The Ultimate Guide to Easy Gluten-Free Chicken Gravy (Dairy-Free & No Drippings Needed!)

Discover how to make a truly delicious, incredibly easy gluten-free chicken gravy that’s also completely dairy-free, without the need for any pan drippings! This flavorful and versatile chicken gravy is perfect for drizzling over succulent roast chicken, creamy mashed potatoes, or any dish that craves a rich, savory touch.

Effortless Homemade Chicken Gravy, No Drippings Required!

Forget the stress of waiting for pan drippings or worrying about gluten and dairy. Today, we’re unveiling a super simple chicken gravy recipe that delivers incredible flavor and a velvety-smooth texture, all from scratch. Whether you’re making a weeknight meal or preparing for a holiday feast, this recipe proves that truly delicious gravy doesn’t have to be complicated.

While traditional gravy often relies on the flavorful juices from a roasted bird, our recipe ensures you can enjoy a rich, aromatic chicken gravy any time, even if you’re just cooking chicken breasts or using store-bought broth. Of course, if you happen to have drippings available, we’ll show you how to incorporate them for an even deeper layer of flavor!

This savory chicken sauce, infused with fragrant herbs and a robust chicken broth, is a delightful alternative to turkey gravy. It’s the perfect accompaniment to roast chicken, adds a luxurious touch to creamy mashed potatoes, and is essential for moistening your favorite cornbread stuffing. Beyond the classics, this versatile gravy also shines when drizzled over fluffy white rice or gluten-free noodles, elevating simple dishes into comforting meals.

Why This Gluten-Free Gravy Recipe is a Must-Try:

This recipe isn’t just easy; it’s designed to be foolproof, flavorful, and incredibly accommodating to various dietary needs. Here’s why it’s bound to become your go-to chicken gravy recipe:

• Simple, Accessible Ingredients: You won’t need to hunt for exotic items. The core components for this amazing gluten-free chicken gravy are readily available at any local grocery store. We focus on common pantry staples and fresh ingredients to create a rich, authentic flavor profile without any fuss or fancy requirements.
• Incredibly Easy to Make: Making homemade gravy can sometimes feel intimidating, but not with this recipe! The process is straightforward: first, prepare a basic yet flavorful chicken broth (or use a quality store-bought one), then create a simple roux, and finally, combine them. A quick simmer to your desired consistency, and you’re done! It’s a process that even novice cooks can master with confidence.
• 100% Gluten-Free & Dairy-Free: This is truly the best part for many! Our chicken gravy is meticulously crafted to be completely gluten-free and dairy-free. This means everyone, including those with Celiac disease, gluten sensitivities, or lactose intolerance, can savor every spoonful without any concerns. We use specific flour alternatives and butter substitutes that perform just as beautifully as their conventional counterparts, ensuring no compromise on taste or texture.
• Rich, Authentic Flavor: Despite being easy and accommodating, this gravy doesn’t cut corners on taste. By building a flavorful broth from scratch (or choosing a high-quality store-bought option) and incorporating aromatic herbs, we create a depth of flavor that rivals any traditional gravy.

Essential Ingredients for Your Homemade Gravy:

Here’s a quick visual overview of the simple yet powerful ingredients you’ll need to create this fantastic gluten-free chicken gravy. Each component plays a crucial role in building the rich flavor and perfect texture.

(For precise measurements and detailed instructions, remember to scroll down to the comprehensive printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.)

Recipe Notes & Smart Substitutions:

Understanding your ingredients and having options for substitutions can make all the difference in your cooking. Here are some detailed notes to help you customize this chicken gravy to your preference and pantry availability:

