Making gravy from scratch can be a time-consuming process, but with a store bought rotisserie chicken, you can have delicious homemade gravy in no time! Whether you’re looking to use up leftover chicken or simply want to enjoy a comforting meal, this recipe is a great option.
To start, gather the ingredients you’ll need: the drippings from the rotisserie chicken, chicken broth, flour, butter, salt, and pepper. The drippings from the chicken will be full of flavor and serve as the base for the gravy.
In a saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Once melted, whisk in the flour to create a roux. Cook the roux for a few minutes until it turns a golden brown color, stirring constantly to avoid burning. This will help to thicken the gravy.
Next, slowly pour in the chicken broth while whisking continuously. This will help to prevent any lumps from forming. Continue stirring until the mixture thickens to your desired consistency. If the gravy is too thick, you can add more chicken broth to thin it out.
Finally, add the drippings from the rotisserie chicken to the gravy and stir until well combined. Season with salt and pepper to taste, and let the gravy simmer for a few minutes to allow the flavors to meld together. You can also add any additional spices or herbs of your choosing to enhance the taste.
Once the gravy is ready, serve it hot over mashed potatoes, roasted vegetables, or your favorite comfort food. The rich flavors and creamy texture will complement the rotisserie chicken perfectly, making for a satisfying meal that’s sure to please the whole family.
So, next time you have a store bought rotisserie chicken on hand, don’t let the drippings go to waste. With this simple recipe, you can easily make a delicious homemade gravy that will elevate any meal to the next level.
Preparing Your Rotisserie Chicken
Before you start making gravy from your store-bought rotisserie chicken, you need to prepare the chicken itself. Follow these steps to ensure the chicken is ready for the gravy-making process:
1. Remove the Skin: Carefully remove the skin from the rotisserie chicken. The skin can make the gravy greasy, so it’s best to discard it.
2. Separate the Meat: Take the meat off the bones and separate it into bite-sized pieces. This will make it easier to incorporate into the gravy later on.
3. Shred the Chicken: Use two forks to shred the chicken meat into smaller strands. This will create a more even texture in the gravy.
4. Save the Bones: Don’t throw away the chicken bones just yet! They will be essential for making a flavorful broth, which will serve as the base for your gravy.
5. Keep the Juices: Be sure to collect any juices that have accumulated in the bottom of the rotisserie chicken container. These juices are packed with flavor and will enhance the taste of your gravy.
6. Remove any Giblets: Check the chicken cavity for any giblets or organs that might have been included. Remove and discard them, as they are not necessary for making the gravy.
Once you’ve prepared your rotisserie chicken by removing the skin, separating the meat, shredding it, saving the bones, collecting the juices, and removing any giblets, you’re ready to move on to the next steps in making your delicious gravy.
Choosing the Right Chicken
When it comes to making gravy from store-bought rotisserie chicken, selecting the right chicken is key. Here are some tips to help you choose the best chicken for your gravy:
1. Check the Color and Texture
Look for a rotisserie chicken with a golden-brown color and crispy skin. The skin should be evenly browned and have a slightly crisp texture. Avoid chickens with pale or soggy-looking skin.
2. Smell the Chicken
Take a whiff of the chicken to ensure that it smells fresh and appetizing. Avoid any chickens with a strong or unpleasant odor.
3. Feel the Chicken
Gently press on the chicken to check for firmness. The meat should feel tender and have a slight give when pressed. Avoid chickens with overly soft or mushy meat.
4. Check for Moisture
Look for a chicken that appears moist but not excessively greasy. Avoid chickens that have dry or overly oily skin.
By following these tips and choosing the right chicken, you’ll be well on your way to making a delicious gravy using a store-bought rotisserie chicken.
Removing the Meat and Skin
To start making gravy from store-bought rotisserie chicken, you’ll need to remove the meat and skin from the chicken. Here’s how you can do it:
1. Allow the Chicken to Cool
Let the rotisserie chicken cool down for about 10-15 minutes. This will make it easier to handle and prevent any burns.
2. Remove the Skin
Once the chicken is cool enough to handle, start by removing the skin. Use your hands or a sharp knife to gently pull or cut away the skin from the chicken. Set the skin aside for later use or discard it if you don’t plan on using it.
3. Separate the Meat from the Bones
Once the skin is removed, it’s time to separate the meat from the bones. Start by pulling apart the chicken legs and thighs from the body. Set them aside on a clean plate.
Next, locate the breastbone and use a sharp knife to carefully cut along each side of it. Once the breastbone is separated, use your hands to pull or cut the breast meat away from the bones. Be sure to remove any small bones that may be left behind.
If desired, you can also remove any meat from the wings. Simply use your hands or a knife to pull or cut the meat away from the bones.
