There’s nothing like the warm, comforting taste of KFC-style gravy to elevate your meal to the next level. Whether you’re enjoying a cozy family dinner, celebrating a special occasion, or craving the familiar flavors of comfort food, this homemade gravy recipe is sure to bring back fond memories of your favorite fried chicken joint. If you’ve ever wondered how to replicate that finger-lickin’ gravy that perfectly complements mashed potatoes, biscuits, or crispy chicken, then you’re in for a treat!
This recipe combines savory chicken and beef broth, rich butter, and a blend of seasonings to create a velvety smooth gravy that will leave you craving more. Easy to make and ready in just 25 minutes, it’s a must-try for any gravy lover. Let’s dive into how you can bring this irresistible KFC-style gravy into your kitchen!
Ingredients You’ll Need
Before you get started, make sure you have all the ingredients needed for this mouthwatering gravy recipe. Here’s what you’ll need:
- 4 tbsp unsalted butter – This is the base of the gravy, giving it that rich, creamy texture.
- 1/4 cup all-purpose flour – The flour acts as a thickening agent, helping the gravy achieve that perfect consistency.
- 2 cups chicken broth – Adds a savory, rich flavor that forms the foundation of the gravy.
- 1 cup beef broth – The addition of beef broth gives the gravy a deeper, more robust taste, making it even more flavorful.
- 1/2 tsp onion powder – For a hint of sweetness and savory undertones.
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder – Enhances the overall flavor profile and gives the gravy a bit of a kick.
- 1/4 tsp black pepper – Adds a touch of spice that balances out the richness of the gravy.
- Salt to taste – The final seasoning to ensure your gravy is perfectly seasoned.
Why You’ll Love This KFC-Style Gravy Recipe
If you’ve ever wondered what makes KFC’s gravy so irresistible, it’s all about the balance of flavors and the creamy texture that coats every bite. The combination of chicken and beef broths, along with the right blend of seasonings, makes this gravy incredibly flavorful, versatile, and perfect for pairing with fried chicken, mashed potatoes, and biscuits.
This recipe is not only a great way to replicate the KFC experience at home, but it’s also an easy dish to prepare with simple ingredients you likely already have in your pantry. Whether you’re preparing a special meal for the family or you’re just craving comfort food, this recipe will satisfy your taste buds and remind you why gravy is such a beloved addition to many dishes.
The Best Way to Make KFC-Style Gravy at Home
Ready to make your own finger-lickin’ gravy? Follow these simple steps, and you’ll have a pot of delicious homemade gravy in no time.
Step 1: Preheat Oven and Prepare Your Cooking Space
Before you start making the gravy, it’s always a good idea to preheat your oven (if you plan on serving the gravy with crispy fried chicken or other oven-baked dishes). Set your oven to 375°F (190°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly grease it. While the oven is heating up, you can move on to preparing the gravy.
Step 2: Make the Gravy
Melt the Butter
Start by melting 4 tbsp of unsalted butter in a medium-sized saucepan over medium heat. The butter will form the base of the gravy, giving it a rich and creamy texture that you love in KFC-style gravy.
Cook the Flour
Once the butter has fully melted, add 1/4 cup of all-purpose flour to the saucepan. Stir the mixture constantly for about 1-2 minutes. This will allow the flour to cook slightly and absorb the butter, which will help thicken the gravy. You’ll want the mixture to turn a golden brown color, but be careful not to burn it.
Add the Broths
Next, gradually whisk in the chicken broth (2 cups) and beef broth (1 cup). It’s important to pour the broth in slowly and whisk continuously to prevent lumps from forming. The combination of chicken and beef broth creates a rich, savory flavor that is the hallmark of KFC-style gravy. Keep whisking until the gravy is smooth and well-mixed.
Season the Gravy
Add 1/2 tsp onion powder, 1/2 tsp garlic powder, and 1/4 tsp black pepper to the saucepan. These seasonings will infuse the gravy with a depth of flavor. Taste the gravy and adjust the salt to your preference—this is where you can really customize the flavor. If you like it saltier, add a pinch more, but be cautious since both broths contain salt.
Simmer the Gravy
Allow the gravy to simmer on low heat for about 10-15 minutes. Stir occasionally to ensure the gravy doesn’t stick to the bottom of the pan. As it simmers, the gravy will thicken up beautifully, achieving the perfect consistency to pour over mashed potatoes, biscuits, or your favorite fried chicken.
Step 3: Serve and Enjoy
Once the gravy has thickened and is perfectly seasoned, it’s time to serve! Pour the gravy over your favorite fried chicken, mashed potatoes, or biscuits. The rich, flavorful sauce will bring everything to life and make every bite a savory experience. Whether you’re enjoying it with a hearty family dinner or serving it for a special occasion, this KFC-style gravy is sure to impress!
