6 Simple Sauces for Chicken

This classic sauce deserves a place in your repertoire. It takes everyday dishes up a notch with a touch of elegance and lots of flavor, yet very little effort. Pair it with a sautéed chicken breast, a tilapia filet, or a pork loin. It's also good on pasta.

Pantry Checklist:

• Onion
• Chicken broth (fat-free, less-sodium)
• Dry white wine
• White wine vinegar
• Butter
• Fresh chives 

No-Cook! A nice twist on traditional basil pesto, this version uses flat-leaf parsley for a fresh, herbal flavor. Great on pastas, bruschetta, pizzas, and sandwiches, this pesto is just as versatile as the classic.

Pantry Checklist:

• Flat-leaf parsley
• Toasted pine nuts
• Parmigiano-Reggiano cheese
• Extra-virgin olive oil

Dijon mustard and maple syrup combine in a sweet-savory pan sauce that adds a velvety richness to chicken, and would also taste fantastic on a pork tenderloin. This pan sauce reduces in about 5 minutes, so you can make it while your protein cooks.

Pantry Checklist:

• Garlic cloves
• Chicken broth (fat-free, less-sodium)
• Dry white wine
• Maple syrup
• Dijon mustard
• Fresh rosemary

No Cook! Cool and tangy, this white sauce is an easy go-to recipe that you can whip up in minutes to use on hot or cold chicken, or as a zesty sandwich spread. It also works well with fish and chips.

Pantry Checklist:

• Canola mayonnaise
• White vinegar
• Garlic clove
• Lemon juice

Save your weeknight chicken from the doldrums. Fresh grated ginger and orange marmalade add a little sweet-and-spicy Asian flair. Hesitant to buy sambal oelek (chili paste) just for this recipe? It's one of our favorite pantry staples because it adds heat and spice to many great recipes.

Pantry Checklist:

• Fresh ginger 
• Chicken broth (fat-free, less-sodium)
• Orange marmalade 
• Soy sauce (low sodium) 
• Sambal oelek (or other hot chili sauce)
• Lemon juice
• Fresh chives 

No Cook! Everyone needs a classic vinaigrette recipe, and this one is so simple you'll know it by heart. It's great on steamed or fresh veggies, salads, and drizzled on sprouts in a sandwich. Experiment with different vinegars to change things up from time to time.

Pantry Checklist:

• Red wine vinegar
• Shallots
• Dijon mustard
• Extra-virgin olive oil