How to Make Gravy from Chicken Broth

Making gravy from chicken broth is an easy task that can seriously elevate the taste of any dish. Whether you’re whipping up a roasted chicken or serving up some mashed potatoes, a good gravy can take your meal from bland to grand. With just a few simple steps, you can learn how to make a smooth and flavorful gravy that will have your friends and family asking for a second helping.

Firstly, it’s important to start with a good quality chicken broth. If you have some leftover broth from a previous meal, that works perfectly fine. Alternatively, you can make some fresh broth by boiling a chicken carcass and a few vegetables in a pot of water for a few hours. Once you have your broth ready, the next step is to prepare a roux, which is a mixture of flour and fat. This acts as a thickening agent for your gravy and adds a delicious nutty flavor. Now take a deep breath and let’s get started!

Section: Steps to Make Gravy from Chicken Broth

Step 1: Making the Roux

The first step in making gravy from chicken broth is to create a roux. A roux is a mixture of flour and fat that acts as a thickening agent. In this case, we will be using butter as the fat.

Melt two tablespoons of butter in a saucepan over medium heat. Once the butter has melted, add two tablespoons of flour and whisk them together until they form a paste. Cook the paste for about one minute, stirring constantly until it turns a light brown color.

Step 2: Adding the Chicken Broth

Once the roux is ready, it’s time to add the chicken broth. Slowly pour in two cups of chicken broth while whisking constantly. Make sure to whisk thoroughly to avoid lumps in the gravy.

Step 3: Simmering the Gravy

After the chicken broth has been added, bring the mixture to a simmer. Lower the heat to medium-low and let the gravy simmer for about 10 minutes, stirring occasionally. This will help to thicken the gravy and allow the flavors to meld together.

Step 4: Seasoning the Gravy

While the gravy is simmering, it’s time to add some seasoning. Taste the gravy and add salt, pepper, and any other seasonings that you prefer. Keep in mind that the chicken broth may already be salted, so it’s best to add salt gradually and taste as you go.

Step 5: Straining the Gravy

After simmering the gravy, you will notice that there are small bits and pieces in the mixture. To achieve a smooth gravy, you will need to strain it using a fine-mesh strainer. Pour the gravy through the strainer into a clean bowl, pressing down on the solids with a spatula to extract as much liquid as possible.

Step 6: Thickening the Gravy (Optional)

If you find that the gravy is still too thin, you can thicken it further using a cornstarch slurry. Mix one tablespoon of cornstarch with one tablespoon of cold water to form a paste. Slowly whisk the cornstarch mixture into the gravy and bring it to a simmer for a few minutes until it thickens.

Step 7: Adding Flavor (Optional)

If you want to add more flavor to your gravy, you can do so by adding other ingredients such as herbs or spices. You can try adding a pinch of thyme, sage, or rosemary for a more aromatic flavor. You can also add some garlic powder, onion powder, or Worcestershire sauce for a more savory taste.

Step 8: Serving the Gravy

Once the gravy is ready, you can serve it on top of mashed potatoes, roasted chicken, or any other dish that you prefer. Make sure to give it a good stir before pouring it onto your food.

Step 9: Storing the Gravy

If you have leftovers, you can store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. When reheating, add a splash of chicken broth or water to thin out the gravy, as it may have thickened in the fridge.

Step 10: Experimenting with Variations

Now that you have learned how to make gravy from chicken broth, you can experiment with different variations. For example, you can use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth for a vegetarian version. You can also add other ingredients such as mushrooms, onions, or bacon bits for additional flavor. The possibilities are endless!

10 Easy Steps to Make Delicious Gravy from Chicken Broth

Are you tired of settling for store-bought gravies that are often packed with preservatives and artificial ingredients? Why not try making your own gravy from scratch using chicken broth? Not only is it healthier, but it’s also easy to make and adds a savory flavor to your dishes. Follow these simple steps to make delicious gravy from chicken broth:

Step 1: Gather the ingredients

First, you will need to gather the ingredients. You will need butter, flour, chicken broth, salt, pepper, garlic powder, thyme, and optional ingredients such as diced onions or chopped herbs.

