How do I make a delicious pan sauce for chicken?

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Get saucy with our easy and flavorful pan sauce recipe! Elevate your chicken dishes and impress your taste buds.

You'll need

Items needed to answer the question, How do I make a delicious pan sauce for chicken. Items include:  Chicken breasts  Salt  Black pepper  Oil  Butter  Shallots  Garlic  Chicken broth  Cornstarch  Water  Dijon mustard  Heavy cream
  • Chicken breasts 2
  • Salt to taste
  • Black pepper to taste
  • Oil 1 tablespoon
  • Butter 1 tablespoon
  • Shallots 2, finely chopped
  • Garlic 2 cloves, minced
  • Chicken broth 1 cup
  • Cornstarch 1 tablespoon
  • Water 1 tablespoon
  • Dijon mustard 1 tablespoon
  • Heavy cream splash

Take note
Please be careful while working with hot pans and sauces, and always use oven mitts or pot holders to avoid burns. Also, make sure to use caution when handling sharp knives.

1

Sear the chicken

Start by heating a tablespoon of oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Season your chicken breasts with salt and pepper, then carefully place them in the hot skillet. Cook for about 5-6 minutes on each side, or until golden brown and cooked through. Once cooked, remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.

2

Make the pan sauce

Reduce the heat to medium and add a tablespoon of butter to the same skillet. Allow it to melt and sizzle a bit, then add finely chopped shallots and minced garlic. Sauté for a minute until fragrant. Now, pour in some chicken broth and scrape the bottom of the skillet with a wooden spoon to release any browned bits. Let the broth simmer until reduced by half.

3

Thicken the sauce

To add a velvety texture to your sauce, whisk together a tablespoon of cornstarch and water in a small bowl until smooth. Gradually pour the cornstarch mixture into the simmering pan sauce while whisking continuously. Keep whisking until the sauce thickens to your desired consistency.

4

Add flavor and finish

Now it's time to amp up the flavor! Stir in a tablespoon of Dijon mustard and a splash of heavy cream. Mix well until the mustard and cream are fully incorporated into the sauce. Taste and season with salt and pepper if needed. Finally, return the chicken to the skillet, spoon the sauce over it, and let everything simmer together for another few minutes.

5

Serve and enjoy!

Plate your chicken with the delicious pan sauce drizzled on top. You can garnish it with fresh herbs like parsley or thyme for an extra pop of color and flavor. Serve with your favorite sides, like mashed potatoes or steamed vegetables, and get ready to savor every bite!