Ever stared at that container of leftover chicken gravy in your fridge and thought, “what a shame to throw this liquid gold away”? I’ve been there too many times! That rich, savory sauce deserves better than being forgotten until it grows fuzzy and ends up in the trash.
The good news? Your leftover chicken gravy can be transformed into amazing new meals with minimal effort. I’ve compiled this mega-list of creative ways to use every last drop of that delicious gravy. Trust me, after reading this, you’ll never waste gravy again!
Why You Should Save Your Leftover Chicken Gravy
Before diving into the recipes, let’s talk about why chicken gravy is worth saving
- It’s packed with flavor from the chicken drippings, herbs, and seasonings
- It adds moisture and richness to otherwise dry dishes
- It can be frozen for up to 3 months
- It’s basically free flavor that you’ve already paid for!
Storage Tips for Leftover Chicken Gravy
Quick note on storage
- Refrigerator: Store in an airtight container for 3-4 days
- Freezer: Freeze in airtight containers or freezer bags for up to 3 months
- Pro tip: Freeze gravy in ice cube trays for small, easy-to-use portions!
Now, let’s get to the good stuff – what to actually DO with all that leftover gravy!
21 Delicious Ways to Use Leftover Chicken Gravy
1. Chicken Pot Pie
Transform your gravy into the perfect filling for a comforting pot pie. Simply combine with:
- Cooked chicken pieces
- Mixed vegetables (peas, carrots, corn)
- Top with pie crust or puff pastry
- Bake until golden and bubbly
2. Pasta Sauce
Chicken gravy makes an incredible pasta sauce base. Just:
- Toss with your favorite pasta
- Add some sautéed vegetables
- Sprinkle with Parmesan cheese
- Mix in shredded chicken for extra protein
3. Shepherd’s Pie or Cottage Pie
Use your chicken gravy as the savory sauce in a shepherd’s pie
- Mix with ground beef or lamb (for shepherd’s pie)
- Add cooked vegetables
- Top with mashed potatoes
- Bake until golden and bubbly
4. Elevate Your Soup Game
Add depth and richness to homemade soups:
- Use as a soup starter
- Mix with chicken broth
- Add veggies, noodles, and leftover chicken
- You’ve got instant chicken soup with amazing flavor!
5. Biscuits and Gravy (Breakfast Edition)
Who says gravy is just for dinner?
- Pour warm chicken gravy over freshly baked biscuits
- Add some crumbled sausage if you want
- Top with a fried egg for extra deliciousness
- Breakfast of champions!
6. Open-Faced Hot Sandwiches
Make a comfort food classic:
- Toast thick bread slices
- Top with sliced chicken or turkey
- Pour hot gravy over everything
- Eat with a knife and fork!
7. Poutine-Style Fries
Create a Canadian-inspired treat:
- Make or buy crispy french fries
- Top with cheese curds (or shredded cheese)
- Pour hot gravy over everything
- Watch the cheese get all melty and amazing!
8. Savory Bread Pudding
Try this unique twist:
- Cube day-old bread
- Mix with gravy, eggs, and chopped veggies
- Add cooked chicken and cheese
- Bake until set and golden
9. Stroganoff-Style Sauce
Replace traditional beef broth with chicken gravy:
- Sauté mushrooms and onions
- Add gravy and a splash of wine
- Stir in sour cream
- Serve over egg noodles
10. Flavorful Marinade
Use gravy as a flavor-packed marinade:
- Thin with a little water if needed
- Add extra seasonings like garlic or herbs
- Marinate chicken, pork, or beef
- Grill or roast for extra-juicy meat
11. Gravy Risotto
Add richness to risotto:
- Use gravy in place of some of the broth
- Cook arborio rice as usual
- Add sautéed mushrooms and peas
- Finish with Parmesan cheese
12. Chicken and Waffles
Put a savory spin on this classic:
- Make or buy waffles
- Top with fried chicken
- Drizzle warm gravy over everything
- Sweet-savory perfection!
