Name: Homemade Chicken Gravy Recipe: Rich and Velvety
Prep time: 5 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 15 min
Ingredients: ¼ cup drippings or butter; ¼ cup flour; 2 cups chicken broth; ½ tsp salt; ¼ tsp pepper; ½ tsp garlic powder; ¼ tsp onion powder; ½ tsp thyme; 1 tsp Worcestershire; Optional: Thyme (pepper); Suggested Pairings: Potatoes (chicken)

Introduction

Table of Contents

Homemade Chicken Gravy is a rich, velvety sauce, perfect for drizzling over mashed potatoes, roasted chicken, or biscuits. This stovetop recipe, made from pan drippings or broth with a simple roux, delivers deep, savory flavor with a silky texture. Presented in a white ceramic gravy boat, optionally garnished with fresh thyme or cracked pepper, this Homemade Chicken Gravy offers a warm, inviting aesthetic that elevates any comfort meal. This recipe provides a straightforward skillet method with pantry staples, adaptable for dietary preferences, ideal for home cooks seeking a go-to sauce that brings cozy, crowd-pleasing charm to any occasion.

Ingredients

For the Homemade Chicken Gravy:

¼ cup pan drippings (from roasted chicken) or unsalted butter
¼ cup all-purpose flour
2 cups low-sodium chicken broth (or stock)
½ tsp kosher salt
¼ tsp black pepper
½ tsp garlic powder
¼ tsp onion powder
½ tsp fresh thyme leaves (or ¼ tsp dried)
1 tsp Worcestershire sauce (optional)

For Serving:

Optional: Fresh thyme, cracked black pepper
Suggested Accompaniments: Mashed potatoes, roasted chicken, biscuits
Suggested Pairings: Red wine, iced tea
Suggested Aesthetic: Serve in a white ceramic gravy boat
Suggested Equipment: Medium skillet, whisk, measuring cups

Step-by-Step Process

Collect Drippings: After roasting the chicken, pour the pan drippings into a measuring cup. Skim off excess fat, reserving ¼ cup. If short, supplement with butter.
Make Roux: In a skillet over medium heat, melt reserved fat/butter. Whisk in flour; cook 2–3 minutes until golden and bubbly (do not brown too dark).
Add Broth: Gradually whisk in chicken broth, ½ cup at a time, until smooth. Bring to a simmer.
Season: Add salt, pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, thyme, and Worcestershire. Simmer 5–7 minutes, whisking often, until thickened to coat a spoon.
Adjust Consistency: If too thick, add broth 1 tbsp at a time. If too thin, simmer longer.
Taste and Adjust: Taste and adjust seasoning for balanced flavor.
Serve: Strain if desired. Pour into a white ceramic gravy boat. Garnish with thyme and pepper. Serve warm.

Tips for Better Homemade Chicken Gravy

Use pan drippings for the deepest flavor
Cook the roux slowly to avoid bitterness
Whisk constantly when adding broth to prevent lumps
Simmer gently—boiling makes it thin
presented in a white ceramic gravy boat to highlight the silky texture
make ahead: reheat gently with a splash of broth
Taste and adjust the seasoning before serving
Enhance aesthetic: add a thyme sprig for rustic charm

Variations and Customization

Gluten-Free Homemade Chicken Gravy: Use cornstarch (2 tbsp) instead of flour; whisk with ¼ cup cold broth, then add.
Creamy Chicken Gravy: Stir in ¼ cup heavy cream at the end.
Herb-Infused: Add rosemary or sage with thyme.
Mushroom Chicken Gravy: Sauté ½ cup mushrooms before roux.
Slow Cooker Version: Make roux in a pan, then add to the slow cooker with broth; cook on low for 2 hours.
Vegetarian Gravy: Use vegetable broth and butter.
Spicy Gravy: Add ¼ tsp cayenne or hot sauce.
Garlic Lover’s: Double garlic powder or add roasted garlic.

Storage and Serving Tips

Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days.
Freeze in small portions for up to 3 months; thaw overnight and reheat.
Reheat over low heat with 1–2 tbsp broth to restore smoothness.
Serve warm over potatoes, meat, or biscuits.
Pair with red wine or iced tea to complement the rich, savory notes.
Present in a white ceramic gravy boat with garnishes for a warm, elegant charm.

Nutritional Information

Based on 8 servings (¼ cup each):

Calories: 70 kcal
Total Fat: 5g
Saturated Fat: 3g
Trans Fat: 0g
Cholesterol: 15mg
Sodium: 240mg
Total Carbohydrates: 4g
Dietary Fiber: 0g
Sugars: 0g
Protein: 2g
Vitamin A: 4% Daily Value
Vitamin C: 0% Daily Value
Calcium: 0% Daily Value
Iron: 2% Daily Value

Note: Values vary by fat source and broth (gluten-free or creamy versions adjust carbs/fat). Low in calories.

Conclusion

This Homemade Chicken Gravy recipe delivers rich, velvety comfort in minutes. It transforms simple ingredients into a classic favorite. Its one-skillet preparation and warm presentation make it a go-to. The silky texture and savory depth delight every drizzle. It’s sure to be a cherished recipe, loved for its cozy, crowd-pleasing charm.