What Sauces Go With Fried Chicken? BEST Pairings!
When it comes to comfort food, you really can’t beat fried chicken!
Crispy, juicy, crunchy, and completely delicious, it’s just as enjoyable served on its own as it is with classic sides like fries, corn, and coleslaw.
What can really make all the difference though is the addition of a sauce.
From classics like smokey barbecue, through to more unusual choices like mango sweet chilli, we’re going to walk you right through the very best sauces for fried chicken.
What Sauces Go With Fried Chicken?
Just want to grab some quick ideas so you can get back to the kitchen?
No worries!
Some of the best sauces for fried chicken include honey mustard, bbq, sweet and sour, aioli, and ranch. You can’t go wrong with these classic favourites, and they’re sure to be a hit with the whole family!
If you’re in the mood for trying something a little different, consider tamari plum sauce, teriyaki, or mango sweet chilli.
Want to find out more? Keep reading for more ideas, as well as quick and simple recipes to make your own sauces at home!
Honey Mustard
Honey mustard is an excellent condiment that pairs well with fried chicken.
It’s simple to make, needing just white vinegar, Dijon mustard, Worcestershire sauce, onion powder, garlic powder, salt, black pepper, and sugar.
You can use store-bought honey mustard or create your own, adjusting the ingredients to your preferred taste.
BBQ Sauce
BBQ sauce offers a tangy and sweet flavour, perfect for enhancing your fried chicken experience.
Whether you prefer a classic tomato-based sauce or a regional variation like Alabama white BBQ sauce, there’s a barbecue option out there for you.
Feel free to try different recipes to find your favourite. I love this spicy bbq sauce for a bit of a kick!
Sweet and Sour Sauce
Sweet and sour sauce lends an Asian-inspired taste to your fried chicken, adding a delightful contrast with its tangy and sweet notes.
Experiment with variations of this sauce, using ingredients like pineapple juice, vinegar, soy sauce, and sugar, creating a mix that complements your chicken beautifully.
Ranch Dressing
Ranch dressing is a popular choice for fried chicken, thanks to its creamy, tangy, and herbaceous flavours.
Often made with buttermilk, garlic, onion, and herbs, ranch dressing not only gives your taste buds a treat but also adds a cooling element to contrast with the hot, crispy chicken.
Aioli
Aioli, a garlicky variant of mayonnaise, offers a creamy and flavourful twist to your fried chicken experience.
It’s a simple sauce that you can make at home, combining ingredients like garlic, lemon juice, egg yolks, oil, and salt.
You can even experiment with adding different herbs and spices to match your preferences.
Garlic Sauce
Elevate your fried chicken with the delicious taste of garlic sauce.
A warm garlic sauce complements the crispy chicken with its rich and savoury flavours, and it’ll remind you of your favourite pairing at your local fried chicken takeaway!
Teriyaki Sauce
For a sweet and savoury experience, give teriyaki sauce a try.
This Japanese-inspired sauce, made with sugar, mirin, and soy sauce, adds depth to your fried chicken and offers a unique and enjoyable taste.
Exotic and Unique Sauces
Pesto
For a twist on traditional fried chicken pairings, consider trying a flavourful pesto sauce.
The combination of basil, garlic, Parmesan cheese, and pine nuts in a pesto creates a deliciously herbaceous and nutty complement to the crispy chicken.
You can easily make this sauce at home by blending all ingredients and drizzling in olive oil until you achieve the desired consistency.
Harissa
If you’re craving some spice with your fried chicken, look no further than harissa.
This vibrant North African sauce features a blend of hot chilli peppers, garlic, olive oil, and spices like coriander and caraway.
To create a harissa dipping sauce for your fried chicken, mix store-bought harissa paste with yogurt or tahini for a balanced and flavourful experience.
Tamari Plum Sauce
For a touch of Asian flavours, try a tamari plum sauce with your fried chicken.
This sweet and tangy sauce is made with tamari (a gluten-free soy sauce alternative), plums, rice vinegar, and a hint of spice.
You can easily prepare the tamari plum sauce at home by simmering the ingredients until thickened, then blending until smooth.
The mixture of umami from the tamari and sweetness from the plums will elevate your fried chicken experience.
Peanut Sauce
Transport your taste buds with a rich and creamy peanut sauce.
This Southeast Asian favourite pairs excellently with fried chicken, offering a unique blend of savoury and slightly sweet flavours.
To make your own peanut sauce, mix peanut butter, soy sauce, lime juice, and brown sugar, then thin it out with water and adjust the taste with sriracha or crushed red pepper flakes as desired.
Mango Sweet Chili Sauce
Lastly, a mango sweet chili sauce adds a fruity and zesty twist to your fried chicken.
Combining the tropical sweetness of ripe mango with the heat of sweet chili peppers creates a twist on the classic sweet chili sauce that pairs perfectly with crispy chicken.
Blend mango, chili sauce, lime juice, and a touch of honey to create this delicious dipping sauce.
Creamy Sauces
In this section, we’ll explore three delectable creamy sauces that pair perfectly with fried chicken. Each sauce is unique and adds a delightful twist to your dish, elevating your meal to the next level. Let’s dive into these tasty options.
White Wine Sauce
A sumptuous white wine sauce adds a touch of elegance and sophistication to your fried chicken. It’s a delicate balance of flavours, combining the acidity of white wine with the richness of heavy cream.
To make this fabulous sauce, you’ll need:
- 1 cup of dry white wine
- 2 cups of heavy cream
- 1 small shallot, finely chopped
- Salt and pepper, to taste
First, sauté the shallots in a little butter until they are translucent and fragrant. Then add the white wine, letting it reduce to about half its volume.
Stir in the heavy cream and let the mixture simmer until it thickens to your desired consistency.
Finally, season your sauce with salt and pepper, and drizzle it over your crispy, golden-brown fried chicken.
Greek Yoghurt Honey Sauce
For a slightly lighter and tangier option, try a Greek yoghurt honey sauce.
This delightful mixture boasts a blend of creamy Greek yoghurt with the natural sweetness of honey.
To whip up this delicious sauce, gather the following ingredients:
- 1 cup of Greek yoghurt
- 2 tablespoons of honey
- A pinch of salt
Combine the yoghurt and honey in a bowl, mixing them until the honey is fully incorporated. Add a pinch of salt to balance the flavours.
After a quick stir, your sauce is ready! Dollop this heavenly sauce on your fried chicken for a delightful sweet and tangy twist.
Grown-Up Dipping Sauce
Our final creamy option is the grown-up dipping sauce. This sauce is perfect for those who enjoy a bit of heat in their condiments.
You’ll need:
- 1 cup of mayonnaise
- 1/4 cup of honey
- 1/4 cup of your favourite hot sauce
Simply whisk all the ingredients together in a bowl until they’re well combined.
The result is a beautifully balanced dipping sauce with a smooth, creamy base, a hint of sweetness, and a subtle kick of heat.
With a sauce like this, your fried chicken experience will be elevated to new heights of deliciousness.
By trying out these delicious sauces, you can make your fried chicken dining experience truly memorable! Which is your favourite?
Check out what to serve with Korean fried chicken for more meal planning ideas.
