How to make Gravy from Drippings

The dripping gravy in a gravy boat with a wooden spoon.

How to make Gravy from Drippings

No Thanksgiving or Christmas dinner is complete without some homemade gravy! Learn how to make gravy from drippings, for an easy way to add a rich flavor to everyone's plate.

Course Condiment

Cuisine American

Keyword gravy with turkey drippings, Thanksgiving gravy recipe, traditional gravy recipe

Prep Time 2

Cook Time 20

Total Time 22

Servings servings

Calories 160kcal

Author Tanya

Ingredients

Pan drippings from roasted chicken/turkey about 2 Tablespoons of liquid and bits in the pan
2 Tablespoons unsalted butter
¼ cup all-purpose flour
2-3 cups unsalted or low-sodium chicken broth
Salt and pepper to taste
Fresh herbs and dried bay leaves optional

Instructions

After roasting your chicken or turkey, remove the meat from the roasting pan or baking dish and set aside. Place the roasting pan on the stove over medium heat and add butter.
Melt the butter and use a wooden spoon or whisk to melt the butter and lift some of the drippings.
Sprinkle flour in the roasting pan and stir until the flour is incorporated. Continue stirring for about 1-2 minutes.
Slowly stir in the broth and continue stirring. Allow the broth to come to a simmer and simmer for about 15-20 minutes. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Remove from the stove and strain the gravy through a fine mesh strainer for a smooth gravy.

Notes

I’ll occasionally add fresh or dried herbs to the gravy, such as rosemary, basil leaves, and thyme. If adding herbs, add them once your gravy begins to simmer. Make sure to drain the gravy when it’s done cooking.
Your gravy may be a little salty depending on the broth you use. Add a squeeze of lemon juice to fix a salty gravy.
Add only 2 cups of broth for a thicker gravy and 3 cups for thinner gravy.
This recipe is based on 2 Tablespoons of drippings, which is the amount common for 5 lb chickens. If you happen to have more drippings, add more flour and liquid to accommodate the increase. For example, if you end up with 6 Tablespoons of drippings, add 6 Tablespoons of flour and 3-4 cups of broth.
If you want to keep your gravy gluten-free, you can thicken it with cornstarch instead of flour. To thicken the gravy with cornstarch, you'll omit the flour and stir the broth into the melted butter and drippings over medium heat. Allow the broth to simmer for about 5-10 minutes. In a separate bowl, create a slurry by whisking together 2 Tablespoons cornstarch and ¼ cup water. Pour the slurry into the simmering liquid while whisking to combine. Allow it to simmer for an additional 1-2 minutes before removing from heat.

Nutrition