🤤 Homemade Chicken Gravy Recipe – Easy & Savory

Imagine a cold evening with the warm smell of freshly cooked chicken in the air. You’re about to enjoy homemade chicken gravy over a bed of mashed potatoes. This recipe brings comfort and great taste. It has been a hit since 9/29/2022, getting 4.9 million views. An expanded version doubled its popularity, gathering 1.1 million views. It’s perfect for every home cook, offering delicious simplicity.

This gravy uses easy-to-find ingredients like chicken thighs, garlic, and Cajun seasoning. Users have praised it, giving it a score of 4.95 out of 5. It has become a favorite, uniting a community of food lovers who enjoy making and sharing this dish.

Key Takeaways

• This homemade chicken gravy recipe is extremely popular, with 4.9 million views.
• Ease and savory flavor make it a favorite among home cooks.
• Ingredients like chicken thighs and Cajun seasoning make it simple yet delicious.
• It has an excellent user rating, 4.95 out of 5.
• The recipe also includes practical storage and reheating instructions.

Introduction to Homemade Chicken Gravy

Making your own chicken gravy at home is great. The best recipe means no artificial stuff or preservatives. We’ll see why homemade is the top choice. And check out the good things it brings for your health.

Why Homemade?

Going with homemade chicken gravy gives you full control over what’s in it. You get the best quality and can adjust it to suit your taste. Making a basic chicken gravy at home lets you know everything in it. From the butter and flour for the base to the spices like seasoned salt, onion powder, and black pepper.

Health Benefits of Homemade Chicken Gravy

Made-from-scratch gravy is better for you, thanks to fresh, raw choices. By managing the amounts of butter and flour you use, your meal gets healthier. Homemade chicken gravy has less salt and no added chemicals.

It gets made with vegetable oil and fresh seasonings. For example, garlic powder and Green Goddess seasoning. This makes your dish more nutritious and wholesome.

Plus, making it yourself boosts the flavor and enjoyment. Mixing broth and making the perfect roux can be a fun part. Getting that ideal light caramel color after 5-7 minutes of stirring adds happiness to cooking. It’s rewarding and tasty.

Essential Ingredients for the Best Chicken Gravy Recipe

To make a tasty chicken gravy, choose the best ingredients. With the right essentials, your gravy will be flavorful, rich, and delicious.

Main Ingredients

• Butter: ½ cup, to add richness
• Flour: ½ cup, for thickening
• Chicken Stock: 1 quart cold, for depth of flavor
• Heavy Cream: ⅓ cup, to enhance creaminess
• Seasonings: Salt, White Pepper, Cayenne Pepper, to taste

Start by making a roux with butter and flour. This mixture is essential for the gravy’s texture. Chicken stock gives it a savory base, and cream makes it rich and smooth. Mix in seasonings to get the right flavors.

Optional Ingredients for Extra Flavor

To make your chicken gravy even better, try these optional additions:

• Herbs: Fresh or dried thyme, rosemary, or sage can add a fragrant note.
• Garlic: Minced garlic or garlic powder, for an added layer of flavor.
• Onion: Finely diced onions or onion powder, to deepen the taste.
• Wine: A splash of white wine can introduce a subtle acidity that pairs well with the richness of the gravy.

Adding these extras lets you customize your gravy. Whether it’s for a special occasion or an everyday meal, the right ingredients guarantee a tasty outcome.

Step-by-Step Guide to Making Chicken Gravy

This guide teaches you a homemade chicken gravy step-by-step. It makes a sauce that’s smooth and full of flavor for any dish. It’s perfect for everyone, from new cooks to seasoned pros. Follow this easy chicken gravy recipe for a tasty skillet chicken gravy.

Preparation

First, get all your ingredients ready to make cooking easier:

• Butter: ½ cup
• Flour: ½ cup
• Chicken Stock: 1 quart (cold, or more if needed)
• Heavy Cream: ⅓ cup
• Optional: ¼ cup white wine

Make sure you have 4 tablespoons of fat from roasted chicken. Before using a gravy separator, mix ½ cup chicken stock with the pan drippings for the best flavor.

