Chicken Gravy for Hawaiian Haystacks

I love this gravy recipe from mom for Hawaiian Haystacks!
-Ash

1 quart chicken broth (no salt) I haven't seen a broth (I use better than bouillon) without salt. I have seen low sodium.
1/4 cup butter
5 Tbsp flour
1/8 tsp garlic powder
1/4 tsp dried thyme
1 tsp salt
4 oz cream cheese

Melt butter in large skillet over medium high heat. Add flour, salt, garlic powder, and thyme. Whisk until flour is lightly browned. Pour in the stock and whisk until thickened. A general rule of thumb is that when the gravy comes to a boil it has thickened as much as it's going to. Reduce heat to low. Add the cream cheese and let soften still whisking the gravy. When cream cheese is fully melted, whisk more vigorously to combine well. Serve hot.

Hawaiian haystacks:

Cooked rice
shredded cheese
chicken (we put right into the gravy)
peas
almonds
Chinese noodles
pineapple
coconut
cut up celery
tomatoes
avocado
green onions
pine nuts
Your welcome to add any other ideas.