Chicken is a versatile protein that can be made even more delicious with the right sauce. Adding a flavorful sauce can turn a plain chicken dish into something special. You can easily elevate your meals by pairing chicken with tasty sauces that complement its flavor.
This article will look at 15 sauces that go great with chicken. These sauces range from creamy to tangy to spicy. You’ll find options to suit different tastes and cooking styles. Whether you’re roasting, grilling, or pan-frying chicken, there’s a sauce here that can take your meal to the next level.
1. Honey Mustard Sauce
Honey mustard sauce is a tasty mix of sweet and tangy flavors. You can make it with just a few simple ingredients.
Mix honey, Dijon mustard, and mayonnaise in a bowl. Add a dash of garlic powder for extra flavor. Stir until smooth.
This sauce is great for dipping chicken nuggets or drizzling over baked chicken. You can also use it as a salad dressing or sandwich spread.
Try adjusting the amounts of honey and mustard to suit your taste. More honey makes it sweeter, while extra mustard adds tang.
2. Barbecue Sauce
Barbecue sauce is a classic choice for chicken. You can buy it at the store or make your own at home.
To make barbecue sauce, mix ketchup, vinegar, brown sugar, and spices in a pot. Cook it on low heat for 5-10 minutes, stirring often.
Common spices include garlic powder, paprika, and chili powder. You can add a dash of cayenne for extra heat.
Use barbecue sauce to baste your chicken while grilling. Or brush it on after cooking for a sweet and tangy flavor.
3. Teriyaki Sauce
Teriyaki sauce adds a sweet and savory flavor to chicken dishes. You can make it at home with just a few ingredients.
Mix soy sauce, brown sugar, honey, and rice vinegar in a small pot. Add minced garlic and ginger for extra taste. Heat the mixture over medium heat, stirring until it simmers.
To thicken the sauce, blend cornstarch with water and add it to the pot. Cook for a few more minutes until it reaches your desired consistency.
Use teriyaki sauce to marinate chicken before cooking or as a glaze during the last few minutes of cooking. It also works well as a dipping sauce for cooked chicken pieces.
4. Ranch Dressing
Ranch dressing is a versatile sauce that pairs well with chicken. You can use it as a dip or spread it on your chicken before cooking. It adds a creamy, tangy flavor to your dish.
To make a simple ranch sauce, mix ranch dressing with melted butter and garlic. This creates a rich, flavorful coating for your chicken. You can also use dry ranch seasoning mix to add flavor.
For a quick meal, try baking chicken with ranch dressing. Coat the chicken in ranch and breadcrumbs, then bake until golden. This creates a crispy, flavorful crust.
5. Buffalo Sauce
Buffalo sauce is a zesty, tangy condiment perfect for chicken wings. It’s easy to make at home with just a few ingredients.
You’ll need hot sauce (Frank’s RedHot is traditional), melted butter, vinegar, and spices. Mix these together in a saucepan over low heat.
The sauce should be smooth and have a bright orange color. Adjust the heat level by adding more hot sauce or cayenne pepper.
Toss your cooked wings in the warm sauce right before serving. You can also use buffalo sauce as a dip or spread for other dishes.
6. Garlic Parmesan Sauce
Garlic Parmesan sauce is a rich and creamy topping for chicken. You can make it easily at home in about 15 minutes.
Start by melting butter in a pan over medium heat. Add minced garlic and cook until fragrant, about 1 minute. Whisk in some flour to create a paste.
Slowly pour in cream or milk, stirring constantly. Add chicken broth, salt, and pepper. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer, stirring often.
Finally, mix in grated Parmesan cheese until melted. The sauce should be smooth and thick. Pour it over cooked chicken for a delicious meal.
7. Tzatziki Sauce
Tzatziki is a refreshing Greek sauce that pairs perfectly with chicken. You can make it by mixing Greek yogurt, grated cucumber, garlic, lemon juice, and fresh dill.
To prepare tzatziki, start by draining the excess water from the cucumber. Mix it with the other ingredients in a bowl. Let the sauce chill in the fridge for at least an hour before serving.
When grilling chicken, brush it with olive oil and season with salt and pepper. Cook until the internal temperature reaches 165°F. Serve the chicken with a generous dollop of tzatziki on top.
