Description
This Easy Chicken Gravy recipe delivers a smooth, flavorful sauce perfect for pouring over roasted chicken, mashed potatoes, or biscuits. Made with simple pantry staples like butter, flour, and chicken stock, it comes together quickly in about 15 minutes, and can be made richer with a touch of heavy cream for an extra creamy finish.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 6 Tbsp unsalted butter, cut into 1-Tbsp pieces
- 6 Tbsp all-purpose flour
- 2 1/2 to 3 cups unsalted chicken stock
- 1 Tbsp chicken base
- 1/4 tsp onion powder
- 1/4 tsp garlic powder
- 1/4 tsp paprika
- Salt, to taste
- Black pepper, to taste
- 3 Tbsp heavy cream (optional)
Instructions
- Melt Butter and Make Roux: Melt the butter in a medium saucepan over medium heat. Add the flour and cook, stirring constantly, until the mixture turns lightly golden brown, about 3 minutes. This step develops the nutty flavor essential for a rich gravy.
- Add Stock and Seasonings: While whisking slowly, pour in the chicken stock. Stir in the chicken base, onion powder, garlic powder, and paprika. Season with salt as needed and add black pepper to taste to enhance the overall flavor.
- Simmer to Thicken: Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer, stirring constantly to prevent lumps and scrape the bottom edges of the pan. This helps the gravy thicken evenly and develop a smooth texture.
- Adjust Consistency: If the gravy is too thick, thin it with up to 1/2 cup more chicken stock, keeping in mind that the gravy will thicken further as it cools.
- Add Cream (Optional) and Serve: For a creamier gravy, stir in the heavy cream just before serving. Serve the warm gravy over your favorite dishes like chicken, mashed potatoes, or biscuits.
Notes
- You can adjust the thickness of the gravy by adding more or less chicken stock as preferred.
- Using unsalted butter and unsalted stock allows better control of salt levels in the gravy.
- For a gluten-free option, substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend or cornstarch equivalent.
- For enhanced flavor, simmer the stock with herbs or vegetables prior to using.
- The chicken base adds concentrated chicken flavor; if unavailable, increase chicken stock and season accordingly.
- This gravy is best served fresh but can be stored covered in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently while stirring.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Sauce
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