Cooking Process

Here’s how to make your skillet chicken gravy just right:

1. Make the Roux: Melt ½ cup of butter in a skillet on medium heat. Add ½ cup of flour slowly, stirring until it’s a paste. Let it cook for 2-3 minutes until it’s golden.
2. Add Chicken Stock: Slowly whisk in 1 quart of cold chicken stock to the roux. Do this slowly to prevent lumps.
3. Simmer and Thicken: Simmer the mix, stirring often. Let it thicken for 5-7 minutes. For a thicker gravy, simmer more water off or use cornstarch-water.
4. Incorporate Cream: Mix in ⅓ cup of heavy cream. You can also add ¼ cup of white wine for more flavor.
5. Adjust Consistency: You can make the gravy thicker with Beurre Manié or thinner with more stock, as you like.

This easy chicken gravy recipe makes 3 cups of gravy, for 6-8 people. Enjoy the rich, creamy sauce with your favorite meal.

Tips for a Creamy Chicken Gravy

Getting your chicken gravy just right makes your meal tastier. Here are some key tips for a classic, smooth chicken gravy.

Choosing the Right Flour

Using the right flour keeps your gravy silky and free from lumps. Go for all-purpose flour. It keeps your gravy smooth. Mix 3 tablespoons of unsalted butter with 3 tablespoons of this flour to make a roux. Cook it until it’s a light, golden brown. This makes your gravy tastier.

Perfecting the Consistency

Mixing the roux with the chicken broth slowly is key to a perfect consistency in your gravy. Add 1 ¼ cups of low-sodium chicken broth slowly. Keep stirring to stop lumps.

You can tweak its thickness by simmering longer or adding more broth if needed.

1. Begin with a base of 3 tablespoons of butter and 3 tablespoons of flour.
2. Slowly incorporate 1 ¼ cups of chicken broth.
3. If the gravy is too thick, add up to ½ cup more broth.
4. Ensure to stir continuously to avoid lumps.

Master these skills, and your chicken gravy will be delicious every time. Aim for classic or adventurous. These tips guarantee a perfect texture.

Healthier Alternatives for Chicken Gravy

Looking for a healthier chicken gravy? Switching some key ingredients can help a lot. Instead of butter, try using olive oil. It’s a healthy fat that gives flavor without as much saturated fat. Use whole wheat flour too. It brings fiber and more nutrients to the dish.

For a lighter mix, go with 98% fat-free cream of chicken soup. It cuts back on the fat. Also, try using a low-sodium broth. This will lower the gravy’s salt levels, keeping it healthy but delicious. Adding 1/2 to 1 cup of water or broth can make the gravy thinner without less flavor.

If you want a whole meal to be healthy, pour gravy on grains like brown rice. These grains are high in fiber and nutrients. Serving with vegetables like Skillet Dill Green Beans or Roasted Asparagus boosts the meal’s health benefits.

These healthier gravy options are quick to make. It only takes 5 minutes to prepare and 10 minutes to cook. They have about 24 calories per serving. This makes them a top pick for nutritious meals that taste great.

Always cook chicken safely. Wash your hands and use clean cutting boards. Cook it until it reaches 165°F inside. You can prepare the gravy up to 3 days ahead and freeze it for up to 4 months. This makes meal planning easier.

Common Mistakes to Avoid When Making Chicken Gravy

Getting the perfect chicken gravy right can be tough. But, if you steer clear of common mishaps, you’re likely to end up with great results. Mistakes like getting lumps, using too much seasoning, or not having the right thickness come from doing things wrong. Knowing these issues can help you make delicious gravy every time.

The ideal ratio for a roux is one part fat to one part flour, ensuring a smooth, thick base for your gravy.

Lumps in gravy are a big no-no, and they’re often caused by adding flour straight into hot liquid. To avoid this, start by mixing flour with fat. Then, as you whisk in liquid, you get a smooth mixture instead of lumps.

It’s easy to miss the mark on flavor. If your gravy tastes bland, try adding something like store-bought demi-glace or soy sauce. Using homemade stock is key for a rich taste, avoiding the salt or over-processed flavors of store-bought options. Adding seasoning at the end also helps get the taste just right without going too salty.

Gravy should be just the right thickness. If it’s too thick, slowly add broth to thin it down without losing flavor. But if it’s too thin, cook it longer to let it reduce and thicken. You can also use a beurre manié, a mix of flour and butter, to thicken it up bit by bit.

For an oily gravy, allowing it to sit enables fat to rise, which can then be skimmed off.

Many find it hard to make gravy with strong flavor if traditional drippings aren’t available. One good option is to use chicken wings for drippings. Or, start with a flavorful stock to keep your gravy tasting rich.

