Easy Stovetop Chicken and Gravy Over Creamy Mashed Potatoes
There are some meals that just wrap you in a warm hug, don’t you agree? For me, this incredible Stovetop Chicken and Gravy Over Mashed Potatoes is exactly that kind of dish. I can still vividly recall those chilly, rainy Sunday afternoons when the air outside was crisp, and the aroma of simmering goodness would waft from my grandmother’s kitchen, promising warmth and comfort.
Growing up, my grandmother had a magical touch with classic, wholesome recipes, and her chicken and gravy was legendary. It wasn’t fancy, but it was pure, unadulterated comfort food that tasted like home. This tested recipe, adapted from her timeless wisdom, brings all that nostalgic flavor and hearty satisfaction right to your table, proving that truly delicious food doesn’t need to be complicated.
It’s the ultimate easy dinner solution that feels incredibly special. Imagine tender, perfectly seared chicken cutlets bathed in the richest, most flavorful gravy, all piled high on a mountain of fluffy, buttery mashed potatoes. It’s a complete meal in one pan (mostly!), perfect for a busy weeknight or a cozy family gathering. Trust me, you’ll want to add this family favorite to your regular rotation, especially when you’re craving something deeply satisfying and wonderfully easy.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
❤️ Oh, my goodness, where do I even begin? This Stovetop Chicken and Gravy Over Mashed Potatoes isn’t just a meal; it’s an experience. Here’s why I know you’ll fall head over heels for it, just like my family and I have:
- Pure Comfort in Every Bite: This dish is the epitome of comfort food. From the first forkful of creamy mashed potatoes to the last drop of savory gravy coating the tender chicken, it’s designed to soothe your soul and make you feel perfectly content. It’s the culinary equivalent of a warm blanket on a cold day.
- Incredibly Flavorful: We’re talking deeply savory, rich, and utterly delicious. The chicken is seasoned and seared to golden perfection, locking in all its juicy flavor, which then contributes to a gravy that’s bursting with umami and herby notes. Every ingredient plays a crucial role in building layers of mouthwatering taste.
- Surprisingly Simple to Make: Don’t let the gourmet taste fool you! This recipe is straightforward and accessible, even for beginner cooks. Most of the magic happens right in one pan on your stovetop, minimizing cleanup and complexity. It’s a fantastic entry point into making incredible homemade gravy without any fuss.
- Family-Friendly Favorite: This is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser for all ages. Kids adore the creamy potatoes and tender chicken, and adults appreciate the sophisticated depth of flavor. It’s the kind of meal that brings everyone to the table with eager anticipation and leaves them fully satisfied.
- Versatile & Adaptable: While perfect as is, this recipe is also incredibly forgiving and open to customization. You can easily adjust seasonings, add vegetables, or swap out chicken cuts to suit your preferences, making it a truly flexible dish for any occasion.
- Quick & Efficient: Despite its rich flavor profile, this recipe comes together much faster than you might expect. It’s ideal for busy weeknights when you want a homemade, hearty meal without spending hours in the kitchen. Most of the cook time is hands-off simmering.
- Satisfying & Hearty: This isn’t a light salad; it’s a substantial meal that will keep you full and happy. It’s packed with protein and carbohydrates, making it a fantastic fuel source after a long day or for powering through colder weather.
What You Need
You only need a few simple pantry staples for this recipe! We’re talking basic ingredients that, when combined, create something truly extraordinary. You’ll likely have most of these on hand already. Check the full printable recipe card below for detailed measurements and a complete list.
Expert Tips
💡 Achieving that perfect Stovetop Chicken and Gravy doesn’t have to be a culinary challenge. With these expert tips, you’ll be serving up a dish that tastes like it came straight from a gourmet kitchen!
- Pat the Chicken Dry: This is crucial for a beautiful, golden-brown sear. Moisture on the chicken skin prevents browning and can lead to steaming instead of searing. Use paper towels to pat your chicken cutlets thoroughly dry before seasoning and placing them in the hot pan.
- Don’t Overcrowd the Pan: When searing the chicken, work in batches if necessary. Overcrowding lowers the pan’s temperature, leading to steamed chicken rather than a crispy, flavorful crust. Give each piece space to brown evenly.
