Plain chicken can be boring, but the right sauce can transform it into a mouthwatering meal. A good sauce adds flavor, moisture, and excitement to your chicken dishes.
Adding sauce to chicken is one of the easiest ways to elevate your cooking without much effort. You can choose from countless options – from creamy and rich to spicy and tangy.
Many sauces can be prepared with simple ingredients you already have in your kitchen, making them perfect for weeknight dinners or special occasions.
1. Tikka Masala Sauce
Tikka Masala sauce is a vibrant orange, creamy sauce that brings incredible flavor to chicken dishes. It combines onion, garlic, tomato, and a blend of spices with rich cream to create a balanced taste experience.
You can find many store-bought options from brands like Kroger, Whole Foods 365, and Saffron Road when you’re short on time. For the best results, simmer your chicken in this sauce after browning it with simple seasonings like salt, pepper, and garlic powder.
To enhance store-bought tikka masala, you might add fresh herbs or extra spices. Serve your tikka masala chicken over rice for a complete meal that’s both satisfying and easy to prepare.
2. Sweet Baby Ray’s BBQ Sauce
Sweet Baby Ray’s is a popular choice for chicken dishes. Their Original BBQ sauce offers that classic sweet and tangy flavor that pairs perfectly with grilled or baked chicken.
Many fans prefer their Hickory and Brown Sugar variety, which adds a smoky depth to your chicken. The sauce clings well to your meat during cooking.
Sweet Baby Ray’s also offers a No Sugar Added option if you’re watching your sugar intake. Their variety packs let you experiment with different flavors like Honey Mustard and Hickory ‘n Spicy.
You can use these sauces as marinades before cooking or as dipping sauces after. They work equally well for wings, breasts, or whole roasted chickens.
3. Garlic Parmesan Sauce
Garlic Parmesan sauce combines rich, creamy flavors that perfectly complement chicken dishes. This versatile sauce features butter, minced garlic, flour, chicken broth, and Parmesan cheese as its base ingredients.
You can create this sauce in about 30 minutes, making it ideal for weeknight dinners. The creamy texture coats chicken evenly, infusing each bite with savory garlic and nutty cheese flavors.
This sauce works well with various chicken preparations including fillets, boneless skinless breasts, or even as a base for chicken pasta dishes. You can adjust the thickness by varying the amount of chicken broth or adding half-and-half for extra creaminess.
For a flavor boost, try adding herbs like thyme or parsley to your garlic Parmesan sauce.
4. Peruvian Green Sauce
Peruvian Green Sauce, also known as Aji Verde, is a vibrant and flavorful sauce that pairs perfectly with chicken. It combines jalapeños, cilantro, garlic, and a touch of mayonnaise for creaminess.
The sauce gets its signature kick from jalapeños, while some recipes include ají amarillo peppers for authentic Peruvian flavor. Many versions also add lime juice and a bit of Parmesan cheese for extra depth.
You can drizzle this sauce over grilled chicken or use it as a dip. Its bright, spicy profile works well with any chicken preparation, from roasted to grilled, making it a versatile addition to your meal.
5. Lemon Butter Sauce
Lemon butter sauce gives chicken a bright, fresh flavor that’s both rich and tangy. The sauce combines the creaminess of butter with zesty lemon juice for a perfect balance.
You can make this versatile sauce in just 10 minutes with simple ingredients. Butter, fresh lemon juice, garlic, and chicken broth form the base of this delicious topping.
For extra flavor, try adding Dijon mustard or a splash of white wine. This sauce works wonderfully with crispy parmesan chicken or simple chicken breasts.
The creamy texture coats the chicken perfectly while the citrus cuts through the richness. It’s also great drizzled over fish, vegetables, or pasta for an easy meal upgrade.
6. Aji Sauce
Aji sauce is a vibrant Peruvian condiment that will elevate your chicken dishes to new heights. The most popular version is aji verde, a spicy green sauce made with cilantro, jalapeños, mayonnaise, and sometimes Parmesan cheese.
This versatile sauce combines creamy, spicy, and tangy flavors that pair perfectly with grilled or roasted chicken. You can adjust the heat level by adding more or fewer jalapeños to suit your taste.