4. Shred or Chop the Meat
Once all the meat has been separated from the bones, you can choose to shred or chop the chicken meat, depending on your preference. Shredding the meat will result in longer, thinner pieces, while chopping will give you smaller, more bite-sized pieces.
Use a pair of forks to shred the meat or a knife and cutting board to chop it into smaller pieces. Transfer the shredded or chopped chicken meat to a bowl or container and set it aside for later use in making the gravy.
With the meat and skin removed, you’re one step closer to making delicious gravy using the store-bought rotisserie chicken!
Shredding the Chicken
Once you have your store-bought rotisserie chicken, the next step is to shred the meat. Shredding the chicken is easy and can be done in just a few simple steps.
Step 1: Remove the skin and bones
Start by removing the skin from the chicken. You can use your hands or a fork to gently peel off the skin. Set the skin aside, as it can be used to add flavor to the gravy later on. Next, remove the bones from the chicken. You can either use your hands to pull the meat off the bones or use a fork and knife to carefully cut the meat away.
Step 2: Shred the chicken
Once the skin and bones have been removed, it’s time to shred the chicken. Break the meat into smaller pieces with your hands or use a fork to pull the meat apart. The size of the shredded pieces is up to you, but aim for thin, bite-sized pieces.
Alternatively, you can use two forks to shred the chicken. Hold one fork in each hand and pull the meat apart by crossing the forks over each other. This method can be particularly helpful if the chicken is hot and difficult to handle.
Continue shredding the chicken until all of the meat has been separated into smaller pieces. Once the chicken is shredded, you’re ready to move on to the next step of making the gravy.
Making the Gravy
Once you have your store-bought rotisserie chicken ready, it’s time to make the gravy. Follow these steps:
What You’ll Need
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 1 cup pan drippings from the rotisserie chicken
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Remove the rotisserie chicken from its packaging, and set it on a cutting board. Use a knife to carve the meat off the bones, and set the meat aside for later use. Keep the bones and any skin or drippings for the gravy.
- Heat the butter in a saucepan over medium heat until melted. Add the flour to the melted butter, stirring constantly to create a smooth paste. Cook the mixture for about 2 minutes, until it turns a light golden color.
- Slowly pour in the chicken broth, whisking constantly to prevent lumps from forming. Continue to whisk until the mixture thickens and comes to a simmer.
- Add the pan drippings from the rotisserie chicken to the saucepan, and stir to combine. Simmer the gravy for about 5 minutes, or until it reaches your desired consistency. If the gravy becomes too thick, you can thin it out with a little more chicken broth.
- Season the gravy with salt and pepper to taste. Remember that the rotisserie chicken may already be seasoned, so adjust the seasoning accordingly.
Once the gravy is ready, you can serve it alongside the carved rotisserie chicken and other sides for a delicious and comforting meal.
1 | If you prefer a smoother gravy, you can strain it through a fine-mesh sieve before serving. |
2 | If you want to add some extra flavor to your gravy, you can stir in a tablespoon of Dijon mustard or a splash of Worcestershire sauce. |
3 | This gravy is also great for using as a sauce for mashed potatoes, roasted vegetables, or even as a base for a pot pie filling. |
Gathering the Ingredients
Before you start making gravy from a store-bought rotisserie chicken, you will need to gather a few key ingredients.
1. Rotisserie Chicken
First and foremost, you will need a store-bought rotisserie chicken. You can find these at most grocery stores already cooked and ready to use. Make sure to select a chicken that is well-seasoned and moist.
2. Chicken Stock
Next, you will need chicken stock to use as the base for your gravy. You can either make your own chicken stock at home or purchase it from the store. If you choose to buy pre-made stock, make sure to check the label for quality and flavor.
3. Flour
Flour is essential for thickening the gravy. You can use all-purpose flour or a gluten-free alternative if you prefer. Make sure to have enough on hand, as you will need it later in the recipe.
4. Butter
A small amount of butter adds richness and flavor to the gravy. You can use salted or unsalted butter, depending on your taste preferences. Just be sure it is at room temperature so it’s easy to incorporate into the gravy.
5. Seasonings
Lastly, you’ll want to gather your desired seasonings. Common options include salt, pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, and dried herbs like thyme or rosemary. Feel free to experiment with different flavors to customize your gravy to your liking.
FAQ
Can I make gravy from store-bought rotisserie chicken?
Yes, you can make gravy from store-bought rotisserie chicken. It’s a great way to add flavor to your gravy and make it more delicious.
What ingredients do I need to make gravy from store-bought rotisserie chicken?
To make gravy from store-bought rotisserie chicken, you will need the following ingredients: