Description
This classic turkey gravy recipe uses rich turkey pan drippings combined with butter, flour, and chicken broth to create a smooth, flavorful gravy perfect for enhancing roasted turkey and holiday meals. The gravy is cooked on the stovetop and thickened to a silky consistency with a quick simmer and constant whisking.
Ingredients
Gravy Ingredients
- ½ cup turkey pan drippings
- 2 Tbsp butter
- ¼ cup all-purpose flour
- 1 ½ cups chicken broth
- pinch freshly cracked black pepper
Instructions
- Pour: Collect the drippings from the turkey and strain them through a fine mesh strainer into a liquid measuring cup. You will need about ½ cup of pan drippings; if you have less, supplement with chicken broth to total 2 cups.
- Rest: Discard solids in the strainer and let the drippings sit for 3-5 minutes until the fat rises to the top.
- Spoon off Fat: Carefully spoon off about 3 tablespoons of fat from the drippings. If you don’t have enough fat, add butter to make up the difference.
- Whisk: In a medium saucepan over medium heat, melt the turkey fat and butter together. Stir in the flour and whisk continuously until the mixture is golden brown, about 1 ½ to 2 minutes.
- Mix: Slowly pour in the strained pan drippings and chicken broth, whisking constantly to avoid lumps and allow the mixture to thicken.
- Simmer: Bring the gravy to a gentle boil, then reduce heat to medium-low and simmer for 5 minutes, whisking often. Taste and season with salt or freshly cracked black pepper as needed. Remove from heat and serve. The gravy will thicken further as it cools.
Notes
- If you have less pan drippings, supplement with chicken broth to make a total of 2 cups liquid.
- Spoon off the fat slowly to avoid losing flavorful juices underneath.
- Constant whisking prevents lumps and helps achieve a smooth consistency.
- Gravy will thicken as it cools, so serve promptly or reheat gently if it becomes too thick.
- Adjust seasoning at the end as pan drippings can vary in saltiness.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 8 minutes
- Category: Sauce
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