For a different flavor profile, try aji amarillo sauce. It uses yellow Peruvian peppers and often includes mayonnaise, lime juice, and a touch of mustard. Both versions add bright, bold flavors that will transform your simple chicken dishes into something special.
7. Honey Garlic Sauce
Honey garlic sauce offers a perfect blend of sweet and savory flavors that pair wonderfully with chicken. You can make this delicious sauce in just about 12 minutes with simple ingredients.
The basic components include honey, garlic, soy sauce, and butter. Some recipes also include ketchup, brown sugar, rice vinegar, and cornstarch to thicken the sauce.
This versatile sauce creates a sticky, glossy coating on chicken that locks in moisture while adding rich flavor. You can brush it onto grilled chicken, use it as a dipping sauce, or cook your chicken directly in the sauce.
The balance of sweet honey and savory garlic makes this sauce a reliable choice for both weeknight dinners and special occasions.
8. Barbeque Sauce
Barbeque sauce adds smoky, sweet, and tangy flavors to chicken dishes. You can find many regional variations like Eastern North Carolina vinegar sauce, South Carolina mustard sauce, and Texas-style sauce.
Many homemade BBQ sauces use ketchup or tomato sauce as a base. Other common ingredients include brown sugar, honey, apple cider vinegar, and Worcestershire sauce.
For a unique twist, try fruit-infused versions like pineapple-orange-habanero, berry, or cherry BBQ sauce. These add interesting flavor dimensions to your chicken.
Choose a sauce that matches your taste preferences – whether you prefer sweet, spicy, or tangy flavors.
9. Teriyaki Sauce
Teriyaki sauce is a sweet and savory option that adds wonderful flavor to chicken. You can easily make it at home with simple ingredients like soy sauce, brown sugar, honey, ginger, and garlic.
Homemade teriyaki sauce tastes better than store-bought versions and only takes a few minutes to prepare. Just combine the ingredients over medium heat and cook for 5-7 minutes, stirring frequently.
The sauce creates a beautiful glaze on chicken when cooked. For extra flavor, you can add different spices or a bit of sriracha if you enjoy a spicy kick.
Teriyaki sauce works especially well for chicken bowls with rice and vegetables.
10. Tzatziki Sauce
Tzatziki sauce adds a cool, refreshing touch to chicken dishes. This Greek sauce combines creamy yogurt, cucumber, garlic, and herbs for a tangy flavor profile.
You can easily make tzatziki at home using Greek yogurt, grated English cucumber, minced garlic, lemon juice, and dill. Make sure to remove excess moisture from the cucumber to keep your sauce thick.
Tzatziki works wonderfully with grilled or roasted chicken. You can spread it on pita with chicken for a Greek-inspired wrap or use it as a dipping sauce for chicken strips.
The sauce adds a light, Mediterranean flair to your chicken dishes without overpowering the meat’s natural flavors.
11. Sweet Thai Chili Sauce
Sweet Thai chili sauce offers a perfect balance of sweetness and mild heat that pairs wonderfully with chicken. This versatile sauce combines sugar, vinegar, ginger, and chile peppers into a sticky, flavorful glaze.
You can use it as a simple dipping sauce for chicken fingers or nuggets. It also works great as a marinade or glaze for baked or grilled chicken.
For an easy meal, brush the sauce on chicken before baking or during the final minutes of grilling. The sugars in the sauce caramelize beautifully, creating a glossy, flavorful coating.
Sweet Thai chili sauce also makes a great addition to stir-fries or as a finishing sauce for sheet pan chicken dishes.
12. Carolina Mustard Sauce
Carolina Mustard Sauce, also known as Carolina Gold, is a tangy alternative to tomato-based BBQ sauces. It originated in South Carolina and features yellow mustard as its base ingredient.
The sauce blends mustard with apple cider vinegar, honey or brown sugar, and spices to create a perfect balance of tangy and sweet flavors. Some recipes include whole grain mustard for added texture.
You can use this golden sauce to baste chicken during cooking or as a dipping sauce. It works especially well with grilled or smoked chicken pieces.
The distinctive mustard flavor cuts through the richness of chicken while adding a zesty kick that makes your meal more interesting.
13. Sriracha Ranch Sauce
Sriracha Ranch Sauce combines spicy Sriracha with creamy ranch dressing for a perfect chicken pairing. This simple mixture creates a balance of heat and tanginess that enhances any chicken dish.
