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Copycat KFC Gravy Recipe: The Best Homemade Chicken Gravy

A white gravy boat pours thick, creamy homemade KFC gravy copycat over a mound of fluffy mashed potatoes.
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Recreate the savory, thick, restaurant-style gravy from Kentucky Fried Chicken using simple pantry ingredients. This easy homemade gravy is perfect for mashed potatoes and fried chicken.

Ingredients

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  • 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
  • 1/4 cup vegetable shortening or butter
  • 2 cups chicken broth (low sodium preferred)
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1/2 teaspoon poultry seasoning
  • 1/4 teaspoon dried sage
  • 1/4 teaspoon onion powder
  • 1/8 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1/4 teaspoon MSG (optional, for authentic flavor)
  • 1/4 cup cold water mixed with 1 teaspoon cornstarch (for slurry)

Instructions

  1. In a medium saucepan over medium heat, melt the shortening or butter.
  2. Whisk in the flour to create a roux. Cook the roux, stirring constantly, for 2 to 3 minutes until it reaches a pale, light tan color. Do not let it brown deeply.
  3. Slowly whisk in the cold chicken broth, ensuring no lumps form. Continue whisking until the mixture is smooth.
  4. Add the salt, black pepper, poultry seasoning, sage, onion powder, garlic powder, and MSG (if using). Stir well to combine all the spices.
  5. Bring the mixture to a simmer, stirring occasionally. Let it simmer for about 5 minutes to cook out the raw flour taste.
  6. In a small bowl, mix the cornstarch with the cold water until smooth to create a slurry.
  7. Slowly pour the cornstarch slurry into the simmering gravy while whisking constantly.
  8. Continue to simmer and stir for 1 to 2 minutes until the gravy thickens to your desired consistency. It should coat the back of a spoon.
  9. Remove from heat and serve your homemade KFC gravy immediately over mashed potatoes or fried chicken.

Notes

  • For the signature pale color, avoid browning your roux too much; keep it very light.
  • If the gravy is too thick, whisk in a little more warm chicken broth until you reach the right texture.
  • If the gravy is too thin after adding the slurry, simmer for a few more minutes, or add a tiny bit more cornstarch slurry.
  • This recipe uses common pantry staples to achieve that classic Kentucky Fried Chicken flavor profile.

Nutrition

Find it online: https://carlacooking.com/homemade-kfc-gravy-copycat/