• Chicken: For our homemade broth, I opted for 5 meaty chicken drumsticks. The bones and skin contribute immensely to a rich, gelatinous broth, which is key for a flavorful gravy. If drumsticks aren’t on hand, two bone-in chicken thighs would work equally well, offering similar depth of flavor. You can also use a mixture of chicken pieces.
• Herbs: My preferred blend for an aromatic broth includes fresh parsley, fresh thyme, and bay leaves. These classic herbs infuse the broth with a warm, savory, and slightly earthy aroma. However, don’t hesitate to experiment! Other fresh herbs like rosemary or oregano can add a wonderful, unique twist if you enjoy those flavors. Dried herbs can also be used, but reduce the quantity as their flavor is more concentrated.
• Peppercorns: I love the subtle kick and complex aroma that mixed peppercorns provide. They add a gentle warmth without overwhelming the other flavors. If you don’t have mixed peppercorns, plain black peppercorns are a perfectly good substitute and will still deliver that essential peppery note. Avoid pre-ground pepper in the broth-making stage, as whole peppercorns provide a cleaner flavor.
• Butter: To keep this recipe truly dairy-free, I used a high-quality dairy-free butter. Many excellent plant-based butter alternatives are available today that melt and cook just like regular butter. However, if you don’t have lactose intolerance or dairy allergies, feel free to use regular unsalted butter. For those who *do* have pan drippings from roasting a chicken (lucky you!), you can substitute the butter with an equal amount of chicken drippings (about 2 tablespoons) for an even richer, more intense chicken flavor. This adds incredible depth and a beautiful color to your gravy.
• Gluten-Free Flour: The type of gluten-free flour you choose is crucial for the gravy’s texture. I highly recommend using a good-quality gluten-free all-purpose flour blend that is primarily made up of lighter flours and starches, such as rice flour, tapioca starch, corn starch, or potato starch. These blends create a smooth, light roux. I strongly advise against using gluten-free blends that contain heavier flours, like garbanzo bean flour (chickpea flour), as they can result in a grainy texture and a noticeable “beany” flavor in your gravy. Alternatively, pure cornstarch (used as a slurry, not directly sifted into butter) can also be used as a thickener, which will result in a slightly more translucent gravy. If you are not Celiac or gluten-intolerant, regular all-purpose wheat flour will work perfectly fine as a 1:1 substitute.

How to Make Perfect Gluten-Free Chicken Gravy (Step by Step Guide):

Follow these easy steps to create a truly irresistible, lump-free chicken gravy that everyone will love.

1. Prepare Your Homemade Broth Base:

Start by placing your chosen chicken pieces (drumsticks or thighs work best for flavor), along with fresh parsley, thyme sprigs, bay leaves, and mixed peppercorns, into a medium-sized saucepan or pot. Pour in enough cold water to fully submerge the chicken pieces. Using cold water is important as it allows the impurities to rise to the surface, making it easier to skim later for a clearer broth.

2. Simmer for Rich Flavor:

Bring the contents of the saucepan to a rolling boil over medium-high heat. Once boiling, reduce the heat to low, cover the pot with a lid, and let the ingredients gently simmer for a full 60 minutes. This hour-long simmer is crucial for extracting maximum flavor from the chicken and herbs, creating a deeply aromatic and savory broth. Resist the urge to lift the lid too often, as consistent simmering temperature is key.

3. Strain Your Flavorful Broth:

Once the simmering is complete, allow the chicken broth to cool slightly. This makes it safer and easier to handle. Carefully pour the broth through a fine-mesh sieve (or a colander lined with cheesecloth) into a clean bowl or container. Discard all the solids – the chicken pieces, herbs, and peppercorns – leaving you with a clear, golden, and highly concentrated chicken broth. This pure broth forms the delicious liquid base for your gravy.

4. Create the Silky Roux:

In a separate, clean saucepan, melt the dairy-free butter (or your chicken drippings, if using) over medium heat. Once fully melted and slightly shimmering, carefully sift in the gluten-free all-purpose flour. Immediately begin stirring vigorously with a whisk. Continue to stir continuously for at least one minute, cooking out the raw flour taste and allowing the butter and flour to combine into a smooth paste. This roux is the essential thickening agent for your gravy.

5. Whisk in the Broth for Smoothness:

Once your roux is ready, pour about half a cup of your prepared chicken broth into the saucepan with the butter-flour mixture. Immediately and vigorously whisk the mixture until it is completely smooth and free of any lumps. This step is critical to prevent lumpy gravy, so don’t rush it! Once smooth, gradually pour in the remaining broth, whisking constantly as you add it. Bring the gravy to a gentle simmer over low heat and continue to cook for a few minutes, stirring occasionally, until it reaches your desired thickness. The gravy will thicken as it heats.

6. Final Seasoning & Flavor Adjustment:

With the gravy at your preferred consistency, it’s time for the final touch. Add salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste. Remember that homemade broth can vary in saltiness, so always taste and adjust. Stir everything well to ensure the seasonings are evenly distributed throughout the rich, flavorful gravy.

