One thing is for sure on Thanksgiving Day: it is better to have too much gravy than not enough. More dry turkeys have been saved by the stuff than one can imagine (not that your turkey would be dry—you’re part of the Epi community). Still, your mashed potatoes want gravy, as does your dressing. You should add gravy to your mac and cheese too. I don’t know what your side dishes do when I’m not there.
What I’m getting at is: Big Batch Gravy is advisable. When you make a big batch of gravy, though, you often end up with a lot of leftover gravy that gets lumpy and gets thrown away too often. But you should keep that gravy for a lot of different reasons. No, I’m not talking about bourbon-gravy shooters, unless you like really savory drinks. This is about nextovering, which is when you make more food than you need for one meal so that you can use the extras to make something else.
Leftover gravy will keep in your fridge for about three days. If you won’t use it up in that time, pour the gravy into a zip top bag and lay it flat on a rimmed baking sheet. Slide that baking sheet into the freezer and leave it until the gravy is a solid plank. Then file your gravy plank into the freezer however you’d like. The frozen gravy will keep for at least 3 months—and, tbh, I’ve kept some around for upwards of 9 months.
Having chicken gravy left over after a big family dinner is something that happens a lot. Some people might want to throw it away, but chicken gravy is too tasty to waste!
Chicken gravy is always served with our Sunday roasts and holiday meals at my house. I always make a lot of food at once, so I always have extra to use up. I’ve thought of a lot of creative ways to use up leftover chicken gravy over the years so that not a drop goes to waste.
In this article, I’ll share 23 of my favorite ways to transform leftover chicken gravy into tasty new dishes. Read on for simple ideas that will have you looking forward to leftovers!
1. Make Chicken Pot Pie
There are many easy and tasty ways to use up extra chicken gravy. One of them is to make chicken pot pie. Just put together a pie crust, cooked chicken, frozen mixed vegetables, and gravy. The gravy acts as the perfect moist, flavorful filler. Place the pie in the oven and bake until the crust turns golden brown.
2. Mix Into Pasta
Leftover chicken gravy can instantly elevate basic pasta. Mix it with penne or any other short pasta, cooked chicken, and sautéed broccoli or spinach. The pasta starch will make the gravy thicker, making an easy and tasty sauce. Shredded cheese on top completes this meal.
3. Shepherd’s Pie Time
Shepherd’s pie gets a major flavor boost when made with leftover chicken gravy. Just prepare the filling with ground meat, veggies, and seasonings Then stir in the gravy before topping with mashed potatoes and baking The gravy adds a rich, deep flavor throughout.
4. Make Gravy Biscuits
Biscuits covered in leftover chicken gravy is one of my favorite quick breakfasts. Simply split and toast biscuits, then smother with reheated gravy You can even bake the biscuits right in the gravy for extra flavor. Some crumbled bacon on top never hurts!
5. Bread Pudding
For a savory spin, make bread pudding with chicken gravy. Let the gravy soak into cubed bread along with sauteed onions, cooked chicken, and veggies. Then bake with whisked eggs until set and browned. It’s a great way to use up stale bread.
6. Chicken and Rice Casserole
Transforming chicken gravy into a casserole is an easy weeknight dinner. Cook rice, chicken, peas, and carrots. Then combine everything with the gravy and transfer to a baking dish. Top with cheese and breadcrumbs before baking for a hearty meal.
7. Simmer Chickpeas for a Chickpea Curry
Here’s an idea for a vegetarian curry. Simmer chickpeas in the leftover chicken gravy along with veggies like potatoes, tomatoes, and spinach. Season with curry powder, garam masala, cumin and serve over rice. The gravy makes an easy curry sauce.
8. Make Enchiladas
Bursting with flavor, chicken enchiladas are a great way to finish up leftover gravy. Fill tortillas with chicken, cheese, and veggies. Then smother everything with the gravy before baking. Add enchilada sauce, lettuce, and sour cream for serving.
9. Chicken and Waffles
For an unexpected flavor twist on chicken and waffles, drizzle leftover chicken gravy on top. The richness of the gravy pairs surprisingly well with the crispy chicken and sweet waffles. Add hot sauce or maple syrup to take it over the top.
10. Turn into Soup
Thin leftover chicken gravy with chicken or veggie broth for an easy soup starter. Then add ingredients like cooked chicken, carrots, peas, noodles or rice. Season to taste. The gravy gives the soup a creamy, comforting base.
11. Make Open-Faced Sandwiches
Quick open-faced sandwiches are a smart way to use up leftover chicken gravy. Simply toast bread and top with sliced turkey or chicken. Then drizzle on the warm gravy and add any desired toppings like cheese or tomato.