You can make this sauce quickly by whisking together ranch dressing and Sriracha to your preferred spice level. It works great as a marinade when you let chicken soak in it for a few hours before cooking.
This versatile sauce also serves as an excellent dipping option for chicken tenders, nuggets, or roasted chicken. Some variations include adding mayo or sweet chili sauce for different flavor profiles.
14. Guacamole Salsa
Guacamole salsa offers the perfect creamy blend for your chicken dishes. This sauce combines the smooth texture of avocados with the zesty kick of salsa ingredients.
You can easily make it by mixing ripe avocados with onion, jalapeño, cilantro, and lime juice. The result is a smoky, tangy topping that complements grilled chicken beautifully.
For a quick meal, try pairing grilled chicken breasts with this avocado sauce. It works great as both a topping and a dip.
The sauce adds a rich, creamy element to your chicken while keeping the dish low-carb and gluten-free. You can adjust the spice level by adding more or less jalapeño.
15. Pesto Sauce
Pesto sauce brings a burst of fresh, herby flavor to chicken dishes. This vibrant green sauce combines basil, pine nuts, garlic, Parmesan cheese, and olive oil for a rich taste experience.
You can use pesto in many ways with chicken. Spread it on chicken breasts before baking, mix it into pasta with grilled chicken, or use it as a marinade.
For a quick weeknight meal, try a one-pan pesto chicken with vegetables. The bright flavor pairs well with sun-dried tomatoes for an Italian-inspired dish.
Store-bought options work well when you’re in a hurry, but homemade pesto delivers the freshest taste for your chicken recipes.
16. Chicken Gravy
Chicken gravy is a classic sauce made from the drippings of roasted chicken. It creates a rich, savory accompaniment that enhances the flavor of your chicken.
You can make homemade chicken gravy using flour and water combined with pan drippings. This simple preparation yields a delicious sauce that adds moisture and taste to any chicken dish.
Chicken gravy works especially well with roasted or baked chicken. It’s also excellent when served over chicken and rice, creating a comforting, home-style meal.
For convenience, you can make chicken gravy in the same pan you used to cook your chicken, capturing all those flavorful juices.
17. Creamy Garlic Sauce
Creamy garlic sauce is a versatile option that pairs perfectly with chicken. It comes together quickly with just 5 simple ingredients.
You can use this rich sauce with chicken breasts, pasta, or even steamed vegetables for a complete meal. The creamy texture and bold garlic flavor create a satisfying combination.
For the base, you can use heavy cream, whipping cream, or thickened cream depending on what you have available. If you prefer a lighter version, try substituting evaporated milk or half and half.
There are also dairy-free options available that still maintain the creamy texture while accommodating dietary restrictions.
18. Chick-fil-A Sauce
Chick-fil-A Sauce is a popular option that combines multiple flavor profiles in one sauce. It features the smokiness of barbecue sauce, tanginess similar to their Polynesian sauce, and a pleasant sweetness.
This versatile sauce works perfectly with chicken nuggets, strips, and sandwiches. Many fans consider it the signature sauce of the chain.
You can find this sauce at Chick-fil-A restaurants or in some grocery stores where it’s sold in bottles. The creamy, honey-mustard-meets-barbecue flavor makes it a top choice for chicken dishes beyond just fast food.
Try using it as a dipping sauce or spread it on sandwiches for added flavor.
19. Pan Sauce
A pan sauce turns plain chicken into a gourmet meal with little effort. After cooking chicken, you use the flavorful bits left in the pan to create a sauce.
Common ingredients include wine, broth, cream, mustard, and herbs. White wine and chicken stock make an excellent base.
For a simple pan sauce, remove the chicken and add shallots to the pan. Pour in some wine to deglaze, scraping up the browned bits. Add broth, reduce slightly, then finish with butter for richness.
Creamy versions might include mustard and cream, while a piccata-style sauce uses lemon and capers. The possibilities are endless with ingredients you likely have on hand.
20. Peanut Sauce
Peanut sauce adds a rich, nutty flavor to your chicken dishes. This Thai-inspired sauce combines creamy peanut butter with soy sauce, lime juice, and a touch of heat.
