If you don't already have cooked chicken, start by cooking 2 cups of shredded or diced chicken. You can use leftover roasted chicken, rotisserie chicken, or cook fresh chicken breasts or thighs. Season the chicken with salt, pepper, onion powder and cook until fully done. Set aside.
In a medium-sized saucepan, melt 4 tablespoons of unsalted butter over medium heat. Once melted, add 1/4 cup of all-purpose flour. Stir continuously to create a smooth paste, known as the roux. Cook the roux for 2-3 minutes, but be careful not to let it brown too much.
Gradually whisk in 2 cups of chicken broth and 1 cup of whole milk. Continue whisking to ensure there are no lumps. This will form the base of your gravy.
Season the mixture with dried parsley, thyme, tarragon, salt and pepper to taste. Remember that the chicken broth may already have some salt, so taste as you go. Allow the mixture to come to a gentle simmer.
Reduce the heat to low and let the mixture simmer. Stir occasionally as the gravy thickens. This should take about 5-7 minutes. If you prefer a thicker consistency, you can let it simmer a bit longer.
Once the gravy has reached your desired consistency, add the cooked chicken to the saucepan. Stir well to combine, allowing the chicken to heat through in the warm, savory gravy.
Taste the gravy and adjust the seasoning if necessary. If you like a bit of heat, you can also add a pinch of cayenne pepper or a dash of hot sauce at this stage.
Your homemade chicken gravy is ready to be served! Spoon it over biscuits, mashed potatoes, or your favorite side dish. The rich, comforting flavors are sure to be a hit.