12. Serve Over Veggies
Don’t let leftover gravy go to waste—pour it over fresh or roasted vegetables! It can add flavor and moisture to veggies like broccoli, cauliflower, green beans, Brussels sprouts and beyond. The gravy elevates vegetables into an easy side.
13. Make Gravy Fries or Poutine
Fries or potatoes smothered in leftover chicken gravy makes irresistible poutine. For an even more decadent twist, add cheese curds. The hot gravy melts the cheese into deliciously gooey bites throughout the fries.
14. Stir Into Fried Rice
Take leftover fried rice up a notch by stirring in leftover chicken gravy as you reheat it in a skillet. The gravy works its way through, coating the rice and veggies. Scrambled eggs and cooked chicken or shrimp round it out.
15. Mix with Meatballs
Baked meatballs in leftover gravy is a simple, tasty meal. Make meatballs with beef or turkey. Then bake them in the gravy until cooked through and coated in savory flavor. Serve the saucy meatballs over mashed potatoes or pasta.
16. Pot Roast Sauce
Pot roasts and leftover gravy go hand-in-hand. Cook pot roast as usual, but skip making the gravy. When the roast is done, stir in leftover gravy and let it simmer until heated through and thickened into a perfect sauce for the meat.
17. Gravy-Smothered Steaks
Take steaks up a notch by smothering them in reheated leftover chicken gravy after cooking. The rich, meaty gravy boosts flavor and adds extra moisture as it soaks into the beef. Serve with veggies for an easy dinner.
18. Add to Chili
Here’s an idea for chili lovers. Make your favorite chili recipe, but stir in leftover chicken gravy during the last 10 minutes of cooking. The gravy adds comforting richness and extra thickness. Just adjust spices to taste.
19. Bake with Tater Tots
For an easy casserole, mix leftover chicken gravy into ground beef or turkey. Then spoon the mixture into a baking dish and top with tater tots. Bake until the tots are crispy and gravy is bubbling for a crowd-pleasing dish.
20. Stir into Stuffing
Leftover chicken gravy can moisten and flavor leftover stuffing. Simply combine them in a skillet and cook while stirring over medium heat. The gravy evenly penetrates the stuffing, taking it to new tasty heights.
21. Make a Pot Pie Casserole
Transforming chicken pot pie fillings into an easy casserole is a great way to use leftover gravy. Build the filling in a baking dish with chicken, veggies, and gravy. Top with biscuit dough and bake until golden brown for a comforting meal.
22. Eggs Benedict-ish
Looking for a creative breakfast? Make pseudo Eggs Benedict by poaching eggs and serving atop toasted English muffins layered with ham and leftover gravy. The rich, savory gravy stands in for hollandaise sauce deliciously.
23. Turn Into a Dip
Finally, leftover chicken gravy can always be turned into an easy dipping sauce. It pairs perfectly with chicken strips, fries, or veggies. Just reheat the gravy and serve alongside your favorite dippers for a flavor-boosted snack or appetizer.
As you can see, with a little creativity, leftover chicken gravy can be repurposed into all kinds of mouthwatering dishes. No more wasting delicious gravy! Next time you find yourself with extra, try out some of these tasty recipe ideas. Your family is sure to love these crave-worthy creations.
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Whisk it into mayonnaise
Many day-after-Thanksgiving sandwiches have boasted a slathering of chilled gravy. But you can make your turkey sandwich richer and creamier by whisking gravy into mayonnaise. Deepen the flavor with a dollop of miso; brighten it with a squeeze of lemon juice and a few fresh herbs. Then slather away, or use as a dip for sliced chicken cutlets or steamed broccoli later in the week.
HOW TO USE UP LEFTOVER FRIED CHICKEN FOR A QUICK MEAL/OLD SCHOOL SKILLET SMOTHERED CHICKEN
FAQ
How do you use leftover chicken gravy?
The ragù can be mixed with cooked pasta, served over polenta or roasted squash, or put inside a pot pie, shepherd’s pie, pasty, or lasagna. This chicken and leek pot pie doesn’t need a separate pan for the sauce because there is already gravy ready to go.
How long does chicken gravy last in the fridge after?
Gravy can be stored safely in the refrigerator for three to four days. If not used within that time, you can freeze it four to six months.
What can you eat with chicken gravy?
Chicken with Homemade Gravy pairs perfectly with creamy mashed potato to mop up the gravy, but it would also work with rice or pasta, or even just crusty bread (or garlic bread – yum!). You could serve it with any veggies you like, from steamed green beans to cauliflower.
What to make with a lot of gravy?
Good gravy! These 10 recipes will make you want to serve gravy in every mealHamburger Steak with Gravy. Wind chill, meet your match! . Chicken Fried Steak. Hamburger Casserole. Mini Beef Pot Pies. Smothered Pork Chops. Chicken and Biscuits. Open Faced Roast Beef Sandwich. Shepherd’s Pie.