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The Ultimate Guide to Making Delicious Chicken Gravy

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Nothing elevates a meal quite like a rich, flavorful chicken gravy. Whether serving it over mashed potatoes, roasted chicken, or biscuits, learning how to make the perfect gravy is a skill every home cook should master. In this guide, we’ll show you how to make gravy with chicken broth, how to make gravy from chicken drippings, and even explore alternative methods like chicken bouillon gravy and cream of chicken soup gravy. Let’s dive in!

1. How to Make Gravy with Chicken Broth

If you don’t have chicken drippings on hand, don’t worry! You can still whip up a delicious gravy using chicken broth.

Ingredients:

  • 2 cups chicken broth
  • 2 tablespoons butter
  • 2 tablespoons flour
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • You can add 1 teaspoon of garlic or onion powder for an extra burst of flavor.

Instructions:

  1. Heat the butter in a saucepan over medium heat until fully melted.
  2. Stir in the flour to make a roux. Cook for about 2-3 minutes until the roux turns a light golden brown.
  3. Gradually add the chicken broth, whisking constantly to ensure a smooth, lump-free texture.
  4. Allow the mixture to come to a gentle simmer, cooking until it reaches your desired thickness, usually within 5-7 minutes.
  5. Add salt, pepper, and your favorite seasonings to taste.
  6. Serve hot over your favorite dishes.

2. How to Make Gravy from Chicken Drippings

For the richest flavor, making gravy from chicken drippings is the way to go. This method captures all the savory goodness from roasted chicken, making for an irresistibly flavorful gravy.

Ingredients:

  • ¼ cup chicken drippings (from roasting chicken)
  • 2 cups chicken broth or water
  • 3 tablespoons flour
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

  1. After roasting your chicken, carefully pour the drippings from the pan into a measuring cup. Let the fat rise to the surface and skim it off gently for a smoother gravy.
  2. In the same pan, heat the remaining drippings over medium heat.
  3. Add the flour and mix well to create a roux, cooking it for 2-3 minutes until lightly browned.
  4. Gradually whisk in the chicken broth or water, stirring constantly to avoid lumps.
  5. Let the mixture gently simmer for 5-10 minutes, or until it thickens to your desired consistency.
  6. Adjust the seasoning with salt and pepper before serving.

3. Chicken Bouillon Gravy

When you’re in a pinch and don’t have broth or drippings, chicken bouillon can come to the rescue. This quick and easy recipe ensures you still get that rich chicken flavor in your gravy.

Ingredients:

  • Use a chicken bouillon cube or 1 teaspoon of bouillon granules for an intense chicken flavor.
  • 2 cups water
  • 2 tablespoons butter
  • 2 tablespoons flour
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

  1. Dissolve the chicken bouillon in hot water to create a quick chicken broth.
  2. Add butter to a saucepan and heat it over medium heat until it’s completely melted.Stir in the flour to make a roux and cook until golden brown.
  3. Slowly whisk in the bouillon mixture, ensuring there are no lumps.
  4. Simmer the gravy for around 5 minutes, or until it thickens to your liking.
  5. Season and enjoy your flavorful gravy!

4. Cream of Chicken Soup Gravy

Looking for a creamy and smooth gravy? Cream of chicken soup can help you achieve that with minimal effort. This method creates a richer, creamier gravy, perfect for comfort food dishes.

Ingredients:

  • 1 can cream of chicken soup
  • ½ cup chicken broth or water
  • 2 tablespoons butter
  • 1 tablespoon flour
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

  1. In a saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat and stir in the flour to form a roux.
  2. Add the cream of chicken soup and stir until it’s fully combined with the roux.
  3. Slowly add the chicken broth or water, whisking to incorporate.
  4. Cook until the gravy is smooth and thick, about 5 minutes.
  5. Season with salt and pepper, then serve.

5. How to Make Chicken Gravy: Tips for Perfection

  • Use fresh herbs: Adding herbs like thyme, rosemary, or parsley can elevate your gravy.
  • Don’t skip the roux: A roux is the base of any good gravy. Take your time to cook the flour in butter or drippings for that nutty flavor.
  • To thin the gravy, simply stir in additional broth until you reach the perfect consistency. If too thin, let it simmer longer or add a little extra flour or cornstarch.
  • Season as you go: Taste the gravy as you cook and adjust the seasoning accordingly.

Conclusion

Whether you’re learning how to make gravy with chicken broth or exploring other methods like chicken bouillon gravy or cream of chicken soup gravy, these simple techniques will ensure you have a rich, flavorful gravy every time. Gravy is a versatile addition to any meal, adding moisture and enhancing flavors, making it a must-have in your cooking repertoire. Give these methods a try, and let us know which one is your favorite!

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