If you’ve ever found yourself craving that irresistible, savory drizzle that elevates KFC’s dishes to heavenly heights, you’re in for a treat. I’ve perfected my own KFC Copycat Flavor Gravy Recipe that nails that iconic taste—and honestly, it’s even better than the original. Stick with me, and I’ll walk you through how to whip up this gravy in just minutes, using simple ingredients you probably already have. It’s sure to become your go-to for all things comfort food!

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Quick and Easy: You’ll have this rich, flavorful gravy ready in under five minutes—perfect for busy nights.
Authentic Flavor: Using both chicken and beef stock cubes creates a depth of flavor that tastes just like KFC’s, but honestly, better.
Versatile Pairing: This gravy complements everything from mashed potatoes to roast chicken, sausage, and even veggies.
Simple Ingredients: No fancy extras needed—just pantry staples that make a big impact.

A close-up shows a white bowl filled with a creamy, pale yellow mashed potato layer that looks smooth and soft. On top, a thick, glossy brown gravy is being poured from a white gravy boat, creating a shiny, flowing layer over the mashed potatoes. The background surface is white with a marble texture. photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7 - KFC copycat flavor gravy, homemade gravy recipe, quick gravy recipe, easy comfort food gravy, savory gravy for chicken and mashed potatoes

Ingredients You’ll Need

What’s fantastic about this KFC Copycat Flavor Gravy Recipe is how straightforward the ingredients are, yet they combine to create that deep, savory goodness we all crave. Using a mix of chicken and beef stock cubes is my little secret to nailing that signature taste and color—don’t skip it! Here’s a closer look at what makes each ingredient work its magic.

Flat lay of two whole uncracked eggs with clean shells, a small white ceramic bowl of pale yellow unsalted butter cubes, a small white ceramic bowl of plain all-purpose flour, a small white ceramic bowl of finely ground black pepper, a small white ceramic bowl of onion powder, two chicken and beef stock cubes side by side, and a small white ceramic bowl of clear boiling water, placed on a clean white marble surface, soft natural light, photo taken with an iPhone, professional food photography style, fresh ingredients, white ceramic bowls, no bottles, no duplicates, no utensils, no packaging --ar 2:3 --v 7 --p awthu7i m7354615311229779997 - KFC copycat flavor gravy, homemade gravy recipe, quick gravy recipe, easy comfort food gravy, savory gravy for chicken and mashed potatoes

Chicken stock cube / bouillon cube: The essential base flavor; I always go for the real cubes over powder for better richness.
Beef stock cube / bouillon cube: Adds a darker color and hearty umami depth—this is what really lifts the gravy.
Boiling water: Hot water helps the cubes dissolve quickly and jump-starts the thickening process.
Butter (unsalted): Adds creaminess and a silky texture—unsalted gives you better control over seasoning.
Plain/all-purpose flour: The thickening agent that makes this gravy luxuriously smooth and pourable.
Onion powder: Just a whisper of savory sweetness; feel free to swap with garlic powder if you prefer.
Finely ground black pepper: Brings a little warmth and a tiny kick that’s essential for balance.
Salt: Only if you need it—taste as you go to avoid overdoing it, since the stock cubes already have salt.

Note: You’ll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Variations

This recipe is a great canvas—you can easily tweak it depending on what you have on hand or your taste preferences. I’ve tried a few versions over time, and you’ll find it’s really forgiving and adaptable.

Gluten-Free Variation: I substitute all-purpose flour with cornstarch or a gluten-free flour blend for a silky, gluten-free gravy that’s just as good.
Herb-Infused Gravy: Sometimes, I add a pinch of dried thyme or rosemary to the flour mixture for an extra layer of flavor—my family loves that touch.
Lighter Version: Use olive oil instead of butter for a slightly lighter gravy, although it won’t be quite as rich.

How to Make KFC Copycat Flavor Gravy Recipe

Step 1: Dissolve Your Stock Cubes in Boiling Water

Start by crumbling the chicken and beef stock cubes into your boiling water and stirring until completely dissolved. This step is crucial because the hot water extracts all that deep flavor from the cubes super quickly. I always use fresh boiling water—a quick boil in the kettle works perfectly!

