Shannon
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Post on Feb 09, 2025
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Instant Pot Chicken Gravy: Quick, Easy, and Delicious Recipes
Making gravy can sometimes feel like a daunting task, fraught with lumps and inconsistent textures. But with the help of your trusty Instant Pot, creating a rich and flavorful chicken gravy becomes a breeze! This guide dives into several easy Instant Pot chicken gravy recipes, perfect for weeknight dinners and special occasions alike. We'll cover everything from basic techniques to variations that will elevate your gravy game.
Why Use an Instant Pot for Chicken Gravy?
The Instant Pot offers several advantages when making gravy:
- Speed and Convenience: Forget standing over a stovetop for what feels like forever. The Instant Pot dramatically reduces cooking time.
- Rich Flavor Development: The pressure cooking process intensifies the flavors of your base ingredients, resulting in a more savory and delicious gravy.
- Less Mess: Cleanup is a snap! The Instant Pot minimizes the number of dishes you need to wash.
- Consistent Texture: Say goodbye to lumpy gravy! The Instant Pot's controlled environment helps ensure a smooth, creamy consistency.
Basic Instant Pot Chicken Gravy Recipe
This recipe forms the foundation for many variations. It's simple, delicious, and perfect for beginners.
Ingredients:
- 2 cups chicken broth (preferably homemade, for richer flavor)
- 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 1 tablespoon drippings from roasted or pan-fried chicken (optional, but adds intense flavor!)
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
- Sauté (Optional): If using chicken drippings, set your Instant Pot to the "Sauté" function. Melt the butter, then add the drippings and cook for a minute or two to brown slightly. This step adds a depth of flavor that's hard to beat.
- Whisk the Roux: Whisk together the flour and a small amount of cold chicken broth in a separate bowl until smooth. This prevents lumps from forming.
- Combine and Pressure Cook: Pour the remaining chicken broth into the Instant Pot. Gradually whisk in the flour mixture, ensuring no lumps remain. Stir well. Close the lid and set the valve to "Sealing." Cook on high pressure for 2 minutes, followed by a 5-minute natural pressure release.
- Quick Release: Carefully quick release any remaining pressure.
- Season and Serve: Stir in salt and pepper to taste. Your gravy is ready to serve! Adjust seasoning as needed.
Variations on the Theme: Elevate Your Instant Pot Chicken Gravy
Once you master the basic recipe, experiment with these flavor additions:
Creamy Mushroom Chicken Gravy:
Add 1 cup of sliced mushrooms to the Instant Pot during the sauté step. Cook until softened before adding the flour mixture.
Garlic Herb Chicken Gravy:
Incorporate 2-3 cloves of minced garlic during the sauté step, along with 1 teaspoon of dried herbs (such as thyme, rosemary, or oregano).
Spicy Chicken Gravy:
Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or a dash of your favorite hot sauce for a kick.
Rich and Creamy Chicken Gravy:
Stir in 1/4 cup of heavy cream or half-and-half at the end of cooking for extra richness and creaminess.
Tips for Perfect Instant Pot Chicken Gravy Every Time:
- Use good quality chicken broth: The flavor of your gravy hinges on the broth. Homemade broth is best, but a good quality store-bought brand will also work.
- Don't rush the whisking: Take your time to thoroughly whisk the flour and broth mixture to prevent lumps.
- Adjust seasoning to taste: Salt and pepper are essential, but feel free to experiment with other seasonings to create your signature gravy.
- Serve immediately: Gravy is best served fresh.
With its speed, ease, and delicious results, the Instant Pot is the perfect tool for crafting restaurant-quality chicken gravy right in your kitchen. Try these recipes and let your taste buds do the talking! What are your favorite gravy additions? Share your tips and variations in the comments below!
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