Jamie Oliver’s Chicken Gravy is a rich, flavorful sauce that elevates any roast chicken dish. What makes it stand out is its simplicity. It’s not overly complicated, yet the flavors it brings to the table are so deep and comforting. Jamie’s recipe focuses on getting the essence of roasted chicken drippings, adding a few classic ingredients and turning it into the perfect finishing touch for your meal.
What’s brilliant about this gravy is that it’s not just a sauce. it’s a way to bring out the natural flavors of the chicken itself. With a little attention to technique, you can create a gravy that tastes like it’s been simmering for hours. The result? A silky, rich and savory gravy that will transform your roast chicken into something extraordinary.
Jamie Oliver Chicken Gravy Recipe
Ingredients Needed
To make Jamie Oliver’s Chicken Gravy, you won’t need anything fancy. Here’s what you’ll need:
- Chicken Drippings – These are key. The fat and juices left from roasting your chicken are packed with flavor.
- Butter – Adds a creamy richness to the gravy.
- Plain Flour – This is your thickening agent. It will give the gravy that smooth, velvety texture.
- Stock – You’ll need either chicken stock or a good quality stock cube. Homemade stock is ideal but store-bought works in a pinch.
- White Wine – This isn’t mandatory but a splash can brighten up the flavors and add a touch of acidity.
- Garlic – A couple of cloves, minced. It’s a classic for that aromatic base.
- Thyme – Fresh thyme or dried if that’s what you have, adds herby depth.
- Salt and Pepper – Just to season everything and enhance the flavors.
That’s really it! The beauty of this gravy is that it relies on the natural goodness of the chicken and a few simple ingredients to create something so delicious.
Equipment Needed
You won’t need much in terms of equipment but here’s a quick list of what you should gather:
- Roasting Pan – If you’re cooking the chicken yourself, a roasting pan is essential for catching all those beautiful drippings.
- Saucepan – You’ll need this to make your gravy. A medium-sized one works best for simmering everything together.
- Whisk – To keep things smooth while you’re stirring.
- Strainer – If you’re using fresh stock or want a smoother consistency, a fine-mesh strainer can help.
- Chopping Board & Knife. For chopping your garlic and herbs.
That’s pretty much it. It’s all about using the right tools to bring out the flavors in a simple way.
How To Make Jamie Oliver’s Chicken Gravy
Now, let’s get into the method. Here’s how you’ll make it, step by step:
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Start with the Chicken Drippings
After you’ve roasted your chicken, remove it from the pan. Keep the drippings that have gathered in the bottom. These are liquid gold for your gravy!
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Sauté the Garlic
In your saucepan, melt a bit of butter over medium heat. Add in the minced garlic and cook it gently for about a minute, just until it’s fragrant. Be careful not to burn it. it should just soften and release its aroma.
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Make a Roux
Next, sprinkle in the flour, stirring constantly to make a paste. This is called a roux and it’s going to thicken your gravy. Keep stirring for a minute or two to cook out the floury taste.
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Add the Stock
Now, pour in your stock slowly, whisking as you go. The stock should gradually combine with the roux to create a smooth sauce.
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Incorporate the Drippings
Pour in your chicken drippings. You want to get as much of that chicken goodness in as possible. Keep whisking and letting everything come together.
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Season and Simmer
Add a pinch of salt, some freshly cracked black pepper and thyme. You can also add a splash of white wine here if you like. Bring the gravy to a gentle simmer for 10 minutes, stirring occasionally. This helps all the flavors marry together.
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Final Touches
Taste it and adjust the seasoning if needed. If you want a smoother texture, you can strain the gravy through a fine mesh sieve before serving.
And that’s it! You’ve got yourself a lovely, homemade chicken gravy that will bring your roast to life.
