Shredded Chicken Gravy on Mashed Potatoes is the ultimate comfort food, offering a rich and savory dish that’s perfect for any day of the week. With tender shredded chicken smothered in a creamy gravy and served over fluffy mashed potatoes, this recipe is as satisfying as it is simple. Whether you’re feeding a family or meal prepping for the week, this dish is sure to become a go-to favorite.
Ingredients:
- 2 cans cream of chicken soup
- 2 cans water
- 2 packets chicken gravy mix
- 2 packs chicken breast
- Mashed potatoes (instant or homemade, with added butter for extra flavor)
Instructions:
1. Prepare the Gravy Mixture
In a crockpot, combine the cream of chicken soup, water, and chicken gravy packets. Stir the mixture until everything is well combined. This will create a rich and flavorful base for your chicken.
2. Season the Chicken Breasts
Season the chicken breasts with garlic powder, salt, and pepper to taste. This simple seasoning will enhance the natural flavor of the chicken and complement the creamy gravy.
3. Cook the Chicken
Place the seasoned chicken breasts into the crockpot with the gravy mixture. Cover and cook on low for 7-8 hours. This slow cooking method ensures that the chicken becomes tender and easily shreddable.
4. Shred the Chicken
After the cooking time is complete, remove the chicken breasts from the crockpot and use two forks to shred the meat. Once shredded, return the chicken to the crockpot, mixing it into the gravy to fully coat the chicken.
5. Serve Over Mashed Potatoes
Prepare your mashed potatoes according to the package instructions or your favorite recipe. For extra flavor, stir in some butter. Spoon the shredded chicken and gravy over the mashed potatoes and serve hot.
Serving and Storage Tips:
Serving Tips
Shredded Chicken Gravy on Mashed Potatoes is a versatile and satisfying meal that pairs well with a variety of sides. Serve it with warm rolls or crusty bread to soak up the savory gravy. For a balanced meal, add a side of steamed green beans, broccoli, or a fresh salad. The richness of the chicken and gravy also pairs nicely with a tart cranberry sauce or a simple side of roasted carrots.
Storage Tips
Leftovers from this dish store beautifully, making it perfect for meal prepping or easy future meals. To store, transfer the shredded chicken and gravy to an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3-4 days. The mashed potatoes can be stored separately in another container under the same conditions.
Reheating Tips
When ready to enjoy the leftovers, reheat the chicken and gravy in a saucepan over low heat, stirring occasionally until warmed through. If the gravy has thickened too much during storage, add a splash of water or chicken broth to reach the desired consistency. You can also reheat the chicken and gravy in the microwave, using short intervals and stirring between each one.
To reheat the mashed potatoes, add a bit of butter or milk to restore their creamy texture and warm them in the microwave or on the stove. Stir frequently to ensure even heating.
Freezing Tips
If you have a lot of leftovers or want to save some for later, this dish can also be frozen. Place the shredded chicken and gravy in a freezer-safe container, leaving a little room for expansion, and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating. For best results, freeze the mashed potatoes separately, as they can become watery when thawed and reheated.
Variations:
1. Creamy Ranch Chicken Gravy
For a tangy twist, add a packet of ranch seasoning mix to the gravy mixture in the crockpot. The ranch flavor pairs wonderfully with the creamy chicken gravy, giving the dish a zesty kick that’s sure to please.
2. Mushroom Chicken Gravy
Add a can of sliced mushrooms or fresh sautéed mushrooms to the crockpot along with the chicken. The mushrooms add a hearty, earthy flavor that complements the creamy gravy and tender chicken. You can also substitute one of the cans of cream of chicken soup with cream of mushroom soup for even more mushroom flavor.
3. Cheesy Chicken Gravy
Stir in 1-2 cups of shredded cheddar or mozzarella cheese into the gravy after shredding the chicken and returning it to the crockpot. The cheese will melt into the gravy, creating a rich and creamy sauce that adds an extra layer of comfort to the dish.
4. Spicy Chicken Gravy
For a bit of heat, add a teaspoon of crushed red pepper flakes or a few dashes of hot sauce to the gravy mixture. This variation gives the dish a spicy kick that balances well with the creamy mashed potatoes.
5. Garlic Herb Chicken Gravy
Enhance the flavor by adding fresh or dried herbs like thyme, rosemary, and parsley to the gravy mixture. You can also increase the garlic powder or add fresh minced garlic for a more pronounced garlic flavor. This variation adds a fragrant, savory depth to the dish.
6. BBQ Chicken Gravy
For a Southern-inspired twist, add 1/2 cup of your favorite barbecue sauce to the gravy mixture in the crockpot. The barbecue sauce adds a sweet and smoky flavor that pairs beautifully with the tender shredded chicken.
7. Italian-Style Chicken Gravy
Mix in a tablespoon of Italian seasoning and a can of diced tomatoes (drained) to the gravy mixture. The Italian herbs and tomatoes add a burst of flavor, making this variation reminiscent of an Italian chicken stew.
8. Lemon Herb Chicken Gravy
Add the juice and zest of one lemon to the gravy mixture for a fresh, citrusy flavor. The lemon brightens up the dish, making it feel lighter and more refreshing while still maintaining its comforting essence.
9. Bacon and Chicken Gravy
Cook and crumble some bacon, then stir it into the shredded chicken and gravy before serving. The bacon adds a smoky, salty flavor that enhances the richness of the dish.
10. Creamy Alfredo Chicken Gravy
Replace the cream of chicken soup with Alfredo sauce for a creamy, cheesy variation. The Alfredo sauce adds a rich and indulgent flavor that makes this dish feel extra special.
FAQs:
1. Can I use frozen chicken breasts in this recipe?
Yes, you can use frozen chicken breasts. If using frozen chicken, you may need to increase the cooking time by an hour or so to ensure the chicken is fully cooked and easily shreddable.
2. Can I substitute the cream of chicken soup with a different type of soup?
Yes, you can substitute the cream of chicken soup with cream of mushroom, cream of celery, or even cream of onion soup. Each will add a slightly different flavor profile to the dish, so choose based on your preference.
3. Can I make this recipe with leftover cooked chicken?
Absolutely! If you have leftover cooked chicken, shred it and add it to the gravy mixture during the last 30 minutes of cooking. This will allow the chicken to absorb the flavors of the gravy without overcooking.
4. How can I make this dish healthier?
To make a healthier version, use low-sodium cream of chicken soup and gravy packets, and consider using skinless, boneless chicken breasts. You can also serve the chicken gravy over mashed cauliflower instead of mashed potatoes for a lower-carb option.
5. Can I use chicken thighs instead of chicken breasts?
Yes, chicken thighs can be used in place of chicken breasts. Thighs are typically juicier and more flavorful, but they may require a slightly longer cooking time to become tender enough to shred.
6. Can I cook this on high instead of low?
Yes, you can cook the dish on high in the crockpot for about 4-5 hours instead of on low for 7-8 hours. However, cooking on low is recommended for the best texture and flavor.
7. What’s the best way to thicken the gravy if it’s too thin?
If the gravy is too thin, you can thicken it by mixing a tablespoon of cornstarch with a little cold water to form a slurry, then stirring it into the gravy. Let it cook for a few more minutes until the gravy thickens to your desired consistency.
8. Can I add vegetables to the crockpot?
Yes, adding vegetables like carrots, peas, or green beans can make this dish more filling and nutritious. Simply add the vegetables to the crockpot along with the chicken, and they will cook together with the gravy.
9. How long can I store the leftovers?
Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. For longer storage, you can freeze the chicken and gravy for up to 2 months.