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Best Chicken Gravy Recipe

Best Chicken Gravy Recipe - Simple Food Dishes

Ah, chicken gravy, how you complete so many meals. Whether it's a cozy family dinner or a festive gathering, the right gravy can transform a mundane meal into something truly special. With roots deeply planted in comfort food culture, chicken gravy is an essential staple in many cuisines.
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Total Time 25 minutes
Servings: 6
Course: Condiment
Cuisine: American

Ingredients
  

  • Here’s what you’ll need for this delightful chicken gravy:
  • - About ¾ cup drippings from roasted chicken for flavor richness
  • 2 - cups low-sodium chicken broth or turkey broth for a twist; add ¾ cup if not using drippings
  • 1/4 - cup all-purpose flour to create that smooth texture
  • - Salt and pepper, to taste always adjust!
  • 1 - teaspoon Dijon mustard for an extra zing
  • 1 - teaspoon garlic powder to elevate flavor

Method
 

Step 1: Prepare the Drippings
  1. If you’re using drippings from a roasted chicken, pour the hot liquid from the roasting pan into a liquid measuring cup or a bowl after removing the chicken. Careful! The liquid is hot. Allow it to sit for a moment so the fat separates. You’ll see it floating on top; scoop this off with a spoon.
Step 2: Set Up for the Gravy
  1. In a large saucepan, combine ½ cup of the reserved drippings along with enough chicken broth to make a total of 2 cups of liquid. If you didn’t have drippings, you can use just the chicken broth.
Step 3: Make the Roux
  1. Sprinkle in the ¼ cup flour into your saucepan over medium heat. Whisk it together with the liquid until you have a smooth paste, which is known as a roux. You'll want this to have a pasty consistency—feel free to adjust with a bit more flour if it seems too greasy.
Step 4: Cook the Roux
  1. Continue whisking the roux for about 2 minutes until it turns a light golden brown. This step enriches the flavor.
Step 5: Combine and Simmer
  1. Once you achieve that golden hue, pour in the remaining 2 cups of chicken broth. Add in the drippings, and stir well. Toss in the Dijon mustard and garlic powder to amp up the flavor.
Step 6: Thicken the Gravy
  1. Continue to whisk constantly for about 5-8 minutes, allowing your gravy to thicken up. If you find it's too thick for your liking, simply add in more broth or drippings. If it's too thin, create a cornstarch slurry with a tablespoon of cornstarch mixed with a tablespoon of cold water, and stir it in.
Step 7: Season and Serve
  1. Once it reaches your desired consistency, season with salt and pepper to taste. Serve hot over your favorite chicken and sides. Rinse, repeat, and enjoy every bite!

Notes

- Use homemade chicken broth for the best flavor, if possible.
- You can freeze leftover gravy in airtight containers for up to three months.
- If you accidentally over-thicken, adding a splash of water or broth helps return it to the right consistency.
- For a lighter version, consider using half chicken broth and half water in equal parts.
- Stir in fresh herbs like thyme or rosemary for an aromatic touch.