Chef John's Make-Ahead Turkey Gravy Recipe

A world-class gravy, such as Chef John’s Make-Ahead Turkey Gravy, is the perfect Thanksgiving recipe that everyone enjoys. Made with simple kitchen ingredients and a little attention, this is a make-ahead recipe that tastes better over time.

I never liked make-ahead recipes because I always liked freshly served food. But now that I have made this recipe for so many years, nobody can beat the rich and creamy flavors of this iconic Chef John’s Turkey And Gravy.

This freezer-friendly recipe reheats easily, so you can serve it whenever you desire. Since gravy complements other dishes, Chef John’s Turkey Gravy recipe can elevate bland dishes to something savory.

I know that gravies have a reputation for being a fuss to make, store, and reheat, but that is untrue in this case. Today, I will show you how to make this delicious Chef John’s Turkey Gravy at home, and how to make it as thin or as thick as you like.

What's In The Post

Equipment Required

Roasting Pan: I use a roasting pan to sauté my veggies.
Stockpot: A stockpot is handy for making this thick, nutritious gravy.
Whisk: I like to use a whisk to thicken my gravy.
Large Knife: Since there are a lot of veggies, I use a sharp knife.
Chopping board: I cut all of my veggies on the chopping board for hygiene.
Bowl: I mix and toss all the ingredients together in a medium-sized bowl.
Wooden Spoon: I use my wooden spatula to give all of the ingredients a nice spin.

Chef John’s Make-Ahead Turkey Gravy Ingredients & Substitutions

Note: The ingredients in this recipe can serve up to four people. You can increase or decrease the quantity of ingredients to make more or fewer portions.

4 Turkey Wings: This recipe can be made with fresh or frozen Turkey or, if unavailable, chicken.
1 Onion, Roughly Chopped
2 Carrots, Roughly Chopped
2 Celery Stalks, Roughly Chopped
4 Cloves Of Garlic, Smashed
4 Sprigs Of Fresh Thyme: Dried Thyme also works for this recipe.
4 Sprigs Of Fresh Rosemary: If you are out of fresh rosemary, use dried rosemary instead.
4 Cups Of Chicken Broth: You can also use chicken bouillon cubes or vegetable stock instead of chicken broth.
1/4 Cup Of All-Purpose Flour: I use almond flour instead when I am out of all-purpose flour.
Salt And Pepper To Taste

Preparation & Cooking Time

Preparation Time	Cooking Time	Total Time
15 Minutes	2 Hours	2 Hours 15 Minutes

How To Make Chef John’s Make-Ahead Turkey Gravy At Home

Step 1

Start by placing the Turkey wings on the baking rack. Add carrots, garlic, celery, and onions as well.

Step 2

To add flavor to the Turkey, rub it with thyme and rosemary. Once done, put it in the oven for an hour, then preheat to 400 degrees F.

Step 3

Now, put the stockpot on the stove and add chicken broth. To this, add the roasted Turkey wings. Once the Turkey’s flavors have been passed into the broth, remove them.

Step 4

Mix the flour and water in a small bowl to make a smooth slurry, then add it to the pan. This will help thicken the gravy.

Step 5

Then, add salt and pepper to the broth.

Step 6

Let it rest for about 30 minutes, and your Chef John’s Turkey And Gravy at home is ready to be served.

Expert Tips That I Recommend

Making gravies can be difficult, especially when getting the right taste profile. To ensure it is not a salt bomb or bland, I check the flavor as I cook.
It is easy to thin out this gravy, but thickening it is another story. So, I always keep this in mind when thinning it out: after I let it sit, it will gradually thicken.
After roasting the Turkey wings and vegetables, I deglaze the pan with white wine or broth, then add the mixture to the stockpot. This process helps to capture the browned bits stuck to the pan and adds a rich, complex flavor to the gravy.
I strain it through a fine-mesh sieve after cooking to remove any solid bits, resulting in a more straightforward gravy. This will give you a smooth, elegant gravy that is perfect for special occasions.
If I am roasting other meats, I like to save the pan juices and incorporate them into my gravy. It adds a depth of flavor and richness that complements the Turkey gravy beautifully.

FAQs About Chef John’s Make-Ahead Turkey Gravy

Why is my Chef John’s Turkey Gravy separating?

When boiled at a higher temperature, turkey gravy can start separating. To fix this, whisk the gravy continuously, add a little liquid, and cook at medium heat until the desired consistency is reached.

Why is my Chef John’s Turkey Gravy so thin?

