Gravy Chicken Dinner

Featured in main-dishes.

Hey there! You've got to try this chicken and gravy dinner - it's total comfort food goals! The chicken is perfectly seared with that amazing golden crust you can see, and when you cut into it, it's so juicy inside. The star might be that silky, savory gravy that ties everything together - I could practically drink it! The mashed potatoes are so creamy and buttery, they just melt in your mouth, especially with that gravy pooled on top. And those bright green beans add the perfect fresh crunch to balance out all that richness. It's one of those meals that makes everyone at the table go quiet because they're too busy enjoying every bite. Perfect for any night when you need some serious comfort food!

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Updated on Sat, 01 Mar 2025 03:01:36 GMT
Juicy pan-seared chicken breast with golden crust served with creamy mashed potatoes, savory gravy, and fresh green beans pin it
Juicy pan-seared chicken breast with golden crust served with creamy mashed potatoes, savory gravy, and fresh green beans | lonerecipes.com

I first encountered this chicken and gravy recipe during a particularly cold winter when I was craving something that would warm me from the inside out. The combination of perfectly seared chicken with its golden crust alongside creamy mashed potatoes drenched in velvety gravy immediately became a staple in my cooking repertoire. What I love about this dish is how the savory gravy brings everything together, pooling around the chicken and potatoes while the bright green beans add color and a fresh counterpoint. The first time I made it, I was surprised by how something so seemingly simple could create such complex flavors – the way the fond from the chicken enriches the gravy, and how the starchy potatoes provide the perfect canvas for soaking up all that goodness. It's one of those recipes that feels like a warm hug on a plate.

Why I love this recipe

I love this recipe because it exemplifies how comfort food doesn't need to be complicated to be extraordinary. There's something magical about the way the golden-brown crust on the chicken gives way to tender, juicy meat underneath. The gravy, with its silky texture and deep flavor, transforms simple mashed potatoes into something worthy of celebration. I appreciate how this meal creates a perfect balance – the richness of the gravy and potatoes against the clean, fresh flavor of the green beans. It's also incredibly versatile – elegant enough for Sunday dinner yet simple enough for a weeknight meal. Every time I serve this, the table falls silent except for the occasional contented sigh, which is perhaps the highest compliment a home cook can receive. This recipe reminds me that sometimes the most satisfying dishes are the ones that connect us to traditions of home cooking while still allowing for personal touches and variations.

What You Need From Your Kitchen

  • Chicken breasts: Season well and sear until golden brown with internal temperature of 165°F
  • Russet potatoes: Peel, cube, and boil until fork-tender for the mashed potatoes
  • Green beans: Trim ends and blanch until bright green and crisp-tender
  • Chicken broth: Provides the base for the savory gravy
  • Heavy cream: Adds richness and body to the gravy
  • All-purpose flour: Used to thicken the gravy when making the roux
  • Garlic: Adds aromatic depth to the gravy

Let's Make These Together

Prepare the ingredients
Begin by peeling and cubing the potatoes, trimming the green beans, and patting the chicken breasts dry with paper towels. Season the chicken generously with salt and pepper on both sides.
Cook the starches
Start the potatoes in cold water, bring to a boil, then reduce to a simmer until fork-tender. This method ensures even cooking and fluffy texture when mashed.
Perfect the protein
Sear the chicken in a hot skillet until golden brown, about 5-6 minutes per side. Don't move the chicken too much during cooking to achieve that beautiful crust. Once done, let it rest while you prepare the gravy.
Master the gravy
The key to perfect gravy is developing flavor by using the fond (browned bits) from the chicken. Create a roux with butter and flour, then gradually whisk in broth, followed by cream. Simmer until it reaches your desired consistency.
Finish with finesse
Mash the potatoes with warmed milk and butter until creamy. Quickly blanch the green beans to maintain their vibrant color and crisp texture. Assemble by plating the mashed potatoes, placing chicken on top, ladling gravy over everything, and adding the green beans alongside.
Recipe picture pin it
Classic dinner plate with golden-brown seared chicken, smooth mashed potatoes topped with brown gravy, and steamed green beans | lonerecipes.com

Switch Things Up

When I make this recipe, I sometimes switch up the herbs in the gravy depending on what I have on hand. Rosemary and sage make excellent alternatives to thyme, each bringing their unique aromatic quality to the dish. For a slightly lighter version, I've used chicken thighs instead of breasts and Greek yogurt in place of some of the heavy cream in the gravy. Once, when I had leftover roasted garlic, I added it to the mashed potatoes for an incredible depth of flavor that paired beautifully with the gravy. Don't be afraid to adjust the consistency of the gravy to your preference – my family likes it on the thicker side to really coat each bite.

Perfect Pairings

This comforting chicken dinner pairs wonderfully with a variety of sides and beverages. For a complete meal, consider serving it with a simple side salad dressed with a light vinaigrette to balance the richness of the gravy. A crusty artisan bread is perfect for sopping up any extra sauce. For beverages, a crisp Chardonnay or Pinot Grigio complements the creamy elements, while a light-bodied Pinot Noir works well with the savory chicken. If you prefer non-alcoholic options, sparkling water with a squeeze of lemon or unsweetened iced tea provides a refreshing contrast to the hearty meal.

Homestyle comfort meal featuring perfectly cooked chicken, velvety mashed potatoes smothered in rich gravy, alongside bright green beans pin it
Homestyle comfort meal featuring perfectly cooked chicken, velvety mashed potatoes smothered in rich gravy, alongside bright green beans | lonerecipes.com

Frequently Asked Questions

→ Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?