- Scrape Up the Fond: After searing the chicken, those browned bits stuck to the bottom of the pan (the ‘fond’) are pure flavor gold! When you add the broth or wine, use a wooden spoon to scrape them up. This deglazing step adds incredible depth to your gravy.
- Build a Roux for the Gravy: The key to a smooth, lump-free, and flavorful gravy is a properly made roux. Melt butter, then whisk in flour. Cook this mixture for 1-2 minutes, stirring constantly, to cook out the raw flour taste and create a nutty base.
- Gradually Add Liquid: When adding broth and cream to your roux, pour it in slowly, whisking continuously. Start with a small amount to create a thick paste, then gradually add more, whisking out any lumps as you go. This prevents a lumpy gravy texture.
- Season as You Go: Don’t wait until the very end to season. Season the chicken before searing, and then taste and adjust the gravy’s seasoning (salt, pepper, herbs) as it simmers. Remember, salt enhances flavor!
- Control Gravy Thickness: If your gravy is too thick, whisk in a little more chicken broth or water until it reaches your desired consistency. If it’s too thin, let it simmer gently for a few more minutes to reduce, or make a quick slurry of cornstarch and water (1 tsp cornstarch mixed with 1 tbsp cold water) and whisk it in.
- Rest the Chicken: Once the chicken is cooked, remove it from the pan and let it rest for 5-10 minutes before slicing or serving. This allows the juices to redistribute, ensuring tender and moist meat.
- Creamy Mashed Potatoes: For the ultimate fluffy mashed potatoes, use starchy potatoes like Russets or Yukon Golds. Don’t overmix them once mashed, as this can activate starch and make them gummy. Warm your milk and butter before adding them for a smoother texture.
- Fresh Herbs for Finish: A sprinkle of fresh parsley or chives at the end not only adds a pop of vibrant color but also a fresh, aromatic finish that elevates the entire dish.
Variations & Substitutions
This recipe is wonderfully versatile! Feel free to get creative and adapt it to your taste or dietary needs:
- Different Chicken Cuts: While chicken cutlets or boneless, skinless thighs work great for quick cooking, you could also use bone-in, skin-on chicken pieces. Just adjust the cooking time to ensure they’re cooked through, and savor the extra flavor from the bone.
- Gluten-Free Gravy: Easily make this gluten-free by swapping the all-purpose flour for a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend or by using cornstarch as a thickener. For cornstarch, make a slurry with 2 tablespoons of cornstarch mixed with 2 tablespoons of cold water, then slowly whisk it into the simmering broth until thickened.
- Dairy-Free Option: Use a plant-based milk (like unsweetened almond or oat milk) and a dairy-free butter alternative. Be sure to choose a brand that has a neutral flavor. Coconut cream can also add a nice richness.
- Add Vegetables: Boost the nutritional value and flavor by sautéing sliced mushrooms, diced carrots, or peas with the chicken, or stir in some fresh spinach at the very end until wilted.
- Herbs & Spices: Experiment with different herbs! Rosemary, sage, or a bay leaf added to the simmering gravy can offer wonderful aromatic variations. A pinch of smoked paprika can add a subtle depth.
- Spicy Kick: For a little heat, add a pinch of red pepper flakes with the seasonings or a dash of hot sauce to the finished gravy.
- Wine Boost: Deglaze the pan with a splash of dry white wine (like Chardonnay or Sauvignon Blanc) after searing the chicken, letting it reduce for a minute before adding the broth. This adds a fantastic layer of complexity.
Storage & Freezing
Storage: Leftover Stovetop Chicken and Gravy Over Mashed Potatoes can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. The gravy may thicken further upon cooling; you can thin it out with a splash of broth or water when reheating.
Freezing: While technically possible, freezing dishes with a cream-based gravy can sometimes lead to a slightly grainy texture upon thawing and reheating. If you wish to freeze, store the chicken and gravy separately from the mashed potatoes if possible. Freeze in airtight, freezer-safe containers for up to 2-3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating gently on the stovetop or in the microwave.