If your Chef John’s turkey gravy is extremely thin, you can make a flour-and-water slurry in a bowl and add it to the gravy. Let it simmer, whisking until the gravy thickens.

Why is my Turkey gravy so bland?

A common reason gravy tastes bland is the lack of ingredients that enhance the flavor. To accentuate the flavors of the sauce, add more salt or pepper.

How do you thicken Chef John’s Turkey and Gravy?

If your turkey gravy is very thin, you can add cornflour slurry, mix it vigorously, and then add it to the pan. Keep whisking it and let it simmer until the desired consistency is reached.

What should I do if my gravy becomes too thick after cooling?

If the gravy thickens too much after cooling, reheat it on the stove with added chicken broth or water. Stir continuously until it reaches the desired consistency.

Can I make this gravy in advance, and how should I store it?

Yes, you can make this gravy ahead of time. Store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days, or freeze it for up to 3 months. Reheat gently on the stove or in the microwave, adding a bit of liquid if necessary to prevent the gravy from drying out.

Nutritional Information Per Serving

No matter how delicious it tastes, Chef John’s Make-Ahead Turkey Gravy is not healthy to eat daily. Turkey’s fat, cholesterol, and flour can raise sodium levels, which can lead to health issues.

To give you a deeper insight, here is the nutritional chart of Chef John’s Turkey Gravy.

Calories	1584 kcal
Carbohydrates	51 g
Protein	145 g
Fat	86 g
Saturated Fat	23 g
Polyunsaturated Fat	20 g
Monounsaturated Fat	34 g
Cholesterol	480 mg
Sodium	476 mg
Potassium	2327 mg
Fiber	7 g
Sugar	4 g
Vitamin A	20614 IU
Vitamin C	204 mg
Calcium	204 mg
Iron	11 mg

Although Turkey is paleo-friendly, Turkey gravy is not. However, this gravy is entirely dairy-free, a bonus for those following this diet.

Recipe Variations For Different Diets

Keto-Friendly: To make this dish keto-friendly, I avoid using all-purpose flour and use it to coat the Turkey wings. Instead, I season the turkey wings with the rest of the toppings. I also prefer using a low-sodium chicken broth, which is low in carbs, while making it keto style.
Gluten-Free: Since this recipe uses all-purpose flour, I prefer replacing it with almond flour when making it gluten-free. Also, I always pre-check whether the chicken broth is store-bought to ensure it is gluten-free.

Storing And Reheating This Recipe

Storing

Refrigeration: I like refrigerating Chef John’s Turkey gravy for about 3-4 days. However, I always put it in an airtight container to prevent moisture from seeping in.
Freezer: Freezing Chef John’s Turkey gravy is relatively easy. I use a freezer-friendly bag and store it in the freezer for about 3 months.

Reheating

Microwave: Reheating Turkey Gravy in the microwave is an ideal option. To do so, I place it in a microwave-friendly dish and heat it on medium heat for 30 seconds. I check and stir it in between to prevent lump formation.
Skillet: Ideally, I like to reheat my Turkey Gravy in the skillet. To do so, I only add a little water to the broth if necessary. Then I stir it for 15-20 minutes to avoid lumps until it’s warm enough.

What To Serve With This Recipe

I have already mentioned a million times that I can have this turkey gravy with anything. But it’s time to give you some objective suggestions. One classic pairing that impresses any guest is Mashed Potatoes with a drizzle of Chef John’s Turkey gravy on top. The creaminess of the potatoes, paired with the thick gravy, is a must-try for everyone.

If the above food option sounds very heavy and filling, you can have it with a bowl of Green Salad. Instead of regular toppings and dip, try it with this gravy to discover new flavors you never knew existed.

To amplify the flavors of the Turkey gravy, you can also serve it with baked or air-fried Turkey Wings, and I promise you will crave it more often.

Printable Version

More Gravy Recipes That You Can Try

How To Make Whataburger Gravy At Home — Whataburger Gravy

Conclusion

This finishing touch brings it all together on your Thanksgiving table. But when you can make it from scratch at home, you do not need to wait for any event or occasion; you can enjoy it whenever you want.

This perfectly thick and flavorful gravy can is the definition of deliciousness. It can be served with so many options. I have shared everything in detail, so hopefully, you will try it out and have it stocked in your fridge for other food servings.

If you try this, please let me know how it turned out in the comment section below, along with any questions you have about this recipe.

Chef John’s Make-Ahead Turkey Gravy Recipe

Equipment Required

Chef John’s Make-Ahead Turkey Gravy Ingredients & Substitutions

Preparation & Cooking Time