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 and gravy go hand-in-hand for many people around the holiday season. The juicy, savory turkey meat just seems to cry out for a good gravy to complement it. But does the gravy necessarily have to be made from the turkey? What if you want to mix things up and use a chicken gravy instead? Let’s take a look at whether substituting chicken gravy can work for your turkey, and how to make it a successful pairing.
An Overview on Using Chicken Gravy on Turkey
At first glance chicken gravy may seem like an odd choice to pair with turkey. After all turkey gravy made from the natural juices of the turkey itself is a classic pairing that can’t be beat in terms of complementing flavor. However, using a high quality chicken gravy in place of turkey gravy can also be an excellent way to enhance the taste of the turkey meat. The savory, umami flavors of chicken gravy can bring out the natural deliciousness of the turkey. As long as the gravy is well-made and seasoned properly, chicken gravy can be a great alternative for turkey dinners.
The Benefits of Trying Chicken Gravy on Turkey
So why would you want to venture away from the traditional turkey gravy in the first place? Here are some of the biggest benefits of using chicken gravy on your holiday turkey:
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It adds unique new flavors. Chicken gravy often has a slightly different flavor profile than turkey gravy, with additions like garlic, herbs, and spices. This can give your turkey an exciting new twist for guests.
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You can make it ahead of time. Chicken gravy can be made in advance, which takes some of the pressure off on a hectic holiday when you’re juggling lots of dishes. Turkey gravy usually has to be made fresh.
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It can accommodate dietary restrictions For vegetarian or vegan guests, you can make chicken gravy without meat drippings or use a plant-based substitute Turkey gravy is difficult to replicate.
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You can get creative with flavors. With homemade chicken gravy you can play around with ingredients like roasted veggies white wine, mustard, and more to complement your turkey.
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It may be more cost-effective. Quality canned or jarred chicken gravy can provide delicious flavor for a lower cost than some gourmet turkey gravy options.
Tips for Making Chicken Gravy Work with Turkey
Chicken gravy on turkey can be amazing, but only if done properly. Here are some top tips to ensure your gravy enhances the flavors:
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Make it fresh and from scratch – Opt for homemade or high-quality canned gravy made with real ingredients like chicken stock, flour, herbs and spices. Powdered gravy mix won’t cut it.
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Use gravy with depth of flavor – Look for chicken gravy options with umami flavors like roasted garlic, mushroom, caramelized onion, or wine reductions. They’ll pair beautifully with turkey.
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Amp up the seasonings – Since you’re pairing a chicken gravy with a different protein, add extra seasoning like sage, thyme, salt and pepper to make the flavors really sing.
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Use pan drippings if possible – For extra Turkey-centric flavor, try whisking the pan drippings from your turkey into your chicken gravy for a more cohesive flavor profile.
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Make sure your turkey is well-seasoned – A bland turkey will clash with flavorful gravy. Be generous with turkey seasoning and brines.
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Consider lighter gravies – Thick, heavy chicken gravy may overpower the turkey. Opt for a nice smooth gravy consistency that compliments without overtaking.
Delicious Recipe Ideas for Chicken Gravy with Turkey
To give you some inspiration for incorporating chicken gravy into your turkey dinner, here are a few recipe ideas you can try:
Herb-Roasted Turkey with Garlic Chicken Gravy
- Roast turkey seasoned with rosemary, sage and thyme
- Deglaze the pan with white wine
- Whisk in chicken broth, garlic, and flour to make a gravy
- Finish with parsley and lemon juice for brightness
Cranberry-Orange Turkey with Chicken and Vegetable Gravy
- Brine turkey overnight in citrus juices, brown sugar, and cranberries
- Simmer turkey neck and giblets into stock
- Cook aromatics like onion, carrot, celery, garlic
- Finish gravy with pureed cranberries and orange zest
Turkey Pot Pie with Creamy Chicken and Mushroom Gravy
- Simmer turkey meat with stock, onions, carrots, peas
- Make a roux with butter and flour, then whisk in chicken stock
- Add sauteed mushrooms, sherry, thyme and cream
- Pour gravy over turkey and veggies in a pie crust
Thanksgiving Leftover Turkey Sandwiches with Chicken Piccata Gravy
- Slice up leftover roasted turkey breast
- Make quick pan sauce with chicken stock, lemon juice, capers
- Toss with turkey drippings for extra flavor
- Pile turkey and gravy on crusty rolls for amazing sandwiches
As you can see, chicken gravy can truly elevate leftover turkey dishes like sandwiches, pot pies, and more. With the right preparations and seasonings, chicken gravy can be a delicious alternative to traditional turkey gravy, adding a whole new spin to your holiday meals. This year, think outside the box and give chicken gravy on turkey a try for your next celebration! Just follow the tips above for gravy success.
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.
How to Make Gravy From Drippings | EASIEST METHOD EVER!
FAQ
What’s the difference between turkey gravy and regular gravy?
Can you combine chicken and turkey?
Is turkey gravy good with chicken?