Skillet Chicken & Gravy with Mashed Potatoes

Why You’ll Love This Dish

• One-pan simplicity—fast, easy, minimal cleanup

• Hearty comfort—rich gravy, tender chicken, and creamy potatoes

• Family-approved—simple flavors kids and adults both love

• Quick prep—ready in about 30 minutes

• Customizable—add herbs, vegetables, or spice as desired

Ingredients

Chicken & Gravy Layer:

• 2 tablespoons olive oil or butter

• 4 boneless, skinless chicken thighs (or breasts)

• Salt and pepper to taste

• 1 medium onion, thinly sliced

• 2 cloves garlic, minced

• 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour

• 2 cups low-sodium chicken broth

• ½ cup milk or half-and-half

• 1 teaspoon dried thyme or fresh sprigs

• Optional: ½ teaspoon smoked paprika

Mashed Potatoes:

• 4 medium russet potatoes, peeled and quartered

• ¼ cup butter (or dairy-free spread)

• ½ cup milk (or plant-based alternative), warmed

• Salt and pepper, to taste

Optional Sides:

• Steamed green beans or roasted broccoli

• Warm dinner rolls (pork-free)

Step-by-Step Instructions

Cook the Potatoes

1. Place potatoes in a pot of salted water. Bring to a boil and cook until fork-tender (≈15 minutes).

2. Drain and return to the pot. Mash with butter and warm milk until creamy. Season with salt and pepper. Keep warm.

Prepare the Chicken & Gravy

3. Warm oil in a large oven-safe skillet over medium-high. Season chicken with salt and pepper; sear until golden (≈4-5 min per side). Remove chicken and set aside.

4. In the same skillet, melt butter if using. Sauté onions until translucent (≈3 min), then add garlic for 30 seconds.

5. Sprinkle flour over onions and stir to combine. Cook 1–2 minutes to form a roux.

6. Pour in broth slowly while whisking. Add milk, thyme, paprika (if using). Simmer for 2–3 minutes until gravy thickens slightly.

7. Return chicken to the skillet, nestling into gravy. Spoon some gravy over. Lower heat and simmer 5–7 minutes until chicken is cooked through.

8. Taste gravy and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper.

Plate and Serve

9. Spoon mashed potatoes onto plates. Top with chicken and ladle plenty of gravy. Serve with vegetables and garnish with fresh thyme or parsley if desired.

Tips for Perfect Skillet Chicken & Gravy

• Dry chicken surfaces before searing to ensure crisp, golden crust.

• Use a heavy skillet for even heat distribution.

• Warm milk before adding to gravy to keep it silky and reduce risk of curdling.

• Don’t rush the roux: letting flour cook for a minute ensures smooth gravy and no floury taste.

• Adjust thickness: reduce sweeter for thinner gravy, or whisk extra flour with cold milk for thickness.

Variations to Try

• Herby twist: Add rosemary or sage instead of thyme.

• Veggie boost: Add sautéed mushrooms, carrots, or peas to gravy.

• Dijon cream: Stir 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard into the gravy for tang.

• Dairy-free substitute: Replace butter and milk with plant-based versions and use cornstarch slurry to thicken.

• Spicy twist: Sprinkle red pepper flakes or smoked paprika for heat.

Meal Prep & Storage Guide

• Make ahead: Prepare mashed potatoes in advance; reheat gently.

• Freezing: Store chicken and gravy in airtight containers up to 3 months. Reheat in covered pan with splash of broth or milk.

• Leftover potatoes: Reheat with extra milk for creaminess.

Nutritional Snapshot (Approx. per serving, serves 4)

• Calories: ~550 kcal

• Protein: ~30g

• Carbs: ~45g

• Fat: ~25g

• Fiber: ~4g

Adjust with lighter dairy or portion control for lower calories.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Can I use chicken breasts instead of thighs?
Yes—bake an additional 2–3 minutes per side to ensure doneness.

Is pork-free chicken stock okay?
Yes; many store-bought broths are neutral unless labeled as pork.

Is there a gluten-free version?
Use gluten-free flour or cornstarch to thicken the gravy, and check broth for gluten.

How long can leftovers last?
3–4 days refrigerated, up to 3 months frozen.

Serving Suggestions

• Brighten with lemon-garlic broccoli on the side

• Puree fresh spinach into potatoes for color and vitamins

• Toss roasted veggies in olive oil and herbs alongside

Final Thoughts

This Skillet Chicken & Gravy with Mashed Potatoes is the epitome of comfort food in minimal time. Cozy yet refined, it combines flavors that bring warmth to the table and joy to all ages. One pot, simple ingredients, family-style satisfaction.