If you love rich, flavorful sauces that elevate your chicken dishes to restaurant-quality levels, then chicken demi-glace is your new best friend. This velvety, deeply savory sauce is a French classic traditionally made with veal, but the chicken version is just as delicious, more affordable, and quicker to make. In this article, I’ll walk you through how to make chicken demi-glace step-by-step, with tips to get that perfect balance of richness and depth every time.
What Is Chicken Demi-Glace?
Demi-glace is a concentrated brown sauce made by slowly reducing stock and combining it with a rich brown sauce base called espagnole. The result is a thick, glossy sauce packed with intense flavor. Chicken demi-glace uses chicken bones and aromatics instead of veal, making it lighter but still incredibly flavorful. It’s perfect for pouring over roasted chicken, steak, or vegetables, or as a base for other sauces.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Here’s a typical ingredient list for making chicken demi-glace at home:
– Chicken bones (neck, wings) – about 2 pounds
– Chicken feet – 1 pound (for extra gelatin and richness)
– Red wine – 150 ml (or dry white wine as a substitute)
– Onion, carrot, celery, leek, and celery root – all roughly chopped
– Tomato paste – 2 teaspoons
– Fresh herbs: thyme, bay leaves
– Black peppercorns – about 10 whole
– Butter – 75 grams (for finishing)
– Salt to taste
These ingredients combine to create a flavorful stock that’s the backbone of your demi-glace.
Step-by-Step Method to Make Chicken Demi-Glace
1. Roast the Bones and Vegetables
Start by roasting the chicken bones and feet in a hot oven or under a broiler until they are nicely browned. This step develops deep, caramelized flavors essential for a rich demi-glace. At the same time, roast your chopped vegetables (onion, carrot, celery, leek) until they are toasted and golden.
2. Prepare the Stock
Transfer the roasted bones and vegetables to a large pot. Add fresh herbs tied together (thyme, rosemary, bay leaves) and cover everything with cold water. Bring the pot to a gentle boil, then reduce to a simmer. Let it cook slowly for about 4 hours to extract all the flavors and gelatin from the bones.
3. Strain and Reduce
Strain the stock through a fine mesh sieve to remove solids. Return the clear stock to the pot and simmer it over medium heat until it reduces to about one-third of its original volume. This concentration step intensifies the flavor and thickens the stock naturally.
4. Add Tomato Paste and Wine
In a separate pan, sauté your mirepoix (carrots, celery, onion) and add tomato paste to deepen the flavor. Deglaze with red or white wine, scraping up any caramelized bits. Combine this with your reduced stock to add complexity.
5. Thicken and Finish
To finish, whisk in cold butter off the heat to add silkiness and body to the sauce. Season with salt and freshly ground black pepper. Your chicken demi-glace should be glossy, rich, and velvety smooth.
Tips for Perfect Chicken Demi-Glace
– Use chicken feet: They are packed with collagen, which gives the sauce a beautiful, natural thickness.
– Don’t rush the roasting: Proper browning of bones and vegetables is key for deep flavor.
– Simmer gently: Avoid boiling vigorously to keep the stock clear and flavorful.
– Strain well: A fine mesh sieve or cheesecloth ensures a smooth sauce.
– Store properly: Demi-glace keeps well in the fridge for 3 days or can be frozen for several months.
How to Use Chicken Demi-Glace
Chicken demi-glace is incredibly versatile. Use it to:
– Drizzle over roasted or grilled chicken for an elegant finish
– Make pan sauces by deglazing your skillet with demi-glace and a splash of wine
– Enrich stews or braises
– Serve alongside mashed potatoes or steamed vegetables for a gourmet touch
It’s a flavor bomb that instantly upgrades your meals!
Chicken demi-glace may take some time to prepare, but the results are worth every minute. With a few simple ingredients and some patience, you can create a sauce that tastes like it came from a fine dining kitchen. Give it a try, and your taste buds will thank you!
Chicken demi-glace is a delicious way to add depth and richness to your cooking with simple ingredients and straightforward steps. Enjoy the process and savor the incredible flavors you create!