Kentucky Fried Chicken's rich, savory gravy features a blend of flavorful chicken drippings and herbs, delivering a smooth, velvety texture with a deep golden-brown color that perfectly complements crispy fried chicken.
Equipments
- Saucepan
- Whisk
- Measuring cups
- Measuring spoons
- Ladle
- Fine-mesh strainer
- Mixing bowl
- Wooden spoon
- Heat-resistant spatula
Ingredients
- 1/4 cup (60g) unsalted butter
- 1/4 cup (30g) all-purpose flour
- 2 cups (480ml) low-sodium chicken broth
- 1 teaspoon chicken bouillon powder
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon kosher salt
- 1/4 teaspoon dried sage
- 1/4 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1/4 teaspoon soy sauce
- 1/2 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
- 2 tablespoons (30ml) pan drippings from fried chicken or roasted chicken (optional)
Using low-sodium chicken broth allows you to better control the saltiness of your gravy, enhancing the natural flavors without overpowering the dish. Incorporating pan drippings from fried or roasted chicken adds authentic richness and depth, closely mimicking Kentucky Fried Chicken's signature taste. Herbs like dried sage and thyme contribute subtle earthiness that balances the savory profile. Measuring ingredients precisely ensures the gravy achieves its characteristic smooth, velvety texture and deep golden-brown color. Your copycat Kentucky Fried Chicken gravy will have that iconic blend of chicken drippings and herbs, making it a perfect complement to crispy fried chicken.
Instructions
- Melt butter in saucepan over medium heat.
- Whisk in flour; cook, whisking constantly, for 2–3 minutes until golden.
- Gradually whisk in chicken broth until smooth.
- Add chicken bouillon powder, garlic powder, onion powder, black pepper, kosher salt, sage, and thyme.
- Stir in soy sauce and Worcestershire sauce.
- Add pan drippings, if using, and whisk to combine.
- Simmer, stirring frequently, until thickened and velvety (about 5–7 minutes).
- Taste and adjust seasoning as needed.
- Strain gravy through fine-mesh strainer into mixing bowl for extra smoothness.
- Serve hot using ladle; stir with spatula as needed to maintain texture.
Substitution
Kentucky Fried Chicken copycat gravy relies on the balance of chicken drippings, herbs, and spices to achieve its rich and savory flavor. If pan drippings are unavailable, substitute with additional chicken broth and a teaspoon of soy sauce or Worcestershire sauce to maintain depth. Using low-sodium chicken broth allows you to control the salt level, adjusting seasoning to taste for your preferred flavor profile. Strain the gravy through a fine-mesh strainer to ensure smoothness and remove any lumps or bits from herbs. You can whisk continuously while cooking to prevent clumps and ensure a creamy consistency for your homemade gravy.
Tips
Your gravy will achieve the perfect smoothness if you constantly whisk the flour and butter mixture to prevent lumps during cooking. Slowly adding chicken broth while whisking ensures a velvety texture without clumps. Using pan drippings adds authentic flavor, so save them after frying or roasting chicken. Straining the gravy through a fine-mesh strainer is key to removing any remaining solids for a silky finish that pairs flawlessly with crispy fried chicken.
Nutritions
Kentucky Fried Chicken's gravy provides a moderate amount of calories primarily from butter and pan drippings, contributing to its rich texture and savory flavor. The use of low-sodium chicken broth and herbs like sage and thyme enhances flavor while keeping sodium levels controlled. Garlic powder, onion powder, and Worcestershire sauce add depth without significant calories or fat. Your dish benefits from this gravy's balance of fats and seasonings, complementing the protein and carbohydrates from the fried chicken and sides.
Storage
Store your Kentucky Fried Chicken gravy in an airtight container and refrigerate promptly to maintain its rich flavor and smooth texture. Use within 3-4 days for optimal freshness, reheating gently on the stovetop while stirring frequently to preserve its velvety consistency. For longer storage, freeze in portioned containers and thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
Variation or Alternatives
For a variation in flavor, try substituting chicken bouillon powder with mushroom bouillon for a richer umami taste. You can replace dried sage and thyme with fresh herbs like rosemary and parsley to enhance the aroma and freshness in the gravy. To accommodate low-sodium diets, use homemade chicken broth and adjust salt accordingly, ensuring your gravy remains flavorful without excess sodium. Your gravy can also be thickened with cornstarch slurry instead of flour for a gluten-free option while maintaining a smooth texture.
Allergies
Your potential allergy concerns with this gravy include wheat from all-purpose flour and soy from the soy sauce. Butter contains dairy, which may affect those with lactose intolerance or milk allergies, and Worcestershire sauce sometimes contains anchovies, possibly triggering fish allergies. Always check for specific ingredient sensitivities and consult product labels if you have known food allergies.
Why this recipe?
KFC's Gravy menu stands out for its rich, savory flavor that perfectly complements fried chicken and mashed potatoes, delivering an authentic Southern taste experience. The gravy is crafted from a unique blend of herbs, spices, and drippings from the pressure-fried chicken, enhancing its depth and making each bite irresistibly moist. Copycat recipes allow you to recreate this classic taste at home, saving money while customizing the seasoning to suit your palate. You can enjoy the comfort of KFC's signature gravy anytime, adding a nostalgic touch to your meals.