31 Best Dipping Sauces for Chicken Nuggets

If you’re wondering how to make chicken nuggets even better, the answer is dipping sauces.

From classic honey mustard to Buffalo sauce and beyond, there are so many delicious ways to enjoy chicken nuggets.

And what’s even better is that most of these sauces can be made in just a few minutes with ingredients you probably already have in your pantry or fridge.

So, whether you’re looking for a dipping sauce for your next party or just want to switch up your usual chicken nugget routine, give one of these recipes a try.

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31 Best Dipping Sauces for Chicken Nuggets

Don’t settle for ketchup as your only dipping sauce for chicken nuggets.

There are so many other great options out there that can take your chicken nugget experience to the next level.

Here are 31 of the best dipping sauces for chicken nuggets:

1. Sweet and Sour Dipping Sauce for Chicken Nuggets

https://www.pinterest.com/pin/35043703342768389/

This is the most common dipping sauce for chicken nuggets, but it’s also great with other fried foods like mozzarella sticks and onion rings.

The key to a good sweet and sour sauce is finding the perfect balance of sweetness and tartness, and this recipe does just that.

Pro Tips:

• If you want a thicker sauce, add a cornstarch slurry (equal parts cornstarch and water) to the sauce while it’s simmering.
• For a more authentic flavor, use rice vinegar instead of white vinegar.
• Add some heat by stirring in a teaspoon or two of sriracha sauce.

2. Spicy Dipping Sauce for Chicken Nuggets

https://www.pinterest.com/pin/52072939419973419/

This is the perfect condiment for pretty much everything.

It’s got a little bit of heat, it’s got a little bit of sweetness, and it’s got a whole lot of flavor.

I like to put this on chicken nuggets, but it would also be great on wings, fries, or even just as a dipping sauce for veggies.

Pro Tips:

• Make sure to taste the sauce before you serve it. You may want to add more heat or more sweetness depending on your preferences.
• If you want a thicker sauce, add in some cornstarch to help thicken it up.
• This sauce can be made ahead of time and stored in the fridge for up to a week.

3. Honey Mustard Dipping Sauce

https://www.pinterest.com/pin/31525266131031571/

This sauce can be made in just 5 minutes with ingredients that you probably already have in your kitchen.

It’s the perfect balance of sweet and tangy, and it’s my go-to dipping sauce for chicken nuggets.

Pro Tips:

• Make a double batch and store it in the fridge for up to 2 weeks.
• Try adding a teaspoon of sriracha sauce for some extra heat.
• Swap out the mustard for Dijon mustard for a more sophisticated flavor.

4. Bang Bang Sauce

https://www.pinterest.com/pin/831899362432698022/

Sweet and spicy bang bang sauce is so simple and easy to make, and it’s the perfect dipping sauce for chicken nuggets, french fries, or really anything else you can think of.

It only requires a few ingredients that you probably already have in your pantry, and it comes together in just a few minutes.

Pro Tips:

• If you want a little bit more spice, add in an extra pinch or two of cayenne pepper.
• For a sweeter sauce, add in an extra tablespoon or two of honey.
• Make sure to taste the sauce as you’re making it so that you can adjust the seasoning to your liking.

5. Easy Lemon Garlic Aioli (Cheater’s Aioli)

https://www.pinterest.com/pin/2885187253539350/

Made with fresh garlic, mayo, and a splash of fresh lemon juice, this aioli is the perfect dipping sauce for just about anything.

I love it with chicken nuggets, but it’s also great with roasted potatoes, grilled vegetables, or even just a big hunk of crusty bread.

Pro Tips:

• Make sure to use fresh garlic for the best flavor.
• If you don’t have any fresh lemons on hand, you can use bottled lemon juice.
• Add a pinch of salt and pepper to taste.

6. Outback Blooming Onion Sauce

https://www.pinterest.com/pin/141300507051181527/

This sauce is a zesty and fun dipping sauce that can be made in just 5 minutes.

It’s the perfect combination of creamy and tangy, with a little bit of sweetness from the honey.

I love to use this sauce as a dipping sauce for chicken nuggets, but it would also be great with grilled chicken or even just some plain old french fries.