This cool and tangy sauce adds a burst of flavor to your chicken dish. It’s great for summer meals and outdoor gatherings.
8. Pesto Sauce
Pesto sauce adds a burst of flavor to chicken dishes. This green sauce combines fresh basil, garlic, pine nuts, olive oil, and Parmesan cheese.
You can spread pesto on chicken before baking for a quick and tasty meal. It also works great as a pasta sauce with chicken.
Try mixing pesto into mayonnaise for a creamy chicken salad. Or use it as a dipping sauce for chicken tenders.
Pesto brings bright, herbal notes to your chicken. It’s versatile and easy to use in many recipes.
9. Chimichurri Sauce
Chimichurri sauce adds a burst of flavor to your chicken dishes. This Argentine sauce blends fresh herbs, garlic, vinegar, and oil.
To make it, chop parsley, oregano, and garlic. Mix with red wine vinegar, olive oil, and red pepper flakes. Add salt and pepper to taste.
You can use chimichurri as a marinade or topping for grilled chicken. It works well with chicken thighs or breasts.
For best results, let the sauce sit for a few hours before using. This allows the flavors to meld together.
10. Satay Sauce
Satay sauce is a flavorful peanut-based sauce that pairs perfectly with chicken. To make it, you’ll need peanut butter, coconut milk, soy sauce, and a blend of spices.
Start by heating coconut milk in a pan. Add curry paste and cook briefly. Stir in peanut butter, soy sauce, brown sugar, and a splash of lime juice.
Simmer the mixture until it thickens, stirring occasionally. Adjust the seasoning to your taste with salt, pepper, or more lime juice.
Serve your satay sauce warm alongside grilled or skewered chicken. It’s great for dipping or drizzling over your meat.
11. Chipotle Sauce
Chipotle sauce adds a smoky, spicy kick to your chicken dishes. You can make it easily at home with just a few ingredients.
Start by blending chipotle peppers in adobo sauce with mayonnaise, garlic powder, and lime juice. This creates a creamy base with a bold flavor.
For a richer version, try adding heavy cream and simmering the sauce in a pan. This method works well for coating chicken breasts or as a warm dipping sauce.
You can adjust the heat level by using more or fewer chipotle peppers. The sauce pairs great with grilled or pan-seared chicken, giving your meals a tasty Mexican twist.
12. Salsa Verde
Salsa verde is a zesty green sauce that pairs perfectly with chicken. It’s made from tomatillos, green chiles, cilantro, and lime juice.
You can easily make salsa verde chicken at home. Simply pour the sauce over chicken breasts in a baking dish. Bake it in the oven at 400°F for about 35 minutes.
For extra flavor, top the chicken with shredded cheese and broil for a few minutes until melted. The result is juicy chicken with a tangy, slightly spicy kick.
You can also use salsa verde in a slow cooker for tender, shredded chicken. It’s great for tacos, burritos, or served over rice.
13. Dijon Mustard
Dijon mustard makes a tangy, flavorful sauce for chicken. Mix it with cream, white wine, and herbs for a rich taste.
You can also use Dijon in marinades to add zesty flavor before cooking. Brush it on chicken during grilling for a golden crust.
For a quick sauce, whisk Dijon with olive oil, lemon juice, and garlic. Pour it over cooked chicken breasts or thighs.
Dijon works well in both hot and cold dishes. Try it in chicken salads or sandwiches for extra zip.
14. Mango Habanero Sauce
Mango habanero sauce brings a tropical twist to your chicken dishes. This sauce combines sweet mangoes with fiery habanero peppers for a unique flavor.
To make it, blend mango chunks, habanero peppers, garlic, and vinegar until smooth. Cook the mixture in a pot with honey for about 10 minutes, stirring often.
You can adjust the heat by changing the amount of habanero peppers. For a milder version, remove the seeds before blending.
This versatile sauce works great as a glaze, dip, or marinade for chicken. Its sweet and spicy profile adds excitement to grilled or baked chicken dishes.
15. Lemon Butter Sauce
Lemon butter sauce is a tasty addition to chicken dishes. It’s easy to make and adds a bright, tangy flavor. You’ll need butter, lemon juice, garlic, and chicken broth.
Start by melting butter in a pan. Add minced garlic and cook until fragrant. Pour in chicken broth and lemon juice. Let the sauce simmer and reduce by half.
