Is there anything more comforting than a big bowl of creamy mashed potatoes, juicy chicken, sweet corn, and rich gravy? This Layered Chicken Potato Bowl is the ultimate comfort food recipe, perfect for a cozy night in or a satisfying family meal. It’s easy to make, customizable, and guaranteed to warm you from the inside out. Get ready for a taste of pure happiness in every bite!
Why You’ll Love This Layered Chicken Potato Bowl
This recipe is a winner for so many reasons:
- Ultimate Comfort: It’s like a warm hug in a bowl, perfect for chilly evenings.
- Easy to Make: Simple ingredients and straightforward steps make this recipe approachable for any home cook.
- Crowd-Pleaser: Everyone loves mashed potatoes and chicken! This bowl is sure to be a hit with kids and adults alike.
- Customizable: Easily adapt the ingredients to suit your preferences and dietary needs.
- That Gravy!: This recipe includes a fail-proof method for achieving perfectly thick and flavorful gravy, every single time.
Gathering Your Ingredients for Layered Chicken Potato Bowl
The key to a truly delicious Layered Chicken Potato Bowl lies in the quality of the ingredients. We’re building layers of flavor and texture, so each component plays an important role. From creamy potatoes to crispy chicken and a luscious gravy, here’s what you’ll need:
- For the Creamy Potato Base:
- 2 pounds Russet Potatoes: These are our go-to for mashed potatoes because they’re starchy and fluffy when mashed. Feel free to try Yukon Golds for a slightly creamier result.
- 1/2 cup Milk, warmed: Warming the milk ensures it incorporates smoothly into the potatoes without cooling them down too much.
- 1/4 cup Butter, softened: Adds richness and flavor to the mashed potatoes. Use unsalted butter so you can control the overall saltiness.
- Salt and Black Pepper: Season to taste. Don’t be shy with the salt – it really brings out the flavor of the potatoes.
- For the Flavorful Gravy:
- 1 tablespoon Butter: The base for our roux, which is the secret to a thick and flavorful gravy.
- 1 tablespoon All-Purpose Flour: Works with the butter to create the roux, thickening the gravy.
- 2 cups Chicken Broth: Use a good quality chicken broth for the best flavor. Low sodium broth lets you control the salt level.
- Salt and Black Pepper: Season to taste, adjusting after the gravy has thickened.
- The Filling & Garnish:
- 1 can (15 ounces) Whole Kernel Corn, drained: Adds a touch of sweetness and texture. You can use fresh or frozen corn as well, just make sure it’s cooked.
- 12 ounces Crispy Fried Chicken Pieces: Use store-bought for convenience or make your own for a truly homemade experience.
- 1 tablespoon Fresh Parsley, chopped (optional): Adds a pop of color and freshness.
Having high-quality ingredients ready at hand ensures a smooth and enjoyable cooking process. This recipe is also a great base for experimentation. For example, instead of chicken, you could use ground beef or tempeh bits for another great option.
Crafting Your Layered Chicken Potato Bowl: Step-by-Step
Ready to create the ultimate comfort food bowl? Don’t worry if you’ve had gravy mishaps in the past – this recipe will guide you to success! The secret lies in the roux, which we’ll make sure is perfectly golden brown before adding the broth. Follow these steps and get ready for a delicious, layered masterpiece:
- Cook the Potatoes: Place the peeled and quartered Russet potatoes in a large pot and cover them with cold water. Adding a generous pinch of salt to the water helps season the potatoes from the inside out. Bring the water to a boil and cook until the potatoes are fork-tender, about 15-20 minutes. This ensures they’re soft enough to mash smoothly.
- Dry the Potatoes: Thoroughly drain the cooked potatoes. Then, return them to the hot pot over low heat for about 1 minute, shaking the pot. This crucial step helps to steam off any excess moisture, preventing watery mashed potatoes.
- Mash the Potatoes: Remove the pot from the heat. Add the warmed milk and softened butter. Mash the potatoes with a potato masher until they are smooth and creamy. Season generously with salt and pepper to taste. Remember, well-seasoned mashed potatoes are the foundation of this dish!
