Chicken dishes have a way of bringing people together. Whether it’s a family dinner or a special occasion, these luscious sauces can elevate the taste and quality of your favorite protein even more. The tender lean white meat, often fried, roasted, shredded, grilled, or submerged in thick sauces and tasty soups, is sure to evoke feelings of nostalgia. Remember those childhood moments when your parents would cook your favorite chicken meals, and you’d feel giddy with every bite?
It’s no wonder that chicken meals are a highlight at every dining table. But what truly sets them apart is the wide range of sauces that can add more flavor to the meat. With these sauces, you can transform your chicken meal into a more memorable dish for your senses. You can pair your chicken with many dishes of varying flavors, and explore famous sauces like Alabama White Sauce, Buffalo Sauce, or even copycat recipes inspired by Chick-fil-A, Jollibee, and KFC.
There are also regional and local cuisines that offer unique sauce options, such as Korean Soy Garlic and Thai Peanut Sauce. With 21 popular sauces to try, you’re sure to find the perfect one for your next dinner dish!
Alabama White Sauce
In the heart of Dixie, where soul food reigns supreme, Alabama White Sauce is a beloved staple that adds a touch of Southern charm to any dish. This unique condiment, crafted with mayonnaise, vinegar, and a pinch of magic, has the perfect balance of savory and tangy flavors to elevate your grilled chicken creations from ordinary to extraordinary.
Buffalo Sauce
Buffalo Sauce is an essential component of any chicken wing or tender dish, bringing a depth of flavor that’s hard to replicate with other condiments. At its core, this sauce relies on the savory umami taste of Worcestershire sauce, which pairs perfectly with the spicy kick from your favorite hot sauce. To get the most out of this sauce, it’s best applied during or after cooking – whether that’s grilling or deep-frying.
For those who crave a good level of heat in their meals, the hotter and spicier the better, making Buffalo Sauce a must-have for any spicy food enthusiast.
Cambodian Spicy Soy Sauce
While traditional chicken dishes often benefit from regional twists, Cambodia has its own spin on classic recipes. By incorporating local ingredients, Cambodian cuisine breathes new life into familiar flavors. One notable aspect of this unique blend is the incorporation of chrouk metae, a fermented chili paste similar to Korea’s gochujang. For those seeking a spicier and authentic take on traditional spicy soy sauce, Cambodia’s rendition offers an exciting departure from the norm.
Cherry Balsamic Barbeque Sauce
Balsamic vinegar’s rich and tangy flavor profile has made it a staple condiment for many food enthusiasts. While it’s already a great addition to various dishes, there’s always room to elevate its appeal at special gatherings like banquets. To do so, consider blending the balsamic vinegar with other ingredients like cherries, ketchup, and Worcestershire sauce to create a one-of-a-kind Cherry Balsamic Barbeque Sauce.
This sweet and savory condiment is perfect for drizzling over or marinating chicken barbecue treats, adding an extra layer of complexity to this classic dish.
Creamy Mushroom Sauce
Whether reminiscing about warm bowls of comforting creamy mushroom soup or the rich flavors of saucy pasta, it’s undeniable that mushrooms bring an unparalleled depth to many dishes. But did you know that this earthy delight can also elevate your favorite chicken recipes? By incorporating a creamy mushroom sauce into your cooking routine, you can effortlessly transform your grilled, fried, or crispy chicken meats into mouth-watering masterpieces.
Copycat Chick-fil-A® Sauce
Chick-fil-A’s iconic chicken sandwiches have long been a fan favorite, but their signature sauce is also often the subject of great demand. The creamy, tangy flavor profile is undeniably addictive, leaving many craving more. While frequent visits to Chick-fil-A may not be necessary to satisfy this craving, the good news is that copycat recipes for the chain’s classic sauce are readily available.
By following a tried-and-true recipe, you can easily recreate the signature Chick-fil-A taste in the comfort of your own home, making it possible to enjoy the best chicken sandwiches with the perfect accompaniment – all without leaving your doorstep.
Copycat Jollibee Gravy
Since its inception in the Philippines, Jollibee has grown into a popular fast food chain, offering a diverse range of affordable and familiar options with a distinctly Filipino flair. At the heart of their menu is their iconic fried chicken dish, Jollibee Chickenjoy, which has garnered widespread acclaim. This mouthwatering creation typically comes paired with a rich, savory gravy that’s become a beloved staple in its own right.
Interestingly, the popularity of this gravy has inspired countless copycat recipes among fans of the brand. Its one-of-a-kind flavor profile makes it an excellent choice for impressing family and friends at dinner gatherings.
Copycat KFC Sauce
When it comes to iconic condiments, KFC’s famous gravy is a beloved favorite that evokes memories of comfort food at its finest. The thick, richly savory flavor with a hint of spice has been a staple on many tables. While the exact recipe remains under wraps, this copycat version is crafted around the supposed secret ingredients: chicken stock and flour, blended with other essential spices and seasonings.
While it may not be the genuine article, this homemade take promises to deliver a taste experience that’s every bit as satisfying when paired with your own fried chicken.
Dijon Mustard Sauce
While yellow mustard may dominate the market, Dijon Mustard holds a special place as a close second in popularity. This type of mustard boasts a distinct sharpness, which sets it apart from its creamy counterpart. The tangy flavor profile makes it an excellent match for various ingredients that incorporate Dijon mustard.
When used as a chicken sauce, a combination of dijon mustard, chicken stock, Worcestershire sauce, and heavy cream creates a rich, savory taste with a thick consistency that complements a wide range of chicken dishes.
