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Featured image of homemade Chicken and Garlic Gravy served in a bowl.

Best Chicken and Garlic Gravy

This recipe provides a roadmap to gravy perfection, resulting in a silky smooth, flavorful chicken and garlic gravy. It emphasizes the importance of a well-made roux, proper broth usage, and careful garlic blooming to avoid bitterness.
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Prep Time 5 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 25 minutes
Course: Side Dish
Cuisine: American
Calories: 150
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

  • 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
  • 4 cloves garlic, minced
  • 4 tablespoons all-purpose flour
  • 4 cups chicken broth low sodium preferred
  • 1 cup pan drippings from roasted chicken if available, otherwise use more broth
  • 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
  • 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
  • Salt to taste
  • 1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley, for garnish optional

Equipment

  • medium saucepan
  • whisk
  • Measuring spoons
  • Measuring cups
  • Fine-mesh sieve (optional)

Method
 

  1. In a medium saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat.
  2. Add the minced garlic and cook for 1-2 minutes, until fragrant and lightly golden, being careful not to burn it.
  3. Whisk in the flour and cook for 2-3 minutes, stirring constantly, to create a smooth roux.
  4. Gradually whisk in the chicken broth, a little at a time, ensuring each addition is fully incorporated before adding more.
  5. Stir in the pan drippings from the roasted chicken (if using). If you don't have drippings, simply use more chicken broth.
  6. Add the dried thyme and black pepper.
  7. Bring the gravy to a simmer, then reduce the heat to low and cook for 10-15 minutes, or until the gravy has thickened to your desired consistency. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.
  8. Taste the gravy and adjust the seasoning with salt as needed. If the gravy is too thick, add a little more chicken broth to thin it out. If it's too thin, continue simmering until it reaches the desired consistency.
  9. Garnish with chopped fresh parsley (optional) before serving.

Notes

For an extra-smooth gravy, strain it through a fine-mesh sieve before serving. If you don't have pan drippings, chicken bouillon paste can be added to the broth to enhance flavor. Store leftover gravy in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop, adding a little broth if needed to thin.