11 of The Best Sauces For Chicken and Rice

Oh, the joy of discovering the perfect sauce for that delicious chicken and rice dish!

Over the years, I’ve tried my absolute best to find the ultimate sauce to elevate this classic combo to new heights of deliciousness.

I’ve tried countless sauces, from the sizzling hot to the tangy and sweet, and I’ve narrowed down my top picks to share with all you all here today.

So, without further ado, let’s dive into the world of the best sauces for chicken and rice.

Whether it is plain chicken and plain rice, or a dish with some pre-existing flavor, you’ll be sure to find an ideal pairing below.

Best Sauces For Chicken and Rice

Sriracha

With its unique blend of chili peppers, garlic, and vinegar, this fiery Thai hot sauce packs quite a punch.

Drizzle some over your chicken and rice for an instant kick of heat that’ll have you reaching for seconds.

Tabasco

Tabasco sauce, a true classic!

This versatile Louisiana-born hot sauce has been spicing up our dishes since the 1800s.

Made from Tabasco peppers, vinegar, and salt, this tangy, peppery sauce is a staple in my kitchen.

A few dashes over your chicken and rice dish will awaken your taste buds and leave you craving more.

BBQ Sauce

Who doesn’t love a good BBQ sauce?

Sweet, smoky, and tangy, this all-American favorite adds a mouthwatering depth of flavor to chicken and rice.

Slather it on generously or drizzle lightly, depending on how much you love that barbecue taste.

Trust me, you can’t go wrong with this one!

Tiger Sauce

If you haven’t tried Tiger Sauce yet, you’re in for a treat!

This exotic cayenne peppers, sugar, vinegar, and spices blend adds a sweet-heat kick to your chicken and rice.

With a hint of horseradish, this unique sauce offers a complex and tantalizing flavor profile that you’ll absolutely love.

Chamoy Sauce

Hailing from Mexico, Chamoy Sauce is a fruity, tangy, and mildly spicy concoction that will make your taste buds sing.

Made from pickled fruit, chili peppers, and lime, this sauce pairs beautifully with chicken and rice, adding a delightful zing to every bite.

If you’re feeling adventurous, give this vibrant sauce a try!

Teriyaki Sauce

Teriyaki sauce is a delightful Japanese concoction made from soy sauce, mirin, sugar, and sake.

Its sweet, tangy, and umami-packed profile adds a deliciously sticky glaze to chicken and rice.

Marinate your chicken in this sauce or simply drizzle it over your dish for a burst of Asian-inspired flavor.

Chimichurri

This vibrant Argentinean sauce is a refreshing blend of fresh parsley, cilantro, garlic, red pepper flakes, and vinegar.

Chimichurri’s zesty and herbaceous notes perfectly complement the savory flavors of chicken and rice.

Spoon some of this green goodness over your dish for an instant flavor explosion!

Sweet Chili Sauce

Sweet Chili Sauce is a Thai-inspired condiment that perfectly balances sweet and spicy.

Made from red chili peppers, sugar, garlic, and vinegar, this glossy sauce adds a delightful tang to your chicken and rice.

Drizzle or dunk to your heart’s content!

Honey Mustard

The combination of sweet honey and tangy mustard creates a versatile sauce that works wonders with chicken and rice.

Its creamy, yet zesty profile adds depth and brightness to your dish, making every bite more satisfying. Plus, it’s super easy to whip up at home!

Salsa Verde

Salsa Verde, or green salsa, is a Mexican sauce made from tomatillos, jalapeños, cilantro, and lime.

This tangy, slightly spicy sauce adds a burst of freshness to your chicken and rice.

It’s perfect for those who crave a lighter, more refreshing sauce option.

Buffalo Sauce

Last but not least, we have Buffalo Sauce, a fiery blend of hot sauce, butter, and vinegar.

This American classic is best known for its starring role in buffalo wings, but it also adds a zesty kick to chicken and rice.

If you’re a fan of spicy, tangy flavors, you’ll love this sauce with your meal!

What Types of Sauces Pair Best With Chicken and Rice?

When it comes to pairing sauces with chicken and rice, you’ll be pleased to learn you have plenty of options.

In general, sauces that complement the mild flavor of chicken and rice tend to have a balance of sweetness, acidity, and umami.

Don’t be afraid to experiment with different flavors and combinations to find your perfect match!

Spicy Sauces

You can opt for hot and spicy sauces like Sriracha and Tabasco if you’re craving some heat. 

Sweet & Savory Sauces

On the other hand, if you prefer something more subtle, go for sauces with a blend of sweet and savory flavors, like BBQ or Tiger Sauce.

What Sauces To Steer Clear Of With Chicken and Rice

While there are a plethora of sauces that complement chicken and rice beautifully, there are a few that might not be the most harmonious pairing.

Here are some types of sauces to consider avoiding when serving up your chicken and rice:

Overly Sweet Sauces

Dessert-like sauces, such as chocolate, caramel, or fruit-based syrups, might not be the best match for the savory nature of chicken and rice.

These sweet sauces could overpower the dish and create an unusual flavor combination that doesn’t quite hit the mark.

Excessively Rich and Creamy Sauces

While some creamy sauces can enhance chicken and rice flavor, others might be too heavy and mask the dish’s natural flavors.

Sauces like alfredo or carbonara, which are more commonly used with pasta, might not be the ideal choice for this particular combo.

Highly Pungent Sauces

Some intensely flavored sauces, like fish sauce or blue cheese dressing, may be too pungent for the delicate taste of chicken and rice.

These bold sauces could potentially overshadow the dish, making it challenging to appreciate the subtlety of the chicken and rice itself.

Finally

Ultimately, your personal preferences will guide your sauce choices. 

Keep in mind that chicken and rice is a versatile canvas that can adapt to a wide range of flavors. 

Don’t be afraid to experiment, but consider the balance and harmony of flavors when selecting a sauce to complement your dish.