• Stirring with a spoon instead of a whisk often leads to lumps.
• Properly cooking the flour avoids a doughy or flour-like taste.
• Sautéing turkey organs as a Plan B can enhance flavor if drippings are burnt.
• Ensuring to season at the end prevents over-salting.

Chicken Gravy Recipe Variations

Chicken gravy can go with many dishes, adding rich flavor. You can go for the classic taste, creamy feel, or herby touch. There’s a type for every taste out there. Let’s explore these tasty options.

Classic Chicken Gravy

The classic chicken gravy is the go-to for many dishes. It uses common ingredients like butter, flour, and chicken broth. It’s a simple but delicious addition, especially good with roasted chicken.

Creamy Chicken Gravy

The creamy chicken gravy is richer, thanks to heavy cream. It includes unsalted butter, flour, and adds in some heavy cream. This kind of gravy is perfect with mashed potatoes or biscuits. People love its decadent texture.

Herb-Infused Chicken Gravy

The herb chicken gravy recipe adds fresh or dried herbs like oregano and thyme. It keeps the main ingredients but gets a special flavor with these herbs. This gravy is great for fancy dinners or any time you want to wow people with flavor.

How to Store and Reheat Chicken Gravy

Keeping your homemade chicken gravy fresh and tasty is easy. Just follow these storage and reheating steps. This way, you can enjoy your gravy over several meals without losing any flavor.

Storage Tips

After you make gravy with chicken about 1 ½ lbs, ready in 25 minutes, store any leftovers well. Put the chicken and gravy in a sealed container in the fridge, good for 4-5 days. To keep it longer, freeze the gravy for up to four months. Remember to label your containers with the date so you know when you made it.

Reheating Instructions

For reheating chicken gravy, it’s crucial to use the right steps for good taste and safety. Gently reheat it in a saucepan over medium heat, stirring now and then. It should reach 165°F inside to kill any bacteria.

Or, you can use a microwave. Heat it for 45 seconds at a time, stirring in between. Choosing a medium setting prevents the gravy from getting too hot or boiling over.

If you want to keep the gravy fresh when reheating, try a skillet on low heat. Stirring often stops it from burning, especially as it’s thin and evaporates quickly. Using these methods ensures your gravy always tastes fresh.

Serving Ideas for Chicken Gravy

When it comes to chicken gravy serving suggestions, the options are almost limitless. This versatile, savory sauce can elevate a wide array of dishes, making them even more delightful and comforting. Below, you’ll find diverse ideas to pair with chicken gravy and truly savor its rich flavor.

Classic Pairings: Nothing beats chicken gravy over mashed potatoes. It also complements roasted chicken or turkey perfectly, turning simple dishes into culinary delights.

• Roasted Chicken: A classic pairing that enhances the moistness and flavor of the meat.
• Mashed Potatoes: The creamy texture of the potatoes mingles beautifully with the savory gravy.
• Biscuits: For a Southern-inspired meal, drizzle chicken gravy over warm, flaky biscuits.

Alternative Suggestions: For those seeking creative pairing with chicken gravy, consider serving it over rice or alongside steamed vegetables. The gravy can add depth to any meal, making everyday ingredients a gourmet experience.

• Rice: White or brown rice can be spruced up with a ladle of rich chicken gravy.
• Vegetables: Steamed or roasted vegetables benefit from the added flavor, making them more appealing.
• Breads: Use chicken gravy as a dip for freshly baked bread or rolls.

Breakfast Options: Chicken gravy isn’t just for dinner. Use it to bring a savory touch to breakfast dishes, from chicken and waffles to scrambled eggs.

• Chicken and Waffles: A perfect fusion of sweet and savory when topped with chicken gravy.
• Scrambled Eggs: Add a delightful twist to your morning eggs.
• Breakfast Sandwiches: Pour a bit of chicken gravy inside your sandwich for added richness.

With these chicken gravy serving suggestions, you can experiment and find your favorite ways to enjoy this timeless, savory sauce. Whether it’s a simple weekday meal or a special weekend brunch, pairing with chicken gravy can make every dish unforgettable.

Homemade Chicken Gravy with Mashed Potatoes

Making chicken gravy with mashed potatoes at home is a real treat. It pairs the warm goodness of gravy with the creamy delight of mashed spuds. This combo is pure comfort on a plate.

