Mashed Potatoes With Creamy Chicken Gravy

Name: Mashed Potatoes With Creamy Chicken Gravy
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 50 min
Yield: 4 servings
Ingredients: 2 pounds Yukon Gold potatoes, peeled and chopped; 4 tablespoons unsalted butter; 1/2 cup heavy cream; Salt and pepper to taste; 1 cup pan drippings from roasted chicken; 1/2 cup chicken stock; 1/2 cup heavy cream; 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour; Salt and pepper to taste

Highlighted under: Home Kitchen

I absolutely love making Mashed Potatoes with Creamy Chicken Gravy, especially during family gatherings. The creamy texture of the mashed potatoes pairs perfectly with the rich, savory gravy, creating a warming dish that everyone looks forward to. I find that using buttery Yukon Gold potatoes makes all the difference in flavor and consistency. This dish not only comforts the soul, but it also brings people together at the dinner table, making it one of my absolute favorites.

Created by

Bethan Rowcroft

Last updated on 2026-02-27T21:49:34.918Z

When I first embarked on making the perfect mashed potatoes, I experimented with different types of potatoes and cooking methods. I found that boiling the Yukon Gold potatoes until tender, then mashing them with a generous amount of butter and cream, results in a fluffy texture that just melts in your mouth. Adding a pinch of garlic powder elevates the flavor beautifully.

The chicken gravy is where the magic happens. By using pan drippings from roasted chicken combined with cream and chicken stock, I achieve a rich, savory sauce. I learned that simmering the gravy for just a few minutes intensifies the flavor without making it too thick or heavy, allowing the gravy to pour perfectly over the mountains of mashed potatoes.

Why You'll Love This Recipe
Lush, buttery mashed potatoes that are irresistibly creamy
Savory chicken gravy that enhances the dish's richness
Perfectly comforting for chilly evenings or special gatherings

Understanding Potatoes

Choosing the right potato is essential for achieving the perfect mash. Yukon Gold potatoes are ideal due to their naturally buttery flavor and creamy texture. When cooked, they become tender and fluffy, making them easier to mash smooth. Avoid using waxy potatoes like red or white potatoes, as they maintain their shape and won't yield the same creamy consistency you need for luscious mashed potatoes.

For best results, be sure to chop the Yukon Gold potatoes into uniform pieces, about 1 to 1.5 inches. This ensures they cook evenly. If you want to speed up the cooking process, start the potatoes in cold water instead of boiling, bringing them to a boil together to maintain even cooking throughout.

Mastering the Gravy

The creamy chicken gravy is what elevates these mashed potatoes, and a key to success is using high-quality pan drippings. If you don't have enough drippings from your roasted chicken, offset the flavor with a touch of chicken stock. It's crucial to whisk the flour into the drippings over medium heat until you see it bubble, indicating that it's cooked through and free of raw flour taste.

Simmer the gravy for at least 5-7 minutes until it thickens to your liking. If the gravy is too thick, simply whisk in additional chicken stock or cream until you reach your desired consistency. For a flavor boost, consider adding a pinch of garlic powder or a splash of Worcestershire sauce to the gravy, enhancing its depth.

Serving and Storage Tips

When serving, I recommend using a deep bowl for the mashed potatoes to create a well for the creamy gravy. This not only enhances presentation, but allows guests to mix the gravy into the potatoes easily. For a festive touch, sprinkle fresh herbs, such as chives or parsley, on top right before serving to add color and freshness.

If you find yourself with leftovers, store the mashed potatoes and gravy separately in airtight containers, refrigerating for up to three days. To reheat, warm the potatoes in a microwave with a splash of cream to restore moisture, while the gravy can be gently reheated on the stovetop, adding water or stock as needed to loosen it up.

Ingredients

For the Mashed Potatoes

2 pounds Yukon Gold potatoes, peeled and chopped
4 tablespoons unsalted butter
1/2 cup heavy cream
Salt and pepper to taste

For the Creamy Chicken Gravy

1 cup pan drippings from roasted chicken
1/2 cup chicken stock
1/2 cup heavy cream
2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

Prepare the Potatoes

In a large pot, bring salted water to a boil. Add the chopped Yukon Gold potatoes and cook until tender, about 15-20 minutes. Drain the potatoes, then return them to the pot.

Mash the Potatoes

Add the butter and heavy cream to the drained potatoes. Use a potato masher to mash until smooth and creamy. Season with salt and pepper to taste, adjusting to your preference.

Make the Gravy

In a saucepan, combine the pan drippings with flour over medium heat, stirring to create a roux. Gradually add the chicken stock and heavy cream, whisking until combined. Simmer for 5-7 minutes, or until slightly thickened. Season with salt and pepper.

Serve

Scoop generous amounts of mashed potatoes onto plates and ladle the creamy chicken gravy on top. Enjoy your comforting meal!

Pro Tips

For extra flavor, consider roasting garlic cloves and mashing them into the potatoes. You can also add a splash of sour cream for tanginess.

Variations to Try

For a twist on the classic, consider adding roasted garlic to your mashed potatoes. Simply roast a whole head of garlic drizzled with olive oil in the oven until soft, then squeeze the cloves into the potatoes while mashing. This adds a rich, savory depth that pairs beautifully with the chicken gravy.

If you're looking for a lighter version, use low-fat milk instead of heavy cream for the mashed potatoes, and swap the butter for olive oil. The flavor will be slightly different, but it will maintain a pleasant texture while reducing calories.

Make-Ahead Convenience

This dish can be prepared in advance for busy days. The mashed potatoes can be made a day ahead and stored in the fridge. Reheat them gently on the stove, adding a little extra cream or butter to regain their creamy texture. You can also store the gravy ahead of time; just make sure to reheat it slowly to prevent it from becoming too thick.

Another option is to freeze both the mashed potatoes and gravy. For mashed potatoes, place them in freezer bags and flatten for easy stacking. Gravy can be stored in containers. When you're ready to enjoy, defrost in the fridge overnight and reheat as described.

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I make the mashed potatoes ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the mashed potatoes in advance and store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat gently before serving.

→ What type of potatoes are best for mashing?

Yukon Gold and Russet potatoes are ideal for mashed potatoes due to their starchy content, which yields a fluffy texture.

→ Can I freeze the mashed potatoes?

You can freeze mashed potatoes, but the texture may change slightly upon reheating. Make sure to cool them completely before freezing.

→ How can I thicken my gravy?

If your gravy is too thin, mix a tablespoon of cornstarch with a little cold water to create a slurry, and slowly stir it into the gravy while it's simmering.