Schnitzel is a beloved, breaded delight of many food enthusiasts. Originating in Austria, this tasty dish typically features a thinly sliced piece of meat — most often pork, chicken, or veal — breaded and fried to a golden, crispy perfection. But as delightful as schnitzel is on its own, the right sauce can turn this meal into a gastronomic masterpiece.

Let’s take a culinary journey to explore the 15 best sauces that can elevate your schnitzel experience.

So, what are some of the best sauces to pair with chicken schnitzel? The chicken schnitzel, a breaded and fried delicacy, pairs well with a variety of sauces. Some of the top-rated ones include mustard cream sauce, mushroom sauce, sweet and sour sauce, orange glaze, lemon butter sauce, pepper sauce, and tomato sauce. Each of these sauces brings a distinct flavor profile, enhancing the crispy and savory qualities of the schnitzel.

1. Jägersauce (Hunter’s Sauce)

A signature accompaniment hailing from the rich culinary culture of Germany, the Jägersauce, also known as Hunter’s Sauce, is a luscious, flavor-packed elixir that marries exquisitely with a golden, crispy schnitzel.

At its heart, this sauce is an ensemble of earthy mushrooms, aromatic onions, and crispy bits of bacon, all simmered gently in a deeply savory gravy base. The Jägersauce is a robust, full-bodied blend that offers an avalanche of umami notes, not only enhancing the crispy charm of the schnitzel but also adding a satisfying, meaty depth to your overall culinary experience.

2. Zigeunersauce (Gypsy Sauce)

The Zigeunersauce, or the Gypsy Sauce as it’s widely known, is a celebration of color and flavor. This sauce, with its vibrant medley of bell peppers, onions, and ripe tomatoes, creates a riot of color and presents a zesty taste sensation. The sauce’s characteristic tanginess adds a dash of freshness that beautifully cuts through the richness of the schnitzel, helping to strike a harmonious balance of flavors that can leave your palate intrigued and wanting for more.

3. Rahmsauce (Cream Sauce)

An indispensable companion to a traditional schnitzel, the Rahmsauce, or Cream Sauce, is a decadently smooth concoction that wins hearts with its luxurious taste and texture. It’s crafted with a generous amount of heavy cream as the foundation, which is then carefully seasoned to produce a rich, creamy, and slightly tangy gastronomic delight. This sauce is not just a sauce but a sensory experience, underlining the schnitzel’s crispiness and turning each bite into a creamy, indulgent treat.

4. Sauerkraut Sauce

A punchy companion to the schnitzel, the Sauerkraut Sauce is a flavorful excursion into the tantalizing world of tangy flavors. This sauce captures the unique sourness of fermented cabbage, which is then paired with a range of savory ingredients to create a gastronomic symphony. Its sharp, contrasting flavor profile offsets the richness of the breaded meat, introducing a refreshing twist to the traditional schnitzel feast.

5. Lemon-Basil Sauce

A novel take on the typical lemon wedge served alongside schnitzel, this Lemon-Basil Sauce is a delightful fusion of fresh, zesty lemons and the aromatic whisper of fresh basil. This innovative, tangy, and fragrant sauce is like a refreshing breeze on a hot summer day, enlivening the fried schnitzel with its citrusy brightness and herbaceous notes. It promises a culinary experience that lingers in memory, tantalizing the senses with its uniquely refreshing complement to the classic dish.

6. Béarnaise Sauce

The Béarnaise Sauce, with its origins deeply rooted in French culinary tradition, is a velvety emulsion that can lend an elegant charm to your schnitzel. Crafted meticulously from a foundational blend of egg yolks and rich, creamy butter, this luxurious sauce is delicately flavored with the subtly anise-like tones of tarragon and the pungent, earthy nuances of shallots. A gentle dash of wine vinegar concludes the recipe, introducing a vibrant acidity that can elevate the overall gastronomic experience, transforming a simple schnitzel into a dish of refined sophistication.

7. Bratensauce (Roast Gravy)

The Bratensauce, or Roast Gravy, is a cherished staple in the hearty world of German cuisine. This sauce is a deep, sumptuous brown gravy, boasting a richness that can warm the soul and satisfy the most discerning of palates. Its profound, savory flavor coupled with a velvety, spoon-coating texture creates a comforting contrast to the crunchiness of a perfectly cooked schnitzel, thus adding a new dimension to the dining experience.

8. Peppercorn Sauce

A Peppercorn Sauce, imbued with the boldness of cracked black or green peppercorns, is a delightful accessory to the schnitzel. This cream-based sauce, fortified with a generous splash of brandy, introduces a spicy, refined layer of flavor that can invigorate the dish. Each bite becomes a fascinating exploration of heat, creaminess, and a touch of sophistication, making your meal an even more exciting culinary journey.

9. Blue Cheese Sauce

The potent character of a robust Blue Cheese Sauce provides an irresistible contrast to the crispy, breaded meat of a schnitzel. This sauce, thick with the bold and creamy texture of blue cheese, captures a slightly tangy flavor profile that effortlessly adds a gourmet twist to the traditional dish. It’s an adventurous taste pairing that brings an unexpected yet pleasing complexity, tantalizing the palate with its daring boldness.

