Classic Chicken Gravy: Rich, Flavorful, and Foolproof
Need a cracking chicken gravy recipe? This classic version is rich, flavorful, and foolproof! Pan drippings or stock, it's divine. Get the recipe now!
Alright, let's get started.
Recipe Introduction: The Ultimate Chicken Gravy Recipe
Fancy a chicken gravy recipe that tastes like grandma's, but without the years of culinary apprenticeship? honestly, this is it.
This recipe is dead easy. you'll be wanting to eat it with every meal. it's packed with savoury flavours.
What is this chicken gravy recipe anyway?
This is a classic, comforting gravy. think sunday roast, but achievable any day. it's simple, flavourful and culturally significant. this recipe is easy and takes about 20 minutes.
It makes about 2 cups – enough for a proper family meal.
Why You'll Love This Chicken Gravy Recipe
This gravy is pure comfort. it’s healthier than the shop-bought stuff because you control the salt. it’s perfect for a chilly evening or any time you want to elevate your crockpot chicken and gravy .
I love it with my crockpot dishes , especially as a sauce for chicken cooked in my crock pot slow cooker .
It’s a totally different vibe from, say, a gumbo , but equally satisfying. seriously, ditch the granules and join the gravy train.
Let's talk about the goodies that make this chicken gravy recipe sing. This is where the magic starts.
Right, let's get to the nitty-gritty of making this fantastic chicken gravy recipe . Honestly, it's easier than you think, even if you're more of a microwave meal kinda person, you know?
Ingredients: The Building Blocks of Gravy Goodness
First things first, let's gather our supplies. This isn't brain surgery, but the right bits make all the difference.
Main Ingredients: Let's Talk Numbers
- Chicken Fat or Unsalted Butter: 2 tablespoons (30ml) . Now, I usually use chicken fat scraped from the bottom of my Crock Pot Slow Cooker after making some Chicken Crockpot Recipes , but butter works perfectly fine if you haven’t got any Slow Cooker Kip handy.
- All-Purpose Flour: 2 tablespoons (30ml) . Plain flour, nothing fancy.
- Chicken Broth: 2 cups (473ml) . Low sodium is best. Or better yet, pan drippings from roast chicken, topped up with broth to make 2 cups . Oh my gosh, that's the real secret.
- Dried Thyme: 1/4 teaspoon .
- Dried Sage: 1/4 teaspoon .
- Salt and Pepper: To taste. Don't be shy.
- Worcestershire Sauce (Optional): 1 teaspoon . For that extra oomph .
- Heavy Cream (Optional): 1 tablespoon . Just a splash for richness.
Seasoning Notes: Spice Up Your Life (or Gravy)
Don't underestimate the power of spices. thyme and sage are classic with chicken. you can always add a pinch of rosemary, too.
If you fancy a gumbo , consider a dash of cayenne pepper. a little goes a long way.
Worcestershire sauce? it's basically magic in a bottle. adds a lovely depth. don’t have it? no worries. a tiny splash of soy sauce will do in a pinch as a sauce for chicken .
Equipment Needed: Keep It Simple
- Medium Saucepan: No need for anything massive.
- Whisk: Essential for a smooth Sauce For Chicken . A fork works but requires elbow grease.
- Measuring Cups and Spoons: Pretty self-explanatory.
Honestly? that’s it. you don’t need a michelin-star kitchen to pull off this chicken gravy recipe . now, let's talk about how to actually make this magic happen.
Think of those yummy crockpot dishes with great sauce for chicken . it all starts here. using that crock pot cooking with crockpot recipes slow cooker is also a good source for the chicken broth, if you are a fan of that.
This crockpot chicken and gravy recipe will leave your friends and family licking their plates clean.
Okay, mate, let's dive into making some proper gravy. forget the granules, we're doing this from scratch. i'm going to show you my classic chicken gravy recipe that'll knock your socks off.
Honestly, it's easier than you think, and tastes a million times better. i'm not a chef, just a home cook who loves a good sauce for chicken .
