What Sauces Go With Chicken & Rice? 11 BEST Ideas!
If you’re looking for the best sauces for chicken and rice to keep mealtimes interesting and exciting, you’re in the right place!
Chicken and rice is a classic combo that’s hugely popular amongst wellness enthusiasts, busy parents, and those who simply want to get a satisfying dinner on the table without any fuss.
Choosing the right sauce is key to bringing the plate together, and I’m going to help you to do exactly that.
What are the best sauces for chicken and rice?
If you’re in a rush, here’s the quick answer…
Whether you prefer spicy, tangy, or sweet flavours, there’s a sauce that’ll take your chicken and rice to the next level. Basic choices include teriyaki, curry, tomato, and lemon butter.
If you like creamy options, go for alfredo, mushroom, or cheese.
Spice fans will love hot sauce, sambal oelek, and harissa.
Keep reading for more ideas and inspiration, plus recipes and practical tips for making these sauces in your own kitchen!
Basic sauces for chicken and rice
Like to keep things simple at dinnertime?
Here are some quick and easy ideas that are made with pantry staples that you likely already have in your kitchen…
| Sauce | Ingredients |
|---|---|
| Teriyaki Sauce | Soy sauce, brown sugar, garlic, ginger, cornstarch, water |
| Curry Sauce | Curry powder, coconut milk, garlic, ginger, onion, tomato paste |
| Tomato Sauce | Tomatoes, onion, garlic, olive oil, salt, pepper, sugar |
| Lemon Butter Sauce | Butter, lemon juice, garlic, salt, pepper |
Teriyaki is a Japanese that goes well with chicken and rice.
Its flavour is perfect for those who like a bit of sweetness alongside some rich umami in their meals.
If you’re feeling fancy, garnish with spring onion and sesame seeds, and add a side of broccoli.
Curry sauce, on the other hand, is perfect for those who like a bit of a kick.
Its creamy texture and spicy flavour make it a great addition to any chicken and rice dish, and if you like, you can add naan bread or roti to mop up the leftover sauce.
Tomato sauce is super versatile, mild, and family friendly.
Add some chilli flakes for the spice lovers, or some freshly grated parmesan for a little extra indulgence.
Lemon butter is a simple yet flavoursome sauce that is perfect for those who prefer a light and refreshing taste.
Its tangy and buttery flavour is a fabulous addition to any chicken and rice dish.
Creamy sauces for chicken and rice
You can’t beat a creamy sauce when it comes to the comfort factor!
Let’s take a look at some of the best cream based sauces for chicken and rice…
1. Alfredo sauce
This traditional alfredo sauce is made with butter, garlic, double cream, parmesan cheese, and herbs, and it’s every bit as indulgent and delicious as it sounds.
2. Mushroom sauce
If you want something easy yet incredibly luxurious, you can’t go wrong with this mushroom sauce.
The secret ingredients here are a glug of white wine and some parmesan cheese.
They undeniably take things to the next level, with the acidity of the wine helping all the other flavours to really shine, and the cheese adding a satisfying layer of savoury.
3. Cheese sauce
Imagine tender chicken breasts, smothered in a rich and bubbling creamy cheese sauce, served up with a portion of fluffy white rice.
This meal is proof that sometimes the simplest choices are the most satisfying!
Creamy cheddar cheese sauce is my go-to.
Remember too that you can tailor your sauces for chicken and rice based on your personal preferences and dietary needs.
Use Greek yoghurt or coconut milk to cut down on calories and fat content, and be sure to add plenty of fresh herbs and seasonings to bring depth and complexity to the flavours.
Spicy sauces for chicken and rice
I’m a huge lover of big and bold food with a kick of heat, so I love discovering spicy sauces that go with chicken and rice!
Depending on your spice tolerance and the time you have available, you’ve got a variety of choices…
1. Hot sauce
Off-the-shelf hot sauces that you can pick up in the supermarket are a fantastic choice if you’re short on time and need something to bring the flavour and turn your dinner from bland to bold.
Tabasco, sriracha, and Frank’s Red Hot are popular choices.
If you haven’t tried a particular sauce before, do err on the side of caution and start out by adding just a few dashes at a time.
Some can be seriously spicy!
2. Sambal oelek
Sambal oelek is a spicy Indonesian chilli paste made with shrimp paste, garlic, ginger, shallots, palm sugar, and lime juice.
It’s typically less processed than sriracha, and many hot sauce lovers favour it due to its pure flavour profile and thick, chunky, chilli laden texture.
It can be treated as a marinade, a condiment, or a cooking ingredient, so you can get a little creative with sambal oelek when it comes to how to use it as a sauce for chicken and rice.
3. Harissa
Harissa is a North African chilli paste that is made from roasted red peppers, garlic, and spices.
It’s fragrant and aromatic, and it’s another option that can be used either as a condiment or a marinade.
It has origins in Tunisia and it’s a great way to expand your culinary horizons and introduce your tastebuds to a new corner of the globe.
Add roasted veggies to your plate alongside your harissa chicken and rice for a balanced meal.
Bell peppers, courgettes, carrots, celery, and aubergine all work well.
4. Piri piri
Piri piri is a traditional Portuguese chilli sauce that’s a match made in heaven for chicken and rice!
It’s sour, slightly sweet, slightly salty, and I love to use it as a marinade before grilling the chicken.
My top tip is to add a generous squeeze of lemon juice to your piri piri grilled chicken right before serving.
The acidity really enhances the flavour and brings out all the unique elements on the palate.
For more inspiration for extras to add to your plate, visit my guide to what to serve with piri piri chicken.
Summary of the best sauces for chicken and rice
Whether you’re searching for something super healthy, or you’re in the mood for some well deserved indulgence, there are plenty of choices when it comes to sauces that go with chicken and rice.
Choose from:
- Teriyaki
- Curry
- Tomato
- Lemon butter
- Alfredo
- Mushroom
- Cheese
- Hot sauce
- Sambal oelek
- Harissa
- Piri piri
Add a portion of green veggies, like tender stem broccoli or green beans, and you have a tasty, balanced meal that can be on the table without any fuss!
Before you go, take a look at the best side dishes for rice salad.
