How to Make Delicious Chicken Gravy at Home

If you’re looking for a way to jazz up your chicken dishes, nothing does the trick quite like a delicious homemade chicken gravy. But if you’ve never made it before, it can seem a bit intimidating. Don’t worry though, it’s really quite simple and the taste is well-worth the effort. So, grab your apron and let’s get started!

To begin, you’ll need to gather up a few key ingredients: butter, flour, chicken broth, milk or cream, and some salt and pepper. If you have any additional flavorings on hand, like herbs or diced onions, you can add those in too. Once you’ve got your ingredients, it’s time to melt your butter in a saucepan over medium heat. Then, whisk in the flour until it’s nice and smooth, and let it cook for a minute or two until it’s a light tan color. From there, slowly whisk in your chicken broth, followed by the milk or cream, and let it all simmer until it’s thick and creamy. Give it a taste and adjust the seasonings as needed, and voila – you’ve just made your very own chicken gravy!

How to Make Chicken Gravy: Tips and Tricks

Chicken gravy is a staple in any kitchen, and it’s perfect for adding flavor and richness to any dish. Making chicken gravy may seem daunting, but it’s actually quite simple. Here are some tips and tricks to help you make the perfect chicken gravy.

Choosing the Right Chicken

The quality of your chicken will have a significant impact on the quality of your gravy. Always choose fresh, high-quality chicken that is free of any blemishes. Chicken thighs and wings are the best cuts of meat for making chicken gravy, as they have a higher fat content, which adds flavor and richness to the gravy.

Adding the Right Amount of Flour

Flour is the key ingredient in any gravy, as it helps to thicken the sauce. When making chicken gravy, it’s important to add the right amount of flour to avoid a lumpy or thin gravy. A good rule of thumb is to use two tablespoons of flour for every cup of liquid.

Using the Right Cooking Utensils

The right cooking utensils are essential when making chicken gravy. A heavy-bottomed pan is ideal for making gravy, as it will distribute the heat evenly and prevent the gravy from burning. A whisk is also essential for making gravy, as it will help to combine the ingredients and prevent lumps from forming.

Adding the Right Seasoning

Seasoning is important when making chicken gravy, as it can make or break the flavor of the sauce. Salt and pepper are essential, but you can also add other seasonings such as thyme, rosemary, or garlic to add depth of flavor to the gravy.

Using Broth

Chicken broth is an essential ingredient when making chicken gravy, as it adds flavor and depth to the sauce. You can use store-bought chicken broth, or you can make your own by simmering chicken bones and vegetables in water for several hours.

Adding Wine or Brandy

Wine or brandy can add complexity to chicken gravy, and they’re the perfect addition if you’re looking to elevate your gravy. Red wine pairs well with dark meat, while white wine is perfect for light meat. Brandy is a great addition if you want a rich and decadent gravy.

Getting the Right Consistency

The consistency of your chicken gravy is important, as it should be thick enough to coat the back of a spoon but not too thick that it becomes gloopy. If your gravy is too thin, you can add more flour, whereas if it’s too thick, you can add more broth.

Cooking Time

Chicken gravy doesn’t take long to make, but it’s important to cook it for long enough to ensure that the flour is cooked through and the gravy is smooth. You should aim to cook the gravy for at least 10 minutes, stirring constantly, to avoid any lumps forming.

Storing Chicken Gravy

If you have any leftover chicken gravy, you can store it in the fridge for up to three days. You can also freeze the gravy for up to three months, but it’s important to cool it down completely before storing.

Serving Suggestions

Chicken gravy is incredibly versatile and can be served with a range of dishes. Try serving it with roasted chicken, mashed potatoes, or steamed vegetables for a comforting and delicious meal.

The Ingredients You Will Need

Before we get started with preparing the chicken gravy, let’s have a look at the ingredients you will need:

1. Chicken Broth – Make sure to use homemade or low sodium chicken broth to keep the gravy healthy.
2. Flour – All-purpose flour works best when making gravy.
3. Butter – The fat in butter adds richness and flavor to your gravy.
4. Garlic – Garlic has a strong taste and a wonderful aroma. You can use fresh or minced garlic.
5. Salt and pepper – Season to taste with salt and pepper.
6. Milk – You’ll need milk to give your gravy a smooth and creamy texture.
7. Onion powder – Onion powder adds a depth of flavor to the gravy.
8. Thyme – Thyme lends an earthy and slightly minty flavor to the gravy.
9. Worcestershire sauce – This gives the gravy a rich, umami flavor.
10. Cornstarch – Cornstarch helps thicken the gravy.

Preparing the Chicken

Before we can make the chicken gravy, we need to cook the chicken. Here’s how to do it:

1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Rinse your chicken breasts and pat them dry with a paper towel.
3. Season your chicken with salt, black pepper, and garlic powder.
4. Heat a heavy skillet over medium-high heat. Add two tablespoons of oil to the pan.
5. Once your skillet is hot, place your chicken breasts in the pan. Cook for five minutes on each side, until golden brown.
6. Transfer the skillet to the oven and cook for an additional 15-20 minutes, until chicken is cooked through.