My nan used to say, "gravy makes the meal," and you know what? she wasn't wrong. it’s also super yummy on crockpot dishes , like a slow cooker kip .
Prep is Key, Mate
Essential Mise en Place
Get your ducks in a row! that means having everything measured out before you even turn on the hob. you'll need 2 tablespoons chicken fat (or butter) , 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour , 2 cups chicken broth , 1/4 teaspoon dried thyme , 1/4 teaspoon dried sage , salt, pepper, and a splash of worcestershire sauce if you fancy it.
Time-Saving Organization
Before you start, grab a medium saucepan and a whisk. have your broth ready to go, warmed up if possible.
Trust me, it helps prevent lumps later on. also, having everything ready makes it quicker.
Making Magic Happen: Step-by-Step
Step-By-Step Process
- Melt the Fat: In your saucepan, melt 2 tablespoons of chicken fat or butter over medium heat.
- Make the Roux: Whisk in 2 tablespoons flour , stirring constantly. Cook until it's smooth and a light golden brown. This takes about 2- 3 minutes. Don’t rush this, it’s key for flavour. You know, you can even make something similar to gumbo with the base.
- Gradually Add Broth: Slowly whisk in 2 cups chicken broth , a bit at a time, making sure each bit is fully mixed in before adding more. Lumps are the enemy!
- Simmer Time: Bring it to a simmer, stirring now and then. Then, turn the heat to low and simmer for 5- 10 minutes , until it's thick enough to coat the back of a spoon.
- Season to Perfection: Stir in 1/4 teaspoon thyme, 1/4 teaspoon sage , salt, pepper, and a splash of Worcestershire sauce (if you like). Taste and adjust. My chicken crockpot recipes are all improved with this.
- Serve immediately and enjoy!
Pro Tips From My Kitchen
Expert Shortcuts
- Don’t be afraid to use pan drippings from your roast chicken. They add so much flavour. Just strain them first! A perfect crockpot chicken and gravy begins with this.
- For a super smooth gravy, strain it through a sieve before serving. Avoid making a crock pot slow cooker without considering that the thickening might be different.
Common Pitfalls
- Lumpy gravy? You probably added the broth too quickly. Next time, add it in smaller amounts and whisk like your life depends on it. It is important when you create crockpot recipes slow cooker .
- Gravy too thin? Simmer it for longer to reduce it. Too thick? Add a splash more broth.
Honestly, making gravy is one of those things that feels like magic when you get it right. i messed it up so many times before i figured out the tricks, so don't be disheartened if it doesn't go perfectly the first time.
And hey, if all else fails, there's always gravy granules... but don't tell nan i said that! happy cooking! and remember if you're making a roast and don't want to bother, you can always opt for crock pot cooking .
Alright, here's a section for that cracking chicken gravy recipe you wanted. Let's make it fun!
Recipe Notes: Gravy Glory!
So, you’ve got the basics down, eh? But the devil's in the details, right? Here's a few extra nuggets to ensure gravy perfection! I once tried rushing the roux and ended up with a lumpy disaster – honestly, it was like wallpaper paste! Learn from my mistakes, folks!
Serving Suggestions: Get Your Gravy On!
Presentation matters, even with something as comforting as gravy. Slather it generously! Think about plating your chicken gravy recipe so it looks proper posh, even if you’re scoffing it in your PJs.
- Plating: A drizzle over perfectly golden roast chicken? Yes, please! Or a generous pool next to fluffy mashed potatoes. Get creative!
- Complementary Sides: Mashed spuds are a no-brainer. Yorkshire puds? Absolutely. But don't forget green beans or a bit of stuffing to soak up all that deliciousness. A good pale ale always goes down a treat.
Storage Tips: Gravy SOS!
Leftover gravy? don't bin it! waste not, want not, as my nan used to say. i've rescued many a sunday roast by having a stash of chicken gravy recipe leftovers in the freezer.
- Refrigeration: Keep it in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
- Freezing: Freeze in individual portions for easy thawing. It lasts for about 2 months.
