There’s something about KFC gravy that’s pure magic—it’s rich, flavorful, and brings a perfect touch of comfort to whatever it’s poured over. Whether you’re dunking crispy chicken, drizzling it over mashed potatoes, or sopping it up with a biscuit, this iconic gravy elevates everything on your plate. Lucky for us, it’s easy to make at home with just a few simple ingredients!
What I love most about this KFC-style gravy recipe is how simple yet satisfying it is. Growing up, we always had a jar of store-bought gravy on hand, but once I discovered how to make it from scratch, there was no turning back. The flavor is so much deeper, and you can tweak it to suit your taste. Plus, it’s fun to recreate something so iconic in your own kitchen!
So, if you’ve ever wondered how to make that rich, savory, velvety gravy you get at KFC, you’re in the right place. Let’s dive into this easy, crowd-pleasing recipe that’s perfect for family dinners or even special occasions.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick and Easy: With a total prep time of just 15 minutes, this gravy is the perfect last-minute addition to any meal.
- Rich and Savory: The umami-packed combination of broth, butter, and seasonings gives the gravy its deep, complex flavor.
- Customizable: You can make it as thick or thin as you like, and even adjust the seasoning to suit your personal preferences.
- Better Than Store-Bought: No artificial flavors here! This homemade gravy is made from fresh, simple ingredients and tastes so much better than anything you’d get out of a jar.
Preparation Time and Servings
- Total Time: 15 minutes
- Servings: Makes about 2 cups of gravy (enough to generously serve 4-6 people)
Ingredients
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
- 2 cups beef broth or chicken broth (choose based on your preference for a beefier or lighter gravy flavor)
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon soy sauce (for umami flavor and color)
- Salt to taste (start with 1/4 teaspoon and adjust as needed)
- Optional: 1/2 teaspoon poultry seasoning (for extra flavor if using chicken broth)
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Make the Roux
- Melt the Butter: In a medium saucepan over medium heat, melt the 4 tablespoons of butter. Once melted, let it cook for an additional 1-2 minutes until it’s just starting to brown and has a slightly nutty aroma. This will give the gravy a deeper flavor.
- Add the Flour: Slowly whisk in the 1/4 cup of flour, stirring constantly to create a smooth, lump-free paste (this is called a “roux”). Let the roux cook for 2-3 minutes until it turns a light golden color. This cooking process removes the raw flour taste and gives the gravy its thick, smooth texture.
Step 2: Add the Broth
- Gradually Add Broth: Slowly pour in the 2 cups of beef or chicken broth, whisking constantly to avoid lumps. Keep whisking until the mixture is smooth and begins to thicken. This will take about 2-3 minutes.
- Season: Add the onion powder, garlic powder, black pepper, soy sauce, and salt (starting with 1/4 teaspoon). If you’re using chicken broth and want a little extra depth, you can add 1/2 teaspoon of poultry seasoning.
Step 3: Simmer and Adjust
- Simmer: Reduce the heat to low and let the gravy simmer for 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally. During this time, the gravy will continue to thicken and develop flavor. If it becomes too thick, you can add a little more broth or water to thin it out.
- Taste and Adjust: Taste your gravy and adjust the seasonings as needed. Add more salt, pepper, or even a splash of soy sauce if you want more umami depth.
Step 4: Serve
- Serve Immediately: Once the gravy is the consistency you like (thick but pourable), remove it from the heat and serve immediately. Pour it over mashed potatoes, fried chicken, biscuits, or whatever you’re craving!
How to Serve
KFC-style gravy is incredibly versatile. Here are some great ways to enjoy it:
- Over Mashed Potatoes: The classic pairing. Pour the rich gravy over creamy mashed potatoes for a comforting side dish.
- With Fried Chicken: Drizzle it over crispy fried chicken, or serve it on the side for dipping.
- On Biscuits: For a southern-inspired breakfast or brunch, serve warm biscuits with a generous ladle of gravy.
- Poutine: Take your homemade fries up a notch by making poutine—top them with cheese curds and this gravy!
- Over Rice: A simple but delicious meal when you spoon this gravy over fluffy white rice with some roasted or fried chicken.
Tips for Perfect Gravy
- Make a Smooth Roux: Whisk the flour and butter constantly as they cook to avoid any lumps in the gravy. Take your time with this step—it makes all the difference in the final texture.
- Choose Your Broth: For a richer, deeper flavor, use beef broth. If you prefer a lighter, milder gravy, chicken broth is the way to go. You can even mix them!
- Adjust the Consistency: If your gravy is too thick, thin it out with a little more broth or water. If it’s too thin, let it simmer longer or whisk in a small slurry of flour and water.
- Season to Taste: The gravy will need salt, but the amount will vary depending on how salty your broth is. Always taste before adding more salt!
- Keep It Warm: If you’re making the gravy ahead of time, keep it warm on the stove over low heat and stir occasionally to prevent a skin from forming on top.