Absolutely! Boneless, skinless chicken thighs work wonderfully in this recipe and often stay more juicy and flavorful. Adjust cooking time accordingly as thighs may take slightly longer to cook through.

→ How can I make this recipe dairy-free?

You can substitute the butter with olive oil or plant-based butter, use plant-based milk for the potatoes, and coconut cream or cashew cream instead of heavy cream in the gravy. The texture and flavor will be slightly different but still delicious.

→ Can I make this ahead of time?

Yes! The gravy and mashed potatoes can be made up to 2 days ahead and stored separately in the refrigerator. The chicken is best cooked fresh, but you can reheat everything together. You may need to thin the gravy with a little broth when reheating.

→ What can I use instead of all-purpose flour for a gluten-free version?

Cornstarch or a gluten-free flour blend works well as a substitute. For cornstarch, use half the amount of flour called for and mix it with cold water before adding to the pan to prevent clumping.

→ How do I know when the chicken is fully cooked?

The most reliable method is using a meat thermometer - chicken is safely cooked when it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C). Without a thermometer, ensure the juices run clear when the thickest part is cut and the meat is no longer pink.

→ Can I use frozen green beans?

Yes, frozen green beans work well in this recipe. No need to thaw them first - just add them directly to boiling water and cook until tender, which may take slightly less time than fresh beans.

Conclusion

This Pan-Seared Chicken with Creamy Gravy and Mashed Potatoes is the ultimate comfort food that brings warmth to any dinner table. The combination of tender chicken, silky gravy, fluffy potatoes, and crisp green beans creates a perfect balance of flavors and textures. It's a timeless recipe that's equally suited for weeknight family dinners or special occasions when you want something reliably delicious that everyone will love.

Gravy Chicken Dinner

Succulent pan-seared chicken served with creamy homemade gravy, buttery mashed potatoes, and crisp green beans for a comforting family dinner.

Prep Time
30 Minutes
Cook Time
25 Minutes
Total Time
55 Minutes
By: chris

Category: main-dishes

Difficulty: intermediate

Cuisine: American

Yield: 4 Servings (4 balls)

Dietary: High-protein, Dairy-inclusive

Ingredients

014 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
022 pounds russet potatoes, peeled and cubed
031 pound fresh green beans, trimmed
043 tablespoons butter, divided
051/2 cup milk
062 tablespoons olive oil
072 cloves garlic, minced
081/4 cup all-purpose flour
092 cups chicken broth
101/2 cup heavy cream

Instructions

Step 01

Place peeled and cubed potatoes in a large pot and cover with cold water. Add 1 teaspoon salt and bring to a boil. Reduce heat and simmer until fork-tender, about 15-20 minutes. Drain well and return to pot.

Step 02

While potatoes are cooking, season chicken breasts with salt, pepper, and a pinch of thyme on both sides. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering.

Step 03

Add chicken to the hot skillet and cook until golden brown and cooked through, about 5-6 minutes per side depending on thickness. Internal temperature should reach 165°F. Remove chicken to a plate and cover loosely with foil to keep warm.

Step 04

In the same skillet with chicken drippings, add 2 tablespoons butter and minced garlic. Cook for 30 seconds until fragrant. Sprinkle flour over the mixture and whisk constantly for 1-2 minutes to create a roux.

Step 05

Slowly whisk in chicken broth, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan. Bring to a simmer and cook until slightly thickened, about 3-4 minutes. Add heavy cream, dried thyme, salt, and pepper to taste. Simmer for another 2-3 minutes until gravy reaches desired consistency.

Step 06

Add remaining tablespoon of butter and milk to the drained potatoes. Mash until smooth and creamy, adding more milk if needed. Season with salt and pepper to taste.

Step 07

In a separate pot, bring salted water to a boil. Add trimmed green beans and cook until bright green and crisp-tender, about 3-4 minutes. Drain and quickly rinse with cold water to stop cooking. Toss with a small amount of butter if desired.

Step 08

To serve, place a generous scoop of mashed potatoes on each plate. Top with chicken breast and ladle gravy over both. Serve green beans alongside and garnish with fresh herbs if desired.

Notes

  1. For extra flavorful gravy, add a splash of white wine or a teaspoon of Dijon mustard.
  2. Make sure to rest the chicken for at least 5 minutes before serving to retain juices.
  3. For creamier mashed potatoes, warm the milk and butter before adding to the potatoes.
  4. The gravy can be made ahead and reheated gently on the stove when ready to serve.
  5. If you prefer thicker gravy, you can mix 1 teaspoon cornstarch with 1 tablespoon cold water and add to the simmering gravy.

Tools You'll Need

  • Large skillet
  • Large pot for boiling potatoes
  • Medium pot for green beans
  • Potato masher or electric mixer
  • Whisk
  • Cutting board and sharp knife
  • Measuring cups and spoons
  • Meat thermometer

Allergy Information

Please check ingredients for potential allergens and consult a health professional if in doubt.
  • Dairy (butter, milk, heavy cream)
  • Gluten (all-purpose flour)
  • Chicken

Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)

It is important to consider this information as approximate and not to use it as definitive health advice.
  • Calories: 520
  • Total Fat: 22 g
  • Total Carbohydrate: 40 g
  • Protein: 35 g

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