- Reheating: Gently reheat on the hob, stirring occasionally, or in the microwave. You might need to add a splash of water or stock to loosen it up. This works great with Crockpot chicken and gravy leftovers too!
Variations: Gravy Gone Wild!
Fancy a bit of a twist? Here's a few ideas to spice things up. Sometimes, I feel like going a bit adventurous – you know?
- Dietary Adaptations: For a dairy-free version, use olive oil instead of butter and skip the cream. Easy peasy! Or how about slow cooker kip for inspiration?
- Seasonal Swaps: In autumn, chuck in some roasted squash puree for extra flavour. In summer, a bit of fresh thyme from the garden is divine. You could even adapt this to a gumbo style gravy, with added spices!
Nutrition Basics: Gravy Guilt-Free (Almost!)
Look, it's gravy, okay? It's not a kale smoothie! But here's the lowdown. This works perfectly with many crockpot recipes slow cooker .
Simplified Nutrition (per serving): About 80-120 calories. It’s all relative, innit?
Key Health Benefits: It's good for the soul! Seriously though, it can add moisture and flavour to otherwise plain dishes.
Right then, get in the kitchen and whip up some gravy magic! don't be scared to experiment with your chicken gravy recipe ! you've got this! before you know it, you'll be a crock pot cooking master.
Why not try it in a crock pot slow cooker ? it's easy to make sauce for chicken . the possibilities with these chicken crockpot recipes are endless.
Frequently Asked Questions
My chicken gravy is lumpy! Help! What did I do wrong?
Lumpy gravy is a classic kitchen conundrum, isn't it? Usually, it's down to the roux not being properly incorporated with the broth. Try using warm broth and whisking it in very gradually, a little at a time. If the lumps persist, don't despair! Strain the gravy through a fine-mesh sieve for a silky smooth result. No one will ever know!
Can I make this chicken gravy recipe without pan drippings? I don't always roast a chicken!
Absolutely! While pan drippings add a certain je ne sais quoi, this recipe works perfectly well with store-bought chicken broth. For a richer flavour, opt for a low-sodium, high-quality broth. You can also sauté some chicken pieces for extra flavor.
How can I make this chicken gravy recipe ahead of time?
You can definitely get ahead of the game! Make the gravy as directed, then let it cool completely before storing it in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. When ready to serve, gently reheat it on the stovetop over low heat, whisking frequently to prevent scorching. You might need to add a splash of broth to thin it out if it's thickened too much.
What if my chicken gravy is too thin? How do I thicken it up?
Thin gravy is a common woe, but easily fixed! Continue simmering the gravy over low heat, uncovered, allowing it to reduce and thicken naturally. If you need a quicker fix, whisk a tablespoon of cornstarch with two tablespoons of cold water to create a slurry. Slowly whisk the slurry into the simmering gravy until it reaches your desired consistency. Just remember to bring it to a simmer after adding the slurry to activate the thickening power of the cornstarch.
Can I freeze leftover chicken gravy?
Yes, you can! Allow the gravy to cool completely, then transfer it to a freezer-safe container, leaving a little room at the top for expansion. Freeze for up to 2-3 months. When ready to use, thaw it overnight in the refrigerator. Reheat gently on the stovetop, whisking frequently, and add a splash of broth or water if needed to restore its original consistency. Be aware that freezing can sometimes slightly alter the texture, so it might not be quite as perfect as fresh, but still delicious!
Is this chicken gravy recipe suitable for people with dietary restrictions (gluten-free, dairy-free)?
With a few tweaks, yes! For a gluten-free version, substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend or cornstarch. If using cornstarch, use half the amount of flour listed in the recipe. For a dairy-free version, use olive oil or a plant-based butter alternative instead of butter, and omit the heavy cream, the taste is different but still good. Always double-check the labels of your ingredients (especially the chicken broth and Worcestershire sauce) to ensure they meet your specific dietary needs.
Classic Chicken Gravy: Rich, Flavorful, and Foolproof Recipe Card
