15 Finger-Lickin’ Sauces That Take Chicken and Waffles to the Next Level

Have you ever found yourself staring at a plate of hot, crispy chicken and fluffy waffles and thought, “What sauce goes with chicken and waffles?” I’ve been there, friend. As a chicken and waffles enthusiast, I’ve spent years perfecting the ultimate sauce pairings for this iconic sweet-and-savory dish.

This classic American comfort food deserves more than just a drizzle of basic maple syrup. Today I’m gonna share my top 15 sauce recommendations that’ll make your taste buds dance with joy. Whether you prefer something sweet spicy, or somewhere in between, I’ve got you covered!

Classic Sauces for Chicken and Waffles

Let’s start with the tried-and-true classics that never disappoint

1. Pure Maple Syrup

Nothing beats the simplicity of real, pure maple syrup. Its natural sweetness complements the salty, crispy chicken perfectly. I always keep a bottle of the good stuff (none of that fake pancake syrup!) in my pantry for chicken and waffles emergencies.

2. Classic Gravy

A southern staple, classic gravy brings richness and depth to chicken and waffles. Made from the drippings of fried chicken, flour, and chicken stock, this savory sauce balances the sweetness of the waffles beautifully.

3. Honey Butter

Oh my goodness, honey butter is life-changing! Mix equal parts softened butter and honey until smooth and creamy The buttery richness with subtle sweetness creates a luxurious topping that melts perfectly over hot waffles and crispy chicken.

4. Maple Gravy

Why choose between sweet and savory when you can have both? Maple gravy combines the best of both worlds by adding maple syrup to traditional gravy. Here’s a simple recipe from The BakerMama:

• 3 tablespoons butter
• 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour
• 1-3/4 cups chicken stock
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 1/2 cup pure maple syrup

Melt the butter, add flour and cook until golden brown (about 2-3 minutes), slowly whisk in stock, bring to a boil while stirring until thickened (about 10 minutes), season with salt and pepper, then stir in the maple syrup. Keep warm until serving.

Sweet Sauces for Chicken and Waffles

If you’ve got a sweet tooth like me, these options will make your heart sing:

5. Fruit Compote

A warm fruit compote made with berries, peaches, or apples adds a burst of fruity sweetness that complements both the chicken and waffles. I like to make mine with whatever fruits are in season – strawberries and blueberries in summer, apples and pears in fall.

6. Cinnamon-Spiced Apple Sauce

Cook sliced apples with butter, brown sugar, and cinnamon until they’re tender and caramelized. This warm, spiced sauce is perfect for fall and winter chicken and waffles brunches!

7. Banana Foster Sauce

For a decadent twist, try a banana foster sauce. Caramelize sliced bananas in butter and brown sugar, then add a splash of rum (optional, but recommended!) for an indulgent treat.

Spicy and Tangy Sauces

For those who like a bit of heat with their sweet:

8. Hot Honey

This trendy condiment combines honey with chili peppers for a sweet-heat combo that’s absolutely perfect for chicken and waffles. You can buy it premade or make your own by infusing honey with your favorite chili peppers.

9. Spicy Sriracha Aioli

Mix mayonnaise, sriracha sauce, honey, and a squeeze of lime juice for a creamy, spicy sauce that adds a kick to your chicken and waffles. The creaminess of the mayo cools down the heat from the sriracha, creating a perfectly balanced sauce.

10. Buffalo Sauce with Blue Cheese Drizzle

For the heat seekers out there, toss your fried chicken in buffalo sauce and drizzle your waffles with blue cheese dressing. It’s unconventional but absolutely delicious!

11. Maple Mustard Sauce

This sweet and tangy sauce combines dijon mustard, maple syrup, apple cider vinegar, and olive oil. It’s unexpected but absolutely delightful with chicken and waffles.

Unique Fusion Sauces

Ready to get adventurous? Try these unique fusion sauces:

12. Korean-Style Gochujang Maple Sauce

Mix gochujang (Korean chili paste) with maple syrup, a splash of soy sauce, and a touch of sesame oil for an umami-packed sauce that’ll take your chicken and waffles to new international heights.