13. Meatballs in Gravy
Skip making a new sauce:
- Make your favorite meatballs (beef, pork, or chicken)
- Simmer them in the leftover gravy
- Serve over mashed potatoes or rice
- Comfort food at its finest!
14. Savory Crepes
Fill crepes with a gravy-based mixture:
- Mix gravy with shredded chicken and vegetables
- Roll up in crepes
- Top with more warm gravy
- Fancy dinner with minimal effort!
15. Enhance Store-Bought Dishes
Upgrade pre-made foods:
- Pour over frozen vegetables to add flavor
- Mix into boxed stuffing for moisture
- Stir into instant mashed potatoes
- Make mediocre food taste homemade!
16. Create a Pan Sauce
Use gravy as a base for a fancy pan sauce:
- Sear chicken or pork chops
- Deglaze the pan with a splash of wine
- Add your leftover gravy
- Simmer until thickened
17. Newfoundland Fries
Try this Canadian regional specialty:
- Layer french fries
- Top with leftover stuffing
- Pour hot gravy over everything
- An amazing way to use up Thanksgiving leftovers!
18. Gravy-Based Dip
Make a rich dip for appetizers:
- Warm the gravy
- Mix with sour cream or cream cheese
- Add herbs and spices
- Serve with chips, pretzels, or vegetables
19. Salisbury Steak
Use gravy as the sauce for this classic:
- Form seasoned ground beef patties
- Cook until browned
- Simmer in the gravy
- Serve with mashed potatoes
20. Gravy Rice
Cook rice in diluted gravy instead of water:
- Mix gravy with enough water to cook rice
- Add the rice and cook as usual
- Instant flavored rice without packets!
21. Eggs Benedict Variation
Replace hollandaise with gravy:
- Toast English muffins
- Top with ham or Canadian bacon
- Add poached eggs
- Pour warm gravy over top
Quick Recipe: 15-Minute Leftover Gravy Pasta
Here’s a super quick dinner I make all the time with leftover gravy:
Ingredients:
- 8 oz pasta of your choice
- 1 cup leftover chicken gravy
- 1/2 cup milk or cream
- 1 cup frozen peas
- 1 cup diced cooked chicken (optional)
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
- Cook pasta according to package directions.
- While pasta cooks, warm gravy in a large skillet.
- Stir in milk or cream to thin the gravy slightly.
- Add frozen peas and chicken, heat through.
- Drain pasta and add to the skillet.
- Toss everything together and add Parmesan.
- Season with salt and pepper.
- Enjoy your 15-minute dinner!
FAQs About Leftover Chicken Gravy
Q: Can I freeze leftover chicken gravy?
A: Absolutely! Freeze in airtight containers for up to 3 months. For smaller portions, freeze in ice cube trays.
Q: How long does leftover chicken gravy last in the refrigerator?
A: You can safely store leftover gravy in the refrigerator for 3-4 days.
Q: Is it safe to reheat leftover chicken gravy?
A: Yes, just make sure to heat it thoroughly to a temperature of 165°F (74°C).
Q: Can I use leftover chicken gravy in a stir-fry?
A: Sure! Add it to the pan after cooking your meat and vegetables for extra flavor.
Q: What spices can I add to leftover chicken gravy to change the flavor?
A: Try adding curry powder, herbs like thyme or rosemary, garlic powder, or black pepper to create different flavor profiles.
The Bottom Line
Next time you’re about to pour that leftover chicken gravy down the drain, STOP! With these 21 creative ideas, you can transform that liquid gold into delicious new meals your family will love.
I keep a container in my freezer labeled “gravy treasure” where I collect even small amounts of leftover gravy. Once I have enough, I use it for one of these ideas, and it never disappoints!
What’s your favorite way to use leftover gravy? Do you have any creative ideas I missed? I’d love to hear about them in the comments!
Remember, being resourceful in the kitchen not only saves money but also creates some of the most delicious meals. Happy cooking!
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.