Step 2: Melt butter

In a saucepan, melt 2-3 tablespoons of butter over medium heat. Once the butter is melted, add the optional diced onions or chopped herbs and cook until they’re slightly browned.

Step 3: Add flour

Gradually add 3-4 tablespoons of flour to the butter while stirring continuously until the flour is cooked and turns a light brown color.

Step 4: Add chicken broth

Slowly add 2-3 cups of chicken broth to the pan while whisking the mixture continuously to prevent lumps. You can use chicken broth made from scratch or store-bought chicken broth.

Step 5: Add seasonings

Add a pinch of salt, black pepper, garlic powder, and thyme to the mixture. This will help to enhance the flavor of the gravy.

Step 6: Bring to a boil

Increase the heat to high and bring the mixture to a boil while continuously whisking. This will thicken the mixture and create a smooth texture.

Step 7: Reduce the heat

Reduce the heat to medium-low and let the mixture simmer for about 10-15 minutes. This will allow the flavors to meld together and create a flavorful gravy.

Step 8: Check the consistency

After 10-15 minutes of simmering, check the consistency of the gravy. If it’s too thick, add more chicken broth, and if it’s too thin, let it simmer for a little longer.

Step 9: Strain the gravy

Once the gravy has reached the desired consistency, strain it through a fine-mesh strainer to remove any lumps and solids.

Step 10: Serve and enjoy!

Serve your homemade chicken broth gravy over your favorite dishes like mashed potatoes, roasted chicken, or turkey, and enjoy its rich, savory flavors.

In conclusion, making gravy from chicken broth is easy, healthy, and adds a flavorful touch to any dish. By following these simple steps, you can make delicious homemade gravy that’s sure to impress your family and friends. So, the next time you’re in the mood for gravy, try making your own from chicken broth—you’ll never go back to store-bought again!

Top Tips for Making Delicious Gravy from Chicken Broth

Gravy is an essential component of any meal, especially around the holidays. Making gravy from chicken broth is not as difficult as some might think, but it does require following a few key steps to get the perfect flavor. We have compiled a list of top tips for making delicious gravy using chicken broth.

Choose the Right Chicken Broth

If you want your gravy to be rich in flavor, it’s important to choose the right chicken broth. Homemade chicken broth is always best, but if you don’t have it, then choose a high-quality store-bought chicken broth. Look for a broth that contains no MSG or preservatives. Choose a low-sodium broth or add salt to your broth according to your taste preference.

Make a Roux

To thicken the gravy, you will need to make a roux. A roux is a mixture of equal parts of flour and fat. Melt butter or oil in a pan, add flour and cook for 2-3 minutes until you get a smooth mixture. Do not overcook the roux, as you don’t want it to turn brown.

Add the Chicken Broth Slowly

Now it’s time to add the chicken broth to the roux. It’s important to add the broth slowly, about 1/2 cup at a time. Whisk the mixture continuously, making sure the broth is completely incorporated before adding the next 1/2 cup. This way, you avoid lumps forming in the gravy.

Season Your Gravy with Herbs and Spices

The chicken broth itself is not flavorful enough to create a delicious gravy. You need to add additional herbs and spices to give your gravy a great taste. You can add herbs such as rosemary, thyme, sage, and bay leaves. Black pepper and salt should be added to taste, but don’t overdo it.

Simmer Your Gravy to Perfection

Your gravy should now be thick and flavorful. After adding the herbs and spices, reduce the heat to low and let the gravy simmer for about 10-15 minutes. During this time, the flavors will meld together and the gravy will become even more delicious. Stir occasionally and make sure the gravy doesn’t burn or stick to the bottom of the pan.

In conclusion, making delicious gravy from chicken broth is not as complicated as some might believe. By following the tips outlined above, you should be able to produce excellent gravy that everyone will love. Remember to choose high-quality chicken broth, make a roux, add the broth slowly, season your gravy with herbs and spices, and simmer it to perfection. Happy cooking!

Time to Dig In!

And there you have it – a delicious gravy made from chicken broth that will make your taste buds dance. With this recipe, you can bring that extra flavor to any meal you make. Thank you for taking the time to read this article and I hope you enjoyed it. Come back soon for more savory recipes and cooking tips. Happy cooking!