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Copycat KFC Gravy Recipe: Thick and Savory Brown Gravy

Rich, dark homemade KFC gravy copycat generously poured over fluffy mashed potatoes in a white bowl.
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Recreate the famous KFC gravy flavor at home using simple ingredients. This recipe delivers the thick, peppery, savory brown sauce perfect for mashed potatoes or chicken.

Ingredients

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  • 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
  • 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
  • 1 cup chicken broth (low sodium preferred)
  • 1/2 cup water
  • 1 teaspoon poultry seasoning (essential for flavor)
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper (freshly ground is best)
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt (or to taste)
  • 1/4 teaspoon onion powder
  • 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1/8 teaspoon dried sage
  • 1/4 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce (for umami depth)
  • 1–2 drops brown food coloring (optional, for authentic color)

Instructions

  1. In a medium saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat.
  2. Whisk in the flour until a smooth paste, or roux, forms. Cook the roux for 1 minute, stirring constantly, to cook out the raw flour taste.
  3. Slowly whisk in the chicken broth and water until the mixture is smooth and there are no lumps.
  4. Add the poultry seasoning, black pepper, salt, onion powder, garlic powder, and sage. Stir well to combine all dry spices.
  5. Bring the mixture to a simmer, stirring frequently. Reduce the heat to low.
  6. Continue to simmer for 5 to 8 minutes, stirring often, until the gravy thickens enough to coat the back of a spoon. This is the key step for texture.
  7. Remove the saucepan from the heat. Stir in the Worcestershire sauce and the optional brown food coloring until you achieve the desired restaurant style color.
  8. Taste the gravy and adjust salt or pepper as needed before serving hot over mashed potatoes or fried chicken.

Notes

  • For a smoother texture, you can strain the finished gravy through a fine-mesh sieve before serving.
  • If you do not have poultry seasoning, use a mix of dried thyme, marjoram, and sage in equal parts to approximate the flavor.
  • If the gravy is too thick, whisk in a tablespoon of hot water or broth at a time until you reach your preferred consistency.
  • If the gravy is too thin after simmering, mix 1 teaspoon of cornstarch with 1 tablespoon of cold water in a separate small bowl, then whisk this slurry into the simmering gravy until thickened.

Nutrition

Find it online: https://dishicious.com/homemade-kfc-gravy-copycat/