Chicken Gravy Recipe

The Ultimate Comfort Food for Any Season

There’s something incredibly satisfying about a rich, flavorful chicken gravy drizzled over mashed potatoes, roasted chicken, or warm biscuits. Whether you’re preparing a cozy family dinner or need the perfect sauce to elevate your holiday meal, this homemade chicken gravy recipe is a must-try.

Homemade chicken gravy is leagues ahead of store-bought versions, offering fresh flavors and a creamy texture that pairs well with almost any dish.

Plus, it’s surprisingly simple to make using just a handful of ingredients. You don’t need fancy equipment or hours in the kitchen—just a few staple ingredients and a little patience.

With the weather cooling down, this is the perfect time to whip up a batch of comforting chicken gravy. Imagine sitting down to a plate of warm, buttery mashed potatoes, drizzled with rich, golden-brown gravy—pure bliss!

Whether you’re cooking for a holiday feast, a casual Sunday dinner, or simply looking to repurpose leftover chicken drippings, this recipe will become your go-to favorite.

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Why You’ll Love This Chicken Gravy

• Easy to make – This recipe requires minimal ingredients and comes together in just 10–15 minutes.
• Incredibly flavorful – Using chicken drippings or broth gives this gravy a deep, savory taste that enhances any meal.
• Versatile – Perfect for mashed potatoes, roasted chicken, biscuits, rice, or even stuffing.
• Customizable – You can tweak the seasonings, add herbs, or adjust the thickness to your liking.
• No more waste – A great way to use up leftover chicken drippings from roasted or baked chicken.

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Ingredients You’ll Need

For the Base:

• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
• 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
• 1 ½ cups chicken broth (homemade or store-bought)
• ½ cup pan drippings (optional, for extra flavor)

For Seasoning:

• ½ teaspoon salt (adjust to taste)
• ¼ teaspoon black pepper
• ¼ teaspoon garlic powder (optional)
• ¼ teaspoon onion powder (optional)
• ½ teaspoon dried thyme or rosemary (optional, for a herby touch)

For Extra Richness (Optional):

• ¼ cup heavy cream (for a creamier texture)
• 1 teaspoon soy sauce (adds depth to the flavor)

This ingredient list ensures that your chicken gravy is packed with flavor, while also giving you the flexibility to adjust it to suit your preferences.

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Kitchen Tools Needed

• Saucepan or Skillet – Used to cook the gravy evenly and ensure proper thickening.
• Whisk – Essential for stirring and preventing lumps in the gravy.
• Measuring Cups and Spoons – To accurately measure ingredients for a balanced flavor.
• Strainer (optional) – Useful if you want an ultra-smooth gravy by removing any lumps.
• Ladle – Makes it easier to pour and serve the gravy without spills.

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Cooking Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Ingredients

Gather all your ingredients and tools. If using pan drippings, strain them to remove any bits of bone or excess fat.

Step 2: Make the Roux

In a saucepan over medium heat, melt the butter. Once melted, add the flour and whisk continuously for about 1–2 minutes until it turns golden brown. This creates a roux, which will thicken the gravy and add a rich flavor.

Step 3: Add the Liquid

Slowly pour in the chicken broth while whisking constantly to prevent lumps. If using chicken drippings, add them at this stage for extra depth of flavor.

Step 4: Season the Gravy

Add salt, pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, and dried herbs. Stir well and let the gravy simmer for about 5 minutes, stirring occasionally.

Step 5: Adjust Thickness and Flavor

If the gravy is too thick, add a bit more broth. For extra richness, stir in heavy cream or a teaspoon of soy sauce. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed.

Step 6: Strain (Optional)

For an ultra-smooth texture, strain the gravy through a fine-mesh sieve before serving.

Step 7: Serve and Enjoy!

Ladle the warm gravy over your favorite dishes and enjoy its rich, comforting taste.

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Tips and Tricks for Success

1. Whisk constantly – This prevents lumps and ensures a smooth, velvety texture.
2. Use warm broth – Cold broth can cause the roux to seize up, making it harder to mix.
3. Don’t rush the roux – Cooking the flour in butter for a minute or two enhances the flavor and removes the raw taste.
4. Adjust thickness to preference – If too thick, add more broth. If too thin, simmer a bit longer.
5. Enhance with umami flavors – A dash of soy sauce or Worcestershire sauce adds depth and complexity.
6. Strain for smoothness – If you notice lumps, use a strainer to refine the texture.
7. Make it ahead – Gravy stores well in the fridge for up to 3 days and can be reheated on the stove with a splash of broth.

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Ingredient Substitutions and Variations

Substitutions

• Butter substitute – Use olive oil or margarine for a dairy-free version.
• Flour substitute – Use cornstarch (1 tablespoon mixed with 2 tablespoons water) for a gluten-free alternative.
• Broth alternative – Use vegetable broth if making a vegetarian gravy.
• Soy sauce alternative – Use coconut aminos for a lower sodium, soy-free option.

Variations

• Creamy gravy – Add more heavy cream or a touch of milk for a richer texture.
• Spicy twist – Add a pinch of cayenne or red pepper flakes for heat.
• Herb-infused – Add fresh rosemary, thyme, or sage for an earthy flavor.
• Garlic butter gravy – Use roasted garlic and butter for an extra depth of flavor.

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Serving Suggestions

1. Mashed potatoes – The classic pairing for a comforting meal.
2. Roasted chicken or turkey – Enhances the flavor of any roasted poultry dish.
3. Biscuits – Perfect for dipping or drizzling.
4. Rice or pasta – Adds extra flavor to simple grains.
5. Stuffing – A delicious addition to holiday stuffing.

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Storage and Reheating Instructions

• Refrigeration – Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
• Freezing – Freeze in a sealed container for up to 3 months. Thaw in the fridge before reheating.
• Reheating – Warm on the stove over low heat, adding a splash of broth if needed to thin it out.

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FAQ

1. How do I prevent lumps in my gravy?

Whisk continuously while adding the broth to keep the texture smooth.

2. Can I make this gravy ahead of time?

Yes, store it in the fridge and reheat before serving.

3. What if my gravy is too thick?

Add a little broth or water to thin it out.

4. Can I use store-bought broth?

Yes, but homemade broth enhances the flavor.

5. How can I make my gravy darker?

Let the roux cook longer or add a splash of soy sauce.

6. Is this gravy gluten-free?

No, but you can substitute cornstarch for flour.

With these detailed steps, you’ll master the perfect homemade chicken gravy every time!

Did you try this recipe? Let me know in the comments how it turned out!

Don’t forget to share your photos on Instagram and tag me (@tasiahub_) or use the hashtag (#tasiahub). I’d love to see your creations!