Pro Tips:

• Make sure to whisk the sauce well before serving, as the honey has a tendency to settle at the bottom of the bowl.
• If you want a little extra zing, add in a dash of hot sauce.

7. Chipotle Sauce {5 Minutes Only}

https://www.pinterest.com/pin/251286854201342369/

This sauce is a little creamy and super spicy with smokey flavors from the chipotle peppers.

It’s perfect for dipping chicken nuggets, but would also be great on tacos, burritos, or even just as a salad dressing.

Pro Tips:

• If you want a thinner consistency, add more milk until you reach the desired consistency.
• For a spicier sauce, add more chipotle peppers.
• To make this sauce less spicy, remove the seeds from the peppers before blending.

8. Sriracha Mayo

https://www.pinterest.com/pin/366339750939811375/

This sauce is delicious on sandwiches, perfect for dipping chicken or fish, and can even be used as a salad dressing.

The best part?

It takes less than 5 minutes to make!

Pro Tips:

• Try mixing in different herbs and spices to change up the flavor, like smoked paprika or garlic powder.
• Make a big batch and store it in the fridge for up to 2 weeks.
• Use it as a base for other sauces – add some BBQ sauce for a sweet and smoky dipping sauce, or mix in some hot sauce for an extra spicy kick.

9. Creamy Sweet Chili Sauce

https://www.pinterest.com/pin/42713896459568432/

I made this sauce a few days ago and it was a winner with my family (especially my kids).

It’s a great balance of sweet and savory, with just a little bit of heat.

And it only takes a few minutes to whip up!

Pro Tips:

• Make sure to whisk the sauce regularly while it’s simmering, so that the sugar doesn’t burn.
• If you want a thinner consistency, add a little bit more water to the sauce.
• For extra spice, add a pinch or two of red pepper flakes.

10. BBQ Sauce

https://www.pinterest.com/pin/262968065733959765/

Tangy and full of flavor, you won’t be able to get enough of this barbecue sauce.

It’s perfect for dipping chicken nuggets, but it would also be great on pulled pork or grilled chicken.

This sauce is so easy to make and only requires a few ingredients that you probably already have in your pantry.

Pro Tips:

• Make ahead of time: This sauce can be made ahead of time and stored in the fridge for up to 2 weeks.
• Add some heat: If you like things spicy, add a diced jalapeño pepper to the sauce.
• Thicken it up: If you want a thicker sauce, add a 1/4 cup of tomato paste to the recipe.

11. BBQ Mayo (MayoCue)

https://www.pinterest.com/pin/525373112793317044/

If you love BBQ Sauce and Mayonnaise you’re going to fall in love with this dipping sauce!

It’s the perfect combination of both and takes less than 5 minutes to make.

All you need is BBQ sauce, mayonnaise, and a little bit of apple cider vinegar.

Pro Tips:

• Use a ratio of 3 parts BBQ sauce to 1 part mayonnaise. This will give you the perfect balance of flavors.
• If you want a thinner consistency, add a little bit of water until you reach your desired consistency.
• For an extra zing, add a teaspoon of apple cider vinegar.

12. Comeback Sauce

https://www.pinterest.com/pin/444519425732269551/

This dipping sauce is great for dipping chicken, fries, vegetables or used as a condiment for burgers and sandwiches.

The sauce is creamy with a little bit of zing and sweetness from the ketchup.

It’s easy to make and only requires a few simple ingredients that you probably already have in your pantry.

Pro Tips:

• Try using different types of mustard for a different flavor profile.
• Add some diced dill pickles for a little bit of crunch.
• Swap out the mayonnaise for Greek yogurt for a healthier option.

13. Orange Dipping Sauce with Sriracha

https://www.pinterest.com/pin/117938083984010805/

This sweet-spicy, lightly tangy, marmalade-based sauce can be as hot (or not) as you want it to be.

Just adjust the amount of Sriracha you add to suit your taste.

It’s a great all-purpose dipping sauce, but I especially love it with chicken nuggets.

Pro Tips:

• Serve it with dumplings, egg rolls, or spring rolls for an easy appetizer.
• Add a little bit of rice vinegar for a bright pop of acidity.
• Use it as a glaze for baked or grilled chicken or pork.

