KFC Style Water Gravy Recipe

Homemade KFC Style Water Gravy Recipe That Tastes Spot-On

Comfort meets culinary magic in this incredible KFC style water gravy recipe that brings restaurant-quality flavor straight to your kitchen.

Southern cooking has never tasted so good with this simple yet delicious sauce.

Home cooks can easily recreate that signature creamy texture without complicated techniques.

Every kitchen deserves this secret weapon that turns ordinary meals into extraordinary experiences.

The blend of spices and smooth consistency will have everyone asking for seconds.

Serve this gravy alongside crispy chicken or fluffy mashed potatoes for a guaranteed crowd-pleaser.

Your dining table is about to become the hottest spot in town with this mouthwatering recipe.

FAQs

  • What are the key ingredients in KFC-style water gravy?

The key ingredients are stock cubes, butter, flour, onion powder, pepper, and water.

  • Can I adjust the seasoning to my taste?

Yes, you can easily modify the onion powder and pepper quantities to suit your personal flavor preference.

  • How do I prevent lumps when making the gravy?

Gradually add the liquid while whisking constantly and stir continuously to ensure a smooth, lump-free consistency.

  • Is this gravy recipe suitable for vegetarians?

No, the recipe uses stock cubes which typically contain meat-based ingredients, making it non-vegetarian.

KFC Style Water Gravy The Home Version You Need

  • This KFC-style water gravy delivers restaurant-quality flavor in minutes, making it a go-to solution for instant meal enhancement.
  • Using basic ingredients like stock cubes, butter, and flour, anyone can create a rich, flavorful gravy without advanced cooking skills.
  • Perfect for smothering mashed potatoes, drizzling over fried chicken, or adding moisture to bland dishes, this gravy transforms ordinary meals into delicious experiences.
  • Minimal ingredients and simple preparation mean you can elevate your cooking without spending extra money or requiring professional culinary training.

All You Need for Homemade Water Gravy

Base Ingredients:
  • Stock Cubes: Flavor enhancers that provide a rich and savory base for the gravy.
  • Butter: Creates a smooth and creamy foundation for the gravy.
  • Flour: Helps thicken and bind the gravy to achieve the perfect consistency.
Seasoning Ingredients:
  • Onion Powder, Black Pepper: Add depth and subtle spiciness to complement the savory flavor of the gravy.
Liquid Ingredients:
  • Water: The primary liquid that helps create the desired gravy texture and carries the flavor of the other ingredients.

Gravy-Making Equipment Essentials

  • Saucepan: Essential for melting butter and creating the gravy base.
  • Whisk: Perfect for smoothly blending flour and spices into the butter.
  • Wooden Spoon: Great alternative to whisk for stirring and mixing ingredients.
  • Measuring Cups: Helps accurately measure stock and liquid quantities.
  • Measuring Spoons: Precise for measuring spices like onion powder and pepper.

How to Prepare KFC Style Water Gravy

Step 1: Prepare Stock Solution

Boil water and dissolve stock cubes completely, creating a rich and flavorful base liquid for the gravy.

Stir until the cubes are fully integrated into the water, ensuring no lumps remain.

Step 2: Create Butter Base

Place a saucepan on medium heat and gently melt the butter until it becomes smooth and liquid.

Watch carefully to prevent burning or discoloration.

Step 3: Blend Dry Seasonings

Add these ingredients into the melted butter:
  • Flour
  • Onion powder
  • Black pepper

Whisk or stir with a wooden spoon to create an even mixture that coats the bottom of the pan.

Step 4: Build Smooth Roux

Slowly pour half of the prepared stock liquid into the butter-seasoning mixture.

Continuously stir to prevent clumping and create a silky smooth base.

The mixture will begin to thicken and develop a golden color.

Step 5: Complete Gravy Consistency

Pour the remaining stock liquid into the pan.

Keep stirring consistently to blend all ingredients thoroughly.

The gravy will gradually transform and become more substantial.

Step 6: Achieve Perfect Texture

Continue stirring for 1.5 to 2 minutes until the gravy reaches a rich, velvety thickness.

The consistency should coat the back of a spoon smoothly without being too thin or too dense.

Pro Secrets for Smooth Water Gravy

  • Whisk continuously while adding liquid to prevent lumps and achieve a smooth, silky texture.
  • Use homemade chicken stock instead of water for a richer, more robust gravy taste.
  • Keep heat at medium-low to prevent burning and ensure gradual thickening without scorching.
  • Adjust salt and pepper levels to match your taste preferences, tasting as you go.
  • Refrigerate leftover gravy in an airtight container for up to 3 days, gently reheating with a splash of water to restore original consistency.

