KFC Gravy Recipe

As a food lover, there are a few dishes that make me feel instantly at home, and KFC’s gravy is one of them. Growing up, my family didn’t visit KFC often, but when we did, it was always a treat—especially the gravy.

After years of enjoying it, I decided it was time to recreate this comfort food favorite from scratch. To my delight, I discovered that making KFC-style gravy is much easier than I expected, and it tastes just as delicious as the original! The rich, savory flavor and smooth texture of this homemade gravy bring that same nostalgic feeling to any meal.

Whether you pour it over chicken, mashed potatoes, or even roasted vegetables, this gravy will elevate every bite. Let me share this recipe with you so you can experience the joy of homemade, flavorful KFC-style gravy too!

Short Description

This homemade KFC Gravy recipe is rich, savory, and smooth, made with simple ingredients like butter, flour, chicken broth, and seasonings. It’s perfect for pouring over fried chicken, mashed potatoes, and more.

Key Ingredients

• 1/4 cup unsalted butter
• 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
• 2 cups low-sodium chicken broth
• 1/4 cup chicken or turkey drippings (optional)
• 1/4 tsp garlic powder
• 1/4 tsp onion powder
• 1/2 tsp ground black pepper
• Salt to taste

Tools Needed

• Saucepan
• Whisk
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Ladle or spoon for serving

Cooking Instructions

Step 1: Make the Roux
Start by melting the butter in a saucepan over medium heat. Once it’s fully melted, whisk in the flour until the mixture forms a smooth paste.

Continue to cook for 2-3 minutes, stirring constantly, until the roux is golden brown. This step is crucial as it gives the gravy its rich flavor and thickens it.

Step 2: Add the Broth
Slowly pour in the chicken broth while whisking vigorously to prevent lumps.

If you have chicken or turkey drippings, add them in now for an extra depth of flavor. Allow the gravy to simmer for 5-7 minutes, stirring frequently.

Step 3: Season the Gravy
Once your gravy has thickened, stir in the garlic powder, onion powder, black pepper, and salt. Taste as you go and adjust the seasoning to your liking.

Step 4: Serve the Gravy
Once the gravy is seasoned to perfection, it’s ready to be poured over your favorite dishes.

For an ultra-smooth gravy, you can strain it through a fine mesh sieve to remove any lumps or bits of flour. Serve hot and enjoy!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Rich and Flavorful: This gravy packs a punch of savory goodness, with the perfect balance of garlic and onion powder.

Customizable: Feel free to adjust the seasoning to your personal taste or experiment with adding different herbs.

Quick and Easy: With just a few simple steps, you can have this comforting gravy ready in no time.

Perfect for Pairing: This gravy is versatile enough to pour over chicken, mashed potatoes, biscuits, or even roasted veggies.

Mistakes to Avoid & Solutions

Lumpy Gravy: If your gravy turns out lumpy, don’t worry! Simply whisk it vigorously to break up the lumps. If that doesn’t work, you can always strain it through a fine mesh sieve to ensure a smooth texture.

Gravy Too Thin: If your gravy is too thin, just let it simmer a little longer to thicken. Alternatively, you can make a slurry by mixing equal parts of flour and water, then stirring it into the gravy to thicken it up.

Over-seasoning: If you accidentally over-season the gravy with salt or pepper, add a bit more broth or a pinch of sugar to balance it out.

Serving and Pairing Suggestions

Mashed Potatoes: This gravy is a classic topping for creamy mashed potatoes. It’s the ultimate comfort food combination!

Fried Chicken: Serve this gravy alongside crispy fried chicken for an unbeatable duo.

Biscuits: Pour the gravy over freshly baked biscuits for a mouthwatering breakfast or brunch option.

Roasted Vegetables: Add richness to roasted veggies like carrots, potatoes, or cauliflower by drizzling this gravy on top.

Storage and Reheating Tips

Storage: Store any leftover gravy in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. The gravy will thicken as it cools, so you might need to add a little extra chicken broth when reheating.

Reheating: To reheat, warm the gravy over low heat, stirring occasionally. If it’s too thick, add a splash of broth to loosen it up. You can also reheat it in the microwave in 30-second intervals, stirring in between.

FAQs

1. Can I make this gravy ahead of time?
Yes! You can make this gravy a day in advance and store it in the fridge. Just reheat it before serving.

2. Can I use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth?
Absolutely! If you’re looking for a vegetarian option, vegetable broth works perfectly as a substitute.

3. Can I make this gravy without drippings?
Yes! The drippings add extra flavor, but they’re not essential. You can still make a delicious gravy without them.

4. How do I make this gravy gluten-free?
To make this gravy gluten-free, swap the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend or cornstarch.

5. Can I freeze leftover gravy?
Yes, you can freeze gravy! Let it cool completely, then store it in an airtight container in the freezer for up to 3 months. Reheat on the stove with a bit of broth to restore its creamy texture.

Tips & Tricks

Add Fresh Herbs: For a fresh twist, try adding a sprig of thyme or rosemary to the gravy while it simmers. Just remove it before serving.

Smoky Flavor: Add a dash of smoked paprika for a subtle smoky flavor that pairs wonderfully with chicken.

Perfect for Meal Prep: Make a big batch of gravy and store it in smaller portions for easy meals throughout the week.

Recipe Variations

Spicy Gravy: For a spicy kick, add a pinch of cayenne pepper or a few dashes of hot sauce to the gravy while simmering.

Herb-Infused Gravy: Add fresh or dried herbs like thyme, rosemary, or sage to the gravy while it simmers. Strain them out before serving for a fragrant, herbal touch.

Mushroom Gravy: Add sautéed mushrooms to the gravy for an earthy twist. This works especially well with roasted meats or vegetarian dishes.

Final Thoughts

I can’t stress enough how satisfying it is to make homemade gravy. It brings a comfort and richness to any meal, and knowing exactly what’s in it makes it even more enjoyable. This KFC-style gravy is incredibly easy to make, and I love that I can adjust the seasoning to fit my taste perfectly.

This recipe allows you to enjoy that beloved, nostalgic flavor without the need to leave your home. So, grab your ingredients, put on some good music, and let this gravy bring warmth and happiness to your next meal. Trust me, once you make it, you’ll never go back to store-bought gravy again!