Want to make your chicken meals more fun? We have a big list of 23 different chicken sauces from all around the world.
From BBQ Sauce to alfredo, our sauce list includes flavors from Asia, Europe, and South America. No matter if you’re cooking chicken on the grill, in the oven, or in a pan, our sauce list has many different tastes.
This can help you make your chicken dishes more exciting. Learn how to make these yummy sauces at home and enjoy new, delicious flavors that will make every bite of your chicken even better!
1. Barbecue Sauce
A Savory Treat
Barbecue sauce is a versatile and universally loved option that adds a smoky, sweet, and tangy flavor to your chicken. It’s perfect for marinating, grilling, or as a dip for fried or baked chicken. Infused with ingredients like molasses, vinegar, and a variety of spices, it can transform an ordinary chicken dish into a savory treat.
Perfect For Any Occasion
Whether you’re hosting a backyard barbecue or a formal dinner, barbecue sauce is an excellent choice. It pairs well with a variety of side dishes, from potato salad to grilled vegetables, giving you flexibility in your menu planning.
Customize Your Sauce
Feel free to experiment with the ingredients to create a barbecue sauce that suits your taste buds. You can make it spicier, sweeter, or smokier, depending on your preferences. Don’t forget to check out this basic barbecue sauce recipe to get you started.
2. Teriyaki Sauce
A Sweet and Salty Delight
Teriyaki sauce, with its sweet and salty flavor profile, can be an incredible addition to your chicken dish. It’s a classic Japanese sauce made with soy sauce, mirin, sugar, and ginger, which gives chicken a delicious glaze and an unforgettable taste.
Versatile and Delicious
This sauce works perfectly for grilled, roasted, or stir-fried chicken. With teriyaki sauce, you can easily prepare a delightful meal that’s sure to impress your family or guests. It also works well as a dip for chicken nuggets or wings.
Create Your Own
You can easily make homemade teriyaki sauce by adjusting the sweetness or adding some heat. Experiment with ingredients like honey, garlic, or even a bit of chili to make it your own. You can follow this easy recipe to start.
3. Buffalo Sauce
A Spicy Kick
If you love spicy food, buffalo sauce is an excellent choice. Its tangy, spicy flavor adds an incredible kick to chicken, especially when used for buffalo wings. The primary ingredients include hot sauce, butter, vinegar, and spices, creating a flavorful combination that is sure to excite your palate.
A Crowd Pleaser
Buffalo sauce is a popular choice for game day or casual get-togethers. Pair it with some blue cheese or ranch dressing to balance the heat, and you have a dish that will delight your guests.
Make It Your Own
Feel free to play with the level of heat by adjusting the quantity of hot sauce or adding in some extra spices. Here’s a basic buffalo sauce recipe for you to try and tweak.
4. Honey Mustard Sauce
A Sweet and Tangy Companion
Honey mustard sauce is a fantastic blend of sweet and tangy flavors that complements chicken exceptionally well. It is a versatile sauce that works great as a marinade, glaze, or dip. Its creamy texture and unique flavor profile make it a favorite choice for many.
For All Occasions
Whether you are preparing chicken tenders for the kids or serving a roast chicken for dinner, honey mustard sauce can elevate the dish. Its pleasing taste appeals to both adults and children, making it a reliable choice for family meals.
Customize to Your Liking
You can make honey mustard sauce more robust or sweeter by adjusting the mustard or honey proportions. Some people also like to add a dash of hot sauce for a bit of kick. Try out this simple recipe for a start.
5. Chimichurri Sauce
An Aromatic Treat
Chimichurri is an Argentinian sauce that adds a fresh, herby, and slightly tangy flavor to chicken. Made with parsley, garlic, vinegar, and oil, it’s a vibrant green sauce that also adds a beautiful color contrast to your dish.
Perfect for Grilled Chicken
This sauce is traditionally used for grilled meats, making it the perfect accompaniment for grilled chicken. It adds a burst of freshness that enhances the smokey flavors of the chicken.
Make Your Chimichurri
Feel free to experiment with the herbs in your chimichurri. Some people like to add cilantro or oregano to the mix. Here’s a classic chimichurri recipe to get you started.
6. Alfredo Sauce
A Creamy Indulgence
Alfredo sauce, with its rich and creamy texture, can transform your chicken dish into an indulgent treat. It’s a classic Italian sauce made with butter, heavy cream, and Parmesan cheese, making it the perfect complement for chicken pasta or a chicken breast dish.
Versatile and Delicious
Whether it’s a comforting chicken Alfredo pasta for dinner or a creamy chicken bake for a potluck, Alfredo sauce always delivers in taste and versatility. It also pairs well with a variety of vegetables, like broccoli or bell peppers, to balance its richness.
Customize Your Sauce
Feel free to add more flavors like garlic, black pepper, or nutmeg to your Alfredo sauce. A hint of lemon zest could also brighten up the sauce. Here’s a simple Alfredo sauce recipe to try at home.
Read also:19 Greek Yogurt Recipes
7. Pesto Sauce
A Fresh and Herby Flavor
Pesto sauce is a fresh, aromatic, and nutty sauce that pairs wonderfully with chicken. Traditional pesto is made with basil, pine nuts, garlic, Parmesan cheese, and olive oil. It adds a punch of flavor to grilled chicken, pasta, or even a chicken sandwich.
Perfect for Summer
Pesto is especially delightful during the summer months when fresh basil is plentiful. The vibrant green color and the fresh flavor of pesto make it a perfect choice for a summer barbecue or picnic.
Make It Your Own
Feel free to substitute the pine nuts with other nuts like walnuts or almonds. You can also try making pesto with other herbs like cilantro or parsley. Here’s a classic pesto recipe for you to try.
Exploring the world of sauces offers an enriching culinary experience, especially when paired with a versatile protein like chicken. With this comprehensive list of 23 sauces for chicken, you now have the tools to invigorate your poultry dishes with unique, mouthwatering flavors from around the world. These sauces not only add variety to your meals, but also spark creativity in your kitchen, enabling you to customize and experiment to your heart’s content. The next time you cook chicken, step outside your comfort zone, and try a new sauce. Who knows, you might just stumble upon your next favorite flavor combination.
