Jamie Oliver Chicken Wing Gravy

Jamie Oliver’s Chicken Wing Gravy is a deeply flavorful, slow-cooked gravy that uses chicken wings to create a rich, glossy base without relying on artificial stock cubes or shortcuts. The wings roast and simmer to release natural gelatin, giving the gravy body, depth, and a savoury richness that feels restaurant-quality but remains rooted in simple home cooking.
This is the kind of gravy that turns an ordinary roast into something memorable. Jamie Oliver’s Chicken Wing Gravy works beautifully with roast chicken, turkey, mashed potatoes, Yorkshire puddings, and even leftover sandwiches, making it a versatile staple worth mastering.

What Makes This Jamie Oliver Chicken Wing Gravy Worth Making

• Exceptional depth of flavour built from real roasted chicken wings
• Naturally thick and glossy texture without heavy flour use
• Perfect make-ahead gravy that improves as it rests
• No artificial ingredients, relying on real roasting and simmering
• Highly versatile for poultry, potatoes, and comfort dishes

What Is Jamie Oliver’s Chicken Wing Gravy?

Jamie Oliver Chicken Wing Gravy is a traditional-style gravy made by roasting chicken wings with vegetables, then simmering them with stock to extract maximum flavour. The liquid is reduced and strained to create a smooth, rich gravy with deep savoury notes and natural thickness.

Jamie Oliver Chicken Wing Gravy Ingredients List

• 1 kg chicken wings
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 onion, roughly chopped
• 1 carrot, roughly chopped
• 1 celery stick, roughly chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, crushed
• 1 tablespoon tomato purée
• 1 tablespoon plain flour
• 1 litre chicken stock or water
• 1 bay leaf
• Fresh thyme sprigs
• Sea salt
• Freshly ground black pepper

More recipes to add to your list

• Jamie Oliver Honey Roasted Carrots and Parsnips
• Jamie Oliver Chicken and Mushroom Pie (30 Minute Meals)

How to Prepare Jamie Oliver Chicken Wing Gravy – Simple Steps

Step 1: Roast the Chicken Wings

Preheat the oven to 200°C (400°F). Spread the chicken wings in a roasting tray, drizzle with olive oil, and season lightly. Roast for 45–50 minutes, until deeply golden and caramelised. This step builds the foundation of flavour.

Step 2: Add Vegetables and Tomato Purée

Remove the tray from the oven and scatter over the onion, carrot, celery, and garlic. Spoon in the tomato purée and return to the oven for another 15 minutes so the vegetables soften and caramelise.

Step 3: Transfer to a Pan and Deglaze

Tip everything into a large saucepan. Place the roasting tray over heat, pour in a little stock, and scrape up the sticky bits. Add this liquid to the pan for maximum flavour.

Step 4: Build the Gravy Base

Sprinkle the flour over the wings and vegetables, stirring well. Add the remaining stock, bay leaf, thyme, and black pepper. Bring to a gentle simmer.

Step 5: Simmer for Depth

Simmer uncovered for 45–60 minutes, stirring occasionally. The liquid will reduce, and the wings will release gelatin, giving the gravy body and richness.

Step 6: Strain and Reduce

Strain the gravy through a sieve into a clean pan, pressing well to extract all flavour. Discard solids. Simmer again until the gravy reaches your desired thickness.

Step 7: Final Seasoning and Serve

Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper. Serve hot with roast meats or store for later use.

Common Mistakes to Avoid When Making Jamie Oliver Chicken Wing Gravy

• Rushing the roasting stage
• Using pale, under-roasted wings
• Boiling too aggressively instead of simmering
• Skipping the reduction after straining
• Over-salting before final reduction

Best Dishes to Serve With Jamie Oliver Chicken Wing Gravy

• Roast chicken or turkey
• Mashed potatoes
• Yorkshire puddings
• Roast vegetables
• Open sandwiches or pies

Expert Tips to Get Jamie Oliver Chicken Wing Gravy Just Right

• Roast until deeply golden for maximum flavour
• Simmer to extract gelatin
• Skim excess fat if needed before reducing
• Strain thoroughly for a smooth finish
• Make ahead and reheat gently

How to Add More Flavour to Jamie Oliver Chicken Wing Gravy

• Add a splash of white wine when deglazing
• Use fresh herbs generously
• Add a small knob of butter at the end for shine
• Roast wings extra dark for a deeper colour
• Finish with cracked black pepper

Can I Make Chicken Wing Gravy Ahead of Time?

Yes, this gravy is ideal for making in advance. It can be refrigerated for up to 3 days or frozen for up to 3 months, and it reheats beautifully.

Best Way to Store Chicken Wing Gravy

Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Remove any solidified fat from the surface before reheating.

Best Ways to Reheat Chicken Wing Gravy

• Stovetop: Reheat gently over low heat
• Microwave: Heat in short bursts, stirring between
• From frozen: Thaw overnight before reheating

Nutritional Value (Per Serving)

• Calories: ~120
• Fat: 8g
• Protein: 6g
• Carbohydrates: 4g

FAQs

Why use chicken wings instead of stock cubes for gravy?

Chicken wings contain natural gelatin and connective tissue that break down during cooking. This creates a richer flavour and thicker, glossy texture that stock cubes cannot replicate.

Can I make chicken wing gravy without flour?

Yes, the gravy can be thickened naturally by reducing it further. The gelatin from the wings helps give body, though the gravy will be slightly lighter without flour.

How dark should the chicken wings be roasted for gravy?

The wings should be deep golden brown, not pale. Proper roasting builds flavour and colour, which directly affects how rich the final gravy tastes.

Can chicken wing gravy be frozen?

Yes, chicken wing gravy freezes very well. Let it cool completely, store in an airtight container, and freeze it for up to 3 months. Reheat gently before serving.

Final Words

Jamie Oliver’s Chicken Wing Gravy is proof that great gravy comes from patience and proper technique rather than shortcuts. With its rich colour, silky texture, and deep savoury flavour, it transforms simple meals into something special and earns its place as a dependable, make-ahead classic in any kitchen.

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