Chicken, Smashed Potatoes & Gravy

On chilly days, I crave this yummy chicken, potatoes and gravy. Share it with the family, or take it to potlucks and watch it disappear.

Total Time

Prep: 30 min. Cook: 3 hours

Makes

6 servings

Ingredients

• 2 pounds small red potatoes, quartered
• 3 tablespoons water
• 2 pounds boneless skinless chicken breasts
• 1 medium onion, sliced
• 2 medium carrots, cut into 2-inch pieces
• 2 celery ribs, cut into 2-inch pieces
• 3 garlic cloves, minced
• 2 bay leaves
• 1-1/2 teaspoons pepper, divided
• 2-1/2 cups chicken broth
• 1/2 cup white wine or additional chicken broth
• 4 ounces cream cheese, softened
• 3/4 teaspoon salt, divided
• 3 tablespoons butter
• 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour
• 1/2 cup 2% milk
• Minced chives, optional

Directions

• In a large microwave-safe bowl, combine potatoes and water. Microwave, covered, on high for 10-12 minutes or just until tender. Cool slightly; drain.
• Transfer potatoes to a 5-qt. slow cooker. Add chicken, vegetables, garlic, bay leaves and 1 teaspoon pepper. Pour broth and wine over chicken and vegetables. Cook, covered, on low 3-4 hours or until a thermometer reads 165&deg and potatoes are tender. Remove chicken from slow cooker; tent with foil.
• Strain cooking juices, reserving potatoes and cooking juices; discard remaining vegetables and bay leaves. In a large bowl, mash potatoes with cream cheese, 1/4 teaspoon salt, 1/4 teaspoon pepper and enough cooking juices to reach desired consistency; keep warm.
• In a small saucepan, melt butter over medium heat. Stir in flour until blended; cook and stir 1-2 minutes. Gradually whisk in 1 cup cooking juices, milk and remaining salt and pepper. Bring to a boil, stirring constantly; cook and stir 2-3 minutes or until thickened.
• Discard remaining cooking juices. Slice chicken; serve with potatoes, gravy and, if desired, chives.

Nutrition Facts

5 ounces cooked chicken with 2/3 cup potatoes and 1/4 cup gravy: 456 calories, 17g fat (9g saturated fat), 122mg cholesterol, 927mg sodium, 35g carbohydrate (6g sugars, 4g fiber), 37g protein.