Creating delicious, silky-smooth gravy doesn’t have to involve hours of work or complex techniques One of my favorite kitchen shortcuts is making gravy with cream of chicken soup! This simple hack saves time while delivering amazing flavor that’ll have your family asking for seconds
I’ve been using this method for years, and let me tell you – it’s a game-changer for busy weeknights or when you need to whip up something tasty without the fuss. Let’s dive into how you can transform a humble can of soup into the perfect sauce for your next meal!
Why Use Cream of Chicken Soup for Gravy?
Before we get to the recipe, you might be wondering why you should even consider using soup as your gravy base. Here’s why I love this method:
- Time-saving: Skip several steps of traditional gravy-making
- Pre-flavored base: The soup already contains chicken essence and seasonings
- Consistent results: Less chance of lumps or gravy fails
- Versatility: Can be customized with countless add-ins
- Convenience: Perfect when you’re short on ingredients or time
This approach is especially helpful when I’m in a rush or don’t have pan drippings available. The soup already contains thickeners and flavor, giving us a head start on delicious gravy!
Essential Ingredients & Equipment
What You’ll Need:
Main Ingredients:
- 1 can cream of chicken soup (regular or low-sodium)
- Liquid (equal parts to soup): chicken broth, milk, water, or pan drippings
- Seasonings to taste: salt, pepper, garlic powder, herbs
Optional Flavor Enhancers:
- Butter or drippings for richness
- Cornstarch or flour (if additional thickening is needed)
- Herbs and spices for customization
Equipment
- Saucepan
- Whisk (essential for smooth gravy!)
- Measuring cups/spoons
- Strainer (if using pan drippings)
Step-by-Step Gravy Making Process
Step 1: Preparation
Gather everything you need before starting. If I’m using pan drippings from roasted meat I always strain them first to remove any solids. This extra minute of prep ensures smooth gravy later!
Step 2: Combine Main Ingredients
In your saucepan, mix the cream of chicken soup with your chosen liquid. I usually start with equal parts – one can of soup to one can of liquid. You can always adjust later depending on how thick you want your gravy.
Pro tip: Different liquids create different flavors. Chicken broth enhances the chicken flavor, milk makes it creamier, and pan drippings add amazing depth!
Step 3: Heat and Simmer
Place your saucepan over medium heat and start whisking immediately. This is super important to prevent lumps! Keep whisking as the mixture comes to a gentle simmer.
Step 4: Adjust Consistency
As your gravy heats up, it’ll start thickening. This is where you get to customize:
- Too thick? Add more liquid gradually while whisking
- Too thin? Make a quick slurry with cornstarch and cold water (equal parts), then whisk it in bit by bit
Remember, gravy thickens slightly as it cools, so I usually aim for a consistency just slightly thinner than my final goal.
Step 5: Season to Perfection
Now’s the time to taste and adjust! Cream of chicken soup already contains salt, so start with just a little extra seasoning. I like adding:
- Fresh cracked pepper
- A pinch of garlic powder
- A dash of poultry seasoning or dried thyme
If you’re feeling fancy, a tiny splash of Worcestershire sauce adds amazing depth.
Step 6: Serve and Enjoy!
Once your gravy reaches perfect consistency and flavor, remove it from heat and serve immediately. It’s delicious over mashed potatoes, chicken, stuffing, or biscuits!
Exciting Variations to Try
Why stop at basic gravy? Here are some of my favorite ways to customize:
Mushroom Gravy: Sauté chopped mushrooms until golden, then add to your gravy for earthy flavor.
Herb-Enhanced: Fresh herbs like thyme, rosemary or sage make the gravy feel extra special.
Caramelized Onion: Cook onions slowly until sweet and golden, then blend into your gravy.
Garlic Lover’s: Add minced garlic while simmering for a punchy flavor boost.
Wine-Infused: A splash of dry white wine adds sophisticated complexity.
Troubleshooting Common Gravy Problems
Even with this simple method, things can sometimes go wrong. Here’s how I fix the most common issues:
Lumpy Gravy
Prevention is key! Whisk constantly while heating. If lumps appear anyway, use an immersion blender to smooth things out.
Too Salty
This happens sometimes, especially if you’re not using low-sodium soup. I fix it by:
- Adding a squeeze of lemon juice or tiny bit of sugar to balance flavors
- Diluting with more unsalted liquid
- Adding a peeled, raw potato chunk while simmering (remove before serving)
Bland Flavor
If your gravy tastes flat, try:
- A dash of Worcestershire or soy sauce
- More herbs and pepper
- A tiny pat of butter for richness
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use low-sodium cream of chicken soup?
Absolutely! I actually prefer it because it gives me more control over the salt level. You can always add salt, but you can’t take it away!
What’s the best liquid to use?
It depends on what you’re going for. Chicken broth adds more savory flavor, milk creates creaminess, and pan drippings add incredible depth. I often use a combination!
Can I make this ahead of time?
Yes! I make it up to 3 days ahead and store in the fridge. When reheating, add a splash of liquid if needed to thin it back out.
How do I prevent skin from forming while cooling?
Place plastic wrap directly on the surface of the gravy, or give it an occasional stir.
Can I freeze this gravy?
Yes, though cream-based gravies can sometimes separate when thawed. I freeze in small portions and reheat slowly, whisking well.
What if my gravy is stubbornly thick?
Try whisking in a tablespoon of butter or splash of cream. The fat content helps loosen the texture.
Perfect Pairings for Your Cream of Chicken Soup Gravy
This versatile gravy goes with practically everything! Some of my favorite pairings include:
- Fluffy mashed potatoes
- Roasted chicken or turkey
- Stuffing or dressing
- Freshly baked biscuits
- Meatloaf
- Steamed vegetables
Final Thoughts
Making gravy with cream of chicken soup is one of those brilliant kitchen shortcuts that delivers impressive results with minimal effort. Whether you’re preparing a quick weeknight dinner or need a reliable gravy for a special occasion, this method won’t let you down.
I love how customizable it is – once you master the basic technique, you can adapt it endlessly to suit your meal or mood. It’s become my go-to method when I need comforting, delicious gravy without the fuss!
Happy cooking!
Melissa loves nothing more than finding clever shortcuts in the kitchen. When she’s not experimenting with recipes, she enjoys hosting dinner parties and walking her poodle, Princess. This gravy recipe is one of her most requested kitchen hacks!
Step by Step Method
In a medium bowl mix together soup,milk and spices(if your using the soup with herbs, you wont need the spices)then set aside.
In a medium size skillet,over medium low heat pour in the soup mixture.
Add the breaded chicken strips and make sure the chicken is covered with soup, cover and reduce heat to simmer.
Cook until heated through,about 15 minutes.