This Savory Shredded Chicken with Creamy Gravy over Mashed Potatoes is the epitome of comfort food. The dish combines tender, flavorful shredded chicken enveloped in a rich, creamy gravy, all served atop a fluffy bed of buttery mashed potatoes. Perfect for those cool evenings when you crave something hearty and nourishing, this meal will warm both your heart and soul.
Melt 2 tablespoons of unsalted butter in a skillet over medium heat. Sauté 1 small diced onion and 2 minced cloves of garlic until soft, about 3-4 minutes. Add 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (or thighs), 1 cup of chicken broth, 1 teaspoon of dried thyme, 1 teaspoon of dried parsley, and salt and pepper to taste. Cover the skillet and simmer for 20-25 minutes until the chicken is cooked through.
Remove the chicken from the skillet and use two forks to shred it into pieces. Set aside.
In the same skillet, stir in 1 can (10.5 oz) of cream of chicken soup and 1/2 cup of sour cream. Mix until smooth. Return the shredded chicken to the skillet and let it simmer for an additional 5 minutes.
While the chicken is cooking, bring a pot of salted water to a boil. Add 4 large peeled and quartered russet potatoes and cook until tender, approximately 15-20 minutes. Drain the potatoes.
In a mixing bowl, mash the drained potatoes with 4 tablespoons of unsalted butter, 1/2 cup of milk, and, if desired, 1/4 cup of sour cream for extra creaminess. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
Plate a generous mound of mashed potatoes and pour the creamy chicken and gravy mixture over the top.
Sprinkle with fresh parsley or a dash of black pepper for added flavor and presentation.
– For extra depth, consider adding mushrooms or peas to the gravy.
– To simplify the process, use a slow cooker: Cook the chicken on low for 4-5 hours, then mix in the gravy ingredients for a convenient option.