Chicken gravy is a classic comfort food staple that takes any meal to the next level. Whether you’re serving roasted chicken, mashed potatoes, or biscuits, a rich, flavorful chicken gravy adds warmth and depth to your plate. If you’ve ever wondered, how do you make chicken gravy? — you’re in the right place. This article will walk you through easy, foolproof methods to make delicious chicken gravy from scratch, with or without drippings, plus tips to customize it to your taste.
What Is Chicken Gravy?
Chicken gravy is a sauce made from chicken broth or drippings combined with a thickening agent like flour or cornstarch. It’s savory, smooth, and often seasoned with herbs and spices. The gravy can be simple or enhanced with aromatics like onions and garlic, or even enriched with butter for a velvety texture.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Here’s a basic list of ingredients for making chicken gravy:
– Chicken drippings or chicken broth (low sodium is best)
– All-purpose flour or cornstarch (for thickening)
– Butter (optional, for richness)
– Salt and pepper (to taste)
– Optional seasonings: onion powder, garlic powder, thyme, sage, soy sauce (for umami), or herbs like bay leaves and thyme
How Do You Make Chicken Gravy? Step-by-Step
Method 1: Classic Chicken Gravy with Drippings
- Collect the drippings: After roasting your chicken, pour the pan drippings into a measuring cup or bowl. Let it sit for a minute so the fat rises to the top. Skim off most of the fat, leaving the flavorful juices.
- Make a roux: In a saucepan, add about ½ cup of the drippings. Sprinkle in ¼ cup of all-purpose flour. Whisk constantly over medium heat until the mixture forms a smooth paste and turns a light golden brown. This roux is the base that thickens your gravy.
- Add broth: Slowly whisk in 2 cups of chicken broth, plus an extra ¼ cup of drippings if you have it. Keep whisking to prevent lumps.
- Simmer and thicken: Let the gravy cook for 5 to 8 minutes, stirring frequently until it thickens to your desired consistency.
- Adjust seasoning: Taste and add salt, pepper, or other seasonings like garlic or onion powder as needed.
- Optional: If too thick, add more broth; if too thin, mix 1 tablespoon cornstarch with 1 tablespoon water and whisk it in.
- Serve warm: Pour over your chicken or mashed potatoes and enjoy!
Method 2: Chicken Gravy Without Drippings
If you don’t have drippings, no problem! You can still make a delicious gravy using chicken broth and a few simple ingredients:
- Heat chicken broth: Pour 2 cups of chicken broth into a saucepan.
- Add flavor enhancers: Stir in 1 teaspoon soy sauce (it adds umami without a soy flavor), 1 teaspoon onion powder, ½ teaspoon garlic powder, and herbs like thyme or sage.
- Thicken with cornstarch: Mix 3 tablespoons cornstarch with ¼ cup cold water until smooth. Slowly whisk this slurry into the boiling broth.
- Simmer: Reduce heat and simmer until thickened, whisking often.
- Finish with butter: Remove from heat and swirl in 1 tablespoon cold unsalted butter for a silky finish.
- Adjust color: For a richer color, add a drop or two of browning sauce if desired.
This method is quick, simple, and yields a smooth, flavorful gravy without the need for roasting drippings.
Tips for Perfect Chicken Gravy Every Time
– Use low-sodium broth: This lets you control the saltiness better.
– Whisk constantly: Prevent lumps by whisking flour or cornstarch into the fat or broth slowly.
– Make a roux: Browning the flour in fat before adding liquid adds a nutty depth to your gravy.
– Don’t rush simmering: Let the gravy cook long enough to develop flavor and thicken properly.
– Customize flavors: Add sautéed onions, garlic, or herbs like thyme and sage for extra aroma.
– Adjust thickness: Add broth to thin or a cornstarch slurry to thicken.
– Skim fat: Too much fat can make gravy greasy; remove excess for a cleaner taste.
Variations to Try
– Onion or mushroom gravy: Sauté finely chopped onions or mushrooms before adding flour for a savory twist.
– Spicy chicken gravy: Add a pinch of cayenne or smoked paprika.
– Creamy chicken gravy: Stir in a splash of cream or milk at the end for richness.
– Herb-infused gravy: Simmer with fresh herbs like rosemary or bay leaves, then strain before serving.
Chicken gravy is easier to make than you might think, and it’s a wonderful way to elevate your meals. Whether you use drippings from your roast or just chicken broth, the key is to build flavor step by step and get the consistency just right. With these simple techniques, you’ll be making restaurant-quality chicken gravy at home in no time.
Enjoy your cooking adventure and savor every delicious drop!