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Thyme-Sherry Vinegar Pan Sauce

By America's Test Kitchen

Published on December 13, 2011

Time

20 minutes

Yield

Serves 4 (Makes about 3/4 cup)

Thyme-Sherry Vinegar Pan Sauce

Ingredients

1 shallot, minced2 garlic cloves, minced2 teaspoons chopped fresh thyme 1 cup low-sodium chicken broth 2 teaspoons Dijon mustard 2 tablespoons unsalted butter 2 teaspoons sherry vinegar Pepper

Instructions

  1. While chicken rests, remove all but 1 tablespoon of fat from now-empty skillet using large kitchen spoon, leaving any fond and jus in skillet. Place skillet over medium-high heat, add shallot, garlic, and thyme; cook until softened, about 2 minutes. Stir in chicken broth and mustard, scraping skillet bottom with wooden spoon to loosen fond. Cook until reduced to ¾ cup, about 3 minutes. Off heat, whisk in butter and vinegar. Season with pepper to taste; cover and keep warm. Serve with chicken.
Thyme-Sherry Vinegar Pan Sauce

Thyme-Sherry Vinegar Pan Sauce

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By America's Test Kitchen
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Time

20 minutes

Yield

Serves 4 (Makes about 3/4 cup)

Ingredients

1 shallot, minced
2 garlic cloves, minced
2 teaspoons chopped fresh thyme
1 cup low-sodium chicken broth
2 teaspoons Dijon mustard
2 tablespoons unsalted butter
2 teaspoons sherry vinegar
Pepper

Ingredients

1 shallot, minced
2 garlic cloves, minced
2 teaspoons chopped fresh thyme
1 cup low-sodium chicken broth
2 teaspoons Dijon mustard
2 tablespoons unsalted butter
2 teaspoons sherry vinegar
Pepper

Ingredients

1 shallot, minced
2 garlic cloves, minced
2 teaspoons chopped fresh thyme
1 cup low-sodium chicken broth
2 teaspoons Dijon mustard
2 tablespoons unsalted butter
2 teaspoons sherry vinegar
Pepper

Why This Recipe Works

For a full-bodied, complex sauce to accompany our roast chicken recipe, we found that a traditional pairing of thyme and sherry fit the bill perfectly—and took just minutes to make. The sauce recipe uses the most of the pan drippings, which lend it meaty flavor. FInishing the sauce with butter gave it the perfect velvety texture.

Instructions

  1. While chicken rests, remove all but 1 tablespoon of fat from now-empty skillet using large kitchen spoon, leaving any fond and jus in skillet. Place skillet over medium-high heat, add shallot, garlic, and thyme; cook until softened, about 2 minutes. Stir in chicken broth and mustard, scraping skillet bottom with wooden spoon to loosen fond. Cook until reduced to ¾ cup, about 3 minutes. Off heat, whisk in butter and vinegar. Season with pepper to taste; cover and keep warm. Serve with chicken.

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