Homemade chicken gravy is a rich, savory sauce that perfectly complements rice and transforms the simplest meal into a comforting feast. So, it’s perfect as a dish complement for any family dinner or special evening. Here’s the easy-to-make recipe with clear steps to make mouthwatering chicken gravy that is ideal for pouring over fluffy rice.
Ingrediants
- 2 cups chicken broth (preferably low sodium)
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder (optional)
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 tablespoon of soy sauce, if desired for depth
- 1/4 cup milk or cream (optional for a creamier texture)
Instructions
1. Start with the Roux
A roux is a paste made from fat (in this instance, butter) and flour; it serves as the foundation of a rich, smooth gravy.
- In a medium saucepan, melt butter over medium heat.
- After the butter has melted and foams slightly, whisk in the flour.
- Stir constantly 2-3 minutes, or until flour turns pale golden; the starch will cook out and the raw flour will be cooked out of the gravy to thicken it.
2. Slowly Pour in Chicken Broth
- Slowly pour chicken broth in a constant stream, whisking to avoid lumps.
- Continue whisking as the mixture smooths out and thickens within 3-5 minutes.
3. Season Your Gravy
- Garlic powder, onion powder and soy sauce if using should be added at this stage to enhance the flavor of the gravy. To taste, you can add salt and pepper.
- Stir and let the gravy simmer on low for 3-4 minutes or until the flavors are well blended.
4. Optional Add Creaminess
You may whisk in milk or cream slowly right at the end of cooking if you want a richer, more creamy chicken gravy. This also adds a little richness to the gravy, so it’s perfect over rice.
5. Taste and Adjust
Add seasoning, salt, pepper, possible splash of soy sauce, or any sort of umami flavoring if it needs that to your taste. Now you are ready to serve.
6. Serve the Gravy Over Rice
Use the chicken gravy liberally over your freshly cooked rice. It is great served over steamed or fried rice, and it also makes a perfect sauce for grilled chicken, roasted vegetables, or mashed potatoes as well.
Tips on How to Get Perfect Chicken Gravy
- Homemade Chicken Broth: If you have the time, your own homemade chicken broth will be a great addition to your gravy. Place leftover chicken bones, some water, your cut vegetables, and seasonings in a pot and let it simmer for several hours.
- Constant whisking: without stopping while adding chicken broth to your roux can prevent the possibility of lumpy gravy.
- Add Fresh Herbs: To give it a little more flavor, you can add some fresh herbs such as thyme or parsley.
- Add Soy Sauce: You will only do this if you prefer. However, a small amount will make the gravy taste savory and complex and impart more flavor.
- Creamy Chicken Gravy: Add a final whisk-in of heavy cream or half-and-half to achieve a rich, creamy gravy.
- Spicy Chicken Gravy: Give your gravy an added punch of heat with cayenne pepper or paprika.
Serving Suggestions
This chicken gravy can be served over any kind of dish, but here are some ideas:
- Steamed Rice: Pour the gravy over steamed white or brown rice for a classic comfort meal.
- Chicken and Rice: Use it as a sauce for grilled or roasted chicken, then serve with rice.
- Mashed Potatoes: This gravy also pairs wonderfully with mashed potatoes or roasted potatoes.
- Vegetable Sides: Serve with sautéed or roasted vegetables like carrots, peas, or green beans.
Storage and Reheating
- Storage: Gravy can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
- Reheating: Warm the gravy up in a saucepan over low heat. You might need to add a splash of chicken broth or water if it has gotten too thick in the fridge.
Conclusion
It’s very easy and very satisfying to make homemade chicken gravy for the rice. All that’s required are a few ingredients to create a delectable, savory sauce to make your meal special. Even when you serve this gravy with plain rice or together with chicken and veggies, I am sure your family members will be asking for it again and again.
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