If you’re craving that warm, comforting sauce that takes your chicken dinner to the next level, you’ve just found your new go-to. This Easy Chicken Gravy Recipe is seriously one of my favorites because it’s simple, fast, and doesn’t require any drippings or fuss. When I first tried this gravy, I was amazed at how rich and flavorful it turned out with just pantry staples—I promise you’ll be impressed too!

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Super Quick & Easy: Whips up in under 15 minutes with minimal ingredients.
No Drippings Needed: Perfect for when you want gravy but don’t have roast pan juices on hand.
Rich, Homemade Flavor: Uses chicken base and spices to create depth without extra effort.
Versatile & Creamy: Add a splash of cream for indulgence or keep it simple and classic.

A white gravy boat filled with smooth, light brown gravy topped with a small sprig of fresh green thyme and a sprinkle of black pepper sits on a dark wooden tray. Some gravy is slightly spilled on the right side of the gravy boat. The tray rests on a white marbled surface with a dark green cloth partially draped below the gravy boat. In the background, a shallow wooden bowl on a white plate holds a large, creamy mound of mashed potatoes with a soft, slightly textured surface. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients You’ll Need

The magic of this easy chicken gravy is in its simplicity—each ingredient works together to build that velvety, flavorful sauce without any fancy tricks. When you’re shopping, try to get a quality chicken base, it really makes all the difference!

Unsalted butter: Using unsalted keeps you in control of the saltiness, plus butter gives that silky mouthfeel we all crave in gravy.
All-purpose flour: This is your thickening agent—cook it just right for a nutty, golden roux base.
Unsalted chicken stock: The backbone of the gravy’s flavor, I like homemade if I have it, but store-bought works fine too.
Chicken base: I love adding this for an extra punch of umami—it’s like concentrated broth in a scoop.
Onion powder: Adds a subtle savory note, more gentle than fresh onions.
Garlic powder: Gives a bit of warmth without overpowering the gravy.
Paprika: Just a pinch adds color and a mild earthy flavor that rounds everything out.
Salt & black pepper: Adjust to your taste to balance those flavors just right.
Heavy cream (optional): For when you want your gravy extra lush and creamy. Totally optional but highly recommended!

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Note: You’ll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Variations

One of the reasons I adore this easy chicken gravy recipe is how adaptable it is—you can tweak it to suit your mood or pantry stock. I often play around with spices or add mix-ins depending on what I’m serving it with. Feel free to make it yours!

Herb-Infused Gravy: I like stirring in fresh or dried herbs like thyme or rosemary for a fragrant twist that pairs wonderfully with roasted chicken.
Spicy Kick: Adding a pinch of cayenne or smoked paprika gave my family a fun little heat surprise they loved.
Dairy-Free Version: Swap heavy cream with coconut milk or leave it out entirely to keep it vegan-friendly and still deliciously creamy.
Make it Thick or Thin: Adjust the amount of chicken stock to get your perfect gravy consistency, from saucy to thick and luscious.

How to Make Easy Chicken Gravy Recipe

Step 1: Make Your Roux

Start by melting the butter over medium heat in a medium saucepan. Once it’s fully melted and bubbling gently, sprinkle in your flour. Here’s the trick: stir constantly for about 3 minutes until the flour turns a beautiful, lightly golden brown. This cooking step removes the raw flour taste and gives your gravy a rich, nutty base. Try not to rush this part—it’s worth the wait!

Step 2: Slowly Add Chicken Stock & Seasonings

While whisking continuously, slowly pour in the chicken stock. This prevents lumps and keeps your gravy silky smooth. Then add the chicken base, onion powder, garlic powder, and paprika, stirring well to combine. Taste your gravy and add salt and pepper as needed—remember, you can always add more, but it’s hard to fix if you over-salt!

Step 3: Simmer and Adjust Consistency

Bring your gravy to a gentle simmer while stirring constantly. Keep an eye on the edges of the pan and scrape them with your whisk to prevent sticking or burning. If your gravy ends up too thick, thin it with up to half a cup more broth, adding it bit by bit until you get the perfect texture. Remember, gravy thickens a bit as it cools, so aim for slightly looser than your ideal.

