The BEST Sauces for Chicken Sandwiches!

ByViolet ParkerEditorial Policy

Want to take your sandwich game from mediocre to outstanding? 

The secret is in the sauce! 

From creamy and flavourful dressings, to homemade versions of popular fast food staples, to global options that bring an international taste to your sandwich, this guide is going to walk you right through the best sauces for chicken sandwiches… 

Classic Sauces for Chicken Sandwiches

Honey Mustard Sauce

A delicious and simple choice for your chicken sandwiches is honey mustard sauce.

To make this classic sauce, mix equal parts of honey and Dijon mustard.

You can adjust the sweetness to your taste by adding more honey or mustard.

For an extra kick, add a pinch of black pepper and a dash of Worcestershire sauce. 

Barbecue Sauce

Barbecue Sauce is a popular and versatile option for chicken sandwiches.

There are many variations, but a simple homemade BBQ sauce can be made by combining ketchup, brown sugar, maple syrup, Worcestershire sauce, and a hint of black pepper.

Feel free to customise your sauce by adding your favourite spices like smoked paprika, garlic powder, or cayenne pepper.

This rich and smoky sauce pairs excellently with pulled chicken or grilled chicken, giving your sandwich a bold and satisfying taste.

(By the way, you might also want to check out what to serve with chicken wraps, for more lunchtime ideas!) 

Ranch Dressing

Ranch dressing is a creamy and zesty sauce that elevates your chicken sandwiches to the next level.

Made with a base of mayonnaise, buttermilk, and sour cream, you can add flavour to this dressing with chopped fresh herbs like parsley, dill, and chives.

Season it with garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper.

Adjust the creaminess and tanginess to your preference by altering the amounts of buttermilk and sour cream.

Ranch dressing provides a cool, creamy contrast to your chicken, making for a delightful sandwich experience.

Need to use a ready made variety? No worries! Take a look at how to improve store bought ranch. 

Thousand Island Dressing

Thousand island dressing brings a classic touch of savoury sweetness to your chicken sandwiches.

The foundation of this dressing is a combination of mayonnaise and ketchup.

Add a bit of sweet pickle relish, finely chopped onion, and a dash of Worcestershire sauce to create that signature flavour.

Season it with salt and black pepper to taste.

The sweet and tangy flavour of thousand island dressing pairs wonderfully with various types of chicken sandwiches, adding depth and a touch of nostalgia to your meal.

Buffalo Sauce

For those who enjoy a bit of spice in their chicken sandwiches, buffalo sauce is an excellent choice.

To make this fiery favourite, simply mix melted butter with your preferred hot sauce (such as Frank’s RedHot).

You can adjust the heat level by increasing or decreasing the amount of hot sauce.

Buffalo sauce is particularly famous for its use with crispy fried chicken, but it will also bring a zesty kick to your grilled or pulled chicken sandwiches.

Be prepared to feel the heat with each mouth-watering bite!

Creamy and Flavourful Sauces for Chicken Sandwiches

Caesar Dressing

Caesar dressing brings a rich, tangy flavour to your chicken sandwich.

To make this delicious sauce, combine mayonnaise, olive oil, lemon juice, garlic, and a touch of Worcestershire sauce.

For an even creamier texture, you can add a bit of Greek yoghurt or soured cream.

Your sandwich will come alive with the robust flavours of Caesar dressing.

Tzatziki Sauce

For a cooling and zesty touch to your chicken sandwich, try whipping up some tzatziki sauce.

The base of this sauce is Greek yoghurt, mixed with grated cucumber, lemon juice, and a hint of garlic.

To give it a Mediterranean spin, add a drizzle of olive oil and season with a pinch of salt and pepper.

Your chicken sandwich will be a fresh delight with the addition of this classic Greek sauce.

For meal prep ideas for the next few days, take a look at what to do with leftover tzatziki. 

Blue Cheese Dressing

If you’re a fan of strong flavours, then blue cheese dressing is a fantastic choice for your chicken sandwich.

Start by combining crumbled blue cheese with mayonnaise, buttermilk, and a hint of lemon juice.

You can add more garlic and spices according to your taste. The bold notes of blue cheese complement the tender chicken, making for a delicious and memorable sandwich.

Chipotle Mayo

For a smoky and slightly spicy sauce, give chipotle mayo a go!

To make this, stir a few spoonfuls of chipotle paste into your mayonnaise.

For an extra kick, blend in some lime juice and a pinch of salt.

This zesty concoction adds warmth and depth to your chicken sandwich, making each bite a flavourful adventure.

Alfredo Sauce

Elevate your chicken sandwich with the unassuming elegance of Alfredo sauce.

Melt some butter, and gently cook garlic until fragrant.

Stir in heavy cream, allowing it to simmer.

Gradually add grated Parmesan cheese and season with salt and pepper.

This rich and creamy sauce creates a luxurious backdrop for your chicken sandwich, making it a comforting treat that’s sure to impress.

Homemade Versions of Popular Fast Food Sauces

Chick Fil A Sauce

To recreate the famous Chick Fil A Sauce, you’ll need a combination of pantry staples.

Start by combining honey, onion powder, dijon mustard, and french dressing. Then, add some mustard mayo to balance the flavours out and give it a creamy consistency.

Remember, it’s essential to:

  • Mix everything thoroughly.
  • Taste and adjust the quantities to suit your taste buds.
  • Store the sauce in an airtight container in the fridge for up to a week.

Feel free to experiment with the ratios of each ingredient to get the perfect balance of tangy, sweet, and savoury flavours for your chicken sandwich.

Popeyes Chicken Sandwich Sauce

For a tasty Popeyes Chicken Sandwich Sauce, you’re going to need sweet chilli sauce as the star of the show.

