There is something deeply comforting about a rich, peppery gravy poured over mashed potatoes, fried chicken, or warm biscuits. This Best Homemade KFC Gravy brings that familiar fast food flavor straight into your kitchen, but with fresher ingredients and full control over taste and texture. It is smooth, savory, and loaded with that signature balance of chicken flavor and black pepper warmth.
What makes this gravy special is how simple it is to prepare while still tasting like it simmered all day. Whether you are recreating a takeout night at home or just want a dependable gravy for Sunday dinner, this version delivers bold flavor with minimal effort.
Why Youโll Love This Best Homemade KFC Gravy
This gravy comes together quickly using pantry staples, making it perfect for weeknight dinners or last minute holiday sides. The texture is creamy without being heavy, and the seasoning can be adjusted easily to match your personal taste. It pairs beautifully with fried chicken, mashed potatoes, and even fries, making it one of those recipes you will reach for again and again.
What Makes KFC-Style Gravy Taste So Unique?
The secret to KFC-style gravy lies in its deep chicken flavor and generous amount of black pepper. Instead of being overly thick or floury, it has a smooth pourable consistency that coats food without overpowering it. Recreating that balance at home means focusing on good broth, steady heat, and proper seasoning.
Ingredients for the Best Homemade KFC Gravy
This gravy relies on just a handful of ingredients, each one playing an important role in flavor and texture.
- Butter creates the base of the gravy and adds richness.
- All-purpose flour thickens the gravy and gives it structure.
- Chicken broth provides the signature savory flavor that defines KFC-style gravy.
- Black pepper delivers the bold, slightly spicy kick that makes this gravy recognizable.
- Salt balances the flavors and enhances the chicken notes.
- Optional chicken drippings deepen the flavor even more if you have them available.

How To Make the Best Homemade KFC Gravy
Step 1: Build the Roux
Melt the butter in a saucepan over medium heat. Once melted, whisk in the flour and cook for a minute or two until it turns lightly golden. This step removes the raw flour taste and sets the foundation for a smooth gravy.
Step 2: Add the Broth
Slowly pour in the chicken broth while whisking constantly. This helps prevent lumps and creates a silky base as the gravy begins to thicken.
Step 3: Season and Simmer
Add black pepper and salt, adjusting to taste. Reduce the heat and let the gravy simmer gently until it reaches your desired consistency. Stir often to keep it smooth.
Step 4: Finish and Serve
Taste one last time and adjust seasoning if needed. Serve hot over mashed potatoes, fried chicken, or biscuits for the full experience.
Serving and Storing the Best Homemade KFC Gravy
This gravy comfortably feeds about four to six people, depending on portion size. It is best served hot and fresh, but leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. Reheat gently on the stove, adding a splash of broth if it thickens too much.
What to Serve With Best Homemade KFC Gravy
Mashed Potatoes
Creamy mashed potatoes are the classic pairing and allow the gravy to shine.
Fried Chicken
This gravy was made for crispy fried chicken and brings everything together on the plate.
Biscuits
Warm, fluffy biscuits soak up the gravy beautifully and make a comforting side.
French Fries
For a fun twist, drizzle this gravy over fries for a homemade poutine-style treat.
Meatloaf
A spoonful of this gravy adds moisture and flavor to classic meatloaf dinners.
Want More Comfort Food Ideas?
If you love this Best Homemade KFC Gravy, you might also enjoy pairing it with hearty dishes like Creamy Beef and Shells, Best Chicken and Rice Casserole, Classic Baked Mac and Cheese, or Copycat Cracker Barrel Hashbrown Casserole. These recipes are perfect for cozy dinners and family gatherings where comfort food takes center stage.
Save This Recipe For Later
Save this recipe to your Pinterest board so you can come back to it whenever a comfort food craving hits. Let me know how yours turned out and what you served it with. For more daily recipe inspiration, explore Mia Recipes on Pinterest at https://www.pinterest.com/amarieg309/ and discover new favorites to add to your table.

Best Homemade KFC Gravy
- Total Time: 15 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
Description
This Best Homemade KFC Gravy is rich, smooth, and full of classic peppery chicken flavor. Made with simple pantry ingredients, this copycat KFC gravy recipe is perfect for mashed potatoes, fried chicken, biscuits, and comfort food dinners.
Ingredients
3 tablespoons butter
3 tablespoons all-purpose flour
2 cups chicken broth
1 teaspoon black pepper
1/2 teaspoon salt
2 tablespoons chicken drippings optional
Instructions
1. Melt the butter in a saucepan over medium heat until fully melted and gently bubbling.
2. Whisk in the flour and cook for 1 to 2 minutes until lightly golden and smooth.
3. Slowly pour in the chicken broth while whisking constantly to prevent lumps.
4. Add black pepper and salt, then reduce heat and simmer for 5 to 7 minutes until thickened.
5. Stir in chicken drippings if using, taste, and adjust seasoning before serving hot.
Notes
This gravy thickens as it cools, so keep it slightly looser than desired.
Whisk continuously when adding broth for a smooth texture.
Add extra black pepper for a more authentic KFC-style bite.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Sauce
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1/4 cup
- Calories: 90
- Sugar: 1 g
- Sodium: 420 mg
- Fat: 6 g
- Saturated Fat: 3.5 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 7 g
- Fiber: 0 g
- Protein: 2 g
- Cholesterol: 15 mg