Step 2: Melt Butter and Mix in Flour and Spices

Put your unsalted butter in a saucepan over medium heat and let it melt completely. Then stir in your plain flour, onion powder, and ground black pepper. I like to use a wooden spoon or a whisk here to break up any lumps. Watching it form a smooth roux is super satisfying—this step builds the body of your gravy.

Step 3: Incorporate Stock Liquid Gradually

Now here’s a trick I discovered: pour in half of your hot stock liquid slowly while stirring constantly. This prevents clumps from forming and helps the mixture thicken nicely. After it’s smooth and a bit thickened, add the rest of the stock and keep stirring. The hot liquid makes the gravy come together fast, usually within 1.5 to 2 minutes.

Step 4: Taste and Adjust Seasoning

This is key: taste your gravy once it’s thickened, then add salt or pepper as needed. Stock cubes pack a salty punch, so go easy on extra salt at first. I’ve found that a little extra black pepper brings that perfect finishing touch to the flavor, giving it a slight kick.

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Pro Tips for Making KFC Copycat Flavor Gravy Recipe

Use Real Cubes, Not Powder: I’ve tried powders before, but crumbled cubes dissolve better and give the gravy that beautiful brown color and depth.
Hot Liquid Is Your Friend: Pouring in boiling water makes thickening quicker and smoother—trust me, it’s a game changer.
Whisk Consistently: Stirring constantly while adding stock avoids those annoying lumps and keeps your gravy silky.
Don’t Rush Flavor Adjustments: Season gradually and taste often; stock cubes add salt, so you don’t want to overdo it.

How to Serve KFC Copycat Flavor Gravy Recipe

A white plate is filled with sliced roasted chicken with a shiny, golden-brown skin. The chicken is cut into thick pieces, showing tender, white meat inside. At the center, smooth brown gravy is being poured from a spoon, slowly flowing over the chicken slices, adding a glossy layer. Some shredded chicken pieces with light beige tones are placed around the sliced chicken, creating a mix of textures. In the background, part of a roasted chicken drumstick with crispy skin is visible. The entire scene is set on a white marbled surface. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7 - KFC copycat flavor gravy, homemade gravy recipe, quick gravy recipe, easy comfort food gravy, savory gravy for chicken and mashed potatoes

Garnishes

I usually keep it simple here, tossing a tiny sprinkle of freshly ground black pepper on top for extra aroma and a pop of contrast. Sometimes, I add finely chopped fresh parsley to brighten the presentation—this little green burst makes the gravy look as good as it tastes.

Side Dishes

This gravy is insanely versatile. I love pouring it over fluffy mashed potatoes (try my KFC copycat mashed potatoes for a perfect duo), roasted or grilled meats like chicken thighs, pork chops, or even a juicy steak. It’s also fantastic over sausage and mixed steamed vegetables—it really pumps up the comfort factor.

Creative Ways to Present

For family dinners or small gatherings, try serving this gravy in a cute gravy boat on the side so everyone can pour as much as they want. Another fun presentation I’ve used is drizzling it artistically over mashed potato mounds with a little fresh herb garnish for a restaurant-style touch. It’s these little flourishes that make dinner feel special.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I typically store leftover gravy in an airtight container in the fridge and it lasts beautifully for up to 3 days. Just give it a good stir before reheating since a bit of separation can happen, but the flavor stays spot-on.

Freezing

If I make a big batch, I freeze leftovers in small portions—ice cube trays work great for this! Once frozen, pop the cubes into a freezer-safe bag. It makes it super easy to thaw just the amount you need later on without waste.

Reheating

To reheat, I gently warm the gravy over low heat on the stove, stirring continuously until perfectly smooth again. You can also microwave it in short bursts, stirring in between to keep that velvety texture.

FAQs

Can I use only chicken or beef stock cubes, or do I need both for the KFC Copycat Flavor Gravy Recipe?

While you can use just one type, the magic comes from combining chicken and beef stock cubes. Chicken provides the base flavor, and beef adds robust umami and rich color. Using both replicates that signature KFC flavor and the beautiful brown hue you want.
Is it possible to make this gravy gluten-free?