To whip up this joyous meal, set aside about 25 minutes. Start by frying 1 ½ lbs of chicken breast in a pan until it’s golden, flipping it after 4-5 minutes on each side. Then, take the chicken out to prepare the gravy.

In the same pan, melt ½ cup of unsalted butter. Add ½ cup of flour to the butter to create a thick mixture, stir these till they turn a light gold. Slowly pour in 1 quart of cold chicken stock, mixing it well. Let this simmer for a few minutes, then add back the chicken and let everything meld for 3-4 more minutes.

For the mashed potatoes, use your favorite kind. Boil the spuds until they’re soft, then mash with butter and a little cream. This creamy potato mix is the perfect base for the savory gravy. It truly highlights this beloved dish.

This recipe serves 4, offering each person a meal with 521 calories. It includes 24 grams of fat, 17 grams of carbs, and a whopping 57 grams of protein. Plus, the mix of full flavors and creaminess is a hit with the whole family.

Having leftovers is no hassle. Chicken gravy from scratch can sit in the fridge for up to 5 days. Or you can freeze it and keep the goodness for up to three months. This way, you’ll always have a tasty meal just waiting to be enjoyed.

Homemade Chicken Gravy with Biscuits

Nothing brings Southern comfort like chicken gravy with biscuits. It blends the tasty, Southern-style chicken gravy with soft, freshly baked biscuits. You can either make or buy your biscuits. Just aim for that perfect, golden-brown crust to catch all the yummy gravy.

• 1 pound of chicken
• 8 biscuits, homemade or store-bought
• 1 1/2 cups of half-and-half, whole milk, or heavy cream
• 1/4 cup of all-purpose flour
• 1/2 cup of chicken stock
• 1 onion
• 1/2 cup of peas
• 1 teaspoon of dried tarragon
• 4 tablespoons of butter
• Salt and pepper to taste

This meal is not only tasty but also very flexible. You can add veggies like carrots or mushrooms to boost flavor and nutrition. It’s also great for using leftover turkey from Thanksgiving.

Now, let’s check out the stats that show why you should try this dish:

Author Estelle Forrest found a special trick for the biscuit dough in her cookbook. It makes the biscuits uniquely soft and sticky. So, whether you make this for family dinner or a winter night, it’s sure to please.

This recipe is fast, ready in just 20 minutes, and captures true Southern comfort. The mix of flaky biscuits and thick, tasty gravy will be a favorite in your kitchen.

Special Occasions to Serve Chicken Gravy

Chicken gravy makes holidays and special dinners more exciting. It takes meals from average to awesome. Thanksgiving, Christmas, or any big Sunday dinner, chicken gravy adds a special touch.

On holidays, chicken gravy goes well with turkey, ham, or a big roast. It’s also great with classics like mashed potatoes and stuffing. It gives meals a rich and yummy twist that everyone loves.

• Thanksgiving: It’s a must for turkey and mash, deepening their flavors.
• Christmas Dinners: It pairs perfectly with roasts and hearty sides, making the food even better.
• Celebratory Birthdays: It makes birthday dinners shine, from starters to the main course.
• Anniversary Dinners: It adds elegance and warmth to romantic nights, building beautiful memories.

Making your own chicken gravy for the holidays can really impress. Use fresh, quality ingredients and a lot of love. This special gravy brings a feeling of warmth and welcome to every plate.

Chicken gravy is perfect for any celebration. It’s a favorite sauce that pleases everyone. Adding it to meals creates special moments as we gather with family and friends.

Conclusion

Making homemade gravy is a journey filled with simple steps, lots of options, and deep flavors. It uses chicken, onions, tomatoes, and spices like turmeric and red chili powder. These bring out the best taste in the gravy.

Starting with cutting the chicken and chopping the veggies, these steps are important. Then, you cook them together. Next, you add spices, chicken stock, and finish with cream and coriander. These steps make the gravy taste delicious.

You can make different types of gravy. For example, you could use Taston Golden Gravy or make Butter Chicken. Exploring these recipes adds variety to your cooking.

Thinking about using ready-made gravy or making your own can be fun. You can enjoy making and eating different dishes with homemade gravy. It’s not just something you put on top of food. It’s a way to enjoy the process of cooking.

This guide helps you make your own tasty chicken gravy. Now you have all you need to start cooking. So, get ready to enjoy some homemade goodness in your meals.