- Prepare the Roux: While the potatoes are cooking, let’s get started on the gravy. Melt 1 tablespoon of butter in a saucepan over medium heat. Once melted, whisk in the all-purpose flour. Cook, stirring constantly, for 2-3 minutes, until the mixture turns a beautiful golden brown. This is your roux – the key to a thick and flavorful gravy! Make sure not to burn the roux, as this will give the gravy a bitter taste.
- Make the Gravy: Gradually whisk in the chicken broth, a little at a time, ensuring no lumps form. This step is crucial! Whisk constantly to create a smooth, lump-free gravy. Bring the mixture to a simmer, stirring occasionally. Continue to simmer for 5-7 minutes, stirring, until the gravy thickens to your desired consistency. Season with salt and pepper to taste. If the gravy is too thick, add a little more chicken broth to thin it out.
- Prepare the Components: Drain the canned corn. Warm the crispy fried chicken pieces according to the package directions if needed. If you’re making your own chicken, now’s the time to do it! Ensure the chicken is crispy and cooked through.
- Assemble the Bowls: Now comes the fun part! Spoon a generous layer of mashed potatoes into the bottom of each bowl or a baking dish. Top with the drained corn. Arrange the crispy chicken pieces over the corn.
- Finish and Serve: Pour the hot, thick gravy generously over the chicken, corn, and potatoes. Garnish with chopped fresh parsley if desired. Serve immediately and enjoy your delicious Layered Chicken Potato Bowl!
Tips for Perfect Layered Chicken Potato Bowl Every Time
Want to make sure your Layered Chicken Potato Bowl is a resounding success? Here are some extra tips and tricks to elevate your dish:
- Don’t Overmix the Potatoes: Overmixing mashed potatoes can result in a gluey texture. Mix until just combined.
- Use Warm Ingredients: Using warmed milk and softened butter ensures they incorporate smoothly into the potatoes.
- Taste and Adjust Seasoning: Seasoning is key! Taste each component (potatoes, gravy) and adjust the salt and pepper as needed.
- Make it Ahead: You can prepare the mashed potatoes and gravy ahead of time. Just reheat them before assembling the bowls.
- Crispy Chicken is Key: Whether you’re using store-bought or homemade chicken, make sure it’s nice and crispy for the best texture.
- Customize Your Bowl: Feel free to add other vegetables like peas, carrots, or green beans. You can also experiment with different seasonings and herbs.
What to Serve With Layered Chicken Potato Bowl
This Layered Chicken Potato Bowl is a complete meal in itself, but if you’re looking to round out your dinner, here are some suggestions:
Your Layered Chicken Potato Bowl Questions Answered (FAQ)
Can I use a different type of potato?
Yes, while Russet potatoes are recommended for their fluffiness, you can use Yukon Gold potatoes for a creamier texture. Red potatoes are not recommended as they don’t mash as well.
Can I make this vegetarian?
Absolutely! Substitute the chicken with seasoned and pan-fried tempeh, or breaded cauliflower florets. You can also use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth in the gravy.
How do I store leftovers?
Store any leftover Layered Chicken Potato Bowl in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in the microwave or oven.
My gravy is too thin, what can I do?
If your gravy is too thin, you can thicken it by simmering it for a few more minutes, allowing the liquid to reduce. Alternatively, you can whisk together a teaspoon of cornstarch with a tablespoon of cold water and then whisk that slurry into the simmering gravy. Cook for another minute or two until thickened.
Can I make the mashed potatoes ahead of time?
Yes, you can make the mashed potatoes a day ahead of time. Store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. When reheating, add a splash of milk or broth to restore their creamy texture.
Enjoy Your Homemade Layered Chicken Potato Bowl!
There you have it – a comforting, delicious, and surprisingly easy Layered Chicken Potato Bowl recipe that’s perfect for any occasion. With its creamy mashed potatoes, savory chicken, sweet corn, and rich gravy, this dish is sure to become a family favorite. Now, gather your ingredients, follow the simple steps, and get ready to enjoy a bowl of pure comfort. Don’t forget to leave a comment below and let me know how your Layered Chicken Potato Bowl turned out! And if you loved this recipe, be sure to share it with your friends and family!
