If you’ve ever craved that rich, velvety, and slightly peppery sauce that perfectly complements crispy fried chicken or creamy mashed potatoes, you’re in for a treat. Today, I’m excited to share my beloved KFC-Style Gravy Recipe that delivers all the soul-warming goodness of that iconic restaurant gravy right in your own kitchen. It’s smooth, flavorful, and just the right balance of savory spices that will have everyone asking for seconds. Trust me, once you try making this at home, you’ll wonder why you ever bought gravy in a jar!
Ingredients You’ll Need
Getting this delicious gravy just right starts with a handful of simple yet essential ingredients. Each one plays an important role in building the perfect texture and flavor — from the buttery richness that makes the gravy silky, to the broths that create deep, hearty undertones.
- Unsalted butter (4 tbsp): Provides a creamy base to build your roux and adds rich flavor without overpowering the gravy.
- All-purpose flour (1/4 cup): Essential for thickening the gravy and giving it that smooth, luscious consistency.
- Chicken broth (2 cups): Offers a light, savory foundation full of comforting chicken flavor.
- Beef broth (1 cup): Adds depth and richness, balancing the chicken broth and giving the gravy a beautifully complex taste.
- Onion powder (1/2 tsp): Boosts the savory profile with a subtle sweet bite that blends perfectly into the background.
- Garlic powder (1/2 tsp): Infuses a mild, aromatic earthiness that makes each spoonful irresistibly tasty.
- Black pepper (1/4 tsp): Provides just enough gentle heat and spice — don’t skip this one!
- Salt (to taste): Crucial for balancing all the flavors and bringing out the best in every ingredient.
How to Make KFC-Style Gravy Recipe
Step 1: Make the Roux
Start by melting the butter in a medium saucepan over medium heat. Once it’s fully melted, whisk in the flour continuously. This roux is the backbone of your gravy — these two simple ingredients combine to create that silky, thick base. You’ll want to cook it for about 2 to 3 minutes until the mixture turns a light golden brown, which helps develop a subtle toasted flavor without burning the flour.
Step 2: Add the Broths
Next, it’s time to add your broths. Slowly pour in the chicken broth and beef broth while whisking nonstop. The key here is to keep whisking to prevent lumps from forming, ensuring that glorious smooth texture. The combination of these two broths brings that signature richness and satisfying depth that sets this gravy apart.
Step 3: Season the Gravy
In goes the onion powder, garlic powder, black pepper, and just a pinch of salt. These spices might seem simple, but they are what gives this KFC-Style Gravy Recipe its unmistakable flavor punch. Stir everything thoroughly to make sure those wonderful aromas distribute evenly throughout the sauce.
Step 4: Simmer to Perfection
Bring your gravy to a gentle simmer, maintaining that whisking rhythm every now and then. Let it cook for 5 to 7 minutes, allowing the gravy to thicken up beautifully. This step develops the flavors further and helps the gravy cling perfectly to whatever you’re serving it with.
Step 5: Adjust the Seasoning
Give your gravy a taste test. At this point, you might want to add a little more salt or black pepper, tailoring it to your preferences. This final seasoning tweak is what makes this KFC-Style Gravy Recipe truly your own.
How to Serve KFC-Style Gravy Recipe
Garnishes
Add a sprinkle of freshly chopped parsley or chives for a pop of color and a hint of freshness that brightens the rich gravy. It’s not necessary, but those little green specks make the presentation feel just a bit more special and inviting.
Side Dishes
This gravy shines brightest when draped over warm, fluffy mashed potatoes or poured generously over crispy fried chicken. It also pairs wonderfully with biscuits, roasted turkey, or even meatloaf — basically, any comfort food craving this sauce instantly elevates the entire meal.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, try serving the gravy as a dip alongside crispy potato wedges or freshly fried chicken tenders. Or drizzle over roasted vegetables like carrots and green beans for a savory surprise that brings the whole plate together in a comforting hug.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you happen to have any gravy left (though it rarely lasts!), store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Give it a good stir before reheating to bring back its creamy consistency.
Freezing
KFC-style gravy freezes well, making it a handy option to prepare ahead of time. Pour it into a freezer-safe container, leaving some room for expansion, and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw it overnight in the fridge before reheating.
Reheating
Reheat the gravy gently over low to medium heat on the stove, whisking frequently. If it gets too thick after refrigeration or freezing, add a splash of chicken broth or water to loosen it back up without losing that signature richness.
FAQs
Can I make this gravy gluten-free?
Yes! Simply substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend or cornstarch to thicken your gravy. Just keep an eye on the thickening process as gluten-free thickeners can behave differently.
Why use both chicken and beef broth?
The combination of chicken and beef broth creates a complex and robust flavor base. Chicken broth contributes a light, savory note while beef broth adds depth and richness for a more satisfying gravy.
Can I use pre-made broth or bouillon cubes?
Absolutely. Just use your favorite low-sodium broth or dissolve bouillon cubes in water. Using broth with less salt allows you to control the seasoning better during the cooking process.
How can I make the gravy thicker?
If your gravy seems too thin, let it simmer a little longer to reduce and thicken naturally. Alternatively, mix a teaspoon of flour with a small amount of cold water to make a slurry and whisk it into the simmering gravy.
Is this gravy suitable for vegetarian diets?
This version is not vegetarian since it uses chicken and beef broth. However, you can substitute vegetable broth and use plant-based butter to create a vegetarian-friendly version with a similar rich flavor.
Final Thoughts
There’s something incredibly satisfying about making a perfect batch of gravy yourself, and this KFC-Style Gravy Recipe brings all that comfort right to your kitchen. It’s simple, quick, and packed with flavor — a homemade touch that transforms any meal into a memorable feast. Give it a go next time you want to impress friends or just treat yourself to a little taste of homemade deliciousness.
Print
KFC-Style Gravy Recipe
- Prep Time: 3 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Total Time: 15 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Sauce
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Low Lactose
Description
This homemade KFC-Style Gravy recipe delivers a rich, savory sauce perfect for drizzling over mashed potatoes, fried chicken, or your favorite comfort foods. Made from a simple roux combined with chicken and beef broth, and seasoned with classic spices, this gravy captures the iconic taste of KFC with easy-to-follow steps.
Ingredients
Gravy 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
- Make the Roux: In a medium saucepan, melt the unsalted butter over medium heat. Once melted, whisk in the all-purpose flour to create a roux. Cook the mixture for 2-3 minutes, whisking constantly until it turns a light golden brown to develop flavor and remove the raw flour taste.
- Add the Broths: Slowly pour in the chicken broth and beef broth while continuously whisking to prevent lumps from forming. This gradual addition ensures a smooth gravy base.
- Season the Gravy: Add onion powder, garlic powder, black pepper, and a pinch of salt to the saucepan. Stir well to evenly distribute the seasonings throughout the gravy.
- Simmer: Bring the gravy to a gentle simmer, whisking occasionally. Cook for 5-7 minutes or until the gravy thickens to your desired consistency, allowing flavors to meld and develop.
- Adjust Seasoning: Taste the gravy and add more salt and pepper as needed to suit your preference.
- Serve: Serve the hot gravy over mashed potatoes, fried chicken, or any comfort food of your choice for a delicious finishing touch.
Notes
- Use low-sodium broths if you prefer to control the salt level more precisely.
- Whisk constantly during roux preparation to prevent burning or clumping.
- If the gravy becomes too thick, thin it with additional broth or water.
- For a gluten-free version, substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend.
- Gravy can be kept warm on low heat, stirring occasionally to prevent skin forming on top.
