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.
8. Soy Ginger Sauce
An Asian Classic
Soy ginger sauce is an Asian-inspired condiment that adds a salty, tangy, and slightly spicy flavor to chicken. Made primarily from soy sauce, ginger, garlic, and a hint of sugar, it’s perfect for marinating or stir-frying chicken.
Versatility at Its Best
This sauce can take center stage in a variety of dishes, from a simple stir-fry to a more elaborate roast chicken. It also makes a delicious dipping sauce for chicken skewers or nuggets.
Customize to Your Liking
You can tweak the recipe by adding sesame oil, green onions, or a bit of heat with red pepper flakes. Get started with this soy ginger sauce recipe.
9. Tzatziki Sauce
A Mediterranean Delight
Tzatziki sauce is a refreshing, creamy sauce from the Mediterranean that pairs wonderfully with chicken. Made with yogurt, cucumber, garlic, and dill, it adds a tangy and refreshing flavor that complements the savoriness of chicken.
Ideal for Summer
Tzatziki is perfect for grilled chicken, especially during the summer months. Its cool, creamy texture also makes it a perfect dip for chicken wraps or gyros.
Make Your Own
Feel free to adjust the garlic and dill to suit your tastes. Here’s a simple tzatziki sauce recipe you can try at home.
10. Mango Salsa
A Tropical Twist
Mango salsa adds a tropical twist to chicken, with its combination of sweet mango, spicy jalapeno, tangy lime, and fresh cilantro. It’s a vibrant and flavorful topping that can make your chicken dish more exciting and colorful.
Perfect for Grilled Chicken
This salsa is particularly delicious when served with grilled chicken. The sweetness of the mangoes balances the smokiness of the chicken perfectly.
Experiment with Flavors
Feel free to play with other ingredients like red onion, bell peppers, or even pineapple. Check out this mango salsa recipe to get started.
11. Satay Peanut Sauce
An Exotic Taste
Satay peanut sauce is a rich and flavorful sauce that is popular in Southeast Asian cuisines. Made with peanut butter, soy sauce, lime, and spices, it offers an exotic taste that pairs well with chicken.
Ideal for Skewers
This sauce is perfect for chicken skewers or as a dipping sauce for grilled or fried chicken. The nuttiness of the peanut butter and the zesty lime make for a unique flavor combination.
Customize Your Sauce
You can adjust the sweetness or spiciness of the sauce to your liking. Try this authentic satay peanut sauce recipe to start with.
12. Lemon Garlic Sauce
A Zesty Kick
Lemon garlic sauce provides a zesty and savory flavor that greatly enhances chicken dishes. Made from lemon juice, garlic, and butter, it’s a simple yet flavorful sauce that can make your chicken dish shine.
Versatile and Delicious
This sauce is great for roasted or pan-fried chicken. It’s also a fantastic drizzle for grilled chicken salads or as a base sauce for chicken pizzas.
Adjust to Your Preference
Feel free to adjust the garlic or lemon to your preference. You can also add some herbs like thyme or rosemary for extra flavor. Here’s a simple lemon garlic sauce recipe you can try.
13. Pico de Gallo
A Fresh Addition
Pico de Gallo, also known as salsa fresca, is a fresh, uncooked salsa that pairs beautifully with chicken. Made with tomatoes, onions, jalapenos, lime, and cilantro, it adds a fresh, tangy, and slightly spicy flavor to chicken dishes.
Perfect for Tacos and More
Pico de Gallo is a classic topping for chicken tacos, but it can also be used as a garnish for grilled chicken or a refreshing side for fried chicken.
Make It Your Own
Feel free to adjust the heat level or add other ingredients like mango or avocado. Check out this Pico de Gallo recipe to get started.
14. Cilantro Lime Sauce
A Tangy Burst of Flavor
Cilantro lime sauce is a tangy, fresh, and slightly spicy sauce that can transform a simple chicken dish into a flavorful meal. Made with cilantro, lime, garlic, and jalapeno, it’s a vibrant sauce that pairs well with chicken.
Great for Grilled Chicken
The tangy and refreshing flavors of this sauce make it a perfect accompaniment to grilled chicken. It’s also a great sauce to mix in with shredded chicken for tacos or burritos.
Make It Your Own
You can adjust the heat level by adding more or less jalapeno. Here’s a simple cilantro lime sauce recipe to get started.
Read also: 20 Best Sauces For Salmon
15. Creamy Mushroom Sauce
A Rich Complement
Creamy mushroom sauce is a luxurious accompaniment to chicken, adding a rich and earthy flavor. Made with mushrooms, cream, garlic, and various herbs, it’s an elegant sauce that brings out the best in chicken dishes.
Perfect for Roasted Chicken
This sauce is particularly delicious when served with roasted or pan-fried chicken. It brings a delightful contrast of flavors and a creamy texture that complements the chicken perfectly.
