15 Sauces That Make Basic Chicken Taste Different Every Time

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Honey Mustard Pan Sauce

This sauce is sweet, tangy, and a little buttery, so plain chicken tastes like it came from a bistro. It works best right in the same skillet after cooking the chicken. The flavor is mellow enough for kids, yet still interesting for adults.

You’ll need Dijon mustard 2 tablespoons, honey 1 tablespoon, chicken broth 1/2 cup, butter 1 tablespoon, lemon juice 1 teaspoon, salt, and black pepper.

Prep time is about 5 minutes, and cook time is about 5 minutes. Pour the broth into the hot skillet and scrape up the browned bits, then simmer 2 minutes. Whisk in mustard and honey, turn heat to low, then whisk in butter and lemon juice until smooth, and spoon over chicken.

Lemon Butter Caper Sauce

Bright lemon and salty capers make chicken taste fresh and lively. It is great for cutlets, grilled breasts, or roasted thighs. A little parsley at the end makes it taste clean and light.

You’ll need butter 2 tablespoons, chicken broth 1/3 cup, lemon juice 2 tablespoons, capers 1 tablespoon drained, minced garlic 1 small clove, chopped parsley 1 tablespoon, salt, and black pepper.

Prep time is about 7 minutes, and cook time is about 6 minutes. Warm butter in a skillet, add garlic for 30 seconds, then pour in broth and lemon juice and simmer 2 minutes. Stir in capers, season to taste, and spoon over chicken, then scatter parsley on top.

Garlic Parmesan Cream Sauce

This is the cozy, creamy option for nights when you want comfort food. Parmesan and garlic make the sauce taste like it belongs on pasta, which is why it pairs so well with chicken. It also clings nicely to sliced chicken over rice.

You’ll need butter 1 tablespoon, minced garlic 2 cloves, heavy cream 3/4 cup, grated Parmesan 1/2 cup, Italian seasoning 1/2 teaspoon, salt, and black pepper.

Prep time is about 8 minutes, and cook time is about 8 to 10 minutes. Melt butter, cook garlic 30 seconds, then pour in cream and bring to a gentle simmer. Whisk in Parmesan a handful at a time until smooth, then simmer 3 to 4 minutes until slightly thick, and pour over chicken.

Teriyaki Glaze

Teriyaki gives chicken that sweet soy flavor with a shiny finish. It is great for quick stir fry style dinners, rice bowls, or sheet pan meals. A little ginger keeps it from tasting flat.

You’ll need soy sauce 1/3 cup, water 1/4 cup, brown sugar 2 tablespoons, rice vinegar 1 tablespoon, grated ginger 1 teaspoon, minced garlic 1 clove, and cornstarch 1 teaspoon mixed with 1 tablespoon water.

Prep time is about 8 minutes, and cook time is about 6 minutes. Simmer soy sauce, water, sugar, vinegar, ginger, and garlic for 3 minutes. Whisk in the cornstarch slurry and cook 1 to 2 minutes until glossy, then brush on chicken or toss cooked pieces in the sauce.

BBQ Sauce With Smoked Paprika

This one tastes like a backyard cookout even if you cooked the chicken indoors. Smoked paprika deepens the flavor and makes store bought BBQ taste more homemade. It is especially good on baked thighs or shredded chicken sandwiches.

You’ll need BBQ sauce 1/2 cup, smoked paprika 1 teaspoon, apple cider vinegar 1 tablespoon, Worcestershire sauce 1 teaspoon, and a pinch of black pepper.

Prep time is about 3 minutes, and cook time is about 5 minutes. Stir everything together in a small pan and warm over medium low heat until steaming, about 4 to 5 minutes. Brush it on chicken during the last few minutes of cooking, or spoon it over cooked chicken before serving.

Buffalo Sauce

Buffalo sauce turns chicken into game day food without frying anything. It is spicy, tangy, and buttery, and it tastes great on baked wings, tenders, or chopped chicken in wraps. If you want it milder, use less hot sauce and more butter.

You’ll need hot sauce 1/3 cup, melted butter 3 tablespoons, garlic powder 1/4 teaspoon, and a pinch of salt.

Prep time is about 3 minutes, and cook time is about 2 minutes. Warm hot sauce and butter together in a small pan until combined, then stir in garlic powder and salt. Toss cooked chicken in the sauce and serve with ranch or blue cheese on the side.

Chimichurri

Chimichurri tastes herby and sharp, which makes chicken feel totally different from the usual. It is perfect for grilled chicken, but it also perks up roasted chicken. The leftovers are great on potatoes or veggies, too.

You’ll need chopped parsley 1 cup, chopped cilantro 1/4 cup, minced garlic 2 cloves, red wine vinegar 3 tablespoons, olive oil 1/2 cup, red pepper flakes 1/4 teaspoon, salt 1/2 teaspoon, and black pepper.

Prep time is about 10 minutes, and there is no cook time. Stir everything together and let it sit 10 minutes so the garlic softens a bit. Spoon it over hot chicken right before serving.

Pesto Sauce

Pesto brings a fresh basil flavor that makes plain chicken taste like summer. It works on baked chicken, grilled chicken, or chicken mixed into pasta. A squeeze of lemon helps it taste brighter.

