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swiss chalet sauce recipe
Donny Enriquez

Copycat Swiss Chalet Dipping Sauce

A savory, tangy, herb-flecked dipping sauce inspired by the iconic Canadian restaurant condiment. Built on a chicken broth base with warm spices and a hint of tomato, this sauce comes together in about 20 minutes and is perfect for dipping rotisserie chicken, fries, or dinner rolls.
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Prep Time 5 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Total Time 20 minutes
Servings: 6
Course: Condiment, Sauce
Cuisine: Canadian
Calories: 35
Ingredients Equipment Method Video Notes

Ingredients
  

Sauce Base:
  • 2 cups 475 ml low-sodium chicken broth
  • 2 tablespoons tomato paste
  • 1 teaspoon paprika
  • 1 tablespoon granulated sugar
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt plus more to taste
  • 1/2 teaspoon dried basil
  • 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
  • 1/2 teaspoon dried parsley
  • 1/4 teaspoon onion powder
  • 1/8 teaspoon garlic powder optional
  • 1/4 teaspoon ground ginger
  • Pinch of ground nutmeg
  • 1 bay leaf
Finishing:
  • 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
  • 1/4 teaspoon hot sauce such as Tabasco
  • 1 teaspoon fresh lemon juice
  • 1 tablespoon cornstarch
  • 2 tablespoons cold water
  • 1 tablespoon unsalted butter

Equipment

  • Medium saucepan
  • Whisk
  • Small mixing bowl
  • Measuring cups and spoons

Method
 

  1. In a medium saucepan, whisk together the chicken broth, tomato paste, paprika, sugar, salt, dried basil, dried thyme, dried parsley, onion powder, garlic powder, ground ginger, nutmeg, and bay leaf until smooth.
  2. Bring to a gentle boil over medium heat, then reduce to low and simmer uncovered for 10–12 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the color deepens and the sauce reduces slightly.
  3. Stir in the Worcestershire sauce, hot sauce, and lemon juice. Simmer 2 more minutes, then taste and adjust salt or sugar as needed.
  4. Remove and discard the bay leaf.
  5. In a small bowl, whisk the cornstarch and cold water into a smooth slurry. Pour into the simmering sauce while whisking constantly. Cook, whisking, for 1–2 minutes until thickened and glossy.
  6. Remove from heat and whisk in the butter until melted and smooth.
  7. Serve warm alongside chicken, fries, or dinner rolls.

Video

Notes

Storage: Refrigerate in an airtight container for up to 4–5 days.
Freezing: Freeze up to 2 months in an airtight container; whisk well when reheating to restore texture.
For a gravy-style version, a spicier version, a slow cooker or Instant Pot method, and dietary swaps (gluten-free, dairy-free, keto), see the Variations section in the full blog post.
Nutrition estimate is calculated using 1 tablespoon of butter and standard low-sodium broth; using a no-sodium broth or oil instead of butter will change the values slightly.