Step 4: Stir in Heavy Cream (Optional)

If you want that extra velvety touch, stir in the heavy cream right at the end, then serve your gravy warm. It’s a subtle upgrade that always impresses guests and family alike!

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Pro Tips for Making Easy Chicken Gravy Recipe

Whisk, Don’t Stir: Constant whisking helps prevent lumps and keeps your gravy silky smooth every time.
Patience for the Roux: Brown the flour gently—trust me, this step is what transforms the flavor from so-so to spectacular.
Adjust Consistency Slowly: Add broth a little at a time if thinning—it’s easier to add than remove!
Use Quality Chicken Base: I discovered the difference this ingredient makes after experimenting—it’s a game-changer for deep flavor.

How to Serve Easy Chicken Gravy Recipe

A wooden plate holds a meal with three main parts: smooth white mashed potatoes in the center with a well in the middle where light brown gravy is being poured from a white jug, bright green cooked green beans placed at the back, and golden brown sliced chicken with a slightly crispy texture on the right side. The plate sits on a white marbled surface with a dark green cloth napkin partly visible on the left. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

I usually top this gravy with a sprinkle of fresh chopped parsley or thyme because it adds a fresh pop of color and a subtle herbal note that livens it right up. Sometimes I’ll add a tiny drizzle of truffle oil for a special occasion—totally optional but oh so decadent!

Side Dishes

My family goes crazy for this gravy poured over mashed potatoes, roasted chicken, or even a simple bowl of steamed rice. It’s also fantastic drizzled over roasted veggies or biscuits for a cozy meal. You’ll find that it effortlessly brings everything together.

Creative Ways to Present

For holiday dinners, I like to serve this gravy in a beautiful gravy boat with some fresh herbs tucked on the side, making it look as good as it tastes. Another fun trick is layering it over a slice of homemade chicken pot pie or even using it as a dipping sauce for crispy chicken tenders—trust me, your guests will be impressed!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Once cooled, I store any leftover gravy in an airtight container in the fridge. It usually keeps well for up to 3 days. When you’re ready to use it, just reheat gently on the stove or in the microwave, stirring occasionally to prevent separation.

Freezing

I’ve frozen this chicken gravy successfully in small portions—just make sure to leave some headspace in your container since it can expand a bit. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating for best results. The texture stays surprisingly good when you reheat slowly.

Reheating

My go-to method for reheating is warming it gently over low heat on the stovetop while whisking frequently. If your gravy thickened up too much in storage, just add a splash of chicken stock or water to loosen it back up. Avoid boiling as it can break the emulsion and make it greasy.

FAQs

Can I make this Easy Chicken Gravy Recipe without chicken base?

Yes! While the chicken base adds a nice depth of flavor, you can substitute it with additional chicken stock or even bouillon cubes. Just taste as you go to make sure your gravy has enough savory punch.
How do I prevent lumps in my chicken gravy?

Whisking constantly and adding the chicken stock slowly to the roux is key to keep lumps at bay. If you do get lumps, you can strain the gravy through a fine sieve or use an immersion blender to smooth it out.
Is this Easy Chicken Gravy Recipe suitable for freezing?

Absolutely! This gravy freezes well in portions, making it convenient to have on hand. Just thaw it overnight and reheat gently to enjoy that fresh-made flavor later.
Can I make this gravy vegan or vegetarian?

You can adapt the recipe by swapping chicken stock and base for vegetable versions and using a vegan butter substitute. Keep in mind the flavor profile will change but it will still be delicious and comforting.

Final Thoughts

I absolutely love how this easy chicken gravy recipe turns out every single time—it’s truly one of those simple pleasures that elevates weeknight dinners or holiday feasts alike. I hope you enjoy making it as much as I do, and that it becomes a staple in your kitchen too. Seriously, once you master this gravy, you’ll wonder how you ever lived without it!