- 4 tbsp butter or pan drippings from roasted chicken
- 4 tbsp all-purpose flour
- 2 cups chicken stock warmed (not cold)
- 1/4 cup milk or cream optional, for a silkier finish
- 1/2 tsp salt plus more to taste
- 1/4 tsp black pepper freshly ground
- 1 sprig fresh thyme or 1/4 tsp dried
- 1 tsp soy sauce or Worcestershire the quiet flavor booster — more on this below