Flavorful Twists for Water Gravy

  • Vegetarian Veggie Stock Variation: Replace chicken or beef stock cubes with vegetable stock cubes for a plant-based version of the gravy.
  • Gluten-Free Cornstarch Option: Swap wheat flour with cornstarch to create a gluten-free gravy that's equally smooth and flavorful.
  • Low-Sodium Alternative: Use low-sodium stock cubes and reduce added salt to make a heart-healthy gravy version.
  • Herb-Infused Gourmet Style: Add fresh thyme, rosemary, or sage during the butter melting stage to create a more complex, aromatic gravy profile.

Serving Water Gravy for Fried Chicken Feasts

  • Rustic Diner Delight: Drizzle this KFC-style water gravy over crispy fried chicken for an authentic southern comfort meal.
  • Mashed Potato Magic: Pour the warm gravy generously over fluffy mashed potatoes, creating a rich and creamy side dish that melts in your mouth.
  • Biscuit Companion: Serve alongside freshly baked buttermilk biscuits, allowing guests to dip and soak up the savory gravy with every bite.
  • Weeknight Comfort Plate: Transform simple roasted or grilled meats by topping them with this quick and flavorful gravy, elevating your family dinner instantly.

Storage Tips for Water Gravy Leftovers

  • Store gravy in an airtight container for up to 4 days in the refrigerator. Seal tightly to prevent absorption of other food odors.
  • Pour cooled gravy into freezer-safe containers, leaving space for expansion. Freeze for maximum 3 months. Label with date for easy tracking.
  • Warm gravy over medium-low heat, stirring frequently to prevent scorching. Add splash of water or broth if too thick. Whisk continuously for smooth consistency.
  • Transfer gravy to microwave-safe dish. Heat in 30-second intervals, stirring between each interval to distribute heat evenly. Check temperature before serving.
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KFC Style Water Gravy Recipe

KFC Style Water Gravy Recipe


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4.5 from 28 reviews

  • Total Time: 15 minutes
  • Yield: 4 1x

Description

KFC-style water gravy brings southern comfort directly to home kitchens with its rich, savory profile. Home cooks can easily recreate this classic sauce using simple pantry ingredients for a delightful culinary experience you’ll want to savor.


Ingredients

Scale

Main Ingredients:

  • 2 1/4 cups (540 milliliters) boiling water
  • 60 grams (2.1 ounces) unsalted butter
  • 4 tablespoons plain flour

Stock and Seasonings:

  • 1 beef stock cube
  • 1 chicken stock cube
  • 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
  • 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
  • Salt, to taste (if needed)

Instructions

  1. Crumble stock cubes into boiling water, ensuring complete dissolution for a rich, flavorful base.
  2. Place butter in a saucepan over medium heat (around 350°F), allowing it to melt smoothly without browning.
  3. Whisk flour, onion powder, and pepper into the melted butter, creating a uniform, lump-free mixture.
  4. Gradually pour half the prepared liquid into the roux, stirring continuously to prevent clumping and develop a silky texture.
  5. Once the initial mixture thickens, incorporate the remaining liquid, blending thoroughly to create a consistent, smooth gravy.
  6. Continue stirring for 1-2 minutes at medium heat until the gravy reaches a desired velvety consistency, removing from heat when it coats the back of a spoon.

Notes

  • Customize flavor intensity by adjusting stock cube quantity based on personal taste preferences.
  • Whisk continuously while adding liquid to prevent lumps and achieve smooth, silky texture.
  • For gluten-free version, replace wheat flour with cornstarch or alternative gluten-free thickening agents.
  • Store leftover gravy in airtight container in refrigerator for up to 3-4 days, gently reheating with additional liquid if needed.
  • Prep Time: 5 minutes
  • Cook Time: 10 minutes
  • Category: Dinner, Appetizer, Snacks
  • Method: Sautéing
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 4
  • Calories: 130
  • Sugar: 1g
  • Sodium: 800mg
  • Fat: 10g
  • Saturated Fat: 6g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 4g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 10g
  • Fiber: 0g
  • Protein: 2g
  • Cholesterol: 20mg
Marcus Reed

Marcus Reed

Founder & Food Content Creator

Expertise

Single-recipe development, Seasonal and local ingredient utilization, Food photography and styling, Culinary writing and content creation​

Education

Culinary Arts Certificate, Blue Ridge Community and Technical College, WV
Focus: Fundamentals of culinary techniques, emphasizing hands-on experience in small-scale kitchen settings.


Marcus’s story begins in Asheville, where good food and family kitchens shaped his earliest memories. After hands-on culinary training and a lot of trial (and a little error), he realized that real cooking isn’t about perfection, it’s about connection.
At Pan and Oven, Marcus crafts recipes that are easy to follow, packed with flavor, and built for real kitchens.

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