Chicken gravy is a classic comfort food that pairs perfectly with roasted chicken or mashed potatoes.
While many recipes call for butter, you can still achieve a rich and flavorful gravy without it.
This chicken gravy without butter recipe is just as delicious as traditional versions, but with a healthier twist.
With a few simple ingredients, you can whip up a velvety smooth gravy in no time.
Chicken Gravy Without Butter
This chicken gravy recipe uses a combination of chicken broth, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper to create a savory and aromatic sauce.
It’s thickened with a corn starch slurry instead of butter or flour, resulting in a silky texture.
Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to make this butter-free chicken gravy:
- 2 cups chicken broth: This provides the base for our gravy and adds depth of flavor.
- 2 teaspoons garlic powder: Adds a hint of garlic flavor to the gravy.
- 1 teaspoon onion powder: Adds a subtle onion flavor without the need for fresh onions.
- Salt and pepper: To taste, for seasoning.
- 1/4 cup cold water: Used to make the corn starch slurry.
- 3 tablespoons corn starch (or flour): This will thicken the gravy.
How to Make Chicken Gravy without Butter
Follow these simple steps to make this flavorful gravy:
- In a small saucepan, combine the chicken broth, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Bring to a gentle boil over medium heat.
- In a separate bowl, mix the cold water and corn starch (or flour) until smooth. This will create a slurry that will thicken the gravy.
- Slowly pour the corn starch slurry into the boiling broth while whisking continuously. It’s important to add the slurry gradually to prevent lumps from forming.
- Continue whisking until the gravy reaches your desired thickness. If it becomes too thick, you can add more chicken broth to thin it out.
- Once the gravy has thickened, remove it from the heat and let it cool for a few minutes before serving. This will allow it to thicken further.
- Serve the chicken gravy hot alongside your favorite chicken dish or mashed potatoes. Enjoy!
With this easy recipe, you can enjoy a delicious and creamy chicken gravy without the need for butter. It’s a healthier alternative that still provides all the flavor you crave. Try it out for your next comfort food meal!
Tips for the Best Chicken Gravy
Follow these tips to ensure your chicken gravy turns out perfect every time:
- Use high-quality chicken broth: The flavor of the gravy heavily relies on the chicken broth used. Opt for a rich and flavorful broth to enhance the taste of your gravy.
- Adjust the seasoning: Taste the gravy before serving and adjust the seasoning accordingly. Add more salt, pepper, or other herbs and spices to suit your preferences.
- Whisk constantly: Whisking the corn starch slurry into the boiling broth gradually and continuously is key to preventing lumps from forming. Keep whisking until the gravy has thickened.
- Thicken to your liking: If you prefer a thicker gravy, let it simmer for a bit longer until it reaches your desired consistency. Conversely, if it becomes too thick, you can thin it out by adding more chicken broth.
- Let it cool for optimal thickness: The gravy will thicken further as it cools, so if it seems a bit thin initially, allow it to sit for a few minutes before serving.
Recipe Variations
While this chicken gravy recipe is delicious as is, you can customize it to suit your taste preferences:
- Herbed Gravy: Add dried or fresh herbs such as thyme, rosemary, or sage to the simmering gravy for an added layer of flavor.
- Mushroom Gravy: Sautee some sliced mushrooms in olive oil or vegetable broth until tender and add them to the gravy to create a savory mushroom-infused version.
- Onion Gravy: Sautee diced onions until caramelized and add them to the gravy for a rich and sweet onion flavor.
- Creamy Gravy: Stir in a splash of heavy cream or dairy-free alternative, such as coconut milk or almond milk, to create a creamy and luscious gravy.
Feel free to experiment with different ingredients and flavors to create your own unique version of chicken gravy.
What to Serve With Chicken Gravy
This chicken gravy pairs well with a variety of dishes. Here are a few delicious options:
- Roasted Chicken: Serve the gravy alongside a juicy and flavorful roasted chicken. Pour it over the meat or use it as a dipping sauce.
- Mashed Potatoes: This gravy is a match made in heaven with creamy mashed potatoes. Pour it generously over your mound of fluffy potatoes for a comforting and satisfying meal.
- Biscuits: Drizzle the delicious gravy over freshly baked biscuits for a Southern-inspired treat. It’s the perfect addition to a hearty breakfast or brunch.
- Roasted Vegetables: Pour the gravy over a medley of roasted vegetables, such as carrots, Brussels sprouts, and potatoes, to elevate their flavors and create a tasty side dish.
Storage Tips
If you have any leftovers, it’s important to store them properly to maintain their quality:
- Refrigerate: Allow the gravy to cool completely, then transfer it to an airtight container. Store it in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Reheat: Reheat the gravy on the stovetop over low heat, whisking occasionally until it’s warmed through. If it thickens too much, you can add a splash of chicken broth to thin it out.
- Freezing: Although it’s best to consume the gravy fresh, you can freeze it for up to 3 months. Allow it to cool completely, then transfer it to a freezer-safe container. Thaw it overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
- Note: The texture of the gravy may slightly change after freezing and reheating, but the flavors will still be delicious.
Now you have all the information you need to make a delectable chicken gravy without butter. Enjoy it with your favorite dishes and savor the rich flavors without the added fat.
Chicken Gravy Without Butter
Ingredients
- 2 cups chicken broth
- 2 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp onion powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1/4 cup Cold water
- 3 tbsp cornstarch (or flour)
Instructions
- In a small saucepan, combine the chicken broth, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Bring to a gentle boil over medium heat.
- In a separate bowl, mix the cold water and corn starch (or flour) until smooth to create a slurry.
- Slowly pour the corn starch slurry into the boiling broth while whisking continuously to prevent lumps.
- Continue whisking until the gravy thickens to your desired consistency. Adjust the seasonings if needed.
- Remove the gravy from heat and let it cool for a few minutes to thicken further.
- Serve the chicken gravy hot alongside your favorite dishes such as roasted chicken, mashed potatoes, or biscuits.
Notes
- Customize the gravy by adding herbs, mushrooms, onions, or cream for additional flavor.
- Whisking constantly while adding the corn starch slurry is crucial to prevent lumps.
- The gravy will thicken as it cools, so you can adjust the consistency by adding more chicken broth if it becomes too thick.
- Leftover gravy can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days, or frozen for up to 3 months. Reheat gently on the stovetop, whisking occasionally.