The Secret to Making KFC Style Gravy Recipe at Home

Crafting a kfc style gravy that rivals the restaurant’s legendary sauce can turn an ordinary meal into a flavor-packed experience.

Secrets from professional kitchens reveal how simple ingredients create incredible depth.

Southern cooking traditions inspire this rich, velvety companion to crispy chicken.

Culinary magic happens when basic pantry staples combine with careful technique.

Home cooks can master this creamy, savory sauce without complicated steps.

Professional chefs understand that seasoning and whisking make all the difference in achieving restaurant-quality results.

You’ll want to bookmark this recipe for countless delicious dinners ahead.

Why KFC Style Gravy Is Your Secret Sauce Hero

• Craft Comfort Quickly: Master a classic gravy recipe that transforms ordinary meals into gourmet experiences with minimal kitchen skills required.
• Customize Your Flavor Profile: Easily adjust seasonings to match your taste preferences, making this recipe adaptable for different proteins and dietary needs.
• Rescue Any Dish: Elevate bland meals by adding a rich, luxurious sauce that instantly upgrades chicken, turkey, mashed potatoes, or roasted vegetables.
• Build Culinary Confidence: Learn a fundamental cooking technique that serves as a gateway to more advanced sauce-making skills, perfect for home cooks wanting to expand their repertoire.

Everything That Goes Into KFC Style Gravy Goodness

• Pan Drippings or Butter: A flavorful fat that provides the foundation for the gravy's rich taste and smooth texture.
• Flour: The thickening agent that helps create a classic roux and gives the gravy its body.

• Chicken Stock: A savory liquid that forms the primary flavor profile of the gravy.
• Cold Water: Used to dissolve cornstarch and create a smooth slurry for thickening.
• Cornstarch: A powerful thickening agent that helps achieve the desired gravy consistency.

• Black Pepper, Salt, Onion Powder, Garlic Powder: A blend of spices that enhances the overall flavor and depth of the gravy.

How To Whip Up KFC Style Gravy In No Time

Step 1: Warm Up the Pan

Select a heavy-bottomed saucepan and melt butter or pan drippings over medium heat, ensuring the entire surface gets an even coating.

Step 2: Create a Roux

Sprinkle flour into the melted fat, whisking continuously until you develop a smooth, golden-brown mixture that releases a rich, nutty fragrance without burning.

Step 3: Pour in Liquid Gold

Gradually add chicken stock to the roux, stirring constantly to prevent lumps and create a silky, uniform base for your gravy.

Step 4: Boost the Flavor Profile

• Black pepper
• Salt
• Onion powder
• Garlic powder

Blend thoroughly into the developing gravy.

Step 5: Prepare Cornstarch Slurry

In a separate small bowl, dissolve cornstarch completely in cold water, ensuring a smooth mixture with no visible clumps.

Step 6: Thicken the Gravy

Stream the cornstarch mixture into the simmering gravy, whisking vigorously to maintain a consistent texture and prevent settling.

Step 7: Simmer and Develop

Cook at a gentle simmer for 3-5 minutes, allowing the gravy to thicken and develop a glossy, luxurious consistency that perfectly coats the back of a spoon.

Step 8: Rest and Settle

Remove from heat and let the gravy rest for 2-3 minutes, which will further enhance its thickness and allow flavors to meld together beautifully.

Step 9: Finish and Serve

Optional: Strain through a fine-mesh sieve for an ultra-smooth texture. Serve immediately while warm and velvety, ready to elevate your dish.

Tips For Smooth, Savory KFC Style Gravy

• Choose the Right Pan: Use a heavy-bottomed saucepan to distribute heat evenly and prevent burning the roux.
• Whisk with Precision: Continuously whisk flour and fat to create a smooth, golden-brown roux without lumps or scorching.
• Control Liquid Addition: Pour chicken stock gradually while stirring to ensure a silky, lump-free gravy base.
• Master Cornstarch Technique: Dissolve cornstarch completely in cold water before adding to prevent clumping and achieve a glossy texture.
• Rest and Refine: Allow gravy to rest for 2-3 minutes after cooking to enhance thickness and blend flavors perfectly.

Spice Up Your Routine With KFC Style Gravy Twists

• Vegetarian Gravy: Replace chicken stock with vegetable broth and use olive oil or plant-based butter instead of pan drippings for a meat-free version.
• Gluten-Free Option: Swap wheat flour with cornstarch or rice flour to create a celiac-friendly gravy that maintains a smooth, rich texture.
• Herb-Infused Variation: Add fresh thyme, rosemary, or sage during the cooking process to introduce an aromatic, earthy flavor profile to the classic gravy.
• Low-Sodium Alternative: Use low-sodium chicken stock and reduce added salt, incorporating herbs and spices to enhance taste without increasing sodium content.