You can easily make peanut sauce at home with just a few ingredients. Simply mix peanut butter with garlic, ginger, soy sauce, and a bit of honey for sweetness.
Peanut sauce works well with grilled or roasted chicken. You can use it as a dipping sauce or drizzle it over sliced chicken for an instant flavor boost.
For extra texture, try adding chopped peanuts on top of your sauce. This gives your chicken dish more dimension and visual appeal.
21. Lemon Butter Dill Sauce
Lemon butter dill sauce is a perfect match for chicken. The creamy, tangy sauce combines fresh lemon, butter, and dill to create a bright flavor profile.
You can use this versatile sauce for dipping chicken tenders or drizzling over grilled chicken breasts. The smooth texture complements both crispy and tender chicken preparations.
To make it at home, combine melted butter, fresh lemon juice, chopped dill, and a splash of white wine. Some versions include a touch of cream for extra richness.
This sauce works particularly well with pan-seared chicken, adding moisture and a burst of flavor. Try it with vegetables on the side for a complete meal.
Understanding Sauce Basics
Creating delicious chicken sauces depends on understanding their fundamental properties and how flavors work together.
Differences Between Thick and Thin Sauces
Thick sauces cling to chicken better, creating a more substantial coating. They typically contain thickening agents like cornstarch, flour, or reduced cream.
These sauces work well for dipping or as glazes that stick to the meat.
Thin sauces, like marinades or au jus, penetrate the chicken more effectively. They’re ideal for adding flavor throughout the meat rather than just on the surface.
Thin sauces often have a water, broth, or vinegar base.
You can adjust thickness by adding more liquid to thin a sauce or by simmering longer to reduce and thicken it. For quick thickening, whisk in a cornstarch slurry (cornstarch mixed with cold water).
Balancing Flavors in Sauces
The best chicken sauces balance five key flavor profiles: sweet, salty, sour, bitter, and umami. When creating a sauce, aim to include at least three of these elements.
Sweet components like honey or sugar should be balanced with acidic ingredients like lemon juice or vinegar. This creates depth and prevents the sauce from tasting one-dimensional.
Umami elements add richness—ingredients like soy sauce, Parmesan cheese, or mushrooms work well here.
As seen in the “5 Minute Magic Green Sauce,” blending herbs with oil creates freshness while avocado adds creaminess.
Salt is crucial but easy to overdo. Add it gradually and taste as you go. For heat, use fresh garlic, ginger, or various peppers depending on your preferred spice level.
Pairing Sauces with Chicken Dishes
Matching the right sauce with your chicken dish enhances flavors and creates a more enjoyable meal. The cooking method and regional cuisine influence which sauces work best.
Grilled vs. Fried Chicken Pairings
Grilled chicken pairs well with lighter sauces that complement its smoky flavor. Try a tangy pesto sauce or a light garlic parmesan sauce to enhance rather than overpower the natural taste.
For fried chicken, bolder sauces work better. Sweet Baby Ray’s BBQ sauce adds a perfect balance of sweetness and tang to crispy fried chicken. Creamy honey mustard also complements the crunchy exterior of fried pieces.
Baked chicken benefits from sauces applied during cooking. Tikka masala creates a flavorful crust as it bakes. For roasted chicken, gravy made from the drippings makes the perfect accompaniment.
Sauce thickness matters too. Thicker sauces like creamy cheese and mustard stick better to breaded chicken, while thinner sauces like soy and ginger work well for dipping grilled strips.
Considering Regional Flavors
Asian-inspired chicken dishes shine with honey garlic soy sauce or ginger-based sauces. These lighter options complement stir-fried chicken without overwhelming it.
Mediterranean chicken pairs beautifully with pesto or creamy garlic sauces. The herb-forward flavors enhance chicken without competing with other ingredients in the dish.
For Mexican-style chicken, try salsa with taco seasoning or a fiesta lime sauce. These bright, acidic options cut through rich flavors and add freshness.
American regional styles have their own perfect pairings. Southern fried chicken traditionally comes with gravy, while buffalo wings need their signature spicy sauce.
Caribbean chicken dishes work well with sticky, sweet sauces that include tropical fruit flavors. The sweetness balances spicy jerk seasonings commonly used in these recipes.