Garlic Parmesan Sauce
Garlic Parmesan Sauce is a timeless condiment deeply rooted in the world of chicken wing recipes. Its creamy and tangy flavor profile adds a rich dimension to both fried chicken thighs and drumsticks. When paired with crispy fried skin, it’s no wonder why this sauce has become an iconic accompaniment to many people’s favorite fried chicken dishes.
Honey Garlic Sauce
When it comes to delectable chicken wing sauces, Honey Garlic Sauce is another must-try. This rich condiment boasts a tantalizing smokiness on the surface of the chicken, evoking memories of slow-cooked barbeque delights. But what sets it apart from its BBQ counterpart is its indulgently sweet flavor profile that permeates both the skin and meat, leaving you craving more with each bite.
Honey Mustard Sauce
The combination of honey and mustard may seem like an unusual pairing at first, with sweet honey and tangy mustard offering a clash of flavors. Yet, when brought together, these tastes harmonize beautifully in the classic chicken dip recipe. Furthermore, this sweet and savory sauce can also be used to glaze cooked chicken cuts before serving, adding a delightful twist to your meal.
Horseradish Sauce
While horseradish sauce is often associated with grilled and smoked meats, its versatility extends far beyond these traditional applications. The root of the horseradish plant is used to create this pungent condiment, which boasts a distinctive aroma and flavor that can elevate a wide range of dishes. When applied to chicken, however, the bold character of the horseradish gives way to a more nuanced flavor profile, courtesy of the addition of sour cream, dijon mustard, and Worcestershire sauce.
Lemon Garlic Dressing
The classic combination of zesty lemon and pungent garlic has been a staple at family gatherings and local celebrations for years. Its versatility is unmatched, extending beyond traditional uses as a salad dressing to elevate the flavors of succulent chicken dishes. In fact, this harmonious blend can imbue your go-to chicken recipe with a tangy, garlicky essence that’s sure to impress.
Korean Soy Garlic Sauce
The Korean Soy Garlic Sauce bears a striking resemblance to the sweet and sticky glaze typically used on traditional fried chicken dishes in Korea. Locally known as dakgangjeong, this beloved condiment is characterized by its harmonious balance of sour, sweet, and savory flavors. This complex flavor profile can elevate the appeal of your chicken wings and grilled chicken cuts, making it an excellent addition to any meal.
Orange Marmalade Sauce
Orange marmalade offers a sweet and tangy flavor profile that pairs beautifully with chicken dishes featuring oranges. Its versatility makes it an excellent addition to recipes like Orange Chicken, which crave a fruity twist. While this sauce can be enjoyed by those who appreciate its natural sweetness, it’s also worth noting that the presence of spicy brown mustard introduces a bold and zesty dimension, adding depth to any dish.
Orange Sauce
This Orange Sauce for chicken embodies a perfect balance of tangy, fruity, sweet, and sour notes, similar to its orange marmalade counterpart. Its thick consistency, reminiscent of Chinese cuisine, elevates the flavor profile of your favorite grilled and crispy chicken recipe. Moreover, its enticing aroma is sure to captivate everyone’s senses, making it an ideal accompaniment to your culinary creations.
Pineapple Teriyaki Sauce
The teriyaki sauce, a staple in Japanese cuisine, typically combines soy sauce, sugar, and mirin – a type of Japanese rice wine. However, by incorporating pineapple juice into the mix, a new dimension of sweetness and tanginess is added to the already rich and luscious sauce.
Satay Sauce (Thai Peanut Sauce)
Contrary to common perception, peanuts are often overlooked as a viable addition to chicken sauces. But native Thais will challenge this notion by showcasing the rich, nutty flavor of Thai Peanut Sauce. While its name may suggest Indonesian origins, this sauce is now synonymous with satay – the art of barbeque in Thailand.
With its bold and savory profile, it’s particularly well-suited for grilling chicken barbeque meats, but feel free to experiment with other dishes featuring chicken as the main ingredient.
Sriracha Ranch Dressing
Sriracha Ranch Dressing is a unique fusion of two beloved condiments, designed to elevate the flavor profile of chicken dishes. The foundation of this dressing lies in Sriracha, a bold Thai hot sauce crafted from chili peppers and an array of herbs and spices. On the other hand, traditional ranch dressing is a quintessential American classic, built upon mayonnaise, sour cream, buttermilk, and a blend of seasonings.
When combined, these two flavors come together to create a rich, savory taste experience with a subtle kick of heat. Expect this Sriracha Ranch Dressing to tantalize your taste buds with its harmonious balance of creamy, spicy, and tangy notes.
White Wine Sauce
As we wrap up our culinary journey, a sweet and creamy White Wine Sauce takes center stage, perfectly complementing chicken and other meats. This versatile condiment is crafted by combining white wine with Dijon mustard, butter, and cream to achieve a rich consistency and flavor profile.
To create this luscious sauce, it’s essential to select a white wine that suits your taste buds.
With varying levels of sweetness among white wines, you can choose one that you’re familiar with or prefer to bring out the best in your dish.
The bottom line
When it comes to satisfying our cravings and appetites, chicken dishes are a clear winner. Whether served as a main course or part of a larger spread, they have a way of drawing us in with their tender meat. But let’s be real – there’s only so much even the most delicious chicken can do on its own. That’s where creative sauces come into play. By incorporating one (or more!) of these mouthwatering recipes into your cooking routine, you’ll take your chicken dishes to new heights.
Whether you’re in the mood for something classic or adventurous, there’s a sauce out there waiting to elevate your fried, roasted, smoked, or grilled chicken creations. So go ahead, get saucy, and take your taste buds on a wild ride!