How To Make Gravy Without Drippings

This easy gravy recipe is my go-to when I’m out of drippings. It’s made with a quick roux of butter and flour, then whisked with broth and seasonings for that perfect, smooth, savory flavor.

This gravy comes together in just 10 minutes, making it perfect for adding a homemade touch to Thanksgiving or quickly dressing up mashed potatoes, turkey, chicken, or vegetables on a busy weeknight!

I love using this recipe for leaner cuts of turkey or chicken that don’t produce a ton of pan drippings, like Air Fryer Turkey Tenderloin or Grilled Chicken Breasts. You can still quickly whip up this delicious gravy for drizzling over top to add an extra layer of flavor!

Are you a sucker for homemade sauces? Try this Healthy Homemade Teriyaki Sauce, Homemade Peanut Sauce, and Cauliflower Alfredo Sauce!

Why Make Gravy Without Drippings?

Making gravy without drippings is a life-saver! Here's why you'll love it:

• No drippings necessary: This recipe comes in handy if you aren't using a recipe that doesn’t provide drippings or forgot to save the drippings!
• Flavorful: Even without drippings, this gravy recipe still has a ton of flavor from the butter, onion, garlic, and seasonings!
• Make-ahead friendly: Since you don't need drippings, you can make this recipe way ahead of time for the holidays or weeknight dinners!

Ingredients and Substitutions

Here’s what you’ll need to whip up this delicious gravy recipe:

• Butter and flour: These are whisked together to form a roux which is the base for the gravy. The butter provides the fat for the gravy rather than the drippings.
• Onion and garlic clove: These are optional but add a ton of aromatic flavor. For a smoother gravy, you can use onion powder and garlic powder or strain the onion and garlic out!
• Chicken or turkey broth: Helps thin out the gravy and adds flavor.
• Poultry seasoning (optional): Adds that classic poultry flavor! You could also use a blend of rosemary, thyme, sage, marjoram, nutmeg, or white pepper.
• Parsley (optional): Finishes off the gravy with a slightly herbal flavor.

How To Make Gravy Without Drippings

Making gravy without drippings is a super simple way to create a delicious sauce for your meals! Here's how to do it:

1. Melt the Butter

Start by melting some butter in a medium saucepan over medium heat. Add the diced onion and cook it until it softens, which should take around 5 minutes. Then stir in minced garlic for a minute until it smells great—just don't let it burn!

Note: If you’re not adding onions, just add the garlic to the butter instead and let it cook until fragrant, around one minute. If you’re not using garlic either, just melt the butter and then skip to whisking in the flour!

2. Whisk

Next, whisk in flour until it's smooth. This is what will help thicken your gravy. Then, gradually add chicken or turkey broth, stirring until it thickens up nicely. If you prefer a thinner gravy, just add more broth until you get the consistency you want.

3. Adjust to Taste

Taste your gravy and add salt, pepper, or a sprinkle of poultry seasoning for extra flavor. If you have some parsley, feel free to toss that in, too.

Strain the Onions and Garlic (Optional)

For a smooth gravy, strain the onions and garlic using a fine mesh strainer. Discard and whisk the gravy.

Tips

Making gravy from scratch doesn’t have to be hard! Follow these tips for foolproof results:

• Add flavor: Use fresh herbs instead of poultry seasoning for a more intense flavor. If you don’t want to add the herbs directly to the gravy, you could place them in an herb bag or cheesecloth to infuse the flavor instead! Don’t add too many herbs as this can overwhelm the delicate flavor of the gravy.
• Add richness: For a touch of richness, add a splash of milk or heavy cream to the gravy.
• Save time: Don't have much time? Skip the onion and garlic sauté and simply whip up the gravy!
• Add smoothness: Give your gravy that velvety-rich finish by adding a pat of butter at the end of cooking.
• Make-ahead: Make your gravy up to 3 days ahead of time!

How to Use This Easy Homemade Gravy Recipe

Gravy isn't just for Thanksgiving! You can use it for tons of other dishes like these:

• Instant Pot Turkey Tenderloin
• Air Fryer Turkey Tenderloin
• Crockpot Boneless Turkey Breast
• Slow Cooker Cauliflower Mashed Potatoes
• Baked Turkey Tenderloin
• Slow Cooker Turkey Tenderloin

Storing and Reheating This Gravy

Storing and reheating this recipe is a breeze! Here’s what you need to do:

Leftover gravy will stay fresh in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. You can also pop it in the freezer for up to 4 months. Let it thaw in the fridge overnight.

To reheat, place a small saucepan or pot on the stovetop over medium-low heat. You can also pop it in the microwave. Add the gravy and let it warm up. If the gravy starts to separate, whisk it quickly.

Troubleshooting Gravy Problems

Sometimes, gravy doesn't always go to plan. That's why we love using these tips to ensure perfect results:

1. If your gravy is too lumpy, whisk it until smooth or strain it to remove any lumps.
2. If your gravy is too thin, make a cornstarch slurry (one tablespoon cornstarch + one tablespoon water) and pour it into the gravy. Let it simmer until it thickens.
3. If your gravy isn't as flavorful as you'd like, add a bouillon cube, a splash of sherry, more salt and pepper, or seasonings.