Can you really make KFC-style gravy at home? Yes, with this easy recipe using pan drippings and flour, perfect for a quick weeknight dinner. Save for later and enjoy with your family favorite meals.

KFC-Style Gravy

Introduction

Making KFC-style gravy at home is easier than you think, and with just a few everyday ingredients, you can create a rich, savory, and incredibly flavorful accompaniment to your favorite fried chicken, mashed potatoes, or roast dinner. The beauty of this recipe lies in its simplicity and versatility, allowing you to be creative while still achieving that unmistakable KFC taste. Whether you’re a seasoned chef or a beginner in the kitchen, this recipe is sure to impress with its depth of flavor and ease of preparation.

Why This Works

• Flavor balance and ingredient accessibility: The combination of chicken drippings, flour, and stock creates a perfect balance of flavors that is both comforting and indulgent. Plus, the ingredients are readily available in most supermarkets.
• Ease of preparation: This gravy requires minimal effort and time, making it perfect for busy weeknights or special occasions when you want to add a little extra something to your meal.
• Impressive results with minimal effort: Despite its simplicity, this KFC-style gravy is sure to impress your family and friends with its rich, velvety texture and deep, satisfying flavor.

Key Ingredients

The main ingredients in this recipe include chicken drippings (or chicken broth as a substitute), all-purpose flour, butter or oil, and your choice of stock (chicken or vegetable). If you don’t have chicken drippings, you can easily make some by cooking chicken in the oven and collecting the juices. For a gluten-free option, you can substitute the all-purpose flour with gluten-free flour. The key to a great gravy is using high-quality ingredients and taking the time to cook the flour properly to avoid any lumps.

Instructions

1. Step 1: Begin by melting 2 tablespoons of butter or heating 2 tablespoons of oil in a small saucepan over medium heat. Once the butter has melted or the oil is hot, add 2 tablespoons of all-purpose flour (or gluten-free flour) and whisk to combine. Cook the flour for about 1-2 minutes, stirring constantly, until it forms a light brown paste and has a nutty aroma.
2. Step 2: Slowly pour in 1 cup of chicken drippings or broth, whisking continuously to avoid lumps. Bring the mixture to a simmer and cook for about 5 minutes, or until it thickens to your liking. You can adjust the thickness of the gravy by adding more stock if it becomes too thick or cooking it for a few more minutes if it’s too thin.
3. Step 3: Add any additional seasonings you like, such as salt, pepper, or a pinch of paprika, and stir to combine. Taste the gravy as you go and adjust the seasoning to taste.
4. Step 4: Finally, remove the gravy from the heat and let it cool slightly before serving. You can serve it hot over your favorite dishes, such as fried chicken, mashed potatoes, or roast dinner.

Handy Tips

• When making the gravy, it’s essential to whisk constantly to avoid lumps. If you do get lumps, don’t worry – simply whisk a little more vigorously or use a blender to smooth out the gravy.
• For an extra rich and flavorful gravy, use a combination of chicken drippings and stock. You can also add a little bit of wine or beer to give it a deeper flavor.
• To avoid a gravy that’s too thick or too thin, cook it slowly over medium heat and whisk constantly. You can always adjust the thickness by adding more stock or cooking it for a few more minutes.


Heat Control

When making the gravy, it’s crucial to control the heat to avoid burning the flour or causing the gravy to become too thick. Cook the flour over medium heat, stirring constantly, until it forms a light brown paste and has a nutty aroma. Then, slowly pour in the stock, whisking continuously to avoid lumps. Bring the mixture to a simmer and cook for about 5 minutes, or until it thickens to your liking. If you notice the gravy starting to boil, reduce the heat to low to prevent it from becoming too thick.

Crunch Factor

This KFC-style gravy is all about the smooth, velvety texture, so you won’t need to worry about achieving a crunch factor. However, if you’re serving it over crispy fried chicken or crunchy vegetables, the contrast in textures will add an extra layer of enjoyment to your meal.

Pro Kitchen Tricks

• To make the gravy ahead of time, cook it as instructed and then let it cool completely. Store it in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days or freeze it for up to 2 months. Reheat it gently over low heat, whisking constantly, until it’s smooth and hot.
• For a shortcut, use store-bought chicken broth or stock cubes to make the gravy. Simply dissolve the stock cube in hot water and use it in place of the homemade stock.
• To clean up any spills or stains, use a mixture of equal parts water and white vinegar. Apply the solution to the stain, let it sit for a few minutes, and then wipe clean with a damp cloth.

Storage Tips

• Leftover gravy can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat it gently over low heat, whisking constantly, until it’s smooth and hot.
• To freeze the gravy, let it cool completely and then transfer it to an airtight container or freezer bag. Label and date the container and store it in the freezer for up to 2 months. Reheat it gently over low heat, whisking constantly, until it’s smooth and hot.
• The best containers for storing gravy are airtight glass or plastic containers with tight-fitting lids. You can also use freezer bags or ice cube trays to freeze individual portions of gravy.

Gift Packaging Ideas

If you want to give this KFC-style gravy as a gift, consider packaging it in a decorative glass jar or container with a tight-fitting lid. You can add a gift tag or label with the recipe and serving instructions, and even include a few suggestions for dishes to serve it with. For a more rustic touch, use a mason jar or a wooden crate filled with jars of gravy and other homemade treats.

Flavor Variations

• 🌟 Different spices: Try adding a pinch of paprika, garlic powder, or onion powder to give the gravy a smoky or savory flavor.
• 🌟 Creative toppings: Serve the gravy over crispy fried chicken, mashed potatoes, or roast dinner, and top it with chopped herbs, grated cheese, or a dollop of sour cream.
• 🌟 Ingredient swaps: Use beef or vegetable broth instead of chicken broth for a different flavor profile. You can also add a little bit of wine or beer to give the gravy a deeper flavor.

Troubleshooting

• Texture problems: If the gravy becomes too thick, whisk in a little more stock or water. If it’s too thin, cook it for a few more minutes or whisk in a little more flour.
• Ingredient replacements: If you don’t have chicken drippings, use chicken broth or stock cubes as a substitute. If you don’t have all-purpose flour, use gluten-free flour or cornstarch as a thickening agent.
• Over/undercooking signs: If the gravy is too pale or thin, cook it for a few more minutes or whisk in a little more flour. If it’s too dark or thick, whisk in a little more stock or water.

FAQs

• Can I freeze it? Yes, you can freeze the gravy for up to 2 months. Let it cool completely, transfer it to an airtight container or freezer bag, and label and date the container.
• Is it gluten-free? Yes, you can make the gravy gluten-free by using gluten-free flour instead of all-purpose flour. Simply substitute the flour 1:1 and proceed with the recipe as instructed.
• Can I double the recipe? Yes, you can easily double or triple the recipe to make more gravy. Simply multiply the ingredients and cook the gravy in a larger saucepan, whisking constantly to avoid lumps.

Conclusion

Making KFC-style gravy at home is a game-changer for any meal. With its rich, velvety texture and deep, satisfying flavor, it’s sure to become a staple in your kitchen. Whether you’re serving it over fried chicken, mashed potatoes, or roast dinner, this gravy is the perfect accompaniment to any dish. So go ahead, give it a try, and enjoy the delicious taste of homemade KFC-style gravy. Don’t be afraid to experiment with different seasonings and ingredients to make the recipe your own, and don’t hesitate to share your creations with friends and family. Happy cooking!