Adjust to Your Taste
Feel free to use your preferred types of mushrooms and herbs. Check out this creamy mushroom sauce recipe to get started.
16. Salsa Verde
A Zesty Mexican Sauce
Salsa Verde is a Mexican sauce made with tomatillos, jalapenos, onions, and cilantro. It’s a tangy, slightly spicy sauce that adds a burst of flavor to chicken dishes.
Great for Variety of Dishes
Salsa Verde is versatile and can be used in a variety of chicken dishes such as tacos, enchiladas, or even as a marinade for grilled chicken. Its zesty and fresh flavors are a great way to spice up your chicken meals.
Customize to Your Liking
You can adjust the heat level by adding more or fewer jalapenos. Here’s a simple salsa verde recipe you can try.
17. Hoisin Sauce
A Sweet and Savory Asian Sauce
Hoisin sauce is a sweet and savory sauce commonly used in Chinese cooking. It’s a blend of soybeans, garlic, chili peppers, and spices, and it adds a unique flavor profile to chicken.
Ideal for Stir-fry and More
Hoisin sauce is great in stir-fry dishes, as a glaze for grilled chicken, or as a dipping sauce for chicken skewers or spring rolls.
Try it at Home
While you can buy hoisin sauce in most grocery stores, you can also make it at home to suit your personal preferences. Here’s a homemade hoisin sauce recipe to get started.
18. Mole Sauce
A Rich Mexican Classic
Mole sauce is a complex and flavorful sauce from Mexico. It typically includes chili peppers, spices, nuts, and a hint of chocolate, resulting in a sauce that’s rich, spicy, and slightly sweet. Mole sauce is excellent with chicken, complementing and enhancing its flavors.
Great for Enchiladas and More
Mole sauce is a wonderful accompaniment to chicken enchiladas and can also be used as a sauce for grilled or roasted chicken.
Make Your Own
Making mole sauce can be an intricate process, but it’s worth the effort for its depth of flavors. Here’s a traditional mole sauce recipe to try.
19. Szechuan Sauce
A Spicy Chinese Sauce
Szechuan sauce is a spicy and savory sauce known for its bold flavors. It typically includes soy sauce, chili paste, garlic, and ginger, creating a spicy, tangy, and slightly sweet sauce that goes wonderfully with chicken.
Perfect for Stir-Fry
Szechuan sauce is perfect for stir-frying chicken and can also be used as a dipping sauce for chicken tenders or egg rolls.
Make it at Home
Making your own Szechuan sauce allows you to control the heat level and sweetness. Here’s a simple Szechuan sauce recipe to get started.
20. Aji Verde Sauce
A Spicy Peruvian Sauce
Aji Verde is a Peruvian green sauce made with cilantro, jalapenos, garlic, and aji amarillo paste. It’s a spicy, tangy, and flavorful sauce that pairs beautifully with chicken.
Great for Grilled Chicken
Aji Verde is traditionally served with Peruvian grilled chicken, but it also makes a wonderful dipping sauce for chicken tenders or a flavorful addition to chicken sandwiches.
Make it at Home
Making Aji Verde sauce at home allows you to adjust the heat and tanginess. Try this Aji Verde recipe to get started.
21. Tandoori Masala
A Spicy Indian Blend
Tandoori masala is a flavorful spice blend used in Indian cooking. Made from a variety of spices such as cumin, coriander, and turmeric, it’s a great way to add a burst of flavor and a bit of heat to your chicken dishes.
Perfect for Grilled Chicken
Tandoori masala is traditionally used to marinate chicken before it’s cooked in a tandoor oven, but it also works great for grilling or roasting chicken.
Make Your Own
Creating your own tandoori masala allows you to adjust the heat and flavor to your liking. Check out this tandoori masala recipe to get started.
22. Piccata Sauce
A Tangy Italian Sauce
Piccata sauce is an Italian sauce made from lemon juice, capers, and white wine. It’s a tangy and savory sauce that adds a zesty flavor to chicken.
Ideal for Pan-Fried Chicken
Chicken Piccata, where chicken is pan-fried and served with the sauce, is a classic dish, but you can also use the sauce with grilled or baked chicken.
Make it at Home
Making your own piccata sauce allows you to adjust the tanginess and caper quantity. Here’s a simple piccata recipe to get started.
23. Romesco Sauce
A Nutty Spanish Sauce
Romesco sauce is a flavorful Spanish sauce made from roasted red peppers, tomatoes, garlic, and nuts. It’s a robust, nutty, and slightly spicy sauce that’s perfect with chicken.
Great for Roasted Chicken
Romesco sauce is traditionally served with seafood, but it’s equally delicious with roasted or grilled chicken.
Make it at Home
Making your own romesco sauce allows you to choose your preferred nuts and adjust the heat level. Try this romesco sauce recipe to get started.
Conclusion
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.