What Dishes Love A Side Of KFC Style Gravy

• Savor Savory Gravy Companions
• Pair with Roasted Comfort Classics: Sunday pot roast, crispy fried chicken, or golden-brown turkey create perfect harmony with this rich, velvety gravy.
• Wine and Beverage Match: Choose full-bodied red wines like cabernet sauvignon or robust amber ales that complement the gravy's deep, complex flavor profile.
• Herb-Infused Elevations: Sprinkle fresh chopped parsley, thyme, or chives on top to add brightness and aromatic layers that enhance the gravy's luxurious texture.
• Strategic Side Kick: Fluffy mashed potatoes, buttery biscuits, or crusty sourdough bread make ideal vessels for soaking up every delicious drop of this homemade gravy.

Stash That KFC Style Gravy The Smart Way

• Transfer gravy to an airtight container, cool completely at room temperature, then seal and store in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Ensure the container is clean and leak-proof.
• Pour cooled gravy into freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty freezer bags, leaving slight expansion room. Label with date and contents. Freeze for maximum 3 months.
• Pour refrigerated gravy into a saucepan, warm over medium-low heat. Whisk continuously to restore smooth consistency. Add small splash of chicken stock if too thick.
• Place gravy in microwave-safe dish, cover loosely. Heat in 30-second intervals, stirring between each interval to distribute heat evenly. Check temperature and texture after each interval.

KFC Style Gravy Questions? Let’s Answer Them

• What's the purpose of making a roux in this gravy recipe?

The roux creates a thick, flavorful base by cooking flour with fat, which helps develop a rich, nutty flavor and provides the foundation for a smooth, creamy gravy.

• Why use cornstarch slurry in the gravy?

The cornstarch slurry acts as a thickening agent, helping to achieve the perfect gravy consistency without creating lumps, and providing a glossy, smooth texture to the final sauce.

• How can I prevent lumps when making this gravy?

Whisk continuously while adding stock and cornstarch slurry, ensuring you pour slowly and stir vigorously to create a smooth, lump-free mixture that blends perfectly.

Kfc Style Gravy Recipe

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4.8 from 9 reviews

• Total Time: 25 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Savor rich, Kentucky-inspired KFC-style gravy that delivers restaurant-quality comfort right onto home dinner plates. Creamy, peppery sauce promises restaurant-level flavor without complex techniques, inviting you to enjoy restaurant magic in your own kitchen.

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Ingredients

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Main Ingredients:

• 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
• 2 cups chicken stock
• 1/4 cup pan drippings or butter

Seasonings:

• 1 tsp black pepper
• 1 tsp salt
• 1/2 tsp onion powder
• 1/2 tsp garlic powder

Thickening Agents:

• 2 tbsp cornstarch
• 1/4 cup cold water

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Instructions

1. Gather a heavy-bottomed saucepan and melt the pan drippings or butter over medium heat, ensuring an even coating across the pan’s surface.
2. Sprinkle flour into the melted fat, whisking continuously to create a smooth, golden-brown roux that develops a rich, nutty aroma without burning.
3. Gradually pour chicken stock into the roux, stirring constantly to prevent lumps and create a silky, uniform mixture.
4. Incorporate all seasonings – black pepper, salt, onion powder, and garlic powder – blending them thoroughly into the developing gravy base.
5. In a separate small bowl, dissolve cornstarch completely in cold water, creating a smooth slurry without any visible clumps.
6. Slowly stream the cornstarch mixture into the simmering gravy, whisking vigorously to maintain a consistent texture and prevent settling.
7. Continue cooking at a gentle simmer for 3-5 minutes, allowing the gravy to thicken and develop a glossy, luxurious consistency that coats the back of a spoon.
8. Remove from heat and let the gravy rest for 2-3 minutes, which will further enhance its viscosity and allow flavors to meld together.
9. Strain through a fine-mesh sieve if desired for an ultra-smooth finish, then serve immediately while warm and velvety.

Notes

• Master the roux by constantly whisking to prevent burning and ensure a golden-brown color that develops a deep, nutty flavor without scorching.
• Use cold water when mixing cornstarch to avoid lumps, creating a smooth slurry that integrates seamlessly into the gravy for a silky texture.
• Experiment with alternative stock options like vegetable or mushroom stock for vegetarian versions, maintaining the rich, savory profile of the original recipe.
• Enhance flavor complexity by adding a splash of soy sauce or Worcestershire sauce for deeper umami notes that elevate the traditional KFC-style gravy.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 15 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner, Appetizer, Snacks
• Method: Simmering
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 70
• Sugar: 0 g
• Sodium: 800 mg
• Fat: 4 g
• Saturated Fat: 1 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 3 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 8 g
• Fiber: 0 g
• Protein: 1 g
• Cholesterol: 0 mg