Recipe Variations
- Spicy Gravy: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or a few dashes of hot sauce for a little heat.
- Vegetarian Version: Swap out the beef or chicken broth for vegetable broth, and add a dash of nutritional yeast for extra depth of flavor.
- Herb-Infused Gravy: Stir in some finely chopped fresh herbs like thyme, rosemary, or sage for an herbaceous twist.
- Mushroom Gravy: Sauté some mushrooms in butter before adding the flour to make a delicious mushroom gravy variation.
Storage and Reheating
- Storing Leftovers: Store leftover gravy in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. It will thicken as it cools, so you may need to thin it with a little water or broth when reheating.
- Freezing: You can freeze the gravy in an airtight container for up to 3 months. To reheat, thaw it in the refrigerator overnight and warm it on the stovetop, adding extra liquid as needed to reach the desired consistency.
- Reheating: Reheat the gravy in a small saucepan over low heat, stirring frequently. Add a splash of water or broth to loosen it up as needed.
Special Equipment
- Whisk: To ensure a smooth, lump-free gravy, a good whisk is essential.
- Medium Saucepan: A sturdy saucepan with even heat distribution will make simmering the gravy easy and mess-free.
- Measuring Spoons and Cups: For precise measurements of ingredients like flour, broth, and seasonings.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use cornstarch instead of flour?
Yes! If you prefer a gluten-free version or simply don’t have flour on hand, you can substitute cornstarch. Use 2 tablespoons of cornstarch instead of flour, and dissolve it in cold water before adding it to the broth to avoid lumps.
What can I use if I don’t have soy sauce?
You can use Worcestershire sauce for a similar umami flavor, or leave it out entirely if you prefer.
How do I fix lumpy gravy?
If your gravy turns out lumpy, don’t worry! You can fix it by straining it through a fine mesh sieve or blending it with an immersion blender until smooth.
Can I make this gravy in advance?
Yes! You can make the gravy up to 2 days ahead. Just store it in the fridge and reheat it on the stovetop, adding a little extra broth or water to thin it out.
Conclusion
There’s nothing quite like homemade gravy, especially when it’s inspired by KFC’s classic recipe. This savory, velvety gravy is guaranteed to take your comfort food game to the next level. Whether you’re pouring it over mashed potatoes or dunking crispy chicken, it’s sure to be a hit with your family and friends. Give it a try, and let me know how it turns out—don’t forget to snap a photo and tag me on social media!
Enjoy your delicious, homemade KFC-style gravy!
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Homemade KFC-Style Gravy Recipe
- Total Time: 15 minutes
Description
What I love most about this KFC-style gravy recipe is how simple yet satisfying it is. Growing up, we always had a jar of store-bought gravy on hand, but once I discovered how to make it from scratch, there was no turning back. The flavor is so much deeper, and you can tweak it to suit your taste. Plus, it’s fun to recreate something so iconic in your own kitchen!
Ingredients
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
- 2 cups beef broth or chicken broth (choose based on your preference for a beefier or lighter gravy flavor)
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon soy sauce (for umami flavor and color)
- Salt to taste (start with 1/4 teaspoon and adjust as needed)
- Optional: 1/2 teaspoon poultry seasoning (for extra flavor if using chicken broth)
Instructions
Step 1: Make the Roux
- Melt the Butter: In a medium saucepan over medium heat, melt the 4 tablespoons of butter. Once melted, let it cook for an additional 1-2 minutes until it’s just starting to brown and has a slightly nutty aroma. This will give the gravy a deeper flavor.
- Add the Flour: Slowly whisk in the 1/4 cup of flour, stirring constantly to create a smooth, lump-free paste (this is called a “roux”). Let the roux cook for 2-3 minutes until it turns a light golden color. This cooking process removes the raw flour taste and gives the gravy its thick, smooth texture.
Step 2: Add the Broth
- Gradually Add Broth: Slowly pour in the 2 cups of beef or chicken broth, whisking constantly to avoid lumps. Keep whisking until the mixture is smooth and begins to thicken. This will take about 2-3 minutes.
- Season: Add the onion powder, garlic powder, black pepper, soy sauce, and salt (starting with 1/4 teaspoon). If you’re using chicken broth and want a little extra depth, you can add 1/2 teaspoon of poultry seasoning.
Step 3: Simmer and Adjust
- Simmer: Reduce the heat to low and let the gravy simmer for 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally. During this time, the gravy will continue to thicken and develop flavor. If it becomes too thick, you can add a little more broth or water to thin it out.
- Taste and Adjust: Taste your gravy and adjust the seasonings as needed. Add more salt, pepper, or even a splash of soy sauce if you want more umami depth.
Step 4: Serve
- Serve Immediately: Once the gravy is the consistency you like (thick but pourable), remove it from the heat and serve immediately. Pour it over mashed potatoes, fried chicken, biscuits, or whatever you’re craving!
- Prep Time: 15
