This Chicken Gravy recipe is a rich, savory sauce perfect for enhancing any meal. Made with flavorful chicken drippings, butter, and a touch of seasoning, it’s velvety smooth and packed with homemade goodness. Whether poured over mashed potatoes, roasted chicken, or biscuits, this classic gravy adds warmth and depth to every bite.
What Is Chicken Gravy?
Chicken gravy is a savory sauce made from the drippings of roasted or cooked chicken. These drippings are rich in flavor and are typically combined with a thickening agent like flour and a liquid base, such as chicken stock or milk, to create a smooth, velvety consistency. It’s a versatile sauce that pairs well with various dishes and can be customized to suit different palates.
Tips and Tricks for Perfect Chicken Gravy
- Use Homemade Stock: For the richest flavor, make your chicken stock using leftover chicken bones and aromatics like onions, celery, and carrots.
- Deglaze for Extra Flavor: After roasting chicken, deglaze the pan with a splash of white wine or chicken stock to incorporate those caramelized bits into your gravy.
- Adjust Consistency: If your gravy is too thick, thin it out with a bit more stock or milk. If it’s too thin, simmer it longer or whisk in a cornstarch slurry.
- Flavor Boosters: Add a dash of Worcestershire sauce, fresh thyme, or garlic powder for added depth.
Variations of Chicken Gravy
- Creamy Chicken Gravy: Swap out half the chicken stock for heavy cream to create a luxurious, creamy texture.
- Herbed Chicken Gravy: Add chopped fresh herbs like parsley, rosemary, or thyme for a fresh and aromatic twist.
- Spicy Chicken Gravy: Stir in a pinch of cayenne pepper or a splash of hot sauce for a bit of heat.
- Vegetable Gravy: Add sautéed onions, mushrooms, or peas for a heartier version.
How to Serve Chicken Gravy
Chicken gravy is incredibly versatile and complements a wide array of dishes. Here are some ideas:
- Over Mashed Potatoes: The classic pairing, with gravy soaking into the creamy spuds.
- With Roasted Chicken: Drizzle it over slices of juicy roasted chicken for a complete meal.
- On Biscuits: Perfect for breakfast or brunch, especially with flaky southern-style biscuits.
- As a Sauce for Rice or Pasta: A quick and satisfying meal.
- As a Dipping Sauce: Serve alongside fried chicken or chicken tenders.
How to Store Chicken Gravy
Proper storage ensures you can enjoy your gravy later without compromising its flavor or texture.
- Refrigerate: Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stove, adding a splash of stock if it thickens too much.
- Freeze: Pour cooled gravy into freezer-safe containers or ice cube trays. Freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating.
- Avoid Separation: When reheating, whisk vigorously to reincorporate any separated fat.
Recipe FAQs
Can I make chicken gravy without drippings?
Absolutely! Substitute the drippings with butter or a combination of butter and chicken bouillon for flavor.
How can I fix lumpy gravy?
If your gravy ends up lumpy, strain it through a fine mesh sieve or use an immersion blender for a smooth consistency.
What can I use to thicken chicken gravy without flour?
Cornstarch or arrowroot powder are excellent gluten-free alternatives. Mix with water to form a slurry before adding it to the gravy.
Why is my chicken gravy too salty?
Dilute the gravy with unsalted chicken stock or water. You can also add a peeled potato to the pot to absorb some of the saltiness, then discard it before serving.
Can I make chicken gravy ahead of time?
Yes! Prepare the gravy up to two days in advance. Reheat on the stove, whisking frequently to restore its smooth texture.
Chicken Gravy
This Chicken Gravy recipe is a rich, savory sauce perfect for enhancing any meal. Made with flavorful chicken drippings, butter, and a touch of seasoning, it’s velvety smooth and packed with homemade goodness.
Ingredients
For the Marinade:
- 500g chicken
- ¼ tsp turmeric powder
- ½ tsp salt
- ¼ cup curd (yogurt)
- 1 tsp ginger-garlic paste
To Grind:
- 12 cashews
- 3 large tomatoes
- 2 Kashmiri red chilies
- To Temper:
- 1 star anise
- A few curry leaves
- 2 cloves
- 1 cardamom pod
- 2 tbsp oil
- ½-inch cinnamon stick
- 1 tsp cumin seeds
For the Gravy:
- 1½ tsp coriander powder
- 1 tsp cumin powder
- 2 large onions, finely chopped
- 1 tsp red chili powder
- 1 tsp garam masala
- Water (as needed)
- Salt (to taste)
- 1 tbsp coriander leaves (for garnish)
Instructions
- Blend 3 tomatoes, 2 Kashmiri chilies, and 12 cashews into a smooth puree. Set aside.
- In a bowl, mix chicken with curd, turmeric, ginger-garlic paste, and salt. Let it marinate for 30 minutes.
- Heat oil in a pot and add cinnamon, cloves, cardamom, star anise, cumin seeds, and curry leaves. Let them sizzle.
- Add chopped onions, a pinch of salt, and ginger-garlic paste. Sauté until golden (about 3 minutes).
- Stir in the prepared puree. Cook until the raw smell disappears and the mixture thickens.
- Add chili powder, coriander powder, and cumin powder. Sauté briefly for a burst of flavor.
- Toss in the marinated chicken. Sauté for 3–5 minutes to coat it well in the spices.
- Pour in 1 cup of water for a thinner consistency (use ½ cup for thicker gravy). Bring it to a boil, cover, and cook on low-medium heat for 25–30 minutes until the chicken is tender.
- Alternatively, pressure cook for 3 whistles.
- Sprinkle garam masala and garnish with coriander leaves. Cook for a few more minutes if you prefer thicker gravy.
Nutrition Information:
Yield: 4 Serving Size: 1Amount Per Serving: Calories: 453Total Fat: 28gSaturated Fat: 6gTrans Fat: 0gUnsaturated Fat: 19gCholesterol: 119mgSodium: 622mgCarbohydrates: 19gFiber: 4gSugar: 9gProtein: 34g
Chickenrecipes.blog, occasionally offers nutritional information for recipes contained on this site. This information is provided as a courtesy and is an estimate only. This information comes from online calculators. Although allchickenrecipes.com attempts to provide accurate nutritional information, these figures are only estimates.
Final Thoughts
Homemade chicken gravy is an essential recipe that every home cook should master. With its rich, savory flavor and endless customization options, it’s sure to become a staple in your kitchen. Whether you’re preparing a Thanksgiving feast, a Sunday roast, or a simple weeknight meal, this guide has everything you need to create chicken gravy that’s as delicious as it is versatile.
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