Alright, y’all, let’s talk chicken gravy. This ain’t just any sauce; it’s the golden touch perfect for cascading over a heap of mashed potatoes, a bed of fluffy rice, or that succulent roast chicken you just perfected. Got some of those rich drippings from your roast? Perfect. Don’t have any on hand? No worries. This guide will walk you through the ropes, teaching you how to make chicken gravy that’s a showstopper. Get ready to be the talk of the dinner table with a gravy so good, folks might just forget about the main dish unless its this Chicken and Gravy!
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This chicken gravy is super easy to make and focuses on simplicity and genuine flavor. It’s a blend of straightforward ingredients that come together to create something truly special. Whether you’re a regular in the gravy-making department or just dipping your toes in, this chicken gravy recipe will guide you to a perfectly smooth and flavorful result every time. And let’s just spill the beans: in the battle of gravies, this homemade delight might just outshine KFC’s famous version. Yep, I said it. So, grab your whisk, and let’s get stirring!
Why you’ll love this easy chicken gravy recipe
- Flavor-Packed: This isn’t your average, bland gravy. With ingredients like dry sherry, onion powder, and fresh thyme, every spoonful has flavor!
- Flexible: No chicken drippings on hand? No problem! This recipe is flexible, allowing you to use butter or those delicious drippings if you’ve got them.
- Versatile: This gravy is the perfect pairing for a variety of meals. Think chicken, mashed potatoes, rice, biscuits, or even your Thanksgiving turkey – this gravy plays well with them all.
- Quick & Easy: With just a handful of pantry staples, this Chicken Gravy comes together beautifully. Plus, in just a matter of minutes, you’ll have a sauce that tastes like it’s been simmering all day. Simple, but oh-so-satisfying!
Ingredients to make Chicken Gravy With or Without Drippings
- Butter or Drippings: This forms the base of your gravy. Butter adds a delightful creaminess, while chicken drippings give the gravy a deep, authentic chicken flavor. They both work, so just use what you have on hand!
- All-Purpose Flour: The thickening agent! It helps to give the gravy its luscious, velvety consistency.
- Dry Sherry: Adds a subtle depth of flavor and a hint of sweetness. While it’s optional, sherry can balance out the richness and enhance the overall flavor profile of the sauce.
- Chicken Stock: The backbone of any good chicken gravy! Opt for a high-quality stock to ensure your gravy has a rich and satisfying taste.
- Onion Powder: This powerhouse seasoning adds some oniony goodness without overpowering the dish. It’s a simple way to infuse the gravy with an extra layer of flavor!
- Fresh Thyme: This herb can really brighten up the gravy and make its flavors pop with its earthiness and slight lemony zest.
- Salt and Pepper: Essential seasonings to bring out and balance the flavors in your gravy. Adjust to your liking!
How to make Chicken Gravy
- Add butter or drippings to small saucepan.
- Once foaming has subsided, sprinkle flour evenly over butter.
- Whisk vigorously until it forms a paste.
- Slowly whisk in sherry then stock. Keep stirring until all the stock has been added and you have a smooth thin liquid.
- Continue cooking until gravy has thickened slightly. Taste and season with salt and pepper.
- Pour it into a gravy boat, and enjoy!
Tips for making the best chicken gravy
- Add Stock Slowly: Patience is key when adding the chicken stock. Pour it in gradually, about a quarter cup at a time. This allows the flour to absorb the liquid evenly, preventing lumps and ensuring a silky-smooth texture.
- Keep Whisking: Consistent whisking is your best friend during the cooking process. This not only prevents lumps but also helps incorporate all the ingredients beautifully.
- Strain for Extra Smoothness: If you want an ultra-smooth consistency, consider straining your gravy through a fine mesh sieve before serving. This will remove any tiny lumps or bits of herbs, resulting in a gravy that’s extra velvety.
- Adjust the Chicken Stock Content: If you’re making this chicken gravy from drippings, feel free to replace part of the chicken broth with water. Drippings bring robust flavor, so balancing them with water won’t dilute the taste but will maintain the right consistency and saltiness.
- Low and Slow is the Way to Go: Don’t rush the cooking process by cranking up the heat. Cooking the gravy over medium heat allows the flavors to meld without the risk of it burning or thickening too quickly.
Popular substitutions & additions
- White Wine: If you’re out of dry sherry, a splash of white wine can be a fantastic substitute. It introduces a bright, fruity acidity that balances the savory richness of the gravy.
- Broth Alternatives: If you’re wondering how to make chicken gravy with a different profile, try beef or vegetable broth instead of chicken stock. Each brings a unique flavor!
- Garlic: For those who adore the pungent, earthy flavor of garlic, consider mincing a clove or two and adding it to the butter or drippings.
- Heavy Cream: For an extra luxurious and velvety texture, stir in a splash of heavy cream or half-and-half towards the end of the cooking process. It adds a delightful creaminess and subtle sweetness to the gravy.
- Gluten-Free Version: Need to make this gluten-sensitive friendly? Swap out all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend or cornstarch. Remember, you may need to adjust the quantity, so add slowly and whisk until you reach the desired thickness.
What to serve with this easy gravy recipe
- Whip up my special Chicken and Gravy (stay tuned, it’s coming soon!) for an out-of-this-world main course. This combo brings all the comforting flavors of home straight to your plate!
