Jamie Oliver’s Chicken Wing Gravy is a rich, savory sauce made by roasting chicken wings until they’re golden and crispy, then using the flavorful drippings to create a delicious, deep gravy. It’s all about layering flavors-roasting the wings caramelizes them and using those roasted bits for the base of the gravy brings out that umami depth. It’s the kind of sauce you’ll want to pour over everything, from mashed potatoes to roasted vegetables and of course, more chicken. The beauty of this gravy lies in its simplicity and the power of the ingredients coming together.
Jamie Oliver Chicken Wing Gravy Recipe
Ingredients Needed
- Chicken Wings: The stars of the dish. They give the gravy its rich flavor and body.
- Onion: A few onions add sweetness and depth.
- Garlic: A few cloves for a little punch and warmth.
- Carrots: For natural sweetness and a touch of earthiness.
- Celery: Adds that aromatic freshness to balance the richness.
- Herbs: Fresh rosemary and thyme are perfect here-timeless herbs that pair beautifully with chicken.
- Flour: To help thicken the gravy and give it that luxurious texture.
- Stock: Chicken stock, ideally homemade but store-bought works too.
- Butter or Oil: To sauté the veggies and create the base for the gravy.
- Salt and Pepper: Simple seasonings to elevate all the flavors.
Equipment Needed
- Roasting Tray: To cook the chicken wings and vegetables and capture all those flavorful juices.
- Frying Pan or Saucepan: For cooking the flour, veggies and making the gravy.
- Strainer: If you want a smooth gravy, this will help remove any bits and pieces.
- Tongs or a Spoon: To toss the wings and vegetables during roasting.
- Whisk: For smooth, lump-free gravy when you add the stock to the flour.
How To Make Jamie Oliver’s Chicken Wing Gravy
- Roast the Wings: Start by tossing your chicken wings with a little oil, salt and pepper, then spread them out on a roasting tray. Add the onion, garlic, carrots and celery around the wings. Roast everything together in a hot oven until the wings are golden brown and crispy. This process takes about 30-40 minutes and it’s essential for developing the deep, rich flavor that makes this gravy stand out.
- Create the Gravy Base: Once everything is roasted, remove the wings and veggies from the tray. Transfer the wings to a separate dish to rest and pour the pan drippings into a saucepan. In the same pan, add a bit of butter or oil, then sprinkle in the flour. Stir it constantly to create a roux. This step is what helps thicken your gravy.
- Add the Stock: Once your roux is golden and smooth, slowly whisk in the chicken stock. Keep stirring to avoid lumps. Bring it to a simmer and let it thicken, then season to taste with salt and pepper.
- Finishing Touches: Now, pour in any juices that have gathered from the resting wings. You can also remove some of the skin from the wings and shred the meat off the bone, then stir it into the gravy for extra richness.
- Serve: Strain the gravy if you want a smooth texture or leave it chunky for a bit more rustic feel. Spoon over your roasted chicken wings, mashed potatoes or whatever you’re serving it with.
What I Learnt
What makes this recipe so genius is how Jamie elevates a simple dish with attention to detail. The roasting process does a lot of the work, creating a deep flavor that you just can’t get from stovetop cooking alone. Using chicken wings instead of just bones or stock adds that meaty goodness and the combination of veggies and herbs balances everything out perfectly.
The other thing I learned is how well this gravy can be adapted. If you’re out of celery, you could sub in leeks or if you want it even richer, a splash of cream wouldn’t hurt. I also didn’t realize how much flavor you can extract from roasting vegetables with meat-definitely an approach I’ll be using for other gravies and sauces in the future.
Recipe Tweaks For Jamie Oliver’s Chicken Wing Gravy
Jamie Oliver’s chicken wing gravy is a flavor bomb but if you’re looking to switch things up, there are plenty of fun ways to put your spin on it. One simple tweak? Add a little spice. Try tossing in a pinch of cayenne pepper or a few dashes of hot sauce to give the gravy some heat. If you’re more into herbs, rosemary and thyme can really deepen the flavor, making it feel even more comforting.
Another idea is adding some booze. A splash of white wine or even a bit of brandy can bring a lovely richness to the gravy. The alcohol helps mellow out the deeper chicken flavors and adds a touch of sophistication. For a smokier edge, you could introduce some smoked paprika or a little bit of liquid smoke.
If you’re feeling experimental, you could even swap the chicken wings for duck wings or turkey necks to change the base of the gravy. This will give the sauce a different texture and flavor profile but still keep that rich, meaty goodness.
Lastly, a dash of cream or butter at the end can make the gravy feel even silkier. If you’re dairy-free, coconut milk can be a lovely substitute that adds a subtle sweetness.
Storage Tips For Leftovers
Got leftovers? Great, because this gravy tastes even better the next day. Here’s how to store it properly: let it cool down completely, then transfer it to an airtight container. If you’re planning to keep it for more than a couple of days, freeze it. When freezing, portion it into smaller amounts, like in ice cube trays or freezer bags, so you can defrost just what you need.
When reheating, do it gently on the stovetop over low heat, stirring regularly. If it’s thickened up too much, you can always add a bit of chicken stock or water to bring it back to the right consistency.
For long-term storage, it’s best to use leftovers within 3-4 days in the fridge or about 3 months in the freezer. Just don’t be surprised if it’s even better the second time around!
What To Eat With Jamie Oliver’s Chicken Wing Gravy?
Jamie’s chicken wing gravy is versatile, so the possibilities are endless. It’s a perfect match for roast potatoes. the crispy exterior and fluffy inside soak up that rich gravy so well. Pair it with some mashed potatoes if you’re craving a creamier combo or use it to elevate a simple baked chicken.
For something more indulgent, serve it with fried chicken. The crispy, golden coating of the chicken combined with the rich gravy is a classic comfort food pairing.
If you’re looking to go full-on Southern, consider serving it with cornbread. The slight sweetness of cornbread works beautifully with the savory, rich gravy. You could even drizzle some over a roasted vegetable medley for a lighter, veggie-packed option that still feels hearty.
And if you want to go a little fancier, it’s incredible over grilled steak or pork chops, adding a depth of flavor that cuts through the richness of the meat.
FAQs
What Ingredients Do I Need For Jamie Oliver’s Chicken Wing Gravy?
You’ll need chicken wings, onion, garlic, fresh herbs, stock, and some basic seasonings like salt and pepper.
How Long Does It Take To Make Jamie Oliver’s Chicken Wing Gravy?
It takes about 1.5 hours, including roasting the chicken wings and simmering the gravy.
Can I Make Jamie Oliver’s Chicken Wing Gravy Ahead Of Time?
Yes, you can make it in advance and store it in the fridge for a few days. Just reheat it before serving.
