Ultimate Chicken Mashed Potato Bowls Recipe

Picture this: it’s Tuesday night, everyone’s tired, and the fridge is looking a little bare. Sound familiar? That’s when my Chicken Mashed Potato Bowls come to the rescue! This recipe is my go-to when I need something comforting, quick, and satisfying.

Ready in about 20 minutes, these bowls are the ultimate easy dinner. They’re my family’s favorite way to enjoy a Chicken Mashed Potato Bowls, so I thought I’d share.

Table of Contents

Why You’ll Love These Chicken Mashed Potato Bowls

• Quick Weeknight Meal: From start to finish, this recipe takes about 20 minutes. Perfect for those busy evenings!
• Customizable for Picky Eaters: Everyone can choose their favorite toppings and adjust the ingredients to their liking.
• Easy Cleanup: One-bowl meals mean fewer dishes. A huge win in my book!
• Simple Ingredients: You probably already have most of these ingredients on hand.

Ingredients

• 2 cups warm mashed potatoes
• 6 ounces cooked chicken nuggets (about 12 to 16 nuggets) ((we like to use the Just Bare brand of nuggets))
• 1/2 cup prepared gravy of your choice ((we like chicken or turkey gravy))
• 1/2 cup cooked corn
• 1/4 cup shredded Colby-Jack cheese
• salt and pepper, to taste
• parsley, for garnish ((optional))

Instructions

• Begin by making the mashed potatoes. Any mashed potatoes will do! Try my Garlic Parmesan Mashed Potatoes or Crock Pot Creamy Mashed Potatoes. If you have left over mashed potatoes from the previous night’s dinner this is a great way to use them!
• Cook the chicken nuggets according to their package directions. We like to air-fry ours so they’re crispy!
• As the chicken is cooking, prepare the gravy in a small saucepan on the stove top. A gravy packet works easily for this recipe. In a separate pan cook the corn.
• To create the bowls, place 1 cup of potatoes at the bottom of each bowl. Then divide the chicken, corn and cheese evenly among the two bowls. Drizzle tops with gravy. Season with salt and pepper, then sprinkle on a little parsley for color. Enjoy!

Ingredient Notes and Substitutions

Sometimes, you need to make a few tweaks based on what you have, or dietary needs. Here are some of my go-to substitutions for these Chicken Mashed Potato Bowls:

Ingredient	Substitution Options
Chicken Nuggets	Gluten-free chicken nuggets (like those from Perdue), or grilled chicken breast
Colby-Jack Cheese	Dairy-free cheddar shreds (Violife or Daiya), nutritional yeast for a cheesy flavor
Mashed Potatoes	Cauliflower mash for a lower-carb option, sweet potato mash for added nutrients
Gravy	Gluten-free gravy mix, homemade gravy using gluten-free flour, or mushroom gravy for a vegetarian option

Mastering Your Mashed Potatoes

The base of these bowls is, of course, mashed potatoes! For the best results, I recommend using Yukon Gold or Russet potatoes. Yukon Golds give a naturally creamy texture, while Russets are light and fluffy. In addition to texture, potatoes contain vitamins, minerals, and fiber. They’re rich in vitamin C, which is an antioxidant.

You can boil, bake, or even use an Instant Pot to cook your potatoes. Boiling is the quickest method; just peel, chop, and boil until tender. Baking gives a richer flavor; pierce the potatoes and bake at 400°F until soft. For the Instant Pot, add potatoes and water, then cook on high pressure for about 10 minutes.

For super smooth potatoes, use a ricer or food mill. If you prefer a little texture, a regular potato masher works great! And don’t be afraid to infuse flavor; garlic, herbs, or a little cheese can take your mashed potatoes to the next level. This dish could be a great addition to other family-friendly main dishes you make each week.

Chicken Cooking Methods: Find Your Perfect Crisp

Chicken nuggets are the obvious choice here, but how you cook them makes a big difference!