- Mashed potatoes are, of course, a go-to and play well with every type of gravy, including this one.
- Let’s talk Thanksgiving! Pour this Chicken Gravy generously over Fried Turkey for an extra layer of flavor. It brings a whole new level of juiciness to the dish, making it a showstopper at any holiday gathering.
- For those who enjoy simple, classic pairings, ladling this gravy over steamed Rice is a treat. It transforms a humble bowl of rice into a drool-worthy dish.
- And, of course, freshly baked Flaky Biscuits soaked in Chicken Gravy? Now that’s a comfort food dream come true! Tear open a biscuit and let it absorb all that gravy goodness. Perfect for breakfast, dinner, or any meal in between.
How to store & reheat Chicken Gravy
Storing this Chicken Gravy recipe is as easy as pie! Simply pour any leftover gravy into an airtight container and pop it into the fridge. This method keeps your gravy fresh and prevents it from absorbing other flavors lurking in your refrigerator.
When it’s time to reheat, transfer the chilled gravy into a saucepan and warm it over low-medium heat. You’ll want to stir it frequently to ensure even heating and to keep the smooth, creamy consistency intact. If it thickens up too much, feel free to whisk in a splash of chicken stock or water to loosen things up a bit.
How long will Chicken Gravy last in the fridge?
Your homemade Chicken Gravy will stay delicious for up to 4 days when stored properly in the fridge. That’s plenty of time to enjoy its goodness over several meals!
Can I freeze chicken gravy from drippings?
If you’re thinking of making a big batch, go for it! You can indeed freeze Chicken Gravy. Pour it into a freezer-safe container or bag, leaving some space for expansion. When you’re ready to use it, thaw the gravy overnight in the fridge, and then reheat it on the stove.
Frequently asked questions
What if my Chicken Gravy is too thin?
If your gravy is too thin, you can easily thicken it by making a slurry. Mix equal parts flour and cold water or stock until smooth, then whisk it into the simmering gravy. Continue cooking and whisking until the gravy reaches your desired consistency. Remember, it will also thicken a bit as it cools.
Can I make this recipe vegan or vegetarian?
Of course! For a vegan or vegetarian version, swap out the chicken stock for vegetable stock. Use plant-based butter or oil in place of butter or drippings. Just be sure to taste and adjust the seasoning as needed.
I don’t have fresh thyme on hand. What can I use instead?
Dried thyme is a suitable substitute. Typically, the rule of thumb is to use one-third of the amount of dried herbs compared to fresh. So, if the recipe calls for 1 teaspoon of fresh thyme, you’d use about 1/3 teaspoon of dried thyme.
And that’s a wrap on this cozy, delicious Chicken Gravy! With a recipe this easy and tasty, there’s no reason not to try making it yourself. Whether it’s drizzled over chicken, turkey, rice, or biscuits, this gravy is set to become a beloved staple in your home. So go ahead, give it a try and let the warm, savory goodness speak for itself!
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Chicken Gravy
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Ingredients
- 3 tablespoons butter or drippings
- 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 1 tablespoon dry sherry
- 2 cups chicken stock
- ¼ teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon fresh thyme
- Salt and pepper
Instructions
- Add butter or drippings to small saucepan over medium heat. Once foaming has subsided, sprinkle flour evenly over butter, whisking vigorously.
- Slowly whisk in sherry then stock, about ¼ cup at a time. It will thicken immediately; keep stirring until all the stock has been added and you have a smooth thin liquid.
- Continue cooking until gravy has thickened slightly, about 3-4 minutes.
- Taste and season with salt and pepper. Serve over mashed potatoes or rice.
Notes
Tips for making the best chicken gravy
- Add Stock Slowly: Patience is key when adding the chicken stock. Pour it in gradually, about a quarter cup at a time. This allows the flour to absorb the liquid evenly, preventing lumps and ensuring a silky-smooth texture.
- Keep Whisking: Consistent whisking is your best friend during the cooking process. This not only prevents lumps but also helps incorporate all the ingredients beautifully.
- Strain for Extra Smoothness: If you want an ultra-smooth consistency, consider straining your gravy through a fine mesh sieve before serving. This will remove any tiny lumps or bits of herbs, resulting in a gravy that’s extra velvety.
- Adjust the Chicken Stock Content: If you’re making this chicken gravy from drippings, feel free to replace part of the chicken broth with water. Drippings bring robust flavor, so balancing them with water won’t dilute the taste but will maintain the right consistency and saltiness.
- Low and Slow is the Way to Go: Don’t rush the cooking process by cranking up the heat. Cooking the gravy over medium heat allows the flavors to meld without the risk of it burning or thickening too quickly.
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Absolutely outstanding chicken gravy recipe! This recipe elevated my cooking game, and I can’t wait to share it with my family and friends.
This looks just like my grandma’s chicken gravy recipe! I’ve never been able to replicate hers, so I can’t wait to try this!
This is going on our menu this fall! Yum!
simple and delicious chicken gravy., Thanks for sharing.
the dry sherry adds so much flavor! this recipe is so easy and tasty. thanks!
Sounds absolutely scrumptious!! I cant wait to try it. The tips look particularly helpful as I sometimes do have trouble getting a smooth gravy.