Sometimes a meal feels like it’s missing just a touch of something—some extra moisture, a hint of warmth, a little flavor to bring everything together. That’s exactly where this low calorie chicken gravy steps in. It’s not about heavy sauces or rich creams; instead, it’s a simple, satisfying drizzle that makes your food feel more complete without leaving you feeling stuffed or guilty.
I remember one evening when I was rushing through dinner prep, distracted by a phone call and a dog begging for attention, and the gravy was simmering quietly on the stove. The smell of sautéed onions and garlic slowly filled the kitchen, weaving through the air in a way that made me pause and smile. The texture was just right—not too thick, not too runny—and that subtle thyme and pepper bite was like a gentle hug to my taste buds. That night, the gravy didn’t just add flavor; it made the whole meal feel a little more like home.
Why You’ll Love It:
- It’s light and flavorful, adding moisture without the heaviness traditional gravies bring.
- Made with simple ingredients you probably already have, so it’s easy and approachable.
- It thickens beautifully without any cream, keeping calories low—though, I admit, it’s less rich than some might expect.
- Perfect for drizzling over chicken, mashed potatoes, or even roasted veggies—versatility is a win here.
- Quick to make, so you can whip it up on a busy weeknight without stress.
Don’t worry if you’re new to making gravies from scratch—this one is forgiving and straightforward. It’s the kind of recipe I find myself coming back to when I want something comforting but light, especially when I’m trying to keep things balanced without sacrificing flavor.
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Low Calorie Chicken Gravy
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: 6 1x
Description
A light and flavorful chicken gravy made with simple ingredients, perfect for adding moisture and taste to your meals without the extra calories.
Ingredients
2 cups low sodium chicken broth
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 small yellow onion, finely chopped
2 cloves garlic, minced
2 tablespoons whole wheat flour
1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper
1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
1/4 teaspoon salt
Instructions
Heat the olive oil in a medium saucepan over medium heat.
Add the finely chopped onion and cook, stirring occasionally, until translucent, about 5 minutes.
Add the minced garlic and cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
Sprinkle the whole wheat flour over the onions and garlic, stirring constantly to form a roux. Cook for 2 minutes to remove the raw flour taste.
Gradually whisk in the low sodium chicken broth, ensuring no lumps form.
Add the ground black pepper, dried thyme, and salt. Stir to combine.
Bring the mixture to a gentle boil, then reduce heat to low and simmer, stirring occasionally, until the gravy thickens, about 7-8 minutes.
Taste and adjust seasoning if necessary.
Remove from heat and serve warm over chicken or your favorite dishes.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
Kitchen Notes: You really don’t need anything fancy to make this gravy; a simple saucepan and a whisk will do the trick. When serving, I like to pour it warm over a grilled chicken breast with a side of steamed green beans—simple, but it feels special. If you want to change it up, you might try swapping the thyme for rosemary or a pinch of smoked paprika for a subtle twist. Sometimes I toss in a splash of white wine instead of part of the broth, but I haven’t tested how that changes the texture perfectly. And if you’re avoiding gluten, you could experiment with a different thickener, though it might not be quite the same.
FAQ
Can I make this gravy ahead of time? Yes, it keeps well in the fridge for a couple of days. Just reheat gently and add a bit of broth if it thickens too much.
Is it suitable for low-sodium diets? Using low sodium broth helps, but you can always adjust salt to taste or skip it if you prefer.
Can I use a different type of flour? Whole wheat flour gives a nice nutty flavor, but all-purpose flour works too if you’re in a pinch.
Give this low calorie chicken gravy a try next time you want a simple sauce that brings your meal together without the fuss. It’s easy, comforting, and just the right kind of cozy.