:
- Steamed green beans
- Roasted Brussels sprouts
- Sautéed spinach with garlic
- A fresh garden salad
These sides add color and nutrition to your plate. They complement the rich flavors of the chicken and gravy well.
Can I prepare this dish in advance?
Yes, you can make this dish ahead of time. Here’s how:
- Cook the chicken and gravy: Prepare the chicken and gravy as directed. Allow it to cool before storing.
- Make the cheesy mash: You can also prepare the mash. Store it in an airtight container.
- Refrigerate: Keep both in the fridge for up to three days.
When ready to serve, reheat the chicken and mash in the oven or microwave. Add a splash of milk to the mash to restore creaminess.
Is this recipe suitable for meal prep?
Absolutely! This dish works great for meal prep. Here’s how to portion it:
- Divide into containers: Once cooked, place chicken, gravy, and mashed potatoes into individual meal containers.
- Storage: Keep them in the fridge for up to four days.
- Reheat: When ready to eat, simply heat in the microwave.
This method makes it easy to enjoy a tasty meal throughout the week.
This blog post shared a delicious recipe for chicken with garlic gravy and cheesy mash. You learned how to prepare crispy chicken, rich gravy, and creamy potatoes. We discussed tips to enhance flavors, variations for dietary needs, and storage methods.
Cooking can be fun and rewarding. Experiment with this recipe in your kitchen. Enjoy your meals and share your creations!
