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Low Sodium Swiss Chalet Sauce

Low Sodium Swiss Chalet Sauce - recipe card
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This copycat Swiss Chalet sauce delivers the iconic chicken gravy flavor—rich, tangy, and subtly spiced—without the salt overload. A blend of tomato, Worcestershire-style seasoning, and warm spices creates a glossy, savory sauce perfect for roasted chicken, mashed potatoes, or poutine.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1/2 cup onion, finely diced
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced (about 1 teaspoon)
  • 2 tablespoons tomato paste
  • 1 1/4 cups low-sodium chicken stock
  • 4 teaspoons Worcestershire sauce (low-sodium if available)
  • 1 tablespoon honey
  • 1 teaspoon dry mustard powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • 1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper
  • 1 teaspoon apple cider vinegar
  • 1 tablespoon cornstarch mixed with 2 tablespoons cold water (slurry)

Instructions

  1. Heat the olive oil in a small saucepan over medium heat until it shimmers. Add the finely diced onion and cook, stirring occasionally, for 4-5 minutes until the onion is soft and translucent but not browned.
  2. Add the minced garlic and tomato paste to the pan. Stir constantly for 1 minute until the garlic is fragrant and the tomato paste darkens slightly to a deep brick-red color—this caramelization builds the sauce’s umami foundation.
  3. Slowly pour in the low-sodium chicken stock while stirring to dissolve the tomato paste and prevent lumps. Scrape the bottom of the pan with a wooden spoon to release any browned bits (deglazing) for added depth.
  4. Stir in the Worcestershire sauce, honey, dry mustard powder, smoked paprika, and black pepper. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer over medium heat—you should see small bubbles breaking at the edges, not a rolling boil.
  5. Reduce the heat to low and let the sauce simmer uncovered for 15-20 minutes, stirring occasionally, until it has reduced by about one-third and slightly thickened. During this time, the flavors will meld and concentrate.
  6. After simmering, stir in the apple cider vinegar. This brightens the sauce and brings a subtle tang that balances the sweetness from the honey, mimicking the original Chalet sauce’s distinctive tang.
  7. In a small bowl, whisk the cornstarch with cold water until fully dissolved—no lumps should remain. While stirring the sauce, slowly pour the cornstarch slurry into the simmering sauce.
  8. Continue stirring over medium-low heat for 2-3 minutes until the sauce thickens to a coat-the-back-of-a-spoon consistency. The sauce will thicken further as it cools, so keep it slightly thinner at this stage.
  9. Taste the sauce and adjust seasoning now—add a few extra drops of vinegar for more tang or a pinch of sugar or honey if you prefer sweeter. Do not add salt; the stock and Worcestershire supply enough flavor.
  10. Remove the sauce from heat. For a smoother texture, you can strain it through a fine-mesh sieve, pressing the solids to extract as much liquid as possible. If you prefer a chunkier sauce, skip straining.
  11. Serve warm over roasted chicken, mashed potatoes, or as a dip for fries. If making ahead, cool the sauce to room temperature before transferring to an airtight container.
  12. Store in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop over low heat, stirring occasionally, and add a splash of water or stock if the sauce becomes too thick after refrigeration.

Notes

Storage: Keep in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. For longer storage, freeze for up to 3 months. Reheating: Warm gently on the stovetop over low heat, stirring occasionally; add water or low-sodium stock 1 tablespoon at a time to restore the desired consistency. This sauce is excellent over roasted chicken, turkey, or as a gravy for poutine.

Nutrition

Keywords: low sodium swiss chalet sauce, swiss chalet gravy, copycat swiss chalet, homemade chicken gravy, low salt sauce, canadian sauce, chicken dipping sauce, poutine gravy, roasted chicken sauce, low sodium gravy, chalet sauce recipe

Find it online: https://copycatkitchenco.com/low-sodium-swiss-chalet-sauce/