This is the perfect Turkey Gravy Recipe with instructions to make it with or without drippings. All you need is butter, flour, black pepper, chicken or turkey stock, and/or drippings! It is perfect for feeding a crowd on Thanksgiving.
When it comes to Thanksgiving, dinner would not be complete without the turkey gravy! Years ago I used to be extremely intimidated of making gravy because for whatever reason, it seemed too complicated to make. I’m here to tell you that this homemade turkey gravy is one of the easiest recipes you’ll make for Thanksgiving dinner. Of course, Thanksgiving isn’t the only time when this turkey gravy will come in handy. You can use this any time of year. I tend to use it any time I am making my favorite roast chicken.
Part of what makes this the perfect turkey gravy recipe is how simple the ingredients are. For the measurement of each ingredient, scroll to the recipe card at the bottom of the post.
Turkey is a staple for many holiday meals and family gatherings. When roasted, keeping the turkey moist and flavorful can be a challenge. This is where chicken broth comes in handy! Using chicken broth when cooking turkey is an easy way to help ensure a juicy, delicious end result. In this article, we’ll explore the benefits of using chicken broth for turkey and provide some tips and recipe ideas.
Why Use Chicken Broth?
There are a few key reasons why chicken broth can be useful when cooking turkey
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Moisture – Chicken broth helps keep turkey meat moist and tender during roasting by providing extra liquid that bastes the meat from the inside out. The natural collagen in chicken broth gelatinizes during cooking resulting in succulent turkey.
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Flavor – Chicken broth infuses the turkey with savory flavor as it cooks. The broth seasons the meat in a more dynamic way compared to a dry brine or rub.
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Aroma – Chicken broth contributes appetizing aromas that get absorbed into the turkey meat. This adds another layer of flavor.
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Gravy – Turkey broth and drippings create the base for homemade gravy. Adding extra chicken broth bolsters the volume and enhances the flavor.
So in short, chicken broth brings both moisture and big, bold flavor to your holiday turkey. It’s an easy way to help ensure a roast that is juicy, fragrant, and delicious.
How to Use Chicken Broth for Turkey
There are a couple effective methods for using chicken broth when cooking turkey:
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Brining – Soaking the raw turkey in a saltwater brine with chicken broth mixed in. The broth infuses flavor and helps retain moisture. Brine for 12-24 hours before roasting.
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Roasting – Pouring chicken broth over or inside the turkey before roasting. Baste with the broth during roasting to continually moisturize.
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Gravy – Using chicken broth as part of the liquid when making gravy with the turkey drippings after roasting. Boosts flavor and volume.
For best results, combine brining and broth-roasting techniques. Brining provides a flavorful start, while broth-roasting ensures succulence during the cooking process.
Chicken Broth Turkey Recipes
Here are 3 delicious recipes that leverage chicken broth’s moisturizing powers for turkey:
1. Perfect Brined Turkey with Chicken Broth Gravy
- Brine turkey in saltwater and chicken broth overnight
- Roast turkey basted with broth
- Make gravy with pan drippings and extra chicken broth
2. Moist Roast Turkey Breast with Chicken Broth
- Roast bone-in turkey breast atop a bed of chopped vegetables
- Baste frequently with chicken broth during roasting
- Broth-roasted veggies make a flavorful side dish
3. Herb-Roasted Turkey with Lemon Chicken Broth Gravy
- Dry brine turkey with herbs, then roast
- Make gravy using turkey drippings, lemon juice, chicken broth
- Vibrant, zesty flavor
With some simple planning, chicken broth can transform your holiday turkey into a mouthwatering masterpiece. Give one of these moist and flavorful chicken broth turkey recipes a try this year!
Turkey Broth vs Chicken Broth
While chicken broth works great, you may be wondering whether turkey broth is better for cooking turkey. Here’s a quick comparison:
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Turkey broth – Made from turkey bones and parts like wings, necks, etc. More pronounced “turkey” flavor.
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Chicken broth – Made from chicken bones and meat. Milder flavor lets other seasonings shine. Provides collagen for moisture.
Either turkey or chicken broth will infuse flavorful moisture into the turkey meat. Turkey broth offers a more precise flavor match, but chicken broth lets other herb/spice flavors come through. Use whichever broth you have on hand or prefer the flavor of.
