I’ll never forget the first time I made gravy from scratch. I was trying to impress some friends at a dinner party, and I decided to take the plunge. I opted for something simple but bold-chicken wings. I had roasted a batch of wings and tossed them with herbs and spices, but I didn’t want to stop there. The thought of a rich, flavorful gravy to drizzle over everything was irresistible. I stumbled across Jamie Oliver’s Chicken Wing Gravy recipe. Honestly, it was like unlocking a secret door to gravy perfection.
It was everything I wanted-deep, savory, and satisfying. That moment changed my perception of gravy entirely. I realized that gravy didn’t just need to be a side note-it could be a star of the show. From that day forward, I’ve made this gravy time and time again, always getting rave reviews. So, let’s dive into this incredible recipe.
Jamie Oliver’s Chicken Wing Gravy Recipe
Jamie Oliver’s Chicken Wing Gravy recipe is an unsung gem. What makes it stand out? It’s not just your basic, bland gravy. This one has layers of flavor thanks to the roasted wings and clever use of ingredients. I love that Jamie adds some unexpected twists like aromatics and a touch of wine to bring complexity to the sauce.
The process itself is straightforward, but the results? They’re nothing short of amazing. Whether you’re pairing it with roasted chicken, mashed potatoes, or just about anything savory, this gravy will elevate your meal to the next level.
Ingredients Needed
- Chicken wings – This is the base, so go for fresh wings if possible. You want the flavor and fat they release when roasted.
- Butter – Adds richness and a silky texture to the gravy.
- Flour – The thickening agent that turns the broth into a luscious sauce.
- Onion – The foundation of many savory dishes. It gives depth and sweetness.
- Garlic – Because garlic makes everything better, right?
- Carrots – They add a slight sweetness that balances the savory notes.
- Celery – Adds that classic aromatic bite.
- Chicken stock – The liquid that pulls everything together. Homemade is great, but store-bought works too.
- White wine – A splash adds acidity and complexity.
- Rosemary – A few sprigs of fresh rosemary bring a woody, earthy fragrance to the dish.
- Salt and pepper – To taste. Don’t forget to season in layers for maximum flavor.
How To Make Jamie Oliver’s Chicken Wing Gravy
Making this gravy is surprisingly simple, but the result will have you thinking you’ve spent hours in the kitchen.
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Roast The Chicken Wings
Start by preheating your oven and seasoning the chicken wings with salt, pepper, and olive oil. Roast them in a hot oven until golden brown. This step is crucial because the wings release their rich, savory juices when roasted.
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Caramelize The Veggies
While the wings roast, finely chop your onions, carrots, and celery. Once the wings are out of the oven, add your chopped veggies to the pan. Sauté them in some butter until they’re soft and beginning to brown. This brings out their sweetness and adds to the complexity of the gravy.
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Deglaze With Wine
Pour in the white wine and let it cook down slightly. This will lift all the caramelized bits from the bottom of the pan and infuse the gravy with depth.
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Create The Gravy Base
Now, sprinkle the flour over the veggies and stir it in. Let it cook for a minute to remove the raw flour taste. Then, slowly pour in your chicken stock, stirring as you go to avoid lumps. Bring this to a simmer and let it thicken.
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Add The Chicken Wings
Add the roasted wings to the pan. Let everything simmer together for about 20-30 minutes so the flavors can meld. Once it’s done, remove the wings and use a strainer to pour the gravy into a separate container.
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Finishing Touches
Taste the gravy and adjust seasoning with salt, pepper, and maybe even a little fresh rosemary. It’s that simple!
Ingredient Science Spotlight
When making gravy, every ingredient serves a purpose. Take the chicken wings, for instance. Roasting them creates Maillard reactions that give the gravy that deeply savory umami flavor. The butter and flour combine to form a roux, which thickens the gravy and gives it a smooth consistency.
The wine helps cut through the richness with a bit of acidity, balancing the savory flavors. Meanwhile, the aromatics like garlic, onion, celery, and carrot contribute to what’s known as the "mirepoix" base, a French technique that builds layers of flavor right from the start.
It’s all about enhancing the natural flavors of the ingredients and letting them shine through without overpowering one another.
Expert Tips
- Don’t rush the roasting: Let the chicken wings get a good, golden color. The deeper the roast, the richer your gravy will be.
- Strain the gravy: Straining the gravy helps get rid of any solid bits, leaving you with a smooth sauce.
- Balance the seasonings: Taste and adjust along the way. If the gravy tastes too rich, add a splash more wine or even a squeeze of lemon for brightness.
- Use homemade stock if you can: Homemade chicken stock gives your gravy that extra level of depth that store-bought stock can’t always match.
Recipe Variations
- Spicy Kick: Add a chopped chili or some chili flakes to the onions and carrots while sautéing for a spicy twist.
- Herbaceous Gravy: Swap out the rosemary for thyme or sage to give the gravy a different flavor profile.
- Vegetarian Version: Use vegetable stock and replace the chicken wings with roasted mushrooms for a rich, umami-packed vegetarian gravy.
- Red Wine: Swap the white wine for red wine for a deeper, bolder flavor that pairs nicely with richer meats like beef.
Final Words
Gravy might seem simple, but it’s an art form. And Jamie Oliver’s chicken wing gravy is a masterclass in how a few simple ingredients can come together to create something that truly elevates your meal. It’s perfect for any occasion, whether it’s a casual family dinner or a holiday feast.
FAQs
What Ingredients Are Needed For Jamie Oliver’s Chicken Wing Gravy?
You’ll need chicken wings, butter, flour, stock (chicken or vegetable), garlic, onion, and herbs like thyme and rosemary.
Can I Use A Different Kind Of Meat For The Gravy?
Yes, you can substitute the chicken wings with turkey or even pork. Just adjust the cooking time accordingly.
How Do I Make The Gravy Thicker?
To make it thicker, you can simmer it longer to reduce, or add a bit more flour to the butter mixture before adding the stock.