Delicious homemade chicken gravy served over roasted chicken

Homemade Chicken Gravy

ByCasey Monroe

Why Make This Recipe

Homemade chicken gravy is a delicious addition to any meal, especially when enjoying roasted or fried chicken. It brings rich flavor and a comforting texture that makes any dish feel more complete. Plus, making it from scratch is easier than you might think, allowing you to control the ingredients and customize the taste to your liking.

How to Make Homemade Chicken Gravy

Ingredients:

  • 1/2 cup unsalted butter
  • 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
  • 1 quart cold chicken stock
  • 1/3 cup heavy cream
  • Salt to taste
  • Ground white pepper to taste
  • 1 pinch cayenne pepper

Directions:

  1. Melt butter in a saucepan over medium-low heat.
  2. Gradually whisk in the flour. Reduce the heat to low and stir until the roux turns golden and smells like a cooked pie crust, which takes about 10 to 12 minutes.
  3. Slowly whisk in about 2 cups of cold chicken stock, adding it a little at a time and stirring to remove any lumps.
  4. Add the remaining stock and cook, stirring occasionally, until the gravy thickens enough to coat the back of a spoon. This will take about 10 to 15 minutes.
  5. Stir in heavy cream and season with salt, white pepper, and cayenne pepper. Taste the gravy, and if it tastes starchy, let it simmer longer, adding more cold stock if necessary.
  6. Serve hot and enjoy!

How to Serve Homemade Chicken Gravy

Homemade chicken gravy is perfect over fried chicken, mashed potatoes, or biscuits. You can also drizzle it on roasted vegetables and meats. The possibilities are endless, and it adds a heartwarming touch to any meal.

How to Store Homemade Chicken Gravy

To store leftover chicken gravy, let it cool to room temperature. Then, transfer it to an airtight container and refrigerate. It will stay fresh for about 3 to 4 days. If you want to keep it longer, you can freeze it in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months. Just reheat gently when you are ready to use it again.

Tips to Make Homemade Chicken Gravy

  • Ensure the butter and flour are cooked well to develop flavor in the roux.
  • Add the stock gradually to avoid lumps.
  • If your gravy is too thick, brown chicken stock can be added to reach your desired consistency.
  • Adjust the seasoning according to your personal taste preferences.

Variation

You can easily turn this gravy into a flavorful mushroom gravy by sautéing sliced mushrooms in the butter before adding the flour. This adds a nice earthy flavor that pairs wonderfully with chicken and other dishes.

FAQs

1. Can I use other types of stock?
Yes, you can use vegetable or beef stock if you want a different flavor. Just keep in mind that it will change the taste of the gravy.

2. What can I do if my gravy is too lumpy?
If your gravy has lumps, you can strain it through a fine-mesh sieve to remove them or whisk vigorously over low heat until smooth.

3. How can I make gluten-free chicken gravy?
You can substitute the all-purpose flour with cornstarch or a gluten-free flour blend. Just make sure to mix the cornstarch with a bit of cold water before adding it to the gravy.