This Gluten-Free Gravy is a healthier way to include gravy on your holiday menu. Made with a minimal amount of pan drippings and thickened with cornstarch, this rich, flavorful gravy works with either turkey or chicken.
Although perfect for Thanksgiving, this gravy will add a comforting touch to your menu anytime of year.
When it comes to a traditional Thanksgiving meal of turkey and all the fixings, it just wouldn’t be the same without gravy. But, classic gravy made with a high ratio of turkey drippings and thickened with flour can add a hefty amount of fat and calories to your meal. Not to mention that it’s off limits for your gluten intolerant friends and family.
This healthier, gluten-free gravy uses everyday ingredients stocked in most kitchens. There’s no need to go out and purchase a bag of gluten-free flour that may end up sitting unused in your pantry.
Table of contents
Healthier Gluten-Free Gravy Recipe
This recipe creates luscious gravy that is free of gluten and lower in fat and calories than traditional gravy. And, it’s super easy too!
- Low Calorie – A small amount of meat drippings are supplemented with low-sodium broth to cut fat and calories.
- Gluten-Free – This gravy is thickened with a slurry of cornstarch and broth.
- Flavor and Texture – A little butter is added to create a lush mouth feel and yummy flavor.
- Versatile – This recipe works for both chicken and turkey cooked in a conventional oven or air fryer.
Ingredients and Substitutions
- Low sodium broth – Check the packaging to be sure your turkey or chicken broth is certified gluten-free. Many brands, like Swanson, are a good choice. As much as I love Better Than Bouillon, it is not a gluten-free product.
- Meat drippings – Use reserved pan juices from your roasted or air fried chicken or turkey.
- Butter – A small amount adds body and flavor. You can use a non-dairy butter substitute like Earth Balance for a dairy-free gravy, if needed.
- Cornstarch – An excellent, gluten-free thickener for gravies and soups.
- Salt and pepper – Just a little of each, to taste.
- Kitchen Bouquet – This is a gluten-free browning sauce that adds a little richness and deep color to gravies and sauces. Optional but highly recommended.
How to Make Gluten-Free Gravy
If you cooked your turkey in an air fryer or roasting pan that isn’t safe for stovetop use, follow the instructions below. See the instructions on the recipe card below for making this gravy in a stovetop-safe roasting pan.
- Pan Drippings – Measure out and transfer the pan drippings to a medium saucepan. Add the butter and cook over low heat until melted.
- Cornstarch Slurry – In a small bowl, whisk the cornstarch with ¼ cup broth.
- Thicken – Pour the cornstarch slurry into the pan and whisk until well combined. Pour in an additional 2 cups broth, using the whisk to scrape up any browned bits from the bottom of the roasting pan (if using). Continue to simmer over medium-low heat, whisking until thickened. Then, add as much of the additional broth as needed until the mixture reaches the desired consistency.
- Season – To richen the color of the gravy, whisk in a few drops of Kitchen Bouquet. Use it sparingly, adding just enough to attain the desired color. Season with salt and pepper, to taste.
Storing and Reheating Leftover Gravy
Transfer leftover gravy to an airtight container and refrigerate within 2 hours of serving.
Reheat the gravy in the microwave or in a saucepan on the stove over low heat. The gravy will thicken up quite a bit when chilled so you may need to add a drizzle of liquid, either water or additional broth, to thin it out.
More Gluten-Free Holiday Recipes
- Air Fryer Boneless Turkey Breast (pictured in this post)
- Instant Pot Garlic Mashed Potatoes
- Potato Leek Gratin
- Gluten-Free Stuffing
- Roasted Butternut Squash and Apples
- Air Fryer Turmeric Roasted Cauliflower
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Gluten Free Gravy
Ingredients
- 3 tablespoons reserved drippings, turkey or chicken
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 3 tablespoons cornstarch
- 2 ½ cups low sodium broth, turkey or chicken, divided
- Kitchen Bouquet browning sauce, optional and only as needed
- Fine ground sea salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
Instructions
Roasting Pan Instructions (for meat cooked in the oven)
- Pour off all but about 3 tablespoons of the drippings from the roasting pan and place the roasting pan on the stove over a burner set to MEDIUM. Remove and discard any large deposits of fat or skin from the bottom of the pan.
Saucepan Instructions (for meat prepared in an air fryer)
- If you cooked your turkey in an air fryer or roasting pan that isn't safe for stovetop use, measure out and transfer the drippings to a medium saucepan and proceed as directed.
Finish the Gravy
- Add the butter to the drippings and cook over LOW heat until melted, Meanwhile, in a small bowl, whisk the cornstarch with ¼ cup broth. Pour the cornstarch slurry into the pan and whisk until well combined. Increase the heat to MEDIUM-LOW, pour in an additional 2 cups broth, using the whisk to scrape up any browned bits from the bottom of the roasting pan (if using). Continue to cook, whisking until thickened, adding as much of the additional broth as needed to thin to desired consistency.
- If you would like a deeper color to the gravy, whisk in a very small amount of Kitchen Bouquet. Use it sparingly, adding just enough to attain the desired color.
Notes
Nutrition
Nutrition information is automatically calculated using generic ingredients, and is an estimate not a guarantee. For more accurate results, please refer to the labels on your ingredients at home. All information provided regarding nutrition on this website is intended to be used for informational purposes only. Content related to nutrition is not medical advice nor is it intended to replace medical advice. The website is not intended to diagnose, prescribe, or treat any disease, condition, illness, or injury. Before beginning any diet program, modifying your diet, or making changes to the diet of a child in your care, including following the nutrition information available on the website, you should seek advice from a licensed professional.
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