I first stumbled across Jamie Oliver’s Chicken Wing Gravy recipe when I was searching for ways to make a simple roast chicken dinner feel extra special. I had some leftover chicken wings after a weekend barbecue, and I was craving something rich, savory, and comforting to pair with mashed potatoes. That’s when I found this recipe. The idea of turning humble chicken wings into a decadent gravy caught my attention right away.
I’ve made it countless times since, and each time I’m reminded of how the combination of simple ingredients can elevate a meal. There’s something magical about how the rich flavor of the wings infuses the gravy, adding depth and complexity. If you’ve never tried it before, trust me: it’ll make you rethink what you can do with leftover chicken wings.
Jamie Oliver’s Chicken Wing Gravy Recipe
Jamie Oliver’s Chicken Wing Gravy is a game-changer. It’s like taking your regular gravy to the next level. I love that it’s not just about making a sauce, but about creating an experience. The wings bring a deep, roasted flavor, and the gravy itself becomes this rich, thick beauty. The secret? The wings are roasted, simmered, and transformed into a sauce that feels indulgent but is surprisingly easy to make.
I remember the first time I made it. It was one of those cozy Sundays, and I was in the mood for something heartwarming. I followed Jamie’s instructions and didn’t expect much – I thought it would be good, but not mind-blowing. After a couple of hours of roasting and simmering, I tasted the gravy. It had this unexpected, velvety texture with layers of flavor I didn’t know were possible with just a few ingredients. That’s when I became hooked.
Ingredients Needed
You don’t need a pantry full of fancy spices or hard-to-find ingredients to make this gravy. Here’s what you’ll need:
- Chicken wings (about 1 lb): These are your flavor base. You can use any wings, but the more well-seasoned they are, the better the gravy will turn out.
- Olive oil (2 tablespoons): For roasting the wings and adding richness to the gravy.
- Carrot (1 large): It adds a subtle sweetness and depth to the gravy.
- Onion (1 medium): The onion gives the gravy its savory backbone.
- Garlic cloves (4-5): Garlic is key for that warm, earthy undertone.
- Bay leaves (2): They give the gravy a fragrant, herby depth.
- Fresh thyme (2-3 sprigs): Adds an earthy, woodsy flavor that balances out the richness.
- Chicken stock (4 cups): The foundation of your gravy. If you can, use homemade stock; it adds so much more flavor.
- Worcestershire sauce (1 tablespoon): This gives a slightly tangy kick.
- Flour (2 tablespoons): To help thicken the gravy.
- Salt and pepper: Season to taste.
How To Make Jamie Oliver’s Chicken Wing Gravy
When I first made this recipe, I was amazed at how easy it was to make something that tasted so professional. It requires a bit of time and attention, but the steps are pretty straightforward:
- Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C).
- Prepare the chicken wings: Drizzle olive oil over the wings, season with salt and pepper, and place them on a roasting tray. Roast for 30-40 minutes, turning once, until golden and crispy.
- Roast the vegetables: While the wings roast, chop the carrot and onion. Add them to the tray with the wings for the last 20 minutes of roasting.
- Make the gravy base: Once the wings are crispy, remove them from the tray. In the same pan, add the garlic, thyme, and bay leaves. Add a splash more olive oil if needed, then cook for 5 minutes to soften the garlic.
- Create the roux: Sprinkle in the flour and stir for a minute or so to cook it out.
- Add the stock: Pour in the chicken stock slowly, stirring to avoid lumps. Let the mixture simmer and reduce for 10 minutes.
- Strain and serve: Once the gravy has thickened, strain out the solids and taste for seasoning. Add Worcestershire sauce, salt, and pepper as needed.
Ingredient Science Spotlight
Each ingredient in this gravy plays a specific role in building flavor. Let’s break them down:
- Chicken wings: The star of the recipe, wings contain connective tissue and collagen, which, when simmered, break down into gelatin. This gelatin thickens the gravy and creates that luxurious, velvety texture.
- Carrot and onion: These vegetables add natural sweetness and earthiness. Roasting them caramelizes their sugars, which contributes to a deeper, more complex flavor profile in the final gravy.
- Garlic: Known for its savory and slightly spicy notes, garlic rounds out the richness of the gravy. It also complements the wings’ umami flavor.
- Herbs: Bay leaves and thyme lend an aromatic, herbal quality to the gravy that balances out the richness from the chicken wings and stock.
- Worcestershire sauce: This is an umami bomb. It adds tang, saltiness, and a touch of spice, deepening the overall flavor.
Expert Tips
- Don’t skip the roasting step: Roasting the wings and vegetables before simmering brings out caramelized flavors that you can’t achieve with just boiling.
- Stock is key: Homemade stock will take your gravy to the next level. If you’re using store-bought, try to find one that’s low in sodium for better control over seasoning.
- Consistency matters: If your gravy is too thin, let it simmer longer to reduce. If it’s too thick, add a bit more stock or water to loosen it up.
- Make it ahead: This gravy stores well in the fridge for a few days and even freezes beautifully. It’ll taste just as good, if not better, the next day.
Recipe Variations
While the basic recipe is perfect on its own, you can experiment with these variations:
- Add red wine: A splash of red wine during the roasting or simmering process adds depth and a touch of acidity.
- Spicy kick: Toss in some chili flakes or a diced chili pepper for a little heat.
- Herb swap: Try rosemary instead of thyme for a more piney flavor. Sage is also a good substitute.
- Vegetarian version: If you want a vegetarian alternative, swap the wings for roasted mushrooms or use a veggie stock as the base.
Final Words
Jamie’s Chicken Wing Gravy is one of those recipes that shows how simple ingredients, when treated with care, can create something extraordinary. It’s a little work, but it’s so worth it. Once you try it, you’ll never look at gravy the same way again. And if you have leftover wings, this is the perfect way to use them.
FAQs
What Ingredients Do I Need For Jamie Oliver’s Chicken Wing Gravy?
You’ll need chicken wings, onion, garlic, herbs like rosemary and thyme, chicken stock, and a bit of flour to thicken it up.
Can I Make Jamie Oliver’s Chicken Wing Gravy Ahead Of Time?
Yes, you can make it in advance. Just let it cool, store it in the fridge, and reheat when you’re ready to serve.
How Can I Make The Gravy Thicker Or Thinner?
If you want it thicker, add more flour or reduce it longer. For a thinner consistency, just add more stock or water.