• Air Frying: My personal favorite! The air fryer gives you crispy nuggets without all the extra oil. Cook at 400°F for about 10-12 minutes, flipping halfway through.
• Baking: A healthier option. Bake at 400°F for about 15-20 minutes, until golden brown.
• Pan-Frying: If you’re short on time, pan-frying works well. Heat a little oil in a skillet and cook the nuggets for about 5-7 minutes per side.

For breading, you can use regular breadcrumbs, gluten-free breadcrumbs, or even seasoned panko for extra crunch. This concept is similar to the chicken used in The Ultimate Easy Chicken Wild Rice Casserole Recipe.

Gravy: Beyond the Packet

While a gravy packet is super convenient, homemade gravy is worth the extra effort!

For a simple chicken gravy, melt butter in a saucepan, whisk in flour, and then slowly add chicken broth. Simmer until thickened, and season with salt, pepper, and herbs. Turkey gravy is similar, just use turkey broth. For a vegetarian option, try a mushroom gravy, sautéing mushrooms with onions and garlic before adding vegetable broth.

To thicken gravy, use a cornstarch slurry (cornstarch mixed with cold water). To adjust the flavor, add a splash of wine, a dash of Worcestershire sauce, or a sprinkle of herbs.

Topping Ideas: Beyond the Basics

Get creative with your toppings! Corn and cheese are classics, but here are a few more ideas to jazz up your bowls:

• Green onions
• Hot sauce
• Sautéed mushrooms
• Roasted vegetables

Make-Ahead Tips for Chicken Mashed Potato Bowls

To save time, you can prep the components ahead of time. Mashed potatoes can be made 1-2 days in advance and stored in the refrigerator. Reheat gently before serving. Cooked chicken nuggets can also be stored in the fridge and reheated in the air fryer or oven to maintain their crispiness.

I recommend prepping the gravy fresh, but you can certainly make it a few hours ahead and keep it warm on the stovetop.

Global Variations on Mashed Potato Bowls

Mashed potato bowls are the perfect canvas for global flavors!

• Shepherd’s Pie Influence: Use ground lamb or beef with peas and carrots for a hearty twist.
• Korean-Inspired: Top with gochujang chicken, kimchi, and sesame seeds for a spicy kick.
• Mexican-Inspired: Shredded chicken with salsa, avocado, and black beans makes a delicious south-of-the-border bowl.

Healthier Chicken Mashed Potato Bowls: Lighter Swaps

Want to lighten things up? Here are a few simple swaps:

• Use sweet potatoes or cauliflower mash for a lower-carb base.
• Opt for lean chicken or grilled chicken instead of nuggets.
• Add extra vegetables like steamed broccoli, peas, or carrots.
• Reduce the amount of cheese and gravy, or use lighter versions.

Serving Suggestions

This recipe makes two generous servings, perfect for a quick lunch or dinner. It’s a complete meal on its own, but you could also add a side salad or some steamed vegetables for extra nutrients.

Scaling Up: Making Chicken Mashed Potato Bowls for a Crowd

To double the recipe, use 4 cups of mashed potatoes, 12 ounces of chicken nuggets, 1 cup of gravy, 1 cup of corn, and 1/2 cup of cheese. For a crowd, you can easily triple or quadruple the recipe. Just adjust the cooking times accordingly. Using a slow cooker to keep the mashed potatoes and gravy warm is a great tip when serving a large group!

Tips for Picky Eaters

Got picky eaters? No problem!

• Serve the components separately so kids can customize their bowls.
• Use smaller chicken nuggets or shred the chicken for easier eating.
• Add familiar toppings like ketchup or ranch dressing to make it more appealing.

FAQs about Chicken Mashed Potato Bowls

Conclusion

So, there you have it: my super easy, super comforting Chicken Mashed Potato Bowls! I hope this recipe becomes a regular in your kitchen, just like it is in mine. Now, I’d love to hear from you! What are your favorite toppings for mashed potato bowls? Do you have any variations you’d like to share? Leave a comment below and let me know! And if you try this recipe, don’t forget to rate it!

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