10. Mushroom Garlic Cream Sauce

A delectably rich Mushroom Garlic Cream Sauce is the ultimate enhancer, adding an extra layer of depth to the schnitzel’s flavor profile. This creamy delight not only imbues the dish with a lush texture but also transforms it into a culinary masterpiece. The sauce’s pronounced garlicky undertones intermingle with the umami-rich notes of the mushrooms, creating a taste sensation that is nothing short of a flavor-packed, satisfying experience.

11. Pesto Sauce

Pesto Sauce, with its radiant and herb-rich flavors, establishes a delightful counterpoint to the hearty savoriness of the schnitzel. This lush green sauce is a culinary gem that boasts a distinct basil lead, underlined by the nuttiness of pine nuts, and the sharp, salty undertones of parmesan cheese. Embracing pesto sauce is an excellent strategy if you’re keen to infuse a dash of Italian panache into your Austrian fare, presenting a globally inspired dining experience.

12. Marinara Sauce

Introducing a well-curated Marinara Sauce to your schnitzel can bring an elevated dimension of flavor to your plate. This thick, richly textured tomato-based sauce, laced with a harmonious blend of herbs like basil and oregano, contributes a robust, tangy personality to the dish. Each bite holds the promise of sun-ripened tomatoes and aromatic herbs, brightening the palate and creating a colorful and taste-packed dining experience.

13. Salsa Verde

Salsa Verde, a vivacious green sauce, is a blend of garden-fresh herbs, briny capers, and fruity olive oil. It brings forth a lively eruption of freshness and a hint of tanginess that serves as the perfect foil to the richness of the schnitzel. Each spoonful introduces a delicate balance of zesty flavors, ensuring a light, tangy, and satisfyingly tasty culinary encounter, a vibrant dance of flavors that keeps the palate invigorated.

14. BBQ Sauce

For those seeking to venture off the beaten path, introducing a smoky, sweet, and tangy BBQ sauce to your schnitzel can be an enticing proposal. This American classic, often rich with a smoky depth, a molasses sweetness, and a vinegar-induced tang, can forge an unconventional yet intriguing pairing. This fusion of flavors, where Austrian tradition meets American gusto, creates an eclectic flavor profile that’s bound to make an impressive statement.

15. Spicy Aioli

Spicy Aioli is a flamboyant blend of punchy garlic, velvety oil, tart lemon juice, and a daring dash of chili. This sauce offers a bold, creamy, and faintly fiery companion to your schnitzel, introducing a dynamic interplay of flavors. The robust garlic undertones synergize with the schnitzel’s savory essence, while the chili’s heat injects an adventurous twist, ensuring an experience that’s as memorable as it is delicious.

FAQs

1. Can Asian sauces be used with chicken schnitzel?

Undoubtedly, Asian sauces can be successfully introduced to a chicken schnitzel dish, paving the way for an intriguing fusion of flavors. The iconic Soy sauce, renowned for its salty and umami-filled characteristics, interacts delightfully with the well-seasoned meat encased within the crispy breading of the schnitzel. This can lead to a distinct and memorable taste profile, making the schnitzel a canvas for global flavors, especially when the schnitzel features tender chicken or flavorful pork.

2. What are some creamy sauces to serve with chicken schnitzel?

Creamy sauces are a favored accompaniment for chicken schnitzel, enveloping the crispy dish in a luscious, velvety robe of flavor. Mustard cream sauce, with its balance of richness and tanginess owing to the incorporation of Dijon mustard, is one such stellar example.

Mushroom sauce is another prime contender, boasting a silky texture and an earthy flavor profile that can be attributed to the magical blend of mushrooms and sour cream. Both these sauces act as an exquisite counterpoint to the crispy, golden texture of the schnitzel, augmenting its delightfulness.

3. Are there any non-creamy or light sauces suitable for chicken schnitzel?

Indeed, a plethora of non-creamy or lighter sauces exist that harmonize wonderfully with a chicken schnitzel, offering a less rich but equally flavorful alternative. One such enticing blend is the Herb Lemon Dijon sauce. This concoction marries the tartness of freshly squeezed lemon juice, the sharp, complex character of Dijon mustard, and the refreshing undertones of hand-picked herbs.

This citrusy and herbal delight provides a revitalizing and tangy dimension to the crispy fried chicken, making each bite a refreshing experience. Tartar sauce, another worthy mention, delivers a tangy twist wrapped in a creamy, mayonnaise-based mixture, adept at slicing through the rich flavors of the schnitzel, while still maintaining a light, palate-cleansing profile.

4. Can chicken schnitzel be served with spicy sauces?

Absolutely, chicken schnitzel can be luxuriously enjoyed with an array of spicy sauces, catering to those who appreciate a hint of fiery heat in their meals. A crowd favorite is the pepper sauce, a concoction made with the bold flavors of cracked black or green peppercorns, the creaminess of heavy cream, and an audacious splash of brandy.

This potent mixture brings a thrilling spicy kick to the schnitzel, enhancing its flavor profile to delightful new heights. For the adventurous eaters, a spicy aioli or a chili-infused sauce could be another enticing option, adding an exhilarating, spicy twist to the traditional schnitzel meal.

Conclusion

In the world of culinary creations, the sky’s the limit when it comes to pairing sauces with your schnitzel. From classic German gravies to Italian marinara and even a bit of BBQ fun, you can transform your schnitzel meal into a diverse taste exploration. So, next time you’re cooking up a storm, consider one of these sauces to take your schnitzel experience to new heights.