Reheating: Gently reheat on the stovetop over medium-low heat, adding a splash of chicken broth or milk to thin the gravy if needed, and stirring occasionally until warmed through. For mashed potatoes, a microwave works well, or reheat in a pot with a little extra butter or milk until creamy again.
FAQ
Can I use different cuts of chicken for this recipe?
Absolutely! While boneless, skinless chicken cutlets or thighs are recommended for their quick cooking time and tenderness, you can certainly use bone-in chicken pieces. Just be aware that cooking times will vary, and you’ll need to ensure the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
How do I prevent my gravy from becoming lumpy?
The secret to a smooth gravy lies in two main steps: first, ensuring you cook your flour and butter (the roux) sufficiently to remove the raw flour taste; and second, gradually adding your liquid (broth/cream) while whisking constantly. Start by adding a small amount of liquid to create a thick paste, then slowly add the rest, continuing to whisk vigorously to break up any lumps as they form.
Can I prepare this meal ahead of time?
You can do some prep work ahead! You can season the chicken and have your ingredients measured out. The gravy, while best served fresh, can be made a few hours in advance and gently reheated. The mashed potatoes can also be made a few hours ahead and kept warm, or reheated with a splash of milk or butter to restore creaminess. For the best flavor and texture, I recommend making the gravy just before serving.
What sides pair well with Stovetop Chicken and Gravy?
This dish is quite hearty on its own, especially with mashed potatoes! However, if you’d like to add a vegetable, a simple green salad with a vinaigrette, steamed green beans, roasted asparagus, or glazed carrots would be perfect. They add a fresh contrast and complete the meal beautifully.
And there you have it, friends! A truly comforting, incredibly flavorful, and surprisingly easy meal that’s sure to become a cherished family favorite. This Stovetop Chicken and Gravy Over Mashed Potatoes brings warmth, satisfaction, and a little piece of home right to your dinner table. Don’t forget to Pin this recipe for later so you can revisit this cozy classic again and again. Happy cooking!
Easy Stovetop Chicken & Gravy: Ultimate Comfort Food Recipe
Ingredients
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken cutlets or thighs
- 1 tsp salt, divided
- 0.5 tsp black pepper, divided
- 4 tbsp unsalted butter
- 4 tbsp all-purpose flour
- 2 cups chicken broth
- 0.5 cup heavy cream
- 0.5 tsp onion powder
- 0.5 tsp garlic powder
- 0.25 tsp dried thyme
- 4 large Russet potatoes, peeled and cubed
- 0.5 cup milk (whole or 2%)
- 2 tbsp butter, for mashed potatoes
- Fresh parsley, chopped, for garnish
Instructions
- Step 1 Pat chicken cutlets dry with paper towels. Season both sides with 0.5 tsp salt and 0.25 tsp pepper.
- Step 2 Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Sear chicken for 4-5 minutes per side, until golden brown and cooked through (internal temperature 165°F). Remove chicken and set aside.
- Step 3 Reduce heat to medium. Add 4 tbsp butter to the skillet. Once melted, whisk in flour until a paste (roux) forms. Cook, whisking constantly, for 1-2 minutes until lightly golden.
- Step 4 Slowly whisk in chicken broth, a little at a time, ensuring no lumps form. Bring to a simmer, whisking occasionally, until thickened. Stir in heavy cream, onion powder, garlic powder, and dried thyme. Season with remaining 0.5 tsp salt and 0.25 tsp pepper, or to taste.
- Step 5 Return cooked chicken to the gravy, ensuring it's coated. Reduce heat to low and let it gently simmer while you prepare the mashed potatoes.
- Step 6 For mashed potatoes: Place cubed potatoes in a large pot, cover with cold water, and add a pinch of salt. Bring to a boil and cook until fork-tender (15-20 minutes).
- Step 7 Drain potatoes well. Return to the hot pot. Add 0.5 cup milk and 2 tbsp butter. Mash until smooth and creamy. Taste and season with salt and pepper as needed.
- Step 8 Serve the Stovetop Chicken and Gravy immediately over generous mounds of creamy mashed potatoes. Garnish with fresh chopped parsley, if desired.
