Easy Kentucky Fried Chicken Gravy Recipe You Can Make at Home
If you’ve ever dipped your mashed potatoes into that rich, savory brown gravy at KFC and thought, “How do they make this taste so good?”—you’re in for a treat. This Kentucky Fried Chicken gravy recipe brings that same velvety, mouthwatering flavor right to your own kitchen. It’s creamy, full of deep, savory notes, and surprisingly easy to whip up with a few pantry staples.
Whether you’re serving it over mashed potatoes, biscuits, or fried chicken, this homemade version will have everyone thinking you picked it up from the drive-thru. But the best part? You control the ingredients—no preservatives or mystery powders, just real, delicious flavor.
Let’s get into how to make your own KFC-style gravy that’s so good, you might never go back to store-bought again.
Table of Contents
Ingredients You’ll Need (kentucky fried chicken gravy recipe)
Here’s what you need to recreate that iconic Kentucky Fried Chicken gravy recipe at home. Most of these ingredients are probably already in your kitchen:
For the Gravy Base:
- 1/4 cup butter (unsalted or salted, adjust salt later)
- 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
- 2 cups chicken broth (low-sodium preferred)
- 1 beef bouillon cube (or 1 teaspoon beef bouillon powder)
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
- Salt, to taste
- Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
Optional (for added depth):
- A splash of heavy cream (1–2 tablespoons)
- 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
- Drippings from fried chicken or baked chicken (if available)
Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions
1. Melt the Butter
In a medium saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Be careful not to let it brown—just melt it until it starts to bubble gently. This is your fat base for the roux, which gives the gravy its silky texture.
Pro tip: If you have chicken drippings, substitute 1–2 tablespoons of the butter with the drippings for a more authentic flavor.
2. Make the Roux
Once the butter is fully melted, whisk in the flour slowly. Keep whisking until it forms a smooth paste. Let this cook for about 2–3 minutes, whisking constantly to avoid burning. You want the roux to turn a light golden brown—this adds a toasty flavor without going bitter.
3. Add the Broth
Slowly pour in the chicken broth while whisking continuously. This will prevent lumps from forming. Keep whisking until everything is smooth and well combined.
4. Add Flavor Boosters
Crumble in the beef bouillon cube (or sprinkle in the powder), and add the onion powder, garlic powder, and a good pinch of freshly ground black pepper.
Let the mixture simmer for 4–5 minutes, stirring frequently. The gravy should start to thicken nicely.
5. Adjust and Perfect
Taste your gravy. Add salt if needed—remember that bouillon can already be quite salty, so be cautious. If you want more depth, add a dash of Worcestershire sauce or a splash of heavy cream for creaminess.
Let it cook for another 1–2 minutes until it’s the consistency you love.
6. Strain (Optional)
For an ultra-smooth finish like KFC’s, you can pour the gravy through a fine mesh strainer before serving. This step isn’t mandatory, but it does give you that restaurant-quality texture.
Tips, Tricks, and Variations (kentucky fried chicken gravy)
Get the Texture Right
If your gravy is too thick, add a splash of warm water or more chicken broth to loosen it. If it’s too thin, keep simmering until it thickens naturally, or whisk in a tiny bit more flour dissolved in water.
Use Pan Drippings
If you’re making fried or roasted chicken, save the pan drippings! Even just a tablespoon added to the gravy gives it an extra hit of umami and authenticity.
Don’t Skip the Bouillon
The combination of chicken broth and beef bouillon is what gives this Kentucky Fried Chicken gravy recipe its signature flavor. You might be tempted to leave out the beef bouillon, but it’s crucial to achieving that KFC-style richness.
Make It Creamier
Want an even silkier gravy? Add a splash of milk or heavy cream during the final minutes of simmering. It rounds out the flavor and gives it a comforting creaminess.
Vegetarian Twist
Use vegetable broth and a vegetarian bouillon cube to make a meat-free version. The taste will be slightly different, but still hearty and satisfying.
Storage Instructions
Storing Leftovers
If you have leftover gravy (lucky you!), pour it into an airtight container and store it in the refrigerator. It’ll last for up to 4 days.
Reheating
Reheat the gravy gently in a saucepan over low heat, whisking frequently. Add a little water or broth if it’s too thick. You can also microwave it in short bursts, stirring every 30 seconds.
Freezing
You can freeze this gravy for up to 2 months, though the texture may change slightly. To reheat, let it thaw in the fridge overnight and then warm on the stovetop, whisking well to restore smoothness.
How to Serve This KFC-Style Gravy
This Kentucky Fried Chicken gravy recipe is incredibly versatile. Here are some delicious ways to enjoy it:
- Mashed Potatoes: A classic combo. Pour it generously over creamy mashed potatoes.
- Biscuits and Gravy: Southern comfort food at its best. Split warm biscuits and spoon the gravy on top.
- Fried Chicken: Whether homemade or store-bought, gravy elevates it to another level.
- Poutine-Style Fries: Pour over crispy fries and top with cheese curds.
- Chicken Fried Steak: Swap out traditional white gravy for this brown gravy and taste the difference.
Ingredient Substitutions
Don’t have everything on hand? Here’s how to adapt:
- No beef bouillon? Use soy sauce (about 1/2 tsp) for a similar umami kick, though it’ll be slightly different.
- No butter? Try margarine or even bacon grease for a different depth of flavor.
- Gluten-free? Use a gluten-free flour blend or cornstarch instead of regular flour. If using cornstarch, start with half the amount and mix it with cold water before adding.
Prep Time, Cook Time, and Servings
| Prep Time | Cook Time | Total Time | Servings |
|---|---|---|---|
| 5 minutes | 10 minutes | 15 minutes | 4 servings |
Final Thoughts About kentucky fried chicken gravy recipe
Recreating the famous Kentucky Fried Chicken gravy recipe at home is not only doable—it’s deeply rewarding. With a few basic ingredients and a little stirring, you’ll have a velvety, flavorful gravy that tastes just like the one from the Colonel himself.
This recipe is perfect for weeknight dinners, family gatherings, or holiday feasts. It’s fast, budget-friendly, and tastes like it came straight from a professional kitchen.
Next time you’re craving that iconic KFC gravy, skip the drive-thru and make it yourself. Once you taste how easy and delicious it is, you’ll never look back.
Happy cooking!
