Chicken Gravy with No Drippings

No drippings? No problem! Learn how to make a mouthwatering homemade chicken gravy recipe without drippings for your favorite dishes.

Table of Contents

• Reasons to Love
• Ingredients
• Instructions
• Variations
• Tips
• Serving suggestions
• Storage
• FAQs
• Related Recipes

Gravy is a delicious add-on for many recipes because it enhances the overall flavor and texture of the dish. You can pour it over mashed potatoes, drizzle it on panko chicken breast, or use it as a base for casseroles.

Whether you're cooking a last-minute meal or don't have the time to prepare a whole chicken, a chicken gravy recipe without pan drippings is essential for cooks of all levels. It's a versatile accompaniment to various dishes that adds moisture and richness.

Ingredients

You'll need some simple and flavorful ingredients to make the gravy. As an alternative to drippings, you'll need chicken stock or broth and some fat like butter.

Here's what you'll need to make homemade gravy without drippings:

• butter
• flour
• poultry seasoning
• chicken broth
• salt and pepper

Scroll down to the recipe card for quantities used.

Instructions

Once you've gathered all the ingredients, grab a small pot or skillet and head to the stove. Then melt the butter over medium heat.

Hint: The mixture of flour and fat used to thicken the gravy is called a roux. When making gravy using a roux, ensure that you cook the flour in the melted butter thoroughly before adding liquids. This helps eliminate the raw flour taste, providing a rich and flavorful base for your gravy. Aim for a golden brown color in the roux, stirring continuously over medium heat, and be patient to achieve the desired depth of flavor.

Variations

There are countless ways to change the flavor profile of chicken gravy. Here are a few ideas you can try:

• Herbs and Spices - add aromatic herbs like thyme or rosemary along with seasonings such as garlic powder or onion powder.
• Vegetarian - use vegetable broth combined with a plant-based fat like olive oil to create savory vegetarian gravy.
• Vegetables - sauté a small amount of finely chopped onion, celery, or carrots in the butter before adding flour to infuse the gravy with flavor.
• Flavor enhancers - experiment with different flavor enhancers such as soy sauce, Worcestershire sauce, or even a splash of white wine for an added depth of flavor.
• Meat flavor - Use turkey broth for turkey gravy or beef broth for beef gravy.

These variations would all taste great over air fryer chicken legs when cooking a smaller size meal for just one or two people.

Tips

• Use low-sodium chicken broth and unsalted butter to control the saltiness in gravy from scratch.
• Add a small amount of honey or maple syrup to counterbalance any over-saltiness in your gravy.
• Continuously stir the flour into the melted butter to ensure it cooks evenly and doesn't form lumps.

Serving suggestions

Chicken gravy without drippings pairs perfectly with mashed potatoes, biscuits, or slow-cooker rice. Or, use it as a Thanksgiving gravy with a chicken and stuffing casserole or an air fryer turkey breast roast for a scaled-down holiday dinner. It can also be drizzled over roasted vegetables like carrots and broccoli for added flavor.

Don't let any go to waste! Use chicken gravy as a base for a chicken pot pie filling by adding shredded chicken and mixed vegetables. Alternatively, incorporate it into shepherd's pie or stir it into soups for an extra savory kick.

Storage

If you have any leftover gravy, you can keep it keep it fresh in the refrigerator or freezer. Allow it to cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container. It can be refrigerated for up to 4 days. For longer storage, freeze it in a freezer-safe container for up to 6 months.

FAQs

What thickening agent is best for gravy?

You can use either a roux or slurry as a thickening agent. A roux provides richness and flavor, while a slurry made from cornstarch or flour with cold water creates a smooth texture without added color.

What can I do if my gravy is too salty?

Add a small amount of honey or maple syrup to counterbalance any over-saltiness in your homemade gravy.

Is it okay to make ahead and reheat later?

Absolutely! Prepare the gravy ahead of time and reheat it gently on the stovetop or in the microwave before serving. You may need to add a little extra liquid if it thickens too much upon reheating.

Related Recipes

Do you love cozy chicken dishes? If so, here are a few more recipes you may want to try:

• Easy chicken bacon ranch casserole is always a winner at dinner.
• Olive Garden chicken gnocchi soup is easy to make at home.
• Chicken Divan is a classic casserole with a creamy base.
• Buffalo chicken pasta bake has the flavor of wings without the mess.
• Chicken corn chowder is perfect for warming up on a cold day.

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