How to Make Chicken Gravy

Now that we have all of our ingredients prepped, it’s time to make our chicken gravy. Here’s how:

1. In the same skillet we just cooked the chicken in, melt two tablespoons of butter over medium heat.
2. Add flour to the melted butter, whisking until the mixture is smooth. This should create a roux for your gravy.
3. Slowly pour in the chicken broth while continuing to whisk the mixture together. Continue to whisk until the mixture has thickened.
4. Add garlic and thyme, continuing to whisk until they are completely combined.
5. Add a dash of Worcestershire sauce, salt, and black pepper to the mixture. These seasonings will give your gravy a rich, savory taste.
6. Pour in milk and whisk until well-combined. Continue whisking until your mixture reaches a simmer.
7. In a separate small bowl, mix cornstarch and some water and pour it gradually into the pan while mixing it up until the gravy reaches the desired consistency.
8. Let it cook for another 2-3 minutes before taking it off the heat.
9. Your chicken gravy is now ready to serve!

Serving Suggestions

Chicken gravy is a versatile sauce that can be served in various ways, here are a few ideas:

1. Pour the gravy over roasted chicken or mashed potatoes for an easy and tasty dinner.
2. Use it as a dipping sauce for chicken fingers or nuggets.
3. Serve over biscuits for a hearty breakfast.
4. Drizzle it over a Thanksgiving turkey.
5. Add it to your pot pie filling for added flavor.
6. Use it as a base for a pot roast dish.

Tips and Tricks

Here are a few tips and tricks to keep in mind when making chicken gravy:

1. Be patient when whisking the gravy. This will help prevent lumps from forming.
2. If your gravy is too thick, add more chicken broth.
3. If it’s too thin, add more flour or cornstarch.
4. Taste the gravy as you go along and make adjustments to suit your preferences.
5. Use fresh herbs and seasonings for the best flavor.
6. For added richness, you can use heavy cream instead of milk.
7. If you’re short on time, use a store-bought rotisserie chicken instead of making your own.
8. Store your leftover gravy in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days or in the freezer for up to three months.

Ingredients Needed to Make Chicken Gravy

When it comes to making chicken gravy, the ingredients used can make or break your final product. Here are the key ingredients you will need to make the perfect chicken gravy:

Step-by-Step Process for Making Chicken Gravy

Follow these easy steps to make a delicious chicken gravy:

Step 1: In a saucepan, heat the chicken broth over medium heat until it comes to a boil. Reduce the heat to low and let the broth simmer.

Step 2: In a separate saucepan or skillet, melt the butter over medium heat.

Step 3: Add the flour to the butter and whisk together, forming a paste-like consistency.

Step 4: Cook the butter and flour mixture, stirring constantly, until it turns a light brown color.

Step 5: Gradually pour the simmering chicken broth into the butter and flour mixture, whisking constantly.

Step 6: Continue whisking the mixture until it thickens and becomes smooth.

Step 7: Add salt, pepper, and dried thyme to the mixture, and stir until combined.

Step 8: Allow the gravy to simmer for a few minutes to let the flavors meld together.

Tips for Making the Best Chicken Gravy

Here are some tips to help you achieve the perfect chicken gravy:

Tip #1: Use homemade chicken broth for the best flavor.

Tip #2: Whisk the butter and flour mixture constantly to prevent lumps from forming.

Tip #3: Add the chicken broth to the butter and flour mixture gradually and whisk continuously to prevent lumps.

Tip #4: Don’t overcook the gravy as it can become too thick and lose its flavor.

Tip #5: Adjust the seasoning to your personal taste. Consider adding additional herbs, spices, or even a splash of white wine for added flavor.

Serving Suggestions for Chicken Gravy

Chicken gravy is a versatile sauce that pairs well with many dishes. Here are a few ideas to get you started:

Idea #1: Serve chicken gravy over mashed potatoes for a classic comfort food dish.

Idea #2: Pour chicken gravy over roasted or grilled chicken for added flavor.

Idea #3: Use chicken gravy as a dipping sauce for fried chicken tenders.

Idea #4: Drizzle chicken gravy over biscuits for a delicious breakfast or brunch dish.

Idea #5: Add chicken gravy to your favorite casserole or pot pie recipe for added depth of flavor.

With these tips and tricks in mind, you are now ready to make the perfect chicken gravy that will impress your family and friends. Enjoy!

Thank You for Reading!

I hope you enjoyed learning how to make chicken gravy in a simple and delicious way. Don’t forget to try it out for yourself and let me know how it turned out. Always remember, cooking is all about experimenting and making mistakes, but that’s what makes it fun! Make sure to come back and visit for more recipes and cooking tips. Happy cooking!