Chicken Gravy Recipe: How to Make Gravy with Chicken Broth (Step-by-Step)

There’s something deeply comforting about a warm plate of food finished with silky, savory gravy. You might remember it from family dinners, holiday tables, or even quick weeknight meals where gravy somehow made everything taste better. The good news? You don’t need pan drippings, fancy tools, or hours in the kitchen to make it happen.

With this chicken gravy recipe, you can learn how to make gravy with chicken broth step-by-step, using simple ingredients you probably already have. Whether you’re cooking for guests or just trying to elevate your everyday meals, this guide walks you through everything you need to know—clearly, confidently, and without stress.

What Is Chicken Gravy Made with Chicken Broth?

Chicken gravy made with chicken broth is a smooth, flavorful sauce created by thickening broth with a simple roux or slurry. Unlike traditional gravies that rely on roasted meat drippings, this method gives you full control over flavor, salt, and texture.

When you use chicken broth as the base, you get:

• Consistent results every time
• A lighter, cleaner chicken flavor
• A gravy you can make anytime, not just after roasting

This approach is especially useful when:

• You’re cooking boneless chicken
• You need gravy fast
• You want a reliable, foolproof option

If you’ve ever wondered how restaurants get gravy on the table so quickly, this method is the reason.

Why This Chicken Gravy Recipe Works Every Time

Balanced Flavor Without Drippings

Chicken broth already contains concentrated flavor from simmered bones, vegetables, and seasonings. When thickened properly, it delivers depth without feeling heavy or greasy.

Perfect Texture You Can Control

You decide how thick or thin your gravy should be. Want it pourable for rice? Or thick enough to cling to mashed potatoes? This recipe adapts easily.

Beginner-Friendly Process

You don’t need special cooking skills. If you can stir and whisk, you can make this chicken gravy recipe successfully on your first try.

Ingredients for Chicken Gravy Recipe

You only need a handful of basic ingredients. Quality matters here, so choose a good chicken broth for the best results.

Chicken Gravy Ingredients Table

Ingredient	Amount	Why You Need It
Chicken broth	2 cups	Main flavor base
Butter or oil	2 tablespoons	Fat for thickening
All-purpose flour	2 tablespoons	Creates the roux
Salt	To taste	Enhances flavor
Black pepper	To taste	Adds warmth
Optional: garlic powder or onion powder	¼ teaspoon	Extra depth

Tip: If possible, use low-sodium chicken broth. This gives you more control over seasoning and prevents overly salty gravy.

How to Make Gravy with Chicken Broth (Step-by-Step)

This is the heart of the recipe. Follow these steps carefully, and you’ll end up with smooth, lump-free gravy every time.

Step 1: Make the Roux

Place a saucepan over medium heat. Add the butter (or oil) and let it melt completely. Sprinkle in the flour and whisk immediately.

You’re looking for:

• A smooth paste with no dry spots
• A light golden color after 1–2 minutes

Cooking the flour briefly removes its raw taste and sets the foundation for good gravy.

Step 2: Add Chicken Broth Slowly

While whisking continuously, pour in the chicken broth a little at a time. This is where patience matters.

• Add about ¼ cup at first
• Whisk until fully smooth
• Continue adding until all broth is incorporated

This gradual process is the secret to avoiding lumps.

Step 3: Simmer Until Thickened

Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer. As it heats, you’ll notice the gravy begin to thicken.

Let it simmer for:

• 3 to 5 minutes for medium thickness
• Longer if you prefer a thicker consistency

Stir often to prevent sticking.

Step 4: Season and Adjust

Taste your gravy and season with salt and black pepper. If it feels too thick, add a splash of broth. If it’s too thin, let it simmer another minute.

At this stage, you can also add optional seasonings like garlic powder or onion powder.

Common Mistakes to Avoid When Making Chicken Gravy

Even simple recipes can go wrong if you rush. Here are the most common issues—and how you can avoid them.

• Adding broth too quickly: This causes lumps. Slow and steady wins here.
• High heat: Too much heat can scorch the roux or cause uneven thickening.
• Over-seasoning early: Broth reduces as it simmers, which can intensify saltiness.
• Not whisking enough: Continuous whisking keeps the texture smooth.

If lumps do happen, don’t panic. A quick pass with a blender or straining the gravy can save it.

Easy Variations of This Chicken Gravy Recipe

Once you master the base, you can customize your gravy to suit different meals.

Creamy Chicken Gravy

Stir in ¼ cup of milk or cream at the end for a richer texture. This version works beautifully with biscuits or roasted vegetables.

Gluten-Free Chicken Gravy

Replace the flour with a cornstarch slurry:

• Mix 1 tablespoon cornstarch with 2 tablespoons cold water
• Add it to simmering broth
• Cook until thickened

Herb-Flavored Chicken Gravy

Add dried or fresh herbs such as:

• Thyme
• Sage
• Rosemary

These pair especially well with roasted chicken or holiday meals.

What to Serve with Chicken Gravy

This chicken gravy recipe is incredibly versatile. You can spoon it over almost anything to add moisture and flavor.

Popular options include:

• Mashed potatoes
• Roast or grilled chicken
• Rice or couscous
• Biscuits
• Meatloaf
• Steamed vegetables

Once you start using it, you’ll find yourself reaching for this gravy again and again.

Chicken Gravy Recipe FAQs

Can you make this chicken gravy recipe without butter?

Yes. You can use olive oil, vegetable oil, or margarine. The flavor will be slightly different, but the texture will still work.

How do you fix lumpy chicken gravy?

If whisking doesn’t smooth it out, strain the gravy through a fine sieve or blend it briefly until smooth.

Can you make chicken gravy ahead of time?

Absolutely. Store it in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stove, adding a splash of broth if needed.

How long does homemade chicken gravy last?

• Refrigerator: 3–4 days
• Freezer: Up to 2 months

Always reheat thoroughly before serving.

Final Thoughts on This Chicken Gravy Recipe

Learning how to make gravy with chicken broth gives you a reliable kitchen skill you’ll use for years. This chicken gravy recipe proves that you don’t need drippings or complicated techniques to create something deeply satisfying.

You now have a method that’s quick, adaptable, and perfect for both everyday meals and special occasions. Once you try it, store-bought gravy will feel like a compromise you no longer need to make.