14 Thick Chicken Gravy Recipes for Mashes
There’s nothing quite like the comforting embrace of creamy mashed potatoes smothered in a thick, luscious chicken gravy. I still remember Sunday dinners at my grandma’s house, where her simple chicken gravy—made from pan drippings and a whisper of flour—transformed ordinary mashes into a family ritual. That velvety texture clinging to every forkful sparked my lifelong love for perfecting gravy recipes.
Lately, I’ve been experimenting in my own kitchen, tweaking thickeners like roux and cornstarch to create gravies that stand up to the fluffiest mashes without turning runny. With cozy fall weather here, these recipes are my go-to for elevating weeknight meals or holiday sides. Whether you’re feeding a crowd or just craving nostalgia, thick chicken gravy is the ultimate mash companion—rich, flavorful, and endlessly versatile.
Classic Thick Chicken Gravy
This timeless recipe starts with a simple roux made from 4 tablespoons butter, 4 tablespoons flour, 2 cups chicken broth, 1 cup cooked chicken drippings (or shredded chicken), salt, and pepper. Melt butter in a saucepan over medium heat, whisk in flour to form a paste, cook for 2 minutes, then slowly add broth and drippings while stirring until thickened (about 5-7 minutes). Season to taste.
It’s the perfect beginner gravy—rich in umami, gluten-free adaptable with cornstarch, and clings beautifully to mashes for ultimate comfort. Low effort, high reward!
Creamy Mushroom Chicken Gravy
Sauté 1 cup sliced mushrooms and 2 minced garlic cloves in 3 tablespoons butter until golden. Stir in 3 tablespoons flour, then whisk in 2 cups chicken broth, 1/2 cup heavy cream, and 1 cup diced cooked chicken. Simmer 8 minutes until thick; season with thyme, salt, and pepper.
The earthy mushrooms add depth and nutrition, making this a hearty upgrade for mashes that’s vegetarian-friendly if you swap chicken broth. Ideal for cozy nights!
Herbed Garden Chicken Gravy
Combine 4 tablespoons butter with 4 tablespoons flour for roux, then add 2 cups chicken stock, 1 teaspoon each dried rosemary, sage, and parsley, plus 1/2 cup finely chopped onions and carrots. Simmer 10 minutes, stirring until velvety thick; blend smooth if desired.
Fresh herbs bring garden-fresh vibrancy and antioxidants, elevating mashes into a wholesome feast. Great for using up veggie scraps!
Spicy Cajun Chicken Gravy
In 3 tablespoons oil, cook 1/4 cup chopped bell peppers, 2 tablespoons Cajun seasoning, and 2 minced garlic cloves. Add 4 tablespoons flour, 2 cups chicken broth, and 1 cup shredded chicken; simmer 7-10 minutes until thick.
The bold spices wake up bland mashes with metabolism-boosting heat, perfect for game days. Customizable spice level for all palates!
Garlic Parmesan Chicken Gravy
Melt 4 tablespoons butter, whisk in 4 tablespoons flour and 4 minced garlic cloves. Pour in 2 cups chicken broth, 1/2 cup grated Parmesan, and 1/2 cup cream; cook until thick (6 minutes). Stir in black pepper.
Umami-packed with immune-boosting garlic and calcium-rich cheese, this luxurious gravy turns mashes gourmet. Keto-friendly with low-carb thickeners!
Caramelized Onion Chicken Gravy
Slowly caramelize 2 sliced onions in 3 tablespoons butter for 15 minutes. Add 3 tablespoons flour, 2 cups chicken broth, and 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce; simmer until thick and syrupy.
Sweet onions provide natural sweetness and prebiotics for gut health, pairing divinely with mashes for a French-inspired twist.
Bacon-Loaded Chicken Gravy
Cook 6 bacon slices until crisp, reserve fat. Use fat + 2 tablespoons butter for roux with 3 tablespoons flour. Whisk in 2 cups chicken broth and 1/2 cup chopped bacon bits; thicken over 5 minutes.
Smoky bacon adds protein and indulgence, making mashes irresistible. A crowd-pleaser for brunch or dinner!
Rosemary Thyme Chicken Gravy
Roux from 4 tablespoons each butter and flour, infused with 2 sprigs fresh rosemary and thyme. Add 2 cups chicken stock and 1/2 cup white wine; simmer 8 minutes, remove herbs, and thicken.
Aromatic herbs offer anti-inflammatory benefits, creating an elegant gravy that elevates holiday mashes effortlessly.
Lemon Herb Chicken Gravy
Make roux with 3 tablespoons butter and flour, add zest/juice of 1 lemon, 2 cups chicken broth, 1 teaspoon dill, and parsley. Simmer until thick (7 minutes).
Bright lemon cuts richness with vitamin C, refreshing mashes for lighter meals or summer sides.
Cheesy Chicken Gravy
Roux base with 4 tablespoons butter/flour, stir in 2 cups chicken broth, 1 cup shredded cheddar, and 1/2 cup milk. Melt and thicken over low heat.
Double cheese power for calcium boost; transforms mashes into mac-and-cheese-like bliss for kids and adults.
Curry-Spiced Chicken Gravy
Sauté 1 tablespoon curry powder in 3 tablespoons butter, add 4 tablespoons flour. Whisk in 2 cups chicken broth, coconut milk, and ginger; simmer thick.
Exotic spices aid digestion, giving mashes an Indian fusion flair—adventurous yet comforting.
Smoky BBQ Chicken Gravy
Mix 4 tablespoons flour into 1/4 cup BBQ sauce and 3 tablespoons butter. Add 2 cups chicken broth and smoked paprika; cook until thick and tangy.
BBQ notes add antioxidants from spices, perfect for Southern-style mashes at barbecues.
Veggie-Packed Chicken Gravy
Blend 1 cup cooked carrots, peas, and celery with 2 cups chicken broth. Thicken with 4 tablespoons butter-flour roux; add shredded chicken.
Sneaks in veggies for fiber and vitamins, family-friendly way to make mashes nutritious.
Red Wine Chicken Gravy
Deglaze pan with 1/2 cup red wine after roux (4 tbsp butter/flour), add 1.5 cups chicken broth and thyme. Reduce to thick perfection (10 minutes).
Wine tenderizes flavors with heart-healthy resveratrol, for sophisticated mashes at dinner parties.
These 14 thick chicken gravy recipes are your ticket to mash perfection—easy to whip up, endlessly customizable, and guaranteed to wow. Grab your masher and give a few a try this week; your taste buds (and family) will thank you!