Absolutely! Instead of all-purpose flour, swap in cornstarch or a gluten-free flour blend to thicken your gravy. Just mix the starch with a little cold water before adding it to the butter to prevent lumps. It turns out silky and just as tasty.
Why is the gravy not thickening as expected?

Make sure you’re stirring constantly while gradually adding the hot stock to the roux. If the liquid is too cool or added all at once, lumps can form and the gravy won’t thicken properly. Also check that your flour to fat ratio is right—the butter should be fully melted and evenly combined with the flour before liquid goes in.
Can I prepare this gravy ahead of time?

Yes! You can make the gravy ahead and refrigerate it for up to 3 days. Just reheat gently on the stove or in the microwave, stirring to restore its smooth texture. For longer storage, freezing in small portions works great too.
What dishes go best with this KFC Copycat Flavor Gravy Recipe?

This gravy shines over mashed potatoes, roast chicken, pork chops, sausages, and even steamed veggies. Whenever I need that cozy comfort food vibe, I reach for this gravy as my secret weapon.

Final Thoughts

I absolutely love how this KFC Copycat Flavor Gravy Recipe turns out every single time. From the moment I first mixed those two stock cubes in boiling water, I knew I’d uncovered a game-changing shortcut to that nostalgic, crave-worthy flavor. Whether you’re cooking for your family or just treating yourself, this gravy adds that extra layer of yum that pulls a meal together beautifully. Give it a try—you’ll be amazed at how easy it is to make something so perfect and comforting right in your kitchen.

KFC Copycat Flavor Gravy Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star 4.9 from 63 reviews

Author: Lauren
Prep Time: 1 min
Cook Time: 3 min
Total Time: 4 min
Yield: 6 servings
Category: Sauce/Gravy
Method: Stovetop
Cuisine: American-Style Comfort Food

Print Recipe

Description

This rich and flavorful gravy recipe combines both chicken and beef stock cubes to create a homemade gravy that outshines KFC’s version, perfect for serving over meat, vegetables, or mashed potatoes. Made quickly with pantry staples, it delivers a deep, savory taste and smooth texture in just minutes.

Ingredients

Stocks and Liquids

1 chicken stock cube / bouillon cube (or 2 tsp powder)
1 beef stock cube / bouillon cube (or 2 tsp powder)
2 1/4 cups (565 ml) boiling water

Gravy Base

60g (4 tbsp) unsalted butter
4 tbsp plain / all purpose flour

Seasonings

1/2 tsp onion powder (can substitute garlic powder or omit)
1/4 tsp finely ground black pepper
Salt, to taste (if needed)

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Instructions

Dissolve Stock Cubes: Crumble the chicken and beef stock cubes into the boiling water and stir until completely dissolved, creating a rich flavored broth as the base for your gravy.
Melt Butter: Place a saucepan over medium heat and melt the unsalted butter completely, preparing it as the cooking fat for the roux.
Make Roux: Add the plain flour, onion powder, and black pepper to the melted butter. Stir constantly using a wooden spoon or whisk to combine and cook the flour mixture without browning, forming a smooth roux.
Add Stock Gradually: While stirring continuously, slowly pour in half of the hot stock liquid to the roux. Mix thoroughly as it will thicken quickly. Then add the remaining stock liquid and continue mixing to incorporate all at once.
Thicken Gravy: Stir the mixture for 1.5 to 2 minutes until it thickens to the desired gravy consistency. Since the stock is boiling, thickening happens quickly. Taste the gravy and adjust seasoning with more salt and pepper if necessary.
Serve: Pour the rich gravy over your favorite chops, steak, sausages, vegetables, roast chicken, pork, beef, or lamb. It pairs especially well with mashed potatoes for a comforting meal.

Notes

Using both chicken and beef stock cubes enhances flavor and color, with beef adding depth and chicken providing the base taste.
Crumbled cubes are preferred over powder for better color and richness in the gravy.
Onion powder can be omitted or substituted with garlic powder based on preference.
This recipe makes a quick and flavorful gravy in about 4 minutes.
Try pairing this gravy with the copycat KFC mashed potatoes for a complete, classic comfort food experience.
For gluten-free adaptation, use gluten-free flour and ensure stock cubes are gluten-free.