14. Thai Chili Dipping Sauce

https://www.pinterest.com/pin/5418462042525898/

This dipping sauce is full of flavor and smoky heat.

It’s the perfect dipping sauce for chicken nuggets, but it’s also great with veggies, pretzels, and pretty much anything else you can think of.

Pro Tips:

• Make sure to remove the seeds from the chili peppers before blending, unless you want your sauce to be extra spicy.
• Add a little bit of water if the sauce is too thick.
• If you want a smoother sauce, blend it for longer.

15. Teriyaki Sauce

https://www.pinterest.com/pin/82261130685443130/

I love using this as a dipping sauce for lumpias, egg rolls, wontons, and chicken nuggets.

It’s the perfect balance of sweet and savory, and it takes less than 5 minutes to make!

Pro Tips:

• Make a big batch and store it in the fridge for up to 2 weeks.
• Use it as a marinade for chicken, shrimp, or beef before cooking.
• Add a little bit of Sriracha sauce to give it some extra spice.

16. Cowboy Butter Dipping Sauce

https://www.pinterest.com/pin/914862411944205/

This garlic butter dipping sauce is amazing and only takes a few minutes to make.

It’s the perfect combination of savory and sweet, and it’s so good that you’ll want to put it on everything.

Pro Tips:

• Make sure the butter is melted before adding the garlic, otherwise it will clump up.
• If you’re not a fan of cilantro, you can leave it out or substitute with parsley.
• Add a little bit of cayenne pepper for some extra heat.

17. Easy Szechuan Sauce

https://www.pinterest.com/pin/441915782197204931/

Szechuan sauce is full of spicy, sweet, and savory flavors, and it’s really easy to make at home.

The best part is, you can adjust the level of spice to suit your taste.

I like to serve this dipping sauce with chicken nuggets, but it would also be great with egg rolls or dumplings.

Pro Tips:

• Make sure you use a good quality chili paste for this recipe. I like Sambal Oelek chili paste, but you can use whatever you like or have on hand.
• If you want a thinner sauce, add a little bit of water until you reach the desired consistency.
• For a sweeter sauce, add a little bit more brown sugar.

18. Nuoc Cham Dipping Sauce

https://www.pinterest.com/pin/27866091438247245/

Made with fish sauce, fresh lime juice, garlic and sugar, this dipping sauce is the perfect balance of sweet, sour and salty.

It’s incredibly easy to make and only requires a few simple ingredients that you probably already have in your kitchen.

Pro Tips:

• Make Ahead: This dipping sauce can be made up to 3 days ahead of time. Store it in the fridge in an airtight container until you’re ready to use it.
• Add Some Heat: If you want a little bit of spice, add a pinch of cayenne pepper to the sauce.
• Thicken It Up: If you want a thicker dipping sauce, add a teaspoon of cornstarch to the mixture.

19. The Best Thai Peanut Sauce

https://www.pinterest.com/pin/12033123996168604/

This sauce can be used as a dipping sauce, salad dressing, for peanut noodles or with chicken satay.

I love it because it’s so versatile and flavorful.

Peanut sauce is one of my all-time favorite sauces, and this one definitely doesn’t disappoint.

Here are 3 tips to make the best Thai peanut sauce:

• Make sure to use a good quality peanut butter. I like to use an all-natural, unsweetened peanut butter.
• Start with less curry paste and add more to taste. The amount of curry paste can vary greatly depending on the brand you use.
• Add a little bit of lime juice at the end for some brightness and acidity.

20. Yum Yum Sauce

https://www.pinterest.com/pin/3588874694394010/

Tangy, savory, sweet, and spicy all at the same time, this sauce is the perfect dipping sauce for chicken nuggets, french fries, or really anything else you can think of.

It’s a little bit of everything, and it’s so good that you’ll be licking your fingers after every bite.

Pro Tips:

• Try using it as a marinade for chicken or pork before grilling.
• Add a dollop to your next bowl of ramen for an extra boost of flavor.
• Use it as a dipping sauce for spring rolls or egg rolls.

21. Chicken Finger Sauce

https://www.pinterest.com/pin/65443000826942842/

This is a perfect copycat of Guthrie’s, Zaxby’s and Raising Cane’s sauce.