Here’s a quick and easy recipe to follow:

  1. In a small bowl, mix the following ingredients:
    • 2 tablespoons sweet chilli sauce
    • 1 tablespoon mustard mayo
    • 1 teaspoon dijon mustard
    • 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
  2. Mix these vigorously until everything is well combined, and the flavours are evenly distributed.
  3. Taste, and if needed, tweak the amounts of any ingredient to get that perfect harmony of taste and texture.
  4. You can keep this homemade sauce in an airtight container and store it in the fridge for up to a week.

Herb-based Sauces

Herb-based sauces are flavourful options that can elevate your deli chicken sandwich to new heights.

Let’s dive into two popular choices: Pesto Sauce and Chimichurri Sauce.

Pesto Sauce

Traditionally made with basil, garlic, pine nuts, Parmesan cheese, and olive oil, pesto sauce adds a vibrant and refreshing touch to your sandwich.

Feel free to experiment with other herbs too.

Here’s a simple recipe to get started:

  • 2 cups fresh basil leaves
  • 3 cloves garlic
  • 1/4 cup pine nuts
  • 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 1/2 cup extra virgin olive oil
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Method:

  1. Combine basil, garlic, and pine nuts in a food processor and pulse until finely chopped.
  2. Add the Parmesan cheese and pulse to combine.
  3. Slowly drizzle in the olive oil with the processor running until well incorporated.
  4. Season with salt and pepper to taste.

For a twist, you can try substituting cilantro for basil to give your chicken sandwich a unique kick.

Chimichurri Sauce

This Argentinean sauce is a flavourful blend of parsley, lemon, garlic, and a touch of spice, making it a delightful addition to your deli chicken sandwich.

Here’s how to make it:

  • 1 cup fresh flat-leaf parsley, packed
  • 1/4 cup fresh cilantro, packed
  • 3 cloves garlic
  • 1/4 cup red wine vinegar
  • 1/2 cup extra virgin olive oil
  • 1 tsp crushed red pepper flakes
  • Zest of 1 lemon
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Method:

  1. Combine parsley, cilantro, garlic, red wine vinegar, lemon zest, and crushed red pepper in a food processor and pulse until finely chopped.
  2. Slowly drizzle in the olive oil while the processor is running, until well incorporated.
  3. Season with salt and pepper to taste.

For more serving suggestions, take a look at what to eat with chimichurri chicken. 

Spicy Sauces

When it comes to chicken sandwiches, adding a bit of heat can really elevate the flavours and make it irresistible.

In this section, we will discuss two popular spicy sauces that are perfect for your chicken sandwich: Sriracha Mayo and Hot Sauce.

Sriracha Mayo

Sriracha Mayo is a delicious combination of sriracha and mayonnaise, offering a creamy yet spicy kick to your chicken sandwich.

Here’s how you can make this tasty sauce at home:

  • 1/4 cup mayonnaise
  • 1 tablespoon sriracha
  • 1 teaspoon lemon juice
  • A pinch of salt

Instructions:

  1. In a small bowl, mix together the mayonnaise, sriracha, and lemon juice.
  2. Season with a pinch of salt to taste.
  3. Spread it generously on your sandwich, and enjoy the perfect blend of heat and creaminess.

The creaminess of the mayonnaise balances the spiciness of the sriracha, making it a crowd favourite for those who love a bit of heat in their sandwich.

Hot Sauce

Hot sauce is a versatile and more traditional way to spice up your chicken sandwich. Based on cayenne pepper or chili sauce, hot sauce adds a tangy and fiery kick to the dish.

There are various types of hot sauces available in the market, so you can choose the one which suits your taste buds.

Here are some popular options:

  • Tabasco®: A classic American hot sauce made from Tabasco peppers, vinegar, and salt. It has a vinegar-based tangy flavour and medium heat level.
  • Frank’s RedHot®: A popular buffalo-style hot sauce made with cayenne peppers, distilled vinegar, water, salt, and garlic powder. It has a slightly milder heat and a tangy, slightly sweet flavour.
  • Cholula®: A Mexican hot sauce made from a blend of piquin and arbol peppers, along with other spices. It has a medium level of heat and a complex, smoky flavour.

To use hot sauce on your chicken sandwich, simply drizzle it over the chicken or mix it with mayonnaise or other sandwich sauces to create a milder, creamy version that still packs a punch.

Sauces from Around the World

Curry Sauce

One amazing sauce to elevate your chicken sandwich is a flavourful curry sauce.

You can easily make this by combining ingredients like curry powder, coconut milk, and a hint of lime juice. Feel free to customise based on your spice tolerance and flavour preferences.

For an extra zesty kick, try adding a bit of lemon juice.

Tahini Sauce

For a creamy and nutty twist, you can’t go wrong with a tahini sauce.

This Middle Eastern favourite works brilliantly to enhance the flavours of a chicken sandwich. Simply mix tahini, minced garlic, and some lemon juice.

If you want a bit of a kick, add a pinch of cayenne pepper to taste.

Sweet Chili Sauce

Looking to add a touch of sweetness and spice when it comes to sauces for chicken sandwiches?

Sweet chili sauce is a must-try condiment.

This popular Asian-inspired sauce is perfect for balancing the savoury flavours of your chicken sandwich.

Whether store-bought or homemade, combine sugar, vinegar, water, and chili paste to achieve this versatile sauce.

Don’t hesitate to mix and match these sauces – they can bring new life to even the most familiar chicken sandwich.

Which of these sauces for chicken sandwiches will you be trying at lunchtime? 

If you love a saucy sandwich, take a look at the best sauces for steak sandwiches!