This chicken gravy recipe is easy to make without drippings! Take your recipes to the next level with my secret ingredient for the best chicken gravy of all time, combined with simple seasonings that add the perfect balance of flavors!

If you happen to have drippings at home, even better. This recipe can be easily adapted to incorporate them in.

A ladle scooping up chicken gravy from a gravy boat with mashed potatoes in the background.

Chicken Gravy

Knowing how to make chicken gravy that tastes this good, in a matter of minutes, is a dangerous skill for me to have. The seasoning combination is perfect and tastes great with creamy mashed potatoes, roast chicken, poutine, or even mashed potato casserole with crispy chicken.

The ingredient list is short and simple, and that’s all you really need for a good chicken gravy recipe. Don’t miss my secret ingredient below, you might be surprised by what it is, but I’m sure you have some at home!

PS- This recipe is in The Cozy Cookbook on page 241!

How to Make It

See recipe card below for ingredient quantities and full written instructions

Add chicken broth to a saucepan. Add the soy sauce. You’ll never know it’s in there, except that it enhances the flavor of the gravy and adds umami.

Chicken Broth in a saucepan with soy sauce being added to make Chicken Gravy.

Add the seasonings and stir to combine. Bring to a boil.

Chicken Broth with Seasonings being added and being brought to a boil to make Chicken Gravy.

Add the cornstarch + COLD water Mixture. The cold water helps prevent lumps from forming when added to liquid. Whisk continuously as you add it. Reduce heat and simmer until thickened.

Remove from heat. Swirl in a Tablespoon of COLD unsalted butter for a smooth, velvety finish. This is a technique that chefs use called “monter au beurre”.

A saucepan with corn starch being added to thicken gravy and cold butter added at the end.

Pro Tip: If a darker color is preferred, add 1-2 drops of Kitchen Bouquet browning and seasoning sauce.

Making Gravy with a Roux vs. a Slurry

This recipe uses a slurry to thicken the gravy by combining Cornstarch + Cold Water and pouring it into the boiling liquid while whisking continuously. This thickens the gravy.

If we were to use a roux, we would be combining flour and butter in the pan at the beginning of the cooking process.

I chose to use a slurry for this recipe because we add cold butter to the gravy at the end for a smooth finish and I wanted to avoid having too much butter flavor by starting with a roux at the beginning.

How to Make it With Drippings

If you make anything that results in having meat drippings at the end, whether it’s pork, chicken, or beef, be sure to save them for this gravy. You can always freeze the drippings until you’re ready to use them.

If you have drippings, simply add them in along with the chicken broth, which will give you even more gravy. You can also measure out your drippings and top it off with enough broth to make 2 cups total. Bouillon may not be needed if drippings are being used—taste first and add if necessary.

Adding Soy Sauce to Gravy

Soy Sauce is a great ingredient to add to gravy because it enhances the other flavors and adds umami. You won’t be able to detect it, it will just make the gravy taste great. You can also use Worcestershire Sauce if needed.

Storage

  • Refrigerate for up to 3 days or freeze for up to 3 months.

A white plate with a pile of mashed potatoes with chicken gravy on top and broccoli on the side.

 

What to Serve with Chicken Gravy

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A ladle scooping chicken gravy up from a gravy boat.

Chicken Gravy Recipe

Prep Time: 5 minutes
Cook Time: 10 minutes
Total Time: 15 minutes
4.99 from 71 ratings
Servings: 4
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Learn how to make the BEST chicken gravy without drippings! OR, easily adapt this recipe to include them. Combined with a secret ingredient and simple seasonings, you'll have homemade gravy on the table in minutes.

Ingredients

  • 2 cups chicken broth
  • 1 chicken bouillon cube or 1 tsp better than bouillon
  • 1 teaspoon low sodium soy sauce, you can’t taste it, but it enhances the flavors
  • 1 teaspoon onion powder
  • ½ teaspoon garlic powder
  • ¼ teaspoon dried thyme
  • ¼ teaspoon dried sage
  • 1/4 cup cold water
  • 3 tablespoons corn starch
  • 1 Tablespoon cold unsalted butter

Instructions

  • Add the chicken broth, soy sauce, bouillon, and seasonings to a medium pot.
  • Combine the cold water and corn starch in a small Tupperware with a lid. Shake to combine.
  • Bring gravy to a boil and whisk in the cornstarch mixture. Reduce heat to medium low. Continue to whisk to ensure that it blends in smoothly.
  • Let it gently simmer until its of desired thickness. The longer it simmers, the more concentrated the flavor will be.
  • Remove from heat. Swirl in one tablespoon COLD butter just before serving. This adds a silky, velvety finish.
  • Pro Tip: If a darker color is preferred, add 1-2 drops of Kitchen Bouquet browning and seasoning sauce.

Notes

Pro Tips:
  • If you have drippings: simply add them in along with the chicken broth, which will give you even more gravy. You can also measure out your drippings and top it off with enough broth to make 2 cups total. Bouillon may not be needed if drippings are being used—taste first and add if necessary.
  • Sodium Preference You may want to consider using reduced sodium chicken broth/bouillon if preferred.
  • Optional Ingredient Additions: Sautéed onions, shallots, and/or mushrooms make a great addition to gravy.
  • This recipe is in The Cozy Cookbook on page 241!

Nutrition

Calories: 65kcal, Carbohydrates: 9g, Protein: 1g, Fat: 3g, Saturated Fat: 2g, Cholesterol: 8mg, Sodium: 473mg, Potassium: 94mg, Fiber: 1g, Sugar: 1g, Vitamin A: 87IU, Vitamin C: 8mg, Calcium: 7mg, Iron: 1mg
Did you try this recipe?Mention @TheCozyCook on Instagram or tag #thecozycook!
Course: Side Dish
Cuisine: American
Author: Stephanie