If you’re craving a meal that feels like a warm hug on a plate, the Chicken Mashed Potato Bowls Recipe is exactly what you need. This dish perfectly combines creamy mashed potatoes, tender shredded chicken, sweet corn, savory gravy, and gooey melted cheddar cheese into one irresistible bowl of comfort. It’s simple, satisfying, and endlessly customizable, making it a go-to weeknight dinner that everyone will love.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering the ingredients for this recipe is a breeze because each one is straightforward yet essential in creating the perfect balance of flavors and textures. From the creamy mashed potatoes to the savory gravy, each component plays its part to make this dish a standout.
- Mashed potatoes: Use about 2 cups made from peeled boiled potatoes, ideal for a creamy and fluffy base.
- Cooked shredded chicken breast: 1 cup, providing tender, lean protein that blends perfectly with the other ingredients.
- Frozen corn kernels: 1 cup, steamed or microwaved to add a sweet pop and bright color.
- Shredded cheddar cheese: 1 cup, to melt over the top and bring a sharp, comforting richness.
- Brown gravy: 1 cup, store-bought or homemade, delivering that savory warmth that ties the whole bowl together.
- Butter: 1 tablespoon, which makes the mashed potatoes silky smooth and flavorful.
- Salt and pepper: to taste, crucial for seasoning and enhancing every flavor layer.
- Chopped parsley: optional, a fresh green garnish adding color and a gentle herbaceous note.
How to Make Chicken Mashed Potato Bowls Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Mashed Potatoes
Start by boiling peeled potatoes until they are fork-tender. Once cooked, drain and mash them well with butter, salt, and pepper. This simple step delivers a creamy and perfectly seasoned foundation for your bowls.
Step 2: Warm and Season the Chicken
Next, gently warm your cooked shredded chicken in a pan or microwave. Feel free to spice it up with garlic powder or paprika for extra flavor, or use rotisserie chicken for convenience and depth.
Step 3: Cook the Corn and Heat the Gravy
Steam or microwave your frozen corn kernels until hot and tender. Meanwhile, warm the brown gravy, whether you’ve made it from scratch or reached for the store-bought kind. Both elements add sweetness and savory moistness to the bowl.
Step 4: Assemble the Bowls
Layer the mashed potatoes at the bottom of individual serving bowls. Then add the shredded chicken, followed by the corn. Pour the warm gravy over everything, creating a wonderful combination of textures and flavors.
Step 5: Add Cheese and Melt
Sprinkle a generous amount of shredded cheddar cheese on top of each bowl. To get that gooey, melted finish, microwave the bowls for 30 to 60 seconds, just enough to let the cheese melt perfectly without overcooking.
How to Serve Chicken Mashed Potato Bowls Recipe
Garnishes
Garnishing these bowls with chopped parsley adds a lovely pop of green and a fresh brightness that balances out the rich gravy and cheese. You might also try a sprinkle of crispy fried onions or a dash of smoked paprika for a colorful twist.
Side Dishes
While these bowls are hearty on their own, pairing them with a crisp green salad or some steamed green beans can introduce a refreshing crunch and lighten up the meal. Roasted vegetables like carrots or Brussels sprouts would be excellent sides, too.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun presentation, serve your Chicken Mashed Potato Bowls Recipe in mini cast iron skillets or rustic mason jars. You can also layer the ingredients in clear glass bowls to show off all the beautiful layers of potatoes, chicken, corn, gravy, and cheese.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Place any leftover Chicken Mashed Potato Bowls Recipe in airtight containers and store them in the refrigerator. They will keep well for up to three days, making a tasty next-day lunch or easy dinner.
Freezing
If you want to freeze the leftovers, it’s best to keep the components separate, as mashed potatoes and gravy may change texture when frozen. Freeze chicken, corn, and mashed potatoes individually, then thaw and reassemble when ready to eat.
Reheating
Reheat your bowls in the microwave in short intervals, stirring gently halfway through to maintain a smooth texture. Adding a splash of milk or broth can help keep mashed potatoes creamy while warming.
FAQs
Can I use rotisserie chicken for this recipe?
Absolutely! Rotisserie chicken is a fantastic shortcut that adds flavor and saves prep time, making this recipe even easier to whip up.
Is this recipe gluten-free?
Yes, as long as you use gluten-free gravy, this Chicken Mashed Potato Bowls Recipe is safe for those avoiding gluten.
Can I add other vegetables?
Definitely. Sautéed onions, green beans, or even peas can be layered in to add more flavor, color, and nutrition.
What type of cheese works best?
Cheddar is classic for this recipe, but mozzarella, pepper jack, or a cheese blend can also melt beautifully and bring their own unique taste.
How long do leftovers last?
Stored properly in the refrigerator, your leftovers will stay fresh and delicious for up to three days.
Final Thoughts
Once you try this Chicken Mashed Potato Bowls Recipe, it’s sure to become a beloved staple in your kitchen. It’s comforting, quick, and endlessly adaptable, perfect for cozy nights when you want something simple but special. Go ahead, give it a whirl—you won’t regret it!
Print
Chicken Mashed Potato Bowls Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
Chicken Mashed Potato Bowls combine creamy mashed potatoes with tender shredded chicken, sweet corn, and rich gravy, all topped with melted cheddar cheese for a comforting and hearty meal that’s quick and easy to prepare.
Ingredients
Mashed Potatoes
- 2 cups mashed potatoes
- 1 tablespoon butter
- Salt and pepper to taste
Chicken
- 1 cup cooked and shredded chicken breast
Vegetables
- 1 cup frozen corn kernels (steamed or microwaved)
Toppings and Sauce
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 cup brown gravy (store-bought or homemade)
- Chopped parsley for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Prepare mashed potatoes: Boil peeled potatoes until fork-tender, then mash with butter, salt, and pepper until smooth and creamy.
- Warm the chicken: Heat the cooked shredded chicken, seasoning it if desired for additional flavor.
- Heat the corn and gravy: Steam or microwave the frozen corn until warm. Heat the gravy separately until hot.
- Assemble bowls: In individual serving bowls, layer mashed potatoes at the bottom, followed by shredded chicken, then the warmed corn.
- Add gravy and cheese: Drizzle the warm brown gravy over the layered ingredients, then sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese on top.
- Melt the cheese: Microwave each bowl for 30 to 60 seconds as needed to melt the cheese fully.
- Garnish and serve: Sprinkle chopped parsley over the bowls for color and freshness before serving.
Notes
- For added flavor, use rotisserie chicken or season the chicken with garlic powder and paprika.
- Swap cheddar cheese for mozzarella or pepper jack according to your preference.
- Add a layer of sautéed onions or green beans for extra vegetables and texture.
