The first time I made gravy - the 'proper way', many years ago - it rolled out of the pan like a pancake.
It's not much better now. :(
I like the Oxo with mint for lamb, and the Oxo with winter berries and shallots for beef. They come in individual sachets - just add boiling water. The beef one is excellent.
On very special occasions I buy the ready made fresh gravy from Sainsbury's or M&S.
Make sure you put enough granules in.... otherwise to thicken up with cornflour you must mix the cornflour with a bit of water first or youl get lumps which you cant break down.
i think the chicken gravy is supposed to be thinner. i think because generally beef is a more hefty, dense meat, they need a thicker gravy to penetrate the meat and give more of a flavour, whereas chicken is tender and breaks off, and does not require much chewing, the gravy can therefore be thinner and less overpowering.
If it`s not thick enough for you, try putting the granuals in the jug, then adding the water slowly. Stirring all the time. When it`s thick enough don`t add any more water, even if it`s less than what it says on the box. I never put what it says in the jug whichever granuals I use.