Why You’ll Love This Recipe
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Comfort Food Classic: This dish brings together familiar flavors that evoke a sense of nostalgia and warmth.
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Simple Ingredients: Made with kitchen staples, it’s both convenient and budget-friendly.
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Quick and Easy: With straightforward steps, you can have this meal ready in under 30 minutes, making it perfect for busy evenings.
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Versatile: Easily adaptable to include your favorite herbs or to utilize leftover chicken, reducing food waste.
Ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
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Cooked, shredded chicken
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Unsalted butter
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All-purpose flour
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Chicken broth
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Heavy cream
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Garlic powder
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Onion powder
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Salt and pepper
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Prepared mashed potatoes
Directions
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Prepare the Roux: In a medium saucepan over medium heat, melt the butter. Add the flour and whisk continuously to form a roux, cooking until it turns golden brown.
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Create the Gravy Base: Gradually pour in the chicken broth while whisking to prevent lumps. Bring the mixture to a simmer.
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Season and Thicken: Stir in the heavy cream, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Let the gravy simmer until it thickens to your desired consistency.
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Incorporate the Chicken: Add the shredded chicken to the gravy, stirring to combine. Cook until the chicken is heated through.
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Serve: Spoon the shredded chicken and gravy over servings of prepared mashed potatoes.
Servings and Timing
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Servings: This recipe yields approximately 4 servings.
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Preparation Time: About 10 minutes.
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Cooking Time: Approximately 15 minutes.
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Total Time: Around 25 minutes.
Variations
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Herb Infusion: Add fresh herbs like thyme or rosemary to the gravy for an aromatic twist.
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Vegetable Addition: Incorporate peas, carrots, or mushrooms into the gravy for added nutrition and texture.
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Spicy Kick: Introduce a pinch of cayenne pepper or paprika to the gravy for a subtle heat.
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Dairy-Free Option: Substitute the butter with olive oil and the heavy cream with coconut milk or a plant-based cream alternative.
Storage/Reheating
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Storage: Allow leftovers to cool completely before transferring to an airtight container. Store in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
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Reheating: Warm the chicken and gravy gently on the stovetop over low heat, stirring occasionally. If the gravy has thickened too much upon storage, add a splash of chicken broth or water to reach the desired consistency. Reheat mashed potatoes separately in the microwave or on the stovetop, adding a bit of milk or butter to restore creaminess.
FAQs
How can I make this recipe gluten-free?
To make this dish gluten-free, substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend or cornstarch when preparing the roux. Ensure that all other ingredients, such as the chicken broth, are certified gluten-free.
Can I use rotisserie chicken for this recipe?
Absolutely! Using rotisserie chicken is a great time-saver. Simply shred the cooked chicken and add it to the gravy as directed.
Is it possible to make the gravy ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the gravy in advance and store it in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat it gently on the stovetop, adding a little extra broth if needed to adjust the consistency before serving.
Can I freeze the chicken and gravy?
Freezing is not recommended for this dish, as the creamy gravy may separate and change texture upon thawing. It’s best enjoyed fresh or stored in the refrigerator for a few days.
What can I serve alongside this dish?
This hearty meal pairs well with steamed vegetables like green beans or broccoli, a crisp side salad, or even some crusty bread to soak up the delicious gravy.
How can I thicken the gravy if it’s too thin?
If the gravy is thinner than desired, mix a small amount of flour or cornstarch with cold water to create a slurry, then whisk it into the simmering gravy. Allow it to cook for a few more minutes until it thickens.
Can I use milk instead of heavy cream?
Yes, you can substitute milk for heavy cream, but keep in mind that the gravy will be less rich and creamy. For a thicker consistency, consider using whole milk or adding a bit more flour to the roux.
How do I prevent lumps in my gravy?
To achieve a smooth gravy, ensure you whisk the flour and butter mixture thoroughly when making the roux. When adding the chicken broth, pour it in gradually while continuously whisking to prevent lumps from forming.
Can I add cheese to the mashed potatoes?
Certainly! Adding cheese like shredded cheddar or Parmesan to the mashed potatoes can enhance their flavor and make them even more indulgent.
How can I make the mashed potatoes extra creamy?
For ultra-creamy mashed potatoes, use a potato ricer or food mill to mash them, and incorporate warm butter and cream. Avoid overmixing, as this can make the potatoes gluey.
Conclusion
Shredded Chicken Gravy on Mashed Potatoes is a timeless comfort food that brings together tender chicken, rich gravy, and creamy potatoes into a satisfying and hearty meal. Its simplicity, versatility, and deliciousness make it a go-to recipe for family dinners, offering warmth and nourishment with every bite.
PrintShredded Chicken Gravy on Mashed Potatoes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
This Shredded Chicken Gravy on Mashed Potatoes recipe is a comforting, hearty dish that combines tender, shredded chicken in a creamy gravy, served over smooth, buttery mashed potatoes. It’s a quick, budget-friendly meal perfect for busy nights, offering warmth and satisfaction with every bite. Perfect for family dinners, this classic comfort food is easy to make and can be customized with additional herbs, vegetables, or a dairy-free twist.
Ingredients
Cooked, shredded chicken
Unsalted butter
All-purpose flour
Chicken broth
Heavy cream
Garlic powder
Onion powder
Salt and pepper
Prepared mashed potatoes
Instructions
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Prepare the Roux: In a medium saucepan over medium heat, melt the butter. Add the flour and whisk continuously to form a roux, cooking until it turns golden brown.
-
Create the Gravy Base: Gradually pour in the chicken broth while whisking to prevent lumps. Bring the mixture to a simmer.
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Season and Thicken: Stir in the heavy cream, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Let the gravy simmer until it thickens to your desired consistency.
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Incorporate the Chicken: Add the shredded chicken to the gravy, stirring to combine. Cook until the chicken is heated through.
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Serve: Spoon the shredded chicken and gravy over servings of prepared mashed potatoes.
Notes
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Variations: You can add fresh herbs like thyme or rosemary to the gravy for a fragrant twist. Veggies like peas, carrots, or mushrooms can be mixed into the gravy for added flavor and texture.
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Dairy-Free Option: Use olive oil instead of butter and substitute heavy cream with coconut milk or a plant-based alternative.
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Gluten-Free: Replace all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend or cornstarch.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Comfort Food, Main Dish
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American