7. Serve Warm & Savor:

Your homemade gluten-free, dairy-free chicken gravy is now ready to be enjoyed! Serve it warm and generously drizzled over classic dishes like tender roast chicken, fluffy mashed potatoes, or savory stuffing. It’s also fantastic over a simple bed of rice, gluten-free pasta, or even pan-fried chicken cutlets. Get ready for compliments!

Dish by Dish Pro Tips & Clever Tricks for Perfect Gravy:

Mastering gravy is all about a few key techniques and smart choices. Here are some extra tips to ensure your gluten-free chicken gravy is always a showstopper:

• Store-Bought Chicken Broth for Convenience: While homemade chicken broth provides unparalleled depth of flavor, we understand that time is often a luxury. If you’re in a rush, a good quality store-bought chicken broth or chicken stock will work perfectly well. Opt for low-sodium options so you can control the seasoning yourself.
• The Art of Stirring (No Lumps Allowed!): When making your roux and especially when adding the broth, constant and vigorous whisking is your best friend. Whisking ensures the flour is fully incorporated into the fat and then smoothly blended with the liquid, preventing any dreaded lumps. Sifting your gluten-free flour before adding it to the melted butter can also significantly help achieve an ultra-smooth consistency.
• Flavor Customization: This homemade gluten-free gravy is a fantastic canvas for additional flavors. Feel free to enhance it with other seasonings such as a pinch of garlic powder, onion powder, a dash of dried sage, or even a splash of dry white wine (added before the broth and allowed to reduce).
• Adaptable to Other Meats: This versatile recipe isn’t just for chicken! If you wish to make turkey gravy for Thanksgiving or a robust beef gravy, simply substitute the chicken broth for turkey broth or beef broth, respectively. Similarly, swap the dairy-free butter for turkey drippings or beef drippings for an authentic flavor profile tailored to your meal.
• Storage & Reheating: Leftover gravy is a treasure! To store, transfer any cooled gravy into an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 5 days. When ready to serve again, gently reheat the chicken gravy in a saucepan over low heat, stirring frequently. If it’s too thick, add a splash of extra broth or water to reach your desired consistency.
• Achieving a Deeper Color: If you desire a darker, richer-colored gravy, there are a couple of tricks. You can cook the dairy-free butter (or regular butter) for a little longer before adding the gluten-free flour, allowing it to brown slightly and develop a nutty flavor. Alternatively, if you’re making roast chicken, gather the flavorful pan drippings from the bottom of the roasting pan (the concentrated fats and juices released by the chicken) and use these instead of butter for a deep, natural color and incredibly savory taste.
• Troubleshooting Common Gravy Issues:
  • Gravy is too thin: If your gravy isn’t thickening enough, you can make a quick cornstarch slurry (1 tablespoon cornstarch mixed with 2 tablespoons cold water) and whisk it into the simmering gravy. Let it cook for another minute until thickened.
  • Gravy is too thick: Simply whisk in a little more warm chicken broth or water, a tablespoon at a time, until it reaches your desired consistency.
  • Gravy tastes bland: Add a pinch more salt, a grind of fresh black pepper, or a dash of onion or garlic powder. A tiny splash of soy sauce (ensure it’s gluten-free!) or Worcestershire sauce can also add umami depth.

The Perfect Pairings: What to Serve with Your Chicken Gravy:

This rich, savory chicken gravy is incredibly versatile and can elevate a wide array of dishes. Here are some of our favorite ways to enjoy it:

• Roast Chicken: The classic choice! Drizzle this homemade gravy generously over tender oven-roasted chicken, crispy baked chicken pieces, or even a convenient rotisserie chicken for an instant upgrade.
• Mashed Potatoes: A match made in heaven! Spoon dollops of this flavorful gravy over a mound of warm, creamy mashed potatoes. The combination is pure comfort.
• Stuffing: Elevate your holiday or everyday gluten-free stuffing with a generous pour of this rich sauce. It adds moisture and an incredible depth of flavor.
• Rice or Pasta: For a simple yet satisfying meal, serve this gravy over a bed of fluffy white rice or your favorite gluten-free noodles. Add some leftover chicken or vegetables for a complete dish.
• Chicken Fried Steak or Chicken Cutlets: A generous serving of this gravy turns pan-fried chicken cutlets or a gluten-free chicken fried steak into an indulgent treat.
• Vegetables: Don’t forget your veggies! Steamed green beans, roasted broccoli, or even simple peas become much more exciting with a drizzle of this savory gravy.