You’ll need basil pesto 1/3 cup, olive oil 1 tablespoon, lemon juice 1 teaspoon, and grated Parmesan 1 tablespoon optional.

Prep time is about 5 minutes, and there is no cook time. Stir pesto with olive oil and lemon juice until loose enough to drizzle. Spoon over cooked chicken, then add a little Parmesan if you want a salty finish.

Tikka Masala Simmer Sauce

This sauce makes chicken taste like takeout, even if you used simple spices at home. The tomato and warm spices pair well with rice and naan. It is also a great way to use leftover cooked chicken.

You’ll need butter 1 tablespoon, minced garlic 2 cloves, grated ginger 1 teaspoon, garam masala 2 teaspoons, paprika 1 teaspoon, cumin 1 teaspoon, tomato sauce 1 cup, heavy cream 1/2 cup, salt, and a pinch of sugar optional.

Prep time is about 10 minutes, and cook time is about 15 minutes. Cook garlic and ginger in butter for 1 minute, stir in spices for 30 seconds, then add tomato sauce and simmer 8 minutes. Stir in cream and simmer 3 to 4 minutes, then add cooked chicken and warm through.

Peanut Sauce

Peanut sauce makes chicken taste nutty, salty, and a little sweet. It is great for dipping, drizzling over bowls, or tossing with shredded chicken. Lime juice keeps it from feeling heavy.

You’ll need creamy peanut butter 1/3 cup, soy sauce 2 tablespoons, lime juice 1 tablespoon, honey 1 tablespoon, warm water 3 to 6 tablespoons, grated ginger 1/2 teaspoon, and red pepper flakes to taste.

Prep time is about 8 minutes, and there is no cook time. Whisk peanut butter, soy sauce, lime juice, honey, and ginger, then add warm water a little at a time until it becomes pourable. Taste and add red pepper flakes if you want heat, then drizzle over chicken.

Romesco Sauce

Romesco tastes smoky, a little sweet, and slightly nutty, which makes chicken feel special. It works as a dip, a spread, or a sauce for roasted chicken. The texture is thick, so it stays put on sliced chicken.

You’ll need roasted red peppers 1 cup drained, almonds 1/3 cup, olive oil 1/4 cup, smoked paprika 1/2 teaspoon, red wine vinegar 1 tablespoon, garlic 1 clove, tomato paste 1 tablespoon, salt, and black pepper.

Prep time is about 10 minutes, and there is no cook time. Blend everything until smooth, then taste and adjust salt and vinegar. Spoon alongside chicken or spread it over chicken like a thick sauce.

Salsa Verde

Salsa verde makes chicken taste tangy and bright with very little work. It is great for tacos, rice bowls, or quick baked chicken thighs. It also helps keep chicken moist in the oven.

You’ll need salsa verde 1 cup, lime juice 1 tablespoon, cumin 1/2 teaspoon, and a pinch of salt. Prep time is about 3 minutes, and cook time depends on how you use it.

For an easy bake, pour salsa verde over chicken in a baking dish, cover, and bake at 400°F (205°C) for 25 to 30 minutes for breasts or 35 to 40 minutes for thighs, then finish uncovered for 5 minutes.

Gochujang Sesame Sauce

This sauce is sweet, spicy, and a little sticky, so chicken tastes like a Korean style glaze. Sesame oil adds a toasted flavor that makes it smell great as soon as it hits the pan. It is excellent on crispy baked wings or pan seared chicken pieces.

You’ll need gochujang 2 tablespoons, soy sauce 1 tablespoon, honey 1 tablespoon, rice vinegar 1 tablespoon, sesame oil 1 teaspoon, minced garlic 1 clove, and water 2 to 3 tablespoons.

Prep time is about 7 minutes, and cook time is about 4 minutes. Whisk everything in a small pan and simmer until smooth and slightly thick, about 3 to 4 minutes. Brush on chicken at the end of cooking, then sprinkle with sesame seeds if you like.

Creamy Dill Yogurt Sauce

This one tastes cool and herby, which is great if your chicken is seasoned or spicy. Yogurt keeps it light, and dill makes it taste fresh. It is perfect for wraps, bowls, or grilled chicken.

You’ll need plain Greek yogurt 3/4 cup, chopped dill 2 tablespoons, lemon juice 1 tablespoon, grated cucumber 1/3 cup optional, minced garlic 1 small clove, olive oil 1 teaspoon, salt, and black pepper.

Prep time is about 10 minutes, and there is no cook time. Stir everything together and let it sit 10 minutes so the flavors blend. Spoon it over chicken or use it as a dip on the side.

Soy Ginger Scallion Sauce

This sauce tastes salty, gingery, and fresh, and it makes plain chicken taste like a noodle shop meal. The scallions add crunch and a little bite. It is great on sliced chicken over rice with cucumbers.

You’ll need soy sauce 3 tablespoons, rice vinegar 1 tablespoon, grated ginger 1 teaspoon, minced garlic 1 small clove, sliced scallions 1/2 cup, sesame oil 1 teaspoon, and sugar 1/2 teaspoon.

Prep time is about 8 minutes, and there is no cook time. Stir soy sauce, vinegar, ginger, garlic, sesame oil, and sugar until the sugar dissolves, then fold in scallions. Spoon it over hot chicken so the warmth softens the scallions slightly.

This article originally appeared on Avocadu.