Chicken gravy is a versatile and delicious sauce that can add flavorful depth to a variety of dishes. But does it pair well specifically with pork? In this comprehensive article, we’ll explore if chicken gravy complements and enhances pork the best pork dishes to serve it with tips for cooking it, and even some alternative sauces to consider.
An Overview of Chicken Gravy
Before we talk about how it goes with pork, let’s take a quick look at what chicken gravy is:
- Made from chicken broth, butter, flour and seasonings
- Has a rich, savory flavor
- Thick, creamy texture from simmering flour and broth together
- Often served over mashed potatoes, biscuits, chicken, etc.
Chicken gravy is a smooth, creamy sauce with strong flavors that is made with things like chicken broth, butter, and flour. The texture coats the palate, while the taste provides a savory, meaty quality.
What does this kind of sauce go well with when it comes to pork?
Why Chicken Gravy Complements Pork
Chicken gravy makes an excellent pairing for pork dishes for several reasons
Flavor – The rich, savory flavor of chicken gravy perfectly complements the milder taste of pork. It enhances other seasonings on the pork without overpowering the delicate meat.
Moisture – The creamy texture moisturizes drier cuts of pork and prevents them from drying out when cooked. The gravy keeps pork tender and juicy.
Heartiness – Chicken gravy adds a hearty, satisfying quality to pork dishes, making them feel like a main entree.
Versatility – From pork chops to pulled pork, chicken gravy can be served with a wide variety of pork preparations.
Easy pairing – Chicken and pork are both milder meats, making chicken gravy a seamless flavor pairing for pork entrees.
Best Pork Dishes to Serve with Chicken Gravy
Here are some of the most popular pork dishes that chicken gravy can enhance when served together:
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Pulled pork sandwiches – Shredded smoked pork paired with creamy gravy is delicious.
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Pork chops – The gravy adds moisture and flavor to prevent dry pork chops.
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Meatloaf – Mixing pork and other meats with gravy creates a nice flavor pairing.
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Pot roast – Slow cooked pork roast with gravy is a comforting, tasty meal.
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Pork skewers – Brushed on while grilling or served with rice after.
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Breakfast pork – Gravy over pork sausage, bacon or chops is great for breakfast.
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Pork stir fry – Add a bit of gravy to pan fried pork and veggies.
As you can see, chicken gravy complements a wide range of pork dishes from sandwiches to roasts to skewers and more. The options are nearly endless!
Step-by-Step Guide to Making Chicken Gravy
Making your own chicken gravy at home allows you to customize the flavor exactly to your liking. Follow these simple steps:
1. Cook chicken broth – Simmer chicken broth with aromatic veggies like onion, celery, garlic, and carrot.
2. Make a roux – Whisk together butter and flour then cook for 2-3 minutes until thick.
3. Add broth – Whisk the chicken broth into the roux a bit at a time until fully incorporated.
4. Simmer – Let the gravy simmer until thickened, about 5-10 minutes.
5. Season – Add herbs, spices, salt and pepper to taste. Stir thoroughly.
6. Serve – Pour the fresh chicken gravy over hot cooked pork dishes and enjoy!
Making your own gravy allows you to tweak the seasoning to complement the chosen pork recipe perfectly.
Recipe Ideas for Chicken Gravy with Pork
Here are just a few recipe ideas combining pork with delicious homemade chicken gravy:
- Rosemary pork chops with creamy chicken gravy
- Pulled pork sandwiches topped with spicy chipotle gravy
- Chicken fried pork cutlets smothered in Southern-style sawmill gravy
- Pork meatloaf with vegetable medley gravy
- Hoisin BBQ pork skewers with ginger gravy
Let your imagination run wild coming up with fun and inventive ways to serve pork dishes flooded with your favorite style of chicken gravy.
Cooking Tips for the Perfect Pork and Gravy
Follow these tips when making pork dishes topped with chicken gravy for irresistible results:
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Choose pork and gravy flavors that complement each other like apple pork with apple cider gravy.
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Cook the pork first until just underdone, then finish cooking it in the gravy to absorb maximum moisture and flavor.
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Thicken the gravy well so it generously coats the pork without being watery.
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Keep the seasoned pork coating dry initially so the gravy evenly coats the exterior.
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Simmer the gravy over very low heat and stir frequently to prevent scorching on the bottom.
Taking these tips into account will help you achieve tender, juicy pork soaked in flavorful gravy.
Other Sauce Options Besides Chicken Gravy
While chicken gravy does pair beautifully with pork, don’t feel limited to just this one sauce. You can also try:
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Beef gravy – For an even richer, meatier flavor.
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Turkey gravy – Lighter than chicken but still savory.
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Pan sauces – Made right in the pork pan for concentrated flavor.
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Wine sauces – White or red wine reductions made aromatic.
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Fruit sauces – Sweet yet savory flavors like apple or cranberry.
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Creamy mushroom sauce – Earthy notes complement pork.
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Demi-glace – An intense sauce made from veal or beef stock.
The options are endless for tantalizing sauces to accompany your pork dishes besides chicken gravy. Get creative with complementary flavors that appeal to your palate!
The Verdict: Chicken Gravy Goes Great with Pork
After analyzing the flavor profiles and potential pork pairings, it’s clear that chicken gravy makes an excellent accompaniment to pork entrees. The savory sauce adds moisture, heartiness and tons of flavor that pork craves.
From tender pork chops to fall-off-the-bone roasts, chicken gravy takes these dishes to the next level. Just be sure to season and thicken the gravy well to coat the pork properly.
While chicken gravy is amazing, also consider trying beef or turkey gravy, pan sauces, creamy mushroom and other options to find your perfect pork pairing. Get creative mixing and matching to discover new favorite flavor combinations!
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FAQ
Should I use chicken or beef stock for pork gravy?
What gravy granules with pork?
Does all gravy contain pork?
Is pork gravy the same as brown gravy?
What is the best gravy for pork loin?
This mushroom gravy is the ultimate recipe for pork loin. To add more depth of flavor, sauté the mushrooms in bacon fat before adding them to the gravy. For a richer gravy, substitute beef broth for some of the chicken broth. To give the gravy a smoky flavor, add a teaspoon or two of smoked paprika. 4. Onion Gravy
What gravy should I use for pork chops?
If you’re making pork chops, a thinner gravy will complement the meat nicely. The Seasoning: The seasoning of your gravy should complement the seasoning of your pork. If your pork is well-seasoned, you may want a milder gravy so as not to overpower the meat. Conversely, if your pork is lightly seasoned, you may want a more robustly flavored gravy.
What can I use instead of chicken for gravy?
Turkey gravy – Make this gravy with the pan drippings from roasted turkey instead of chicken. Or make it with turkey broth or stock if you don’t have the drippings on hand. Vegetarian gravy – If you’re looking for a vegetarian or vegan option, experiment with vegetable broth as a savory base for your gravy.
What kind of broth should I use to make chicken gravy?
Chicken broth – Store-bought broth is fine but homemade chicken bone broth will elevate the flavors even more. Classic poultry seasonings – A blend of onion powder, garlic powder, dried thyme, and dried sage adds depth to the gravy, as well as mouthwatering herbaceous flavors.