More Delicious Gluten-Free Chicken Recipes You’ll Love:

• Oven Roasted Whole Chicken (Gluten-Free, Dairy-Free)
• Easy Chicken Fingers (Gluten-Free, Dairy-Free)
• Crispy Popcorn Chicken (Gluten-Free, Dairy-Free)
• Chicken Patties (Gluten-Free, Dairy-Free)

Seasonal Gluten-Free Holiday Recipes to Enjoy:

P.S. If you try this recipe, I’d love for you to leave a star rating below, and/or a review in the comment section further down the page. I always appreciate your feedback. Be sure to check out my entire Recipe Index for all the recipes on the blog. You can also follow me on Pinterest, Facebook or Instagram! Sign up for my Email List to get fresh recipes in your inbox each week!

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Easy Gluten-Free Chicken Gravy (Dairy-Free)

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• Author: Felicia Lim
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  Total Time: 1 hour 20 minutes
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  Yield: 6 servings
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  Diet: Gluten Free

Print Recipe

Description

An easy gluten-free chicken gravy recipe that doesn’t require any pan drippings! Flavorful and tasty, this chicken gravy is great for drizzling over roast chicken or mashed potatoes! Totally dairy-free too.

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Ingredients

Scale

• 5 chicken drumsticks
• 6 sprigs fresh parsley
• 3 sprigs fresh thyme
• 3 bay leaves
• 1 teaspoon mixed peppercorns
• 2 tablespoons dairy-free butter (or chicken drippings)
• 2 tablespoons gluten-free all-purpose flour (light blend)
• 1/2 teaspoon salt (or to taste)
• 1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper (or to taste)

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Instructions

1. Combine Ingredients: Place chicken drumsticks, fresh parsley, thyme, bay leaves, and mixed peppercorns in a medium saucepan. Fill the saucepan with enough cold water to fully cover the chicken pieces.
2. Bring to Boil then Simmer: Bring the water to a boil over medium-high heat. Once boiling, reduce the heat to low, cover with a lid, and simmer gently for 60 minutes to create a flavorful broth.
3. Strain Broth: Let the chicken broth cool slightly. Carefully strain the broth through a fine-mesh sieve into a clean bowl, discarding all solids.
4. Make a Roux: In another saucepan, melt the dairy-free butter (or chicken drippings) over medium heat. Sift in the gluten-free all-purpose flour and whisk vigorously for one minute, cooking out the raw flour taste to form a smooth roux.
5. Add Broth Gradually: Pour about half a cup of the strained chicken broth into the roux. Immediately whisk very well until the mixture is completely smooth and lump-free. Gradually whisk in the remaining broth. Bring the gravy to a gentle simmer over low heat for a few minutes, stirring occasionally, until it reaches your desired thickness.
6. Season to Taste: Remove from heat and stir in salt and ground black pepper to taste. Adjust as needed.
7. Serve and Enjoy: Serve this delicious homemade chicken gravy warm over roast chicken, mashed potatoes, stuffing, rice, or gluten-free pasta.

Notes

Chicken: 5 drumsticks or 2 chicken thighs work well for broth. Bone-in pieces are best for flavor.

Herbs: Fresh parsley, thyme, and bay leaves are recommended. Rosemary or oregano can be used for variation.

Peppercorns: Mixed peppercorns add a nuanced spice. Black peppercorns are a fine alternative.

Butter: Use dairy-free butter for a DF recipe. Regular butter can be used if not dairy-intolerant. 2 tablespoons of chicken drippings can replace butter for extra flavor and color.

Gluten-Free Flour: Use a light-flour GF all-purpose blend (rice, tapioca, corn, potato starch). Avoid heavy flours like garbanzo bean. Cornstarch is an alternative thickener. Regular all-purpose flour works if not gluten-intolerant.

Storing: Store cooled gravy in an airtight glass jar in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. Reheat gently before serving.

Troubleshooting: If too thin, add a cornstarch slurry. If too thick, add more broth. Adjust seasonings to taste.

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  Prep Time: 10 mins
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  Cook Time: 1 hour 10 mins
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  Category: Sauces
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  Method: Stovetop
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  Cuisine: American