Tips for the Perfect KFC-Style Gravy
To ensure your gravy turns out just like the famous KFC recipe, here are a few tips to keep in mind:
- Use unsalted butter: This allows you to control the salt levels in your gravy and avoid it becoming too salty.
- Don’t rush the simmering process: Allow the gravy to simmer gently for at least 10-15 minutes to develop the full flavor and achieve the desired thickness.
- Whisk continuously: This helps prevent lumps from forming and ensures your gravy has a smooth, velvety texture.
- Customize the seasonings: While the recipe calls for onion powder, garlic powder, and black pepper, feel free to adjust these based on your personal preferences. You can also add a pinch of dried herbs like thyme or rosemary for an extra layer of flavor.
- Use both chicken and beef broth: The combination of both broths creates a depth of flavor that you simply can’t get from using one type of broth alone.
Perfect Pairings for KFC-Style Gravy
This homemade KFC-style gravy is incredibly versatile and can be served with a variety of dishes. Here are some ideas for the perfect pairings:
- Classic Fried Chicken: What better way to enjoy this gravy than by pairing it with a crispy, golden fried chicken? The rich gravy complements the crunchy texture of the chicken, making each bite irresistible.
- Mashed Potatoes: Gravy and mashed potatoes are a match made in comfort food heaven. The creamy potatoes soak up the savory gravy, creating a satisfying side dish that will leave you coming back for seconds.
- Buttermilk Biscuits: Warm, flaky biscuits drenched in homemade gravy are a Southern classic that never goes out of style. This pairing is perfect for a cozy breakfast or brunch.
- Roast Chicken or Turkey: If you’re preparing a roast chicken or turkey for dinner, this gravy is a fantastic addition to your meal. It’s the perfect finishing touch to a hearty roasted dish.
Why Make Homemade Gravy?
While it’s tempting to grab a jar of store-bought gravy, there’s just something special about making your own from scratch. Homemade gravy allows you to control the ingredients, ensuring a fresh, flavorful result every time. Plus, making gravy from scratch is surprisingly easy, and this KFC-style recipe is foolproof!
Making gravy at home also lets you customize the flavors to your liking, whether you prefer a thicker or thinner consistency, more seasoning, or even a richer taste by using additional broths or herbs. Plus, you can skip the preservatives and artificial ingredients found in many store-bought options, giving you a healthier alternative without sacrificing taste.
Conclusion: A Must-Try Recipe for Gravy Lovers
If you love comfort food, there’s no better way to elevate your meals than with a rich, flavorful gravy. This homemade KFC-style gravy is the perfect addition to any dish, from crispy fried chicken to mashed potatoes and biscuits. With simple ingredients and an easy-to-follow process, you’ll be able to recreate that finger-lickin’ taste right in your own kitchen.
So, next time you’re craving a hearty, soul-satisfying meal, be sure to give this recipe a try. It’s guaranteed to impress your family and friends and become a staple in your recipe collection. Enjoy the rich flavors and creamy texture of homemade KFC-style gravy, and let every bite bring you joy!
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Finger-Lickin’ Good KFC-Style Gravy
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: Makes about 2 cups of gravy 1x
Description
There’s nothing like the warm, comforting taste of KFC-style gravy to elevate your meal to the next level. Whether you’re enjoying a cozy family dinner, celebrating a special occasion, or craving the familiar flavors of comfort food, this homemade gravy recipe is sure to bring back fond memories of your favorite fried chicken joint. This recipe combines savory chicken and beef broth, rich butter, and a blend of seasonings to create a velvety smooth gravy that will leave you craving more.
Ingredients
4 tbsp unsalted butter
1/4 cup all-purpose flour
2 cups chicken broth
1 cup beef broth
1/2 tsp onion powder
1/2 tsp garlic powder
1/4 tsp black pepper
Salt to taste
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly grease it.
- In a saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat.
- Stir in the flour and cook for 1-2 minutes until golden brown.
- Gradually whisk in the chicken broth and beef broth until smooth.
- Add the onion powder, garlic powder, black pepper, and salt. Simmer for 10-15 minutes, stirring occasionally, until thickened.
- Pour the KFC-style gravy over your favorite fried chicken, mashed potatoes, or biscuits.
Notes
- Use unsalted butter to control the salt level.
- Whisk the broth in gradually to avoid lumps and ensure a smooth texture.
- Simmer the gravy for at least 10-15 minutes to allow it to thicken and develop flavor.
- Customize seasonings based on your preferences—add herbs like thyme or rosemary if desired.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes