There’s nothing quite like the comforting taste of KFC gravy drizzled over mashed potatoes and biscuits. I’ve always been a fan of its rich, savory flavor and creamy texture, which perfectly complements the crispy fried chicken. But getting that authentic taste at home seemed like a challenge—until I decided to try my hand at a copycat recipe.
After some experimentation, I finally nailed a version that rivals the original. It’s simple to make and uses ingredients you likely already have in your kitchen. Whether you’re a KFC enthusiast looking to recreate a favorite side or just love homemade gravy, this recipe is sure to satisfy your cravings.
Ingredients
- 2 cups chicken stock, preferably homemade or low-sodium
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter
- 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/4 teaspoon onion powder
Equipment
To craft this mouthwatering KFC-inspired gravy, you’ll need the following equipment:
- Medium Saucepan
A sturdy saucepan ensures even heating and prevents burning.
- Whisk
Essential for creating a smooth, lump-free gravy.
- Measuring Cups and Spoons
Accurate measurements are crucial for balancing flavors.
- Stove
Reliable heat control is necessary for perfect consistency.
- Ladle
Handy for transferring the gravy to your serving dishes.
- Mixing Bowl
Useful for combining ingredients before adding them to the saucepan.
Make-Ahead Instructions
As a chef passionate about cooking, grilling, and baking, I know how beneficial it is to prepare components ahead of time. Making the KFC copycat gravy in advance ensures you have that rich, savory flavor ready whenever you need it. Here’s how I do it:
Preparing the Gravy Ahead
- Cook the Gravy: Follow the recipe to prepare your gravy. Let it simmer gently to develop deep flavors. Once it reaches the desired thickness, remove it from the heat.
- Cool Completely: Allow the gravy to cool at room temperature for about 30 minutes. This step is crucial to maintain the gravy’s texture and prevent condensation.
- Transfer to Containers: Pour the cooled gravy into airtight containers or glass jars. Leave a small space at the top to accommodate expansion if you plan to freeze it.
Storing the Gravy
| Storage Method | Duration |
|---|---|
| Refrigerator | Up to 5 days |
| Freezer | Up to 3 months |
- Refrigeration: Place the containers in the refrigerator. The gravy will stay fresh, retaining its rich flavor and smooth consistency for up to five days.
- Freezing: For longer storage, freeze the gravy. Label the containers with the date and store them flat to save space. Frozen gravy remains delicious for up to three months.
Reheating the Gravy
- Thaw if Frozen: Move the frozen gravy to the refrigerator the night before or use the microwave’s defrost setting for quicker thawing.
- Heat Gently: Pour the thawed or refrigerated gravy into a saucepan. Warm it over low to medium heat, stirring continuously to prevent lumps.
- Adjust Consistency: If the gravy thickens too much after chilling, whisk in a bit of chicken stock or water until it reaches your desired texture.
- Enhance Flavor: Taste the reheated gravy and adjust the seasoning if necessary. A touch more black pepper or a splash of fresh stock can brighten the flavors.
By following these make-ahead instructions, you ensure that your KFC copycat gravy is always ready to complement your favorite dishes with minimal effort.
Instructions
Follow these steps to create your own KFC-style gravy that perfectly complements your meals.
Prep
- Measure Ingredients
- 2 cups chicken stock (homemade or low-sodium)
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter
- 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
- Combine Seasonings
- In a small bowl, mix 1 teaspoon salt, 1/2 teaspoon black pepper, 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder, and 1/2 teaspoon onion powder.
- Prepare Equipment
- Gather a medium saucepan, whisk, measuring cups and spoons, mixing bowl, and ladle.
Cook
- Melt Butter
- Heat the unsalted butter in the medium saucepan over medium heat until melted and bubbling.
- Add Flour
- Gradually whisk in the all-purpose flour, stirring continuously to form a smooth roux. Cook for about 2-3 minutes until the mixture turns a light golden brown.
- Incorporate Chicken Stock
- Slowly pour in the 2 cups of chicken stock while whisking to prevent lumps from forming.
- Add Seasonings
- Stir in the prepared seasoning mix until well combined.
- Simmer Gravy
- Bring the mixture to a gentle boil, then reduce the heat and let it simmer for 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the gravy thickens to your desired consistency.
Assemble
- Taste and Adjust
- Taste the gravy and adjust the seasoning if necessary, adding more salt or pepper to suit your preference.
- Serve
- Use a ladle to pour the hot gravy over mashed potatoes, biscuits, or your favorite side dishes.
- Store Leftovers
- Let the gravy cool completely. Transfer it to an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 5 days or freeze for up to 3 months. When reheating, warm gently on the stove and stir in a splash of chicken stock if the consistency needs loosening.
Serving Suggestions
One of the best parts of mastering this KFC gravy is pairing it with classic comfort foods. Here are some of my favorite ways to serve this rich, savory gravy:
Mashed Potatoes
Creamy mashed potatoes are a perfect canvas for this golden gravy. Simply prepare your favorite mashed potato recipe and generously ladle the gravy on top. The smooth texture and hearty flavor blend beautifully, creating a comforting and satisfying side dish.
Biscuits
Warm, flaky biscuits soaked in this gravy are simply irresistible. Whether you enjoy them as part of a hearty breakfast or a satisfying dinner, the gravy adds a luscious layer of flavor that elevates the biscuits to the next level.
Fried Chicken
Drizzle the gravy over crispy fried chicken for an extra burst of flavor. The combination of the savory gravy with the crunchy coating of the chicken creates a delightful contrast that’s sure to impress your taste buds.
Roasted Vegetables
Add a savory touch to your roasted vegetables by serving them with a side of this homemade gravy. The rich, velvety sauce complements the natural sweetness of the vegetables, enhancing their flavors without overpowering them.
Meatloaf
For a comforting dinner, serve a slice of meatloaf with a generous pour of gravy. The sauce adds moisture and depth to the meatloaf, making each bite more flavorful and enjoyable.
Mac and Cheese
Elevate your mac and cheese by mixing in this savory gravy. It adds an extra layer of richness and enhances the cheesy goodness, making this classic dish even more indulgent.
These serving suggestions showcase the versatility of my KFC copycat gravy. Whether you’re enjoying a simple meal or hosting a feast, this gravy adds that special touch of homemade goodness to any dish.
Conclusion
Creating my own KFC-style gravy has been such a fun experience. I love how simple ingredients can come together to mimic that classic taste. It’s amazing to see how this gravy enhances my favorite dishes like mashed potatoes and biscuits. Knowing I can make it anytime gives me a sense of satisfaction. I hope you enjoy making and savoring this homemade gravy as much as I do. Happy cooking!
