Name: Low Sodium Chicken Gravy
Prep time: 5 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 15 min
Ingredients: 2 tbsp unsalted butter (or chicken fat from drippings); 4 tsp all-purpose flour; 1 cup low sodium chicken broth (or stock); 1 tsp onion powder; 0.5 tsp garlic powder; 0.5 tsp black pepper; 1 tsp fresh herbs (thyme or sage, optional)

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Are you looking for a delicious homemade gravy without all the salt? This low sodium chicken gravy recipe lets you enjoy rich, comforting flavor without all the salt. With the right seasonings, you can make a heart-healthy gravy that’s perfect for any meal. For more low-sodium comfort food, try this low-salt chicken gravy with your favorite dishes!

I developed this recipe after my dad was put on a low-sodium diet, and I was determined to make sure he could still enjoy his favorite Sunday roast chicken dinner. After several test batches and tweaks, this healthy gravy alternative became a family favorite that everyone enjoys, regardless of dietary restrictions. If you need a gravy for restricted diets, this one is sure to hit the spot!

With just a few simple ingredients and about 10 minutes of your time, you can create a smooth, savory gravy that pairs beautifully with chicken, turkey, or mashed potatoes. The best part? You guys, this is so easy to make!

What You'll Love About This Recipe

Quick and simple - Ready in under 15 minutes with basic pantry ingredients
Heart-healthy option - Significantly lower in sodium than store-bought or traditional gravy recipes
Versatile flavor - Works with multiple meals and can be customized to your taste preferences

Recipe Ingredients

Everything you need for this low sodium chicken gravy is probably already in your pantry! Here's what you'll gather:

Unsalted butter or chicken fat
All-purpose flour
Low sodium chicken broth
Onion powder
Garlic powder
Black pepper
Fresh herbs (optional)

See recipe card below for a full list of ingredients and measurements.

Ingredient Notes

Low sodium chicken broth is the foundation of this recipe - look for varieties with less than 140mg sodium per serving, or make your own at home for complete control over the salt content.
Unsalted butter is essential - regular salted butter can add unwanted sodium. If you have chicken drippings available, using the fat skimmed from them adds incredible flavor.
Fresh herbs aren't required but can elevate the flavor profile tremendously. Thyme, sage, or rosemary all work beautifully in this gravy.

How to Make Low Sodium Chicken Gravy Recipe

For the complete recipe with exact measurements, scroll down to the printable recipe card. Here's a quick overview of the process:

Create your roux - Melt butter in a saucepan over medium heat, then whisk in flour until smooth and slightly golden.
Add liquid gradually - Pour in the low sodium chicken broth slowly while whisking constantly to prevent lumps.

step 1: In a medium saucepan, heat the butter (or cooking fat) over medium meat

step 2: Sprinkle in the flour, and mix well. This makes a roux, which will thicken the gravy

Season the gravy - Add onion powder, garlic powder, and black pepper.

step 3: Add in the drippings_cooking liquid_or stock_broth, and whisk together well

step 4: Add in the garlic powder, onion powder, and black pepper. Whisk well to combine

Simmer until thickened - Cook for 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the gravy reaches your desired consistency.
Finish with herbs - If using, stir in fresh herbs just before serving for maximum flavor.

step 5: Transfer to a gravy boat, and ladle over turkey, chicken

Serve immediately - Pour over your favorite dishes while hot.

Pro Tips

It's so simple, even a beginner can nail it, but these tips will help you achieve gravy perfection every time!

Cook your roux until it smells slightly nutty for deeper flavor without adding sodium.
Use a whisk, not a spoon when adding broth to your roux to prevent lumps from forming.
If your gravy is too thick, add more broth a tablespoon at a time. If it's too thin, mix a teaspoon of flour with a tablespoon of cold water and whisk it in.
Taste before serving - when cooking low sodium dishes, other flavors need to be well-balanced to compensate.

Storage and Reheating

Refrigerator storage: Keep leftover gravy in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
Freezer option: This low sodium chicken gravy freezes well for up to 3 months. Store in small portions for easy reheating.
Reheating method: Warm gently on the stovetop over medium-low heat, whisking occasionally. You may need to add a splash of broth to thin it back to the desired consistency. learn more about proper storage for preserving low-sodium dishes.

Additions & Substitutions

Additions:

Add a splash of low sodium soy sauce for umami depth without much sodium
Incorporate 1-2 tablespoons of nutritional yeast for a savory, cheese-like flavor
Stir in a teaspoon of Dijon mustard for tanginess and complexity
Mix in sautéed mushrooms for a heartier gravy with earthy notes

Substitutions:

Replace all-purpose flour with cornstarch (1 tablespoon) for a gluten-free option
Substitute olive oil for butter if you prefer a dairy-free version
Use low sodium vegetable broth instead of chicken broth for a vegetarian variation
Swap dried herbs for fresh at a ratio of 1:3 (1 teaspoon dried equals 3 teaspoons fresh)

FAQs About This Low Sodium Chicken Gravy

How much sodium is in this gravy compared to regular gravy?

This recipe contains approximately 25-50mg of sodium per ¼ cup serving, compared to 200-300mg in regular homemade gravy and up to 500mg in packet mixes.

Can I make this gravy ahead of time?

Yes! Make it up to 3 days ahead and store in the refrigerator. Reheat gently on the stovetop, adding a bit of broth if needed to reach desired consistency.

Why is my gravy lumpy?

Lumps usually form when flour is added too quickly to hot liquid. To fix lumpy gravy, blend it with an immersion blender or strain through a fine mesh sieve.

What Can I Serve With Low Sodium Chicken Gravy?

This versatile low sodium chicken gravy recipe pairs beautifully with so many dishes! Try it over roast chicken, turkey, mashed potatoes, rice, or even as a sauce for open-faced sandwiches. It's particularly delicious with my Low Sodium Herb Roasted Chicken or Simple Mashed Potatoes (recipes also on the blog).

If you give this recipe a try, I'd love to hear what you think! Drop a comment below or tag me in your creations on social media. Your feedback helps me create more recipes that you'll love!

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