This is the perfect Turkey Gravy Recipe with instructions to make it with or without drippings. You only need butter, flour, black pepper, chicken or turkey stock, and/or drippings. This is a great way to feed a lot of people on Thanksgiving!
Thanksgiving dinner isn’t complete without turkey gravy! I used to be very afraid to make gravy because, for some reason, it seemed too hard to do. I can tell you right now that this turkey gravy is one of the easiest Thanksgiving dinner recipes you’ll ever make. 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.
Chicken gravy and turkey – it may seem like an unusual pairing at first glance. After all, the classic turkey gravy made from the natural juices of the turkey itself is a timeless tradition for holiday meals and family gatherings. However, using high quality chicken gravy on your Thanksgiving or Christmas turkey can also be an excellent way to add incredible flavor. With the right preparations and seasonings, chicken gravy can complement the turkey beautifully.
An Overview on Chicken Gravy with Turkey
Chicken gravy has a savory, umami flavor that can bring out the best in turkey meat. The key is using a well-made gravy seasoned properly to match the flavors. As long as the consistency is smooth and the gravy is not too heavy or overpowering, it can be amazing with roasted, smoked or fried turkey.
So why substitute chicken gravy instead of making turkey gravy from the pan drippings? Here are some of the biggest benefits:
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It adds unique new flavors that are different from the usual Chicken gravy often contains garlic, herbs and spices for depth.
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You can make chicken gravy ahead of time for less stress on busy holidays. Turkey gravy has to be made fresh.
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Chicken gravy can more easily accommodate vegetarian/vegan guests or dietary restrictions.
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With homemade chicken gravy, you can play with fun additions like wine, mustard, roasted veggies and more.
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High quality canned or jarred chicken gravy can provide gourmet flavor for less cost than premium turkey gravy options.
Tips for Complementing Turkey with Chicken Gravy
Chicken gravy can work beautifully with turkey, but only if done right. Here are some top tips to ensure your gravy enhances the flavors perfectly:
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Use fresh, homemade gravy or quality canned/jarred gravy made with real chicken stock. Avoid powdered instants.
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Choose gravies with umami depth from ingredients like roasted garlic, mushrooms, onions and wine reductions.
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Increase sage, thyme, salt and pepper seasonings since you’re pairing a chicken gravy with a different protein.
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Whisk in turkey pan drippings to better match the flavor profile if possible.
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Make sure your turkey is well seasoned and brined, not bland. A flavorful turkey stands up better to rich gravy.
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Opt for a smoother, medium gravy consistency instead of an overly thick, heavy gravy.
Delicious Ways to Use Chicken Gravy on Turkey
To inspire you, here are some amazing recipe ideas for taking turkey dinners to the next level with chicken gravy:
Herb Roasted Turkey with Garlic Chicken Gravy
- Roast herb rubbed turkey
- Make garlic gravy with chicken stock, flour and pan drippings
- Finish with white wine, parsley and lemon
Cranberry Orange Turkey with Chicken & Vegetable Gravy
- Brine turkey in citrus, cranberries and brown sugar
- Simmer turkey neck for thick stock
- Cook aromatics like carrots, onions, celery and garlic
- Finish gravy with cranberry puree and orange zest
Turkey Pot Pie with Creamy Chicken & Mushroom Gravy
- Simmer turkey in stock with onions, carrots and peas
- Make roux then add chicken stock and cream
- Toss in sauteed mushrooms, thyme and sherry
- Top turkey mixture with gravy in pie crust
Leftover Turkey Sandwiches with Chicken Piccata Gravy
- Slice up leftover roasted turkey breast
- Make quick pan sauce gravy with chicken stock, lemon juice, capers
- Mix in turkey pan drippings for extra richness
- Pile turkey and gravy on crusty bread or rolls
As you can see, when done properly, chicken gravy can be an amazing alternative to traditional turkey gravy. Bring out the succulent flavors of the white and dark turkey meat with creamy, savory chicken gravy. Follow the tips in this article for gravy success at your next turkey dinner. Go beyond the expected and give this creative gravy combination a delicious try!
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. Keep whisking until the flour is fully mixed into the butter.
- Add the liquid. Slowly add your broth or drippings, making sure to whisk all the time to mix. Do not add more until the first amount has been absorbed. Continue until all of the liquid has been added.
- Cook the gravy. Let the gravy cook for a while so that it can get thicker. Serve right away or keep on low heat until you’re ready to serve.
To make this gravy thick and creamy, we make a roux using a fat (butter) and flour. This makes a thickening agent and is an important step in getting the gravy to the right consistency, just like it is in my Ultimate Loaded Baked Potato Soup. You need to keep whisking while you add the flour and the liquid very slowly so that the mixture can soak it up 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.
Turkey Gravy With or Without Drippings
This turkey gravy recipe can be made with or without drippings, which is one of the things I love about it. The “drippings” are the juices and bits that are left in the pan or roaster after the turkey or chicken is done cooking. With the meat slowly roasting, the fat that has melted, and any pieces that have fallen off while cooking, it gives it a great flavor. Makes my mouth water just thinking about it!.
If you’re using drippings, pour them into a fine mesh strainer and let them cool down a bit. The fat will rise to the top and start to solidify. Use a spoon to remove the fat. They make it easy for me to see how much I have and add it to the gravy while I whisk it. That’s why I strain them into a big glass measuring cup.
Store-bought chicken or turkey stock is what you’ll need to make this Turkey Gravy without the fat. Make sure you use a good stock, as it will have a direct effect on how the gravy tastes.
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. Let’s say you have 2 cups of turkey drippings. Just add 2 cups of chicken stock to make a total of 4 cups of drippings and stock.
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FAQ
Which gravy is best for turkey?
What’s the difference between turkey gravy and regular gravy?
Is poultry gravy the same as chicken gravy?
Can you use chicken instead of turkey?
What is the best turkey gravy?
The best turkey gravy starts with incredible stock, which you get by roasting turkey and veggies in your Traeger. Add the drippings from your roasted turkey and dinner is served. A kiss of pecan smoke flavor makes this simple cranberry sauce an aromatic and gorgeous addition to your Thanksgiving spread.
How do you make turkey gravy from chicken drippings?
1 to 2 cups pan drippings (from roasted turkey, chicken, or Cornish hens) 1 to 2 cups stock (low-sodium or unsalted turkey or chicken stock, or water) Gather the ingredients. Pour the turkey or chicken pan drippings into a 2-cup measuring cup or gravy separator and skim the fat off.
Can you use pan drippings to make turkey gravy?
To add tons of flavor to the gravy, I highly recommend using pan drippings from your turkey in addition to your stock. You’ll want to collect those drippings and pour them through a strainer to get the bits out. Then, allow the drippings to rest for a few minutes to allow the grease to move to the top.