For a creamier sauce, whisk in cold butter pieces at the end. This will help the sauce thicken. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
Drizzle the warm sauce over your cooked chicken. You can also use it as a dipping sauce on the side. The zesty lemon flavor pairs well with many chicken recipes.
Benefits of Using Sauces for Chicken
Sauces can take your chicken dishes to the next level. They add flavor and can boost the nutritional value of your meals.
Enhancing Flavor Profiles
Sauces make chicken taste better. They add new flavors that plain chicken doesn’t have on its own. You can use sauces to create many different tastes with the same chicken base.
Tangy lemon garlic sauce brings bright, zesty notes to your dish. Creamy sauces like Alabama White BBQ sauce add richness. Spicy options like chimichurri give your chicken a kick.
Sauces also help keep chicken moist during cooking. This makes for a juicier, more enjoyable meal. You can use sauces as marinades before cooking or as toppings after.
Adding Nutritional Value
The right sauce can make your chicken dish healthier. Many sauces contain ingredients that add vitamins and minerals to your meal.
Tomato-based sauces are high in vitamin C and antioxidants. Garlic in sauces may boost your immune system. Herb-filled options like chimichurri provide extra nutrients from fresh plants.
Some sauces can add healthy fats to your dish. Olive oil in many recipes gives you heart-healthy monounsaturated fats. Creamy avocado-based sauces offer similar benefits.
You can also make lighter versions of rich sauces. Try using Greek yogurt instead of cream for a protein boost with less fat.
Creating Homemade Chicken Sauces
Making your own chicken sauces is easy and fun. You can create tasty flavors with simple ingredients from your kitchen. Here are some tips to get you started.
Basic Ingredients and Techniques
Start with a base of broth, cream, or tomatoes. Add herbs and spices for flavor. Garlic, onion, and lemon are popular choices. Try mixing in mustard, soy sauce, or honey for extra zing.
To thicken your sauce, use flour or cornstarch. Mix it with cold water first to avoid lumps. Cook your sauce on low heat, stirring often. This helps blend the flavors.
Experiment with different combos. A simple butter and herb sauce can be great. Or try a creamy mushroom sauce for something richer.
Tips for Perfect Consistency
Getting the right thickness is key for a good sauce. If it’s too thin, let it simmer longer to reduce. For a quicker fix, add a bit more flour or cornstarch.
If your sauce is too thick, thin it with broth or water. Add liquid slowly and stir well. Taste as you go to keep the flavor balanced.
Straining your sauce can make it smoother. This works well for tomato-based sauces. For creamy sauces, use a whisk to mix out any lumps.
Remember, sauces thicken as they cool. It’s better to err on the thinner side while cooking. You can always reduce it more if needed.
Pairing Sauces with Chicken Dishes
The right sauce can make a chicken dish shine. Matching flavors to cooking methods and exploring regional variations can take your meals to new heights.
Matching Flavors with Cooking Methods
Grilled chicken pairs well with smoky barbecue sauces. The char from the grill complements the sweet and tangy notes in the sauce.
For roasted chicken, try herb-based sauces like chimichurri. The fresh flavors balance the rich, crispy skin.
Fried chicken calls for creamy dips. Ranch or blue cheese dressing can cool down spicy coatings.
Pan-seared chicken breast works great with pan sauces. Use the leftover bits in the pan to make a quick lemon-butter sauce.
Slow-cooked chicken benefits from hearty sauces. Tomato-based or curry sauces infuse flavor during long cooking times.
Regional Variations and Their Unique Profiles
American South offers tangy Alabama White BBQ sauce. This mayo-based sauce adds zip to smoked or grilled chicken.
Thai cuisine features peanut sauce. Its creamy texture and nutty flavor complement stir-fried or grilled chicken pieces.
Italian cooking often uses marsala sauce. This wine-based sauce pairs well with chicken cutlets.
Mexican cuisine brings mole sauce to the table. Its complex blend of chilies, chocolate, and spices elevates roasted chicken.
French cuisine is known for béarnaise sauce. This buttery, tarragon-flavored sauce works wonders with poached or grilled chicken.
Indian curries like tikka masala provide rich, spiced sauces. They’re perfect for simmered chicken dishes.