How to Make Gravy Using Cream of Chicken Soup? A Savory Shortcut
This simple method utilizes cream of chicken soup as a convenient base, eliminating the need for complex roux preparation and offering a quick and delicious gravy solution for various dishes.
The Cream of Chicken Soup Gravy Advantage
Cream of chicken soup offers a remarkable shortcut for crafting delicious gravy. Traditionally, gravy-making involves creating a roux – a blend of fat and flour cooked to varying degrees of color – followed by the slow addition of broth and seasonings. This process can be time-consuming and requires attention to prevent lumps. Cream of chicken soup, however, provides a pre-thickened and pre-seasoned base, significantly simplifying the process.
Using cream of chicken soup for gravy offers several benefits:
- Speed: Gravy is ready in minutes.
- Simplicity: Requires minimal ingredients and steps.
- Consistency: Easier to achieve a smooth, lump-free gravy.
- Flavor: Provides a rich, savory chicken flavor that complements many dishes.
- Cost-effectiveness: Often a more budget-friendly option than making gravy from scratch.
Ingredients and Equipment
The beauty of this method lies in its simplicity. You’ll need:
- 1 can (10.5 ounces) Cream of Chicken Soup
- ½ – 1 cup Chicken Broth (or water, or milk)
- ¼ teaspoon Black Pepper (or to taste)
- Optional: Herbs (e.g., thyme, rosemary, sage), Garlic Powder, Onion Powder
- Saucepan
- Whisk
The Cream of Chicken Soup Gravy Process
Here’s the step-by-step guide to creating your creamy chicken gravy:
- Empty the Cream of Chicken Soup: Pour the can of cream of chicken soup into a saucepan.
- Add Liquid: Gradually add chicken broth (or water or milk) to the saucepan. Start with ½ cup and whisk until smooth. Add more broth, a little at a time, until you reach your desired consistency. Remember, the gravy will thicken slightly as it cools.
- Season: Add black pepper and any optional herbs or spices to taste.
- Heat and Simmer: Heat the mixture over medium heat, whisking constantly to prevent sticking. Bring to a gentle simmer.
- Thicken: Continue to simmer for 2-3 minutes, or until the gravy reaches your desired thickness. If it becomes too thick, add a little more broth.
- Serve: Remove from heat and serve immediately over chicken, mashed potatoes, biscuits, or your favorite dishes.
Flavor Variations and Enhancements
While the basic recipe is delicious, you can customize the flavor to suit your preferences:
- Mushroom Gravy: Add sautéed mushrooms to the gravy during the simmering process.
- Herb Gravy: Incorporate fresh or dried herbs like thyme, rosemary, or sage.
- Garlic Gravy: Add garlic powder or minced garlic to the gravy while simmering.
- Onion Gravy: Add onion powder or sautéed onions to the gravy while simmering.
- Wine Gravy: Replace a portion of the chicken broth with dry white wine for a richer flavor.
- Browning: Add a tablespoon of Kitchen Bouquet or Gravy Master for a deeper, richer color and slightly enhanced flavor.
Common Mistakes and Solutions
Even with its simplicity, some common mistakes can occur. Here’s how to avoid them:
| Mistake | Solution |
|---|---|
| Lumpy Gravy | Whisk constantly while heating and simmering. Use cold broth to start. |
| Gravy Too Thick | Add more chicken broth (or water or milk) a little at a time until desired consistency is reached. |
| Gravy Too Thin | Continue to simmer, uncovered, until it thickens. Alternatively, mix a teaspoon of cornstarch with a tablespoon of cold water and whisk it into the simmering gravy. |
| Bland Gravy | Add more seasoning, such as pepper, herbs, garlic powder, or onion powder. |
| Gravy Sticks to the Pan | Use a non-stick saucepan and whisk frequently. |
| Gravy is separating/oily | This can happen if the soup is heated too quickly or at too high a temperature. Cook over medium-low heat, stirring constantly, to prevent separation. Adding a small splash of cold water and whisking vigorously can help re-emulsify the gravy. |
Serving Suggestions
This cream of chicken soup gravy is incredibly versatile. Consider serving it with:
- Roasted Chicken
- Mashed Potatoes
- Biscuits
- Turkey
- Meatloaf
- Pork Chops
- Chicken Fried Steak
- Noodles
- Open-Faced Sandwiches
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Can I use low-sodium cream of chicken soup?
Yes, you can! Using low-sodium cream of chicken soup is a great way to control the salt content of your gravy. You may need to add a touch more seasoning to compensate for the reduced sodium. Remember, you can always add salt, but you can’t take it away!
Can I use a different kind of cream soup?
While cream of chicken soup is the most common choice, you can experiment with other cream soups. Cream of mushroom soup will create a mushroom gravy, and cream of celery soup offers a more subtle, vegetal flavor. Adjust seasonings accordingly to complement the soup’s flavor profile.
Can I make this gravy ahead of time?
Yes, you can make this gravy ahead of time. Store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave, adding a little broth if needed to thin it out.
Can I freeze this gravy?
Freezing is possible, but the texture may change slightly upon thawing. The gravy might become a bit grainy or separated. To minimize this, cool the gravy completely before freezing in an airtight container or freezer bag. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight and reheat gently, whisking frequently.
What if I don’t have chicken broth?
Water is a perfectly acceptable substitute for chicken broth. However, keep in mind that using water will result in a less flavorful gravy. You might want to add a bouillon cube or a bit more seasoning to compensate. Milk can also be used, which adds richness.
How can I make this gravy gluten-free?
Unfortunately, standard cream of chicken soup usually contains wheat flour as a thickener. To make a gluten-free version, look for gluten-free cream of chicken soup alternatives. These are becoming increasingly available in supermarkets and online.
How can I make this gravy richer?
Adding a tablespoon of butter or heavy cream at the end of cooking will significantly enhance the richness of the gravy. A splash of dry sherry or Madeira wine can also add depth of flavor.
What if I don’t have black pepper?
While black pepper is a standard seasoning, you can substitute it with white pepper or cayenne pepper. Use cayenne sparingly, as it adds heat. Alternatively, omit the pepper entirely and rely on other seasonings.
Can I use this gravy for poutine?
Yes, this gravy works well for poutine. However, for a more traditional poutine gravy, consider adding a pinch of poultry seasoning and a touch of brown gravy mix to deepen the flavor and color.
How do I prevent the gravy from forming a skin on top while it cools?
To prevent a skin from forming, place a piece of plastic wrap directly on the surface of the gravy while it cools. Alternatively, whisk the gravy periodically as it cools.
Can I add pan drippings to this gravy?
Absolutely! Adding pan drippings from roasted chicken, turkey, or other meats will significantly enhance the flavor of the gravy. Reduce the amount of chicken broth accordingly to maintain the desired consistency.
Is this recipe suitable for vegetarians?
No, this recipe is not suitable for vegetarians due to the use of cream of chicken soup. However, you can adapt the recipe by using cream of mushroom soup and vegetable broth for a vegetarian alternative. Be sure to check the ingredients list to confirm it is free of animal products.