Simple Chicken Gravy from Scratch

Forget the canned stuff! This chicken gravy from scratch is super simple to make, AND it tastes a million times better!

With just a few pantry staples and a little bit of time, you’ll have a velvety smooth, flavorful gravy that’s perfect on creamy mashed potatoes, atop a roast chicken or even on sourdough biscuits!

What You’ll Need

1/3 cup unsalted butter: Butter provides richness and a smooth, luxurious texture to the gravy. It also helps create the roux, the base of the gravy.  

1/3 cup all-purpose flour: Flour acts as the thickening agent. When combined with the melted butter, it forms the roux, which will thicken the chicken broth into a creamy gravy. (For gluten-free gravy, substitute cornstarch for the flour.)  

3 cups hot chicken broth, stock, or pan drippings: Chicken broth or stock is the main flavor, it adds the savory chicken taste. Using homemade stock or broth will make it taste even better. (If you have pan drippings from roasting a chicken, use them here, they add an extra chicken flavor. Using hot broth helps the roux absorb it smoothly and prevents lumps.

1/2 teaspoon dried mushroom powder (optional): Mushroom powder adds an umami depth to the gravy, giving it a subtle savory boost. It enhances the overall flavor profile without overpowering the chicken taste.

1/2 tablespoon chopped sage or thyme, or 1/4 tablespoon dried sage or thyme: Herbs like sage and thyme add a freshness. Plus, they cut through the richness of the gravy and add a subtle herbal flavor.

4-6 tablespoons heavy cream (optional): Heavy cream adds extra richness and creaminess to chicken gravy, making it even more delicious! It’s the secret to that velvety smooth texture.

Salt & pepper to taste: Salt and pepper are super important! They make all the other flavors pop and really bring the gravy together. Don’t skimp on the seasoning!

Let me know what You think!

If you try this recipe, I’d really appreciate a star rating or review on the recipe card. Or let me know what you think in the comments below. Thank YOU!!!

Simple Chicken Gravy from Scratch

This simple homemade chicken gravy from scratch is perfect on top of mashed potatoes, roast chicken, quick biscuits and more!

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Course: From Scratch Recipes

Cuisine: American

Cook Time: 15 minutes minutes

Servings: 6 servings

Calories: 174kcal

Author: Juliea Huffaker

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Ingredients

• 1/3 cup butter unsalted
• 1/3 cup all purpose flour
• 3 cups chicken broth hot broth, chicken stock or pan drippings
• 1/2 tbsp chopped fresh sage or thyme or 1/4 tablespoon dry sage or thyme
• 1/2 teaspoon dry mushroom powder (optional)
• 6 tbsp heavy cream (optional but recommended!)
• salt & pepper to taste

Instructions

• Warm a medium pot to medium heat and melt the butter.
• While the butter is bubbling, gradually whisk the flour into it until the flour and butter form a smooth paste (roux).
• Let the roux bubble for a minute or two, stirring constantly, until it reaches a light brown color. This adds so much flavor to the gravy. Be careful not to burn it.
• While whisking constantly, slowly pour in the hot chicken broth, or chicken stock until smooth. Constantly whisking prevents lumps in your gravy.
• Bring to a gentle simmer (small bubbles just breaking the surface). Continue to simmer, stirring occasionally, until the gravy thickens.
• Stir in the fresh or dried sage or thyme.
• Add the dried mushroom powder and simmer for another minute. (optional)
• Remove from heat and stir in the heavy cream right before serving. (optional but recommended!)
• Taste for seasoning and adjust with salt and black pepper.
• Keep it warm: If you're not serving the gravy right away, keep it warm over low heat, whisking occasionally.
• Serve warm! And don't forget to review this recipe… Thank YOU!!!

Notes

Lumps: If you get lumps, whisk vigorously! You can also try straining the gravy through a fine-mesh sieve.

Too thick: If the gravy becomes too thick, add a little more chicken broth or stock to thin it out.

Too thin: If the gravy is too thin, simmer it a bit longer until it reaches your desired consistency.

This gravy is a family favorite! We love it over mashed potatoes, roasted chicken, and even biscuits.

My little trick for a super smooth gravy is to whisk the broth in very slowly, and stir in the cream right before serving!

Using homemade chicken stock makes a world of difference in the flavor.

Nutrition

Serving: 1g | Calories: 174kcal | Carbohydrates: 6g | Protein: 2g | Fat: 16g | Saturated Fat: 10g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 1g | Monounsaturated Fat: 4g | Trans Fat: 0.4g | Cholesterol: 46mg | Sodium: 521mg | Potassium: 46mg | Fiber: 0.2g | Sugar: 1g | Vitamin A: 538IU | Vitamin C: 0.1mg | Calcium: 19mg | Iron: 0.4mg