Tips for Moist Turkey with Chicken Broth
Here are some handy tips to ensure chicken broth keeps your holiday turkey nice and moist:
- Brine the raw turkey in broth-infused saltwater for at least 12 hours
- Pat dry before roasting to allow the skin to crisp up
- Elevate turkey on a roasting rack so broth contacts all surfaces
- Baste frequently with chicken broth during roasting
- Roast to an internal temperature of 165°F, then tent to rest juiciness in
- Use broth to make a flavorful gravy with the pan drippings
With some simple techniques, chicken broth helps take your turkey to the next level. Enjoy the convenience of broth from the grocery store, or make your own for maximum flavor. Have a delicious holiday meal!
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use chicken broth instead of turkey broth for roasting turkey?
Yes, chicken broth works very well! It provides moisture and flavor. Turkey broth offers more precise turkey flavor, but chicken broth is more convenient. Use whichever you have on hand.
How much chicken broth should I use?
For brining, use 1-2 cups broth per gallon of water. For roasting, use around 3 cups total. Pour some in the cavity and pan, reserve the rest for basting. For gravy, use 1-2 cups along with drippings.
Should I brine and roast with chicken broth?
Yes, for best results brine the turkey in broth-infused saltwater first. Pat dry, then roast with broth for continual basting moisture and flavor. The combination ensures juicy, flavorful meat.
Can I use chicken broth instead of oil to roast my turkey?
Yes, chicken broth can replace oil for basting during roasting. The broth keeps the turkey moist and adds flavor, unlike plain oil. Use low-sodium broth and pat the skin dry first for crispiness.
Is it ok to use chicken broth if my turkey recipe calls for turkey broth?
Absolutely. Chicken broth can safely replace turkey broth in any recipe. The flavors are slightly different, but chicken broth provides the same moisturizing effects during cooking. Use whichever broth you prefer the taste of.
Chicken broth is a handy kitchen staple that can make your holiday turkey extra moist, flavorful, and delicious. With some simple brining and roasting techniques, enjoy a succulent bird that your family will rave about. Give chicken broth turkey a try this year!
Turkey Gravy With or Without Drippings
This homemade turkey gravy recipe can be made with or without drippings, which is one of the reasons I love it. The “drippings” refer to the liquid and any pieces that are left in the pan or roaster after the chicken or turkey has been cooked. It is filled with delicious flavor from the combination of the meat slowly roasting, fat that has melted, and any pieces that have fallen off while cooking. Makes my mouth water just thinking about it!
If you are using drippings, pour the drippings into a fine mesh strainer then allow the drippings to cool a bit so that the fat rises to the top and starts to solidify. Use a spoon to remove the fat. I like to strain them into a large glass measuring cup so I can see how much I have and easily pour it into the gravy while whisking when that time comes.
If you are making this Turkey Gravy without drippings, you’ll need chicken or turkey stock from the grocery store. Make sure you are using a good quality stock because it will directly impact the flavor of the gravy.
If you have drippings from the turkey but not enough to equal four cups, no worries. You can always make up for what you don’t have by adding in store-bought stock. For example, if you have 2 cups of drippings from your turkey, just add in 2 cups of chicken stock so that you have 4 cups of drippings/stock total.
How to Make Turkey Gravy
Here is a brief overview of how to make homemade turkey gravy. The method is so simple and will take only about 10 minutes from start to finish. For the full recipe including all measurements, see the recipe card at the bottom of the post.
- Melt your butter. In a saucepan over low heat, melt the butter. Then stir in the black pepper.
- Make a roux. Slowly add the flour, whisking to combine. Continue whisking until the flour is well incorporated into the butter.
- Add the liquid. Slowly add your drippings or broth, be sure to whisk constantly to combine. Wait to add more until what you’ve added has been absorbed. Continue until all of the liquid has been added.
- Cook the gravy. Allow the gravy to cook for several minutes so that it can thicken. Serve immediately or keep on low heat until ready to serve.
To make this gravy thick and creamy, we make a roux using a fat (butter) and flour. Like in my Ultimate Loaded Baked Potato Soup, this creates a thickening agent and is an important step in achieving the ideal consistency of the gravy. It is important to continue whisking when adding the flour and to add the liquid very slowly, allowing it to be absorbed by the mixture before adding more. This process only takes a minute or two, but you do not want to rush it. Do this until all of your drippings or broth has been added. This recipe comes together quickly but isn’t one you want to walk away from until it is done.