Hey y'all! If you're craving pure, belly-warming comfort, these Ultimate Loaded Chicken and Gravy Mashed Potato Bowls are about to be your new obsession. Creamy mashed potatoes, juicy seasoned chicken, savory gravy, melty cheese, and crunchy toppings all come together for a bowl that's hearty, delicious, and bound to satisfy any appetite. They’re perfect for busy weeknights, a cozy family dinner, or game day gathering. Let's get cooking!
Why You'll Love This
- Comforting and hearty: Every bite is packed with cozy, classic flavors.
- Quick and easy: Dinner is on the table in just over 30 minutes!
- Customizable: Top or mix in your favorite fixings—bacon, corn, or scallions.
- Family-friendly: Kids and adults alike can build their perfect bowl.
- Excellent leftovers: These bowls reheat beautifully for next-day lunches.
Ingredients
- 2 lbs russet potatoes, peeled and cubed
- 4 tablespoons butter
- ½ cup whole milk (plus more as needed)
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- 1 ½ lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into 1-inch pieces
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- ½ teaspoon onion powder
- ½ teaspoon dried thyme
- 2 cups chicken gravy (store-bought or homemade)
- 1 ½ cups shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 cup frozen corn, thawed
- 6 strips cooked bacon, crumbled
- ¼ cup sliced green onions
Directions
1. Make the Mashed Potatoes
- Add cubed potatoes to a large pot, cover with water, and season generously with salt. Bring to a boil over high heat, then reduce heat and simmer for 12-15 minutes until fork-tender.
- Drain potatoes and return to the pot. Add butter and ½ cup of milk. Mash until smooth and creamy, adding more milk as needed for desired consistency. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Cover and set aside.
2. Cook the Chicken
- In a large skillet over medium-high heat, add olive oil. Toss chicken pieces with garlic powder, paprika, onion powder, dried thyme, salt, and pepper.
- Add seasoned chicken to the skillet and cook for 6-8 minutes, stirring occasionally, until golden brown and cooked through. Remove from heat.
3. Heat the Gravy and Corn
- Warm the chicken gravy in a small saucepan over low heat until simmering. In a separate bowl, microwave thawed corn for 1-2 minutes until hot.
4. Build the Bowls
- Spoon a generous portion of mashed potatoes into each bowl.
- Top with cooked chicken, hot corn, a ladle of savory gravy, and a big sprinkle of cheddar cheese. Finish with crumbled bacon and sliced green onions.
- Serve immediately and enjoy your loaded chicken and gravy mashed potato bowls!
Notes
- For even creamier potatoes, use a potato ricer and add a splash of cream.
- Short on time? Use pre-made rotisserie chicken or instant mashed potatoes.
- Double the recipe to feed a hungry crowd or for meal prep!
Variations
- Buffalo Style: Toss chicken pieces in buffalo sauce before serving for a spicy kick.
- Veggie Loaded: Add sautéed mushrooms, spinach, or steamed broccoli to the bowls.
- BBQ Twist: Swap gravy for barbecue sauce and cheddar for pepper jack cheese.
Required Equipment
- Large pot
- Large skillet
- Strainer
- Potato masher or ricer
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Small saucepan
- Serving bowls
Storage Instructions
Store leftovers in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, microwave individual portions until hot (about 2 minutes), or heat in a covered dish in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 15 minutes. For best texture, store mashed potatoes, chicken, and toppings separately if possible.
Suggested Pairings & Serving Recommendations
- Serve with a crisp green salad or roasted vegetables for a balanced meal.
- A tall glass of iced tea or lemonade pairs beautifully with these hearty bowls.
- Drizzle with extra gravy or hot sauce for even more flavor!
Pro Tips
- Warm your bowls before assembling to keep everything piping hot longer.
- Let the chicken rest for 2-3 minutes after cooking to keep it juicy.
- Grate cheese fresh for best meltiness and flavor.
FAQ
Can I use store-bought mashed potatoes?
Absolutely! Store-bought or instant mashed potatoes are a great time-saver.
What other chicken cuts work well?
Boneless, skinless thighs make a juicier, more flavorful alternative to breasts.
Can I freeze these bowls?
The components freeze well separately for up to 2 months. Assemble after reheating for freshest taste and texture.
Total Time: 35 minutes (Prep: 10 minutes | Cook: 25 minutes)
Ingredients
- 2 lbs russet potatoes, peeled and cubed
- 4 tablespoons butter
- ½ cup whole milk (plus more as needed)
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- 1 ½ lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into 1-inch pieces
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- ½ teaspoon onion powder
- ½ teaspoon dried thyme
- 2 cups chicken gravy (store-bought or homemade)
- 1 ½ cups shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 cup frozen corn, thawed
- 6 strips cooked bacon, crumbled
- ¼ cup sliced green onions
Instructions
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1Add cubed potatoes to a large pot, cover with water, and season generously with salt. Bring to a boil over high heat, then reduce heat and simmer for 12-15 minutes until fork-tender.
-
2Drain potatoes and return to the pot. Add butter and ½ cup of milk. Mash until smooth and creamy, adding more milk as needed for desired consistency. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Cover and set aside.
-
3In a large skillet over medium-high heat, add olive oil. Toss chicken pieces with garlic powder, paprika, onion powder, dried thyme, salt, and pepper.
-
4Add seasoned chicken to the skillet and cook for 6-8 minutes, stirring occasionally, until golden brown and cooked through. Remove from heat.
-
5Warm the chicken gravy in a small saucepan over low heat until simmering. In a separate bowl, microwave thawed corn for 1-2 minutes until hot.
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6Spoon a generous portion of mashed potatoes into each bowl.
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7Top with cooked chicken, hot corn, a ladle of savory gravy, and a big sprinkle of cheddar cheese. Finish with crumbled bacon and sliced green onions.
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8Serve immediately and enjoy your loaded chicken and gravy mashed potato bowls!
Approximate Information for One Serving
Nutrition Disclaimers
Number of total servings shown is approximate. Actual number of servings will depend on your preferred portion sizes.
Nutritional values shown are general guidelines and reflect information for 1 serving using the ingredients listed, not including any optional ingredients. Actual macros may vary slightly depending on specific brands and types of ingredients used.
To determine the weight of one serving, prepare the recipe as instructed. Weigh the finished recipe, then divide the weight of the finished recipe (not including the weight of the container the food is in) by the desired number of servings. Result will be the weight of one serving.
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