13. Bourbon Maple Glaze

For an adult twist, reduce bourbon, maple syrup, and a pat of butter in a saucepan until slightly thickened. The caramel notes from the bourbon enhance the maple flavor beautifully.

14. Chipotle Chocolate Sauce

This might sound crazy, but a sauce made with adobo chipotle peppers, a touch of cocoa powder, and maple syrup creates a complex, smoky-sweet sauce that’s mind-blowingly good on chicken and waffles.

15. Peanut Butter Syrup

Mix smooth peanut butter with maple syrup and a splash of cream for a nutty, rich sauce that adds protein and incredible flavor to your chicken and waffles.

Sauce Pairing Tips for Chicken and Waffles

To make the most of your sauce selection, keep these tips in mind:

• Temperature matters: Warm sauces generally work better than cold ones for chicken and waffles.
• Balance is key: Aim for a balance of sweet, savory, and possibly spicy elements.
• Layer your sauces: Don’t be afraid to use multiple sauces! Try a savory sauce on the chicken and a sweet sauce on the waffles.
• Consistency counts: Thicker sauces cling better to chicken and waffles, while thinner sauces soak in more.

Perfect Occasions for Chicken and Waffles

Chicken and waffles isn’t just for breakfast! This versatile dish works for multiple occasions:

• Cozy Family Dinner: Serve with classic gravy or maple syrup and mashed potatoes on the side.
• Game Day Feast: Make chicken and waffle sliders with various sauce options for dipping.
• Fancy Brunch Affair: Elevate your chicken and waffles with multiple gourmet sauce options like fruit compote and bourbon maple glaze.

Creative Serving Ideas

Want to impress your guests? Try these creative serving suggestions:

1. Build a Waffle Tower: Stack waffles and chicken pieces, drizzling different sauces between layers.
2. Chicken and Waffles Sliders: Make mini versions with different sauces for variety.
3. Brunch Board: Create a beautiful board with waffles, chicken, and small bowls of different sauces for guests to customize their plates.
4. Waffle Cone Tacos: Serve chicken in waffle cones with sauce drizzled inside.
5. Skewers: Thread waffle pieces and chicken onto skewers and serve with dipping sauces.

Sauce Storage Tips

Made too much sauce? No problem! Most of these sauces can be stored:

• Refrigeration: Most sauces will keep in airtight containers in the fridge for 5-7 days.
• Freezing: Many sauces freeze well for 1-3 months. Pour into ice cube trays for convenient portioning.
• Reheating: Warm gently on the stovetop or microwave, adding a splash of liquid if needed to restore consistency.

Final Thoughts

The beauty of chicken and waffles lies in its versatility. There’s no single “right” sauce – it’s all about what flavors you enjoy most! My personal favorite is a combination of maple gravy with a side of hot honey for drizzling, but I encourage you to experiment and find your perfect pairing.

Next time someone asks, “What sauce goes with chicken and waffles?” you’ll have plenty of delicious answers! And remember, the best sauce is the one that makes YOU happy. So go ahead, get creative, and enjoy this iconic comfort food your way.

FAQ: Chicken and Waffles Sauce Questions

Can I make these sauces ahead of time?

Absolutely! Most of these sauces can be made 1-3 days ahead and stored in the refrigerator. Just reheat gently before serving.

What’s the best sauce for kids?

Classic maple syrup, honey butter, or fruit compote tend to be kid-friendly options without being too complex or spicy.

Are there any dairy-free sauce options?

Yes! Pure maple syrup, fruit compotes, and many of the spicy sauces can be made dairy-free. For creamy sauces, substitute vegan butter or use coconut cream.

What’s a good low-sugar option?

Try a savory gravy or a mustard-based sauce with just a touch of honey or maple syrup to reduce the sugar content.

Can I use pancake syrup instead of maple syrup?

You can, but real maple syrup has a more complex flavor that better complements chicken and waffles. If budget is a concern, try cutting regular pancake syrup with a smaller amount of real maple syrup.