This KFC-Style Gravy Recipe Is My Favorite Fast-Comfort Fix
If you’ve ever found yourself wishing you could bottle that signature KFC gravy flavor, you’re in luck. This KFC-Style Gravy is buttery, savory, and loaded with just enough spice to make mashed potatoes, fried chicken, and biscuits sing.
The secret? A simple roux, a combo of chicken and beef broths, and just the right blend of onion and garlic powder. It’s silky, deeply flavorful, and takes less than 15 minutes start to finish.
🧡 Why I Love This Gravy Recipe
- Super fast: Just 15 minutes from start to finish
- Uses pantry staples—no bouillon blocks or mysterious mixes
- Authentic flavor that brings serious KFC vibes
- Versatile: great for mashed potatoes, fries, chicken, and more
- Customizable: go low-sodium or spice it up as you like
📝 Ingredients
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
- ¼ cup all-purpose flour
- 2 cups chicken broth
- 1 cup beef broth
- ½ teaspoon onion powder
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- Salt to taste (start with ¼ teaspoon and adjust)
👨🍳 Instructions
Step 1: Make the Roux
In a medium saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the flour and whisk continuously for 2–3 minutes until the mixture is golden and smells nutty—this forms the flavor base of the gravy.
Step 2: Add the Broths
Slowly pour in the chicken broth and beef broth while whisking constantly to prevent lumps. Continue whisking until the mixture is smooth.
Step 3: Season and Simmer
Stir in the onion powder, garlic powder, black pepper, and salt. Let the gravy simmer gently for 5–7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until it thickens to your desired consistency.
Step 4: Taste and Adjust
Taste the gravy and adjust seasoning if needed. Want it thicker? Simmer another few minutes or whisk in a cornstarch slurry. Want it thinner? Add a splash of broth.
🔄 Notes & Swaps
- Low-sodium: Use low-sodium broths and adjust salt to taste.
- Make it spicier: Add a pinch of cayenne or white pepper.
- Extra creamy: Stir in 2 tablespoons heavy cream at the end.
- Want it darker? Toast the roux a minute longer for deeper color and flavor.
🔥 Tips for Perfect Gravy
- Whisk constantly while adding broth to avoid lumps.
- Simmer gently—don’t boil aggressively or it may split.
- For ultra-smooth texture, strain before serving (optional).
- Make a double batch and freeze leftovers in ice cube trays.
🍽 Serving Ideas & Pairings
This gravy transforms everything it touches. Try it over:
- Mashed potatoes or fries
- Fried chicken or easy turkey wings
- Baked chicken sliders like these cheesy chicken sliders
- Drizzle over Dorito casserole for a wild twist
- Use in place of red sauce with Instant Pot lasagna
- Serve alongside Crockpot nacho dip for a gravy + dip game-day combo
🧊 Storage & Leftovers
- Refrigerate: Store in an airtight container up to 4 days
- Reheat: Warm in a saucepan over low heat, adding broth or water to loosen
- Freeze: Freeze in small portions for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight and reheat gently
📚 More Recipes You’ll Love
- These Easy Turkey Wings
- This Crockpot Nacho Dip
- This Dorito Casserole
- This Instant Pot Lasagna
- Easy Cheesy Chicken Sliders
📝 Final Thoughts
This KFC-Style Gravy is the kind of back-pocket recipe that makes everything better—rich, nostalgic, and totally craveable. It’s simple to make but delivers big flavor, and once you taste it, you might never go back to the packet stuff again.
Tried it? Let me know what you paired it with or how you tweaked the spices. And don’t forget to follow for more homemade comfort food classics that work every single time.
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