This KFC gravy copycat recipe is a nostalgic, savory addition to your collection of classic recipes. Whether you’re serving it with fried chicken, popcorn chicken, or over buttery mashed potatoes, it’s the perfect complement to any comfort meal.
Looking to recreate the real thing at home? This KFC-style gravy copycat recipe is perfect for topping fried chicken or mashed potatoes at your next family dinner or Thanksgiving feast. With simple ingredients and a few secret additions, you’ll achieve that rich, savory flavor KFC gravy is famous for.
Easy and Quick Homemade KFC Gravy Copycat Recipe
This KFC gravy copycat recipe is a nostalgic, savory addition to your collection of classic recipes. Whether you’re serving it with fried chicken, popcorn chicken, or over buttery mashed potatoes, it’s the perfect complement to any comfort meal.
Servings: 4 Servings
Calories: 138kcal
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Kitchen Essentials
Ingredients
- 4 Tablespoons Butter
- 4 Tablespoons All-Purpose Flour
- 2 Cups Chicken Broth
- 1 Cube Chicken Bouillon or 1 teaspoon powdered bouillon
- 1 Cube Beef Bouillon or 1 teaspoon powdered bouillon
- 1/2 Teaspoon Onion Powder
- 1/2 Teaspoon Garlic Powder
- 1/4 Teaspoon Black Pepper
- 1/2 Teaspoon Dark Soy Sauce
- 1/4 Teaspoon Salt optional, adjust to taste
- Optional: pan drippings from roasted chicken or turkey for added flavor
Instructions
- In a medium saucepan over medium-low heat, melt butter until bubbling.4 Tablespoons Butter
- Gradually whisk in flour to form a smooth paste. Cook, stirring constantly, for about 1 minute to remove the raw flour taste.4 Tablespoons All-Purpose Flour
- Prepare Broth. Slowly pour in chicken broth while whisking continuously to prevent lumps.2 Cups Chicken Broth, Optional: pan drippings from roasted chicken or turkey for added flavor
- Season. Crumble in chicken and beef bouillon cubes. Stir in onion powder, garlic powder, black pepper, and dark soy sauce for a rich, deep flavor profile.1 Cube Chicken Bouillon, 1 Cube Beef Bouillon, 1/2 Teaspoon Onion Powder, 1/2 Teaspoon Garlic Powder, 1/4 Teaspoon Black Pepper, 1/2 Teaspoon Dark Soy Sauce
- Simmer. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer over medium heat. Cook, stirring occasionally, until the gravy thickens to your desired consistency (about 5-7 minutes). If using, add pan drippings for an extra boost of savory goodness.
- Adjust Seasoning. Taste and adjust salt and pepper as needed. Remember, KFC gravy tends to be slightly salty, so a little salt goes a long way.1/4 Teaspoon Salt
- Serve. Pour this delicious gravy over fried chicken, mashed potatoes, KFC bowl, or as a dip for popcorn chicken. It’s the perfect complement to any meal!
Your Own Private Notes
Notes
Storage
Store any leftover gravy in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally, until warmed through.Nutrition
Calories: 138kcal | Carbohydrates: 7g | Protein: 2g | Fat: 12g | Saturated Fat: 7g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 0.5g | Monounsaturated Fat: 3g | Trans Fat: 0.5g | Cholesterol: 32mg | Sodium: 718mg | Potassium: 43mg | Fiber: 0.3g | Sugar: 1g | Vitamin A: 353IU | Vitamin C: 0.1mg | Calcium: 11mg | Iron: 0.5mg
KFC Gravy Ingredients: Breaking Down the Secret Recipe
While the exact original recipe for KFC gravy is a closely guarded secret, this copycat KFC gravy recipe gets incredibly close to the real thing using simple ingredients that you probably already have in your pantry. The key ingredients are:
- Butter and Flour. This classic combination forms a roux, the base for nearly every good gravy. Cooking it over medium heat helps develop that slightly toasty flavor without burning it.
- Chicken and Beef Bouillon Cubes. The chicken cube adds that familiar savory poultry base, while the beef stock cube deepens the color and adds richness. This combo is the secret ingredient that gives the gravy its iconic flavor.
- Chicken Broth and/or Beef Broth. For even more depth, you can use a combination of broths instead of just water. This swap enhances the gravy’s rich flavor and mimics pan drippings without needing roasted meat.
- Onion Powder and Garlic Powder. A little goes a long way. These add a mellow background flavor that helps replicate the KFC style gravy we all know and love.
- Dark Soy Sauce. This is another secret recipe addition—it boosts umami and gives the gravy that slightly darker color you expect from fast-food gravy.
- Black Pepper and a Little Salt. Start with less and add additional salt only after tasting, especially if your bouillon cubes or broth are already salty.
Gravy Consistency: How to Get It Just Right
One of the best parts of KFC gravy is its smooth, pourable consistency. Here’s how to get the best results:
- Cook the roux for at least 1 minute before adding any liquid. This removes the raw flour taste.
- Whisk continuously when adding the broth to avoid lumps and ensure a silky texture.
- If the gravy is too thick, whisk in more broth or water, one tablespoon at a time.
- If too thin, let it simmer on medium-low heat a bit longer to reduce and thicken.
- You can also add a spoonful of potato flakes to thicken it quickly without changing the flavor.
KFC Gravy Copycat Recipe Variations
Here are a few easy ways to adapt this copycat recipe to suit your taste:
- Vegetarian Version. Use vegetable broth and skip the beef bouillon cube. The gravy will still have an excellent flavor but will be meat-free.
- Add Pan Drippings. If you’re roasting chicken or turkey, add 2–3 tablespoons of the pan drippings for a more authentic flavor.
- Creamy Style. Add a splash of cream or milk to the finished gravy for a smoother texture.
- Spicy Twist. Stir in a dash of cayenne pepper or hot sauce for a bit of heat.
- Make Ahead. This gravy can be made in advance and stored in an airtight container. It reheats beautifully and is perfect for busy soccer moms prepping ahead for Thanksgiving dinner or a cozy KFC bowl night at home.
Storage and Reheating Tips
Leftovers? This easy brown gravy recipe stores well!
- Cool any leftover gravy completely before transferring it to an airtight container.
- Store in the refrigerator for up to 3–4 days.
- To reheat, warm the gravy gently in a small saucepan over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally. Add a splash of broth or water to bring it back to the original texture.
- You can also reheat it in the microwave in 30-second bursts, stirring in between.
With just a few pantry staples and a little technique, you’ll create a KFC-style gravy so good, you might never go back to takeout again.
This worked exactly as written, thanks!