This Instant Pot Gravy is the easiest way to make gravy when you make an Instant Pot Turkey or Whole Chicken. You just work with the juices left behind in the pot after you’ve removed the other ingredients!
My Thanksgiving philosophy is to keep my focus on my family and friends. When I fret over the details of the feast, that focus is threatened.
I use this Thanksgiving Checklist to help me stay on top of details. And as much as possible, I try to stick with simple recipes that dirty the fewest dishes possible.
Since one of the reasons I love my Instant Pot is that it makes true one-pot meals easy, it gets put to good use around here at Thanksgiving.
This year, my 8-quart is doing double duty. First, I’m going to make the turkey in it and then, to save extra dishes, I’ll make Instant Pot Gravy in the same pot!
It’s super easy since I’ll work with all the delicious juices left behind after I remove the turkey. Just a few additional ingredients and the gravy is ready in minutes!
What You’ll Need
The main ingredient (the turkey juices) will already be in the pot if you made your turkey in your IP. You could also pour your oven drippings in if you roasted a traditional turkey, but at that point, it would be just as easy to use a saucepan instead.
In addition to the turkey drippings, you’ll also need:
- Broth
- Cornstarch
- Cold water
- Salt and pepper
Other than your Instant Pot, the only other things you’ll need to make Instant Pot Gravy are a small bowl and a whisk.
How to Make Instant Pot Gravy
If you’ve made gravy before, making it in your Instant Pot isn’t much different. Here’s how you do it:
Step 1: Prepare liquid
Spoon off as much fat as you can from the top of the leftover turkey juices. If you want to be really precise, you can use a fat separator (but it will be an extra dirty dish you have to wash!).
Add chicken broth to the leftover juices so you have a total of 4 cups of liquid.
Step 2: Bring liquid to a boil
Turn the Instant Pot on Saute mode and heat the turkey drippings and juices until they come to a boil. Use a whisk to gently scrape any bits that might have stuck to the bottom or sides.
Press “Cancel” and then choose “Saute” again and “Adjust” to set the temperature to medium.
Step 3: Prepare the thickener
Next, we need to get the thickening agent ready. In a small bowl, combine cold water and cornstarch.
It’s really important to mix the cornstarch and water thoroughly so that the cornstarch is completely dissolved. Otherwise, you’ll end up with lumpy gravy.
Once the two are combined, pour the mixture into the boiling liquid in the pot.
Step 4: Season
Now you just need to add salt and pepper until your gravy tastes the way you like it. Continue whisking and cooking on medium heat until the gravy reaches your desired thickness.
That’s it! You can keep your gravy warm in the pot (cancel Saute and choose Warm) until you’re ready to serve. Then, just transfer to a serving bowl or gravy boat.
Instant Pot Gravy Recipe
In case you need it, here’s the printable recipe card for Instant Pot Gravy.
๐ Recipe
Instant Pot Gravy
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Equipment
- Instant Pot
- small mixing bowl
- Whisk
- Gravy boat
Ingredients
- 4 cups pan juices strained
- chicken broth if needed
- 2 tablespoons cornstarch
- ยฝ cup cold water
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Spoon fat from turkey dripping juices. Add broth to measure 4 cups total liquid.4 cups pan juices, chicken broth
- Cook pan juices on saute mode for 2-3 minutes, allowing to come to a boil. Cancel, then press saute again and adjust heat to medium.
- Mix cornstarch and cold water together in a small bowl until cornstarch has dissolved, and then whisk into the pan juices.2 tablespoons cornstarch, ยฝ cup cold water
- Add salt and pepper and continue whisking until gravy reaches desired thickness.Salt and pepper
- Use Instant Pot warm mode to keep gravy warm until ready to serve, then transfer to serving bowl or gravy boat.
Notes
Pro Tips
- After cooking the turkey or meat,ย deglaze the Instant Potย to scrape up all the browned bits from the bottomโthese bits are full of flavor!
- Strain the pan juicesย using a fine mesh strainer or cheesecloth to remove solids like herbs, fat, and bits of meat. This ensures a smooth gravy base.
- After straining the juices, let themย sit for a few minutesย so the fat rises to the top, then skim it off with a spoon.
- Always mix cornstarch or flour with cold water toย form a slurryย before adding it to the hot juices. This prevents clumping.
- Whisk continuouslyย after adding your slurry (cornstarch or flour mixture) to prevent lumps and ensure even thickening.
Recipe FAQs
How do I prevent lumps in my gravy? To avoid lumps, mix your thickener (cornstarch or flour) with cold water before adding it to the hot pan juices. Whisk constantly as you slowly pour the slurry into the Instant Pot. You can also use a strainer to remove any lumps that may form. ย What is the best way to deglaze the Instant Pot for gravy? After cooking meat in the Instant Pot, deglaze by pouring in a liquid like broth, water, or wine. Use a wooden spoon to scrape up the browned bits from the bottom of the pot. These bits are packed with flavor and will enrich your gravy. ย How do I store leftover Instant Pot gravy? Store leftover gravy in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3-4 days. You can also freeze gravy for up to 3 months. When reheating, use the โSautรฉโ function in the Instant Pot and whisk the gravy to restore its consistency. You may need to add a little extra broth if it thickens too much during storage.Nutrition
More Thanksgiving Inspiration
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1/2 C water and 1/2 C cornstarch?? Shouldn’t that be 1/2 C water and 2 TBS cornstarch??
Yes, you are correct, thanks for pointing that out. I changed it.
Can this be made using chicken or turkey pieces, instead of a whole one?
Yes! If you don’t have enough liquid left after cooking your chicken or turkey, just use more broth.