INGREDIENTS:
- 4 large russet potatoes, peeled and diced
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter
- 1/2 cup milk
- Salt and pepper to taste
Velveeta Mac and Cheese
- 2 cups elbow macaroni
- 2 cups shredded Velveeta cheese
- 1/2 cup milk
- 2 tablespoons butter
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
- Prepare Crockpot Chicken and Gravy: a. Place the chicken breasts in the crockpot. b. In a bowl, mix together chicken broth, cream of chicken soup, chicken gravy mix, pepper, and ranch seasoning. c. Pour the mixture over the chicken in the crockpot. d. Cook on low for 6 hours. e. Once cooked, remove the chicken from the crockpot and shred it using two forks.
- Make Homemade Mashed Potatoes: a. Boil the diced potatoes in a large pot until fork-tender. b. Drain the potatoes and mash them with butter and milk until smooth. c. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Prepare Velveeta Mac and Cheese: a. Cook the elbow macaroni according to the package instructions. Drain and set aside. b. In a saucepan, melt butter over medium heat. Add milk and shredded Velveeta cheese, stirring until the cheese is melted and smooth. c. Add the cooked macaroni to the cheese sauce, stirring until well coated. Season with salt and pepper.
- Assemble the Dish: a. Place a generous scoop of homemade mashed potatoes on a plate. b. Top the mashed potatoes with shredded Crockpot Chicken and Gravy. c. Serve alongside a portion of Velveeta Mac and Cheese.
Enjoy this comforting and hearty meal of Crockpot Chicken and Gravy over Homemade Mashed Potatoes with a side of creamy Velveeta Mac and Cheese!
Here are some commonly asked questions and answers related to homemade mashed potatoes in 2023:
- Q: How can I make my mashed potatoes creamier without adding more butter? A: To make mashed potatoes creamier without additional butter, try adding a splash of warm milk or chicken broth during the mashing process. This adds moisture and creaminess without extra fat.
- Q: Can I prepare mashed potatoes ahead of time for a gathering? A: Yes, you can make mashed potatoes ahead of time. Prepare them as usual, then cover and refrigerate. Reheat on the stovetop or in the microwave, adding a little extra liquid to restore creaminess.
- Q: What type of potatoes is best for making mashed potatoes? A: Russet potatoes are commonly preferred for mashed potatoes due to their high starch content, resulting in a fluffy and light texture. Yukon Gold potatoes are also a good choice for a creamier mash.
- Q: How do I avoid lumps in my mashed potatoes? A: To avoid lumps, make sure to thoroughly cook the potatoes until they are fork-tender. Additionally, use a potato masher or ricer to achieve a smoother texture. Adding warm liquid gradually while mashing can also help.
- Q: Can I make mashed potatoes without dairy for a vegan option? A: Yes, you can make vegan mashed potatoes by using plant-based milk (such as almond or soy milk) and vegan butter. Ensure that any additional seasonings are also vegan-friendly.
- Q: What herbs and seasonings go well with mashed potatoes? A: Common herbs and seasonings for mashed potatoes include garlic, chives, thyme, rosemary, and parsley. Experiment with your favorite flavors to find the combination that suits your taste.
- Q: How do I fix over-creamy or runny mashed potatoes? A: If your mashed potatoes are too creamy or runny, add more cooked potatoes to absorb excess moisture. Alternatively, you can thicken them by stirring in a small amount of instant mashed potato flakes.
- Q: Can I freeze mashed potatoes? A: Mashed potatoes can be frozen, but they may have a slightly different texture when thawed. To freeze, let them cool completely, transfer to a freezer-safe container, and store for up to 2-3 months. Reheat in the oven or on the stovetop.
- Q: What’s the secret to perfect mashed potatoes? A: The secret to perfect mashed potatoes lies in using the right type of potatoes, cooking them until tender, and incorporating warm liquid gradually. Season to taste, and don’t forget to add a touch of love!
- Q: How can I add extra flavor to my mashed potatoes? A: Experiment with adding roasted garlic, grated Parmesan cheese, cream cheese, or even a hint of truffle oil to elevate the flavor profile of your mashed potatoes.