What I Learnt
Making Jamie Oliver’s Chicken Gravy taught me a lot about the power of simplicity in cooking. It’s amazing how just a handful of basic ingredients-like butter, flour and chicken drippings-can come together to create something so flavorful. I realized how crucial it is to work with the drippings from the chicken; they’re the base of the flavor and without them, the gravy wouldn’t be nearly as rich.
I also learned that patience is key. Taking your time to let the gravy simmer and allowing the flavors to meld is where the magic happens. If you rush, you miss out on the depth of flavor.
Recipe Tweaks For Jamie Oliver’s Chicken Gravy
Jamie Oliver’s chicken gravy recipe is already rich, savory and full of flavor but there are definitely ways to make it even more personalized. First, you can experiment with the type of stock you use. While chicken stock is traditional, adding a splash of white wine to the stock before simmering can give the gravy a more complex depth. For an even richer flavor, try using a combination of chicken and vegetable stock.
If you’re craving a bit of extra punch, a tablespoon of Dijon mustard adds a subtle heat that balances out the richness of the chicken fat. Fresh herbs like thyme or rosemary also bring an earthy dimension to the gravy. Another great twist is to stir in a spoonful of cream toward the end of cooking. This makes the gravy extra velvety and indulgent.
For those who like a deeper, roasted flavor, consider browning the chicken bits and vegetables longer before adding your stock. This caramelization will develop a more intense umami flavor, creating a gravy that’s packed with layers of taste.
Finally, if you’re after a slightly different texture, you could swap out flour for cornstarch. This will make for a smoother, gluten-free gravy. But be careful with the quantities, since cornstarch thickens more quickly than flour.
Storage Tips For Leftovers
Chicken gravy leftovers? Yes, please. You can store Jamie Oliver’s gravy in an airtight container for up to 3 days in the fridge. If you’re planning to keep it for a bit longer, freezing is a good option too. Gravy freezes well but it’s important to cool it completely before transferring to a freezer-safe container. When you’re ready to use it again, let it thaw in the fridge overnight, then reheat gently on the stove. Be sure to stir occasionally as some separation may occur once it’s been frozen.
If you’re concerned about separation, give the gravy a quick stir while reheating or even add a little extra stock to bring it back to life. This is especially important if you added cream as cream-based gravies sometimes split when frozen.
If you’re freezing it in portions, consider freezing it in ice cube trays. This way, you can thaw small amounts as needed, preventing any waste.
What To Eat With Jamie Oliver’s Chicken Gravy?
Jamie Oliver’s chicken gravy isn’t just a sidekick; it can elevate nearly any meal. Of course, the classic pairing is with roasted or grilled chicken but it goes beyond that.
For a comforting, hearty meal, pour the gravy over mashed potatoes or even crispy roast potatoes. The creamy texture of the potatoes mixed with the rich, savory gravy is an unbeatable combo. Alternatively, use it as a topping for a baked chicken pie or a pot pie. The gravy will soak into the pastry, making every bite as satisfying as the last.
Vegetarians can get in on the gravy action, too. A drizzle of chicken gravy over a veggie Wellington or roasted root vegetables adds an extra layer of flavor that turns simple dishes into something special.
Another surprising yet delightful option is to serve it alongside a well-made stuffing. The savory richness of the gravy complements the herbs and spices in stuffing, making each forkful more indulgent.
And let’s not forget the classic British bangers and mash. Pouring Jamie Oliver’s chicken gravy over sausages and mashed potatoes is a pub food classic that’s impossible to resist.
FAQs
What Ingredients Do I Need For Jamie Oliver’s Chicken Gravy?
You’ll need chicken stock, flour, butter, chicken drippings, and seasoning like salt and pepper. Simple but full of flavor!
Can I Make Jamie Oliver’s Chicken Gravy Ahead Of Time?
Yes! You can make it in advance, just store it in the fridge and reheat it before serving.
Is Jamie Oliver’s Chicken Gravy Gluten-free?
No, the recipe uses regular flour, but you can swap it for a gluten-free flour blend to make it suitable.