It’s a delicious, slightly tangy and slightly sweet sauce that goes great with chicken fingers, fries, onion rings, you name it.

Pro Tips:

• Serve this sauce at your next party for a real crowd pleaser.
• Make a double batch and keep it in the fridge for up to 2 weeks.
• Add a little bit of hot sauce to spice things up.

22. Peach BBQ Sauce

https://www.pinterest.com/pin/845199055083783093/

This is a quick & easy homemade bbq sauce ready in less than 10 minutes.

It’s perfect for summer grilling!

And it’s made with just a few simple ingredients that you probably already have in your pantry.

Pro Tips:

• Try using different types of peaches (fresh, frozen, or canned).
• Add a little bit of heat by stirring in some diced jalapeño peppers.
• Make it extra sticky by simmering the sauce for a longer period of time.

23. Chinese Garlic Sauce

https://www.pinterest.com/pin/38139928088331347/

This sauce has the perfect combination of spicy, salty, and sweet flavors.

And it only takes a few minutes to make!

I like to serve it with chicken nuggets, but it would also be great with dumplings, egg rolls, or even just as a dipping sauce for veggies.

Pro Tips:

• Try adding a little bit of rice vinegar for a tangy twist.
• If you want a thinner consistency, add in some water or chicken broth.
• For an extra spicy kick, add in a diced chili pepper.

24. Thai Sweet Chilli Sauce

https://www.pinterest.com/pin/462744930474787129/

Sweet, Savory, Spicy, Tangy, and Sticky, all at the same time.

What more could you want in a dipping sauce?

This Thai sweet chilli sauce is my go-to when I’m serving chicken nuggets, but it would also be delicious with fried shrimp or as a glaze on grilled chicken.

Pro Tips:

• Make sure to remove the seeds from the chili peppers before adding them to the sauce. Otherwise, it will be too spicy.
• If you want a thinner consistency, add a little bit of water to the sauce until it reaches your desired consistency.
• Add a squeeze of fresh lime juice before serving for an extra zing.

25. Sweet Chilli-Pineapple Sauce

https://www.pinterest.com/pin/34691859623714357/

This sauce is a twist to the popular Thai Sweet Chili sauce.

I like to add pineapple juice to mine because it gives the sauce a little bit of sweetness and depth of flavor that takes it to the next level.

It’s perfect for dipping chicken nuggets, spring rolls, or even just eating with a spoon (I won’t judge).

Pro Tips:

• Make a big batch and store it in the fridge for up to 2 weeks.
• If you want a thinner consistency, add in some water or pineapple juice.
• For a spicier sauce, add in a diced chili pepper or some crushed red pepper flakes.

26. Jalapeno Apricot Sauce

https://www.pinterest.com/pin/509610514091030775/

This sweet and spicy sauce is great for using as a barbecue glaze or served with chicken nuggets, like I love to do.

The apricot preserves give the sauce a nice sweetness while the jalapeño peppers add just the right amount of spice.

Pro Tips:

• Try using different types of preserves, like peach or cherry, in place of the apricot preserves.
• Add more or less jalapeño peppers depending on how much heat you want in the sauce.
• For a smooth sauce, blend all of the ingredients together in a blender or food processor before cooking.

27. Homemade Tartar Sauce

https://www.pinterest.com/pin/107664247334492730/

This easy tartar sauce with horseradish is perfect for dipping everything from chicken nuggets to french fries.

It’s a little bit tangy, a little bit sweet, and a whole lot delicious.

Plus, it only takes 5 minutes to make!

Pro Tips:

• Make sure to use fresh lemon juice for the best flavor.
• If you don’t have any pickles on hand, you can use diced green olives instead.
• Add a pinch of cayenne pepper for a little bit of heat.

28. Roasted Red Pepper Garlic Aioli

https://www.pinterest.com/pin/8655424277956018/

Made with homemade mayo, roasted red peppers, garlic, parsley, fresh lemon juice and sea salt, this dipping sauce is AMAZING.

I could honestly eat it with a spoon.

It’s the perfect blend of creamy, tangy and slightly sweet.

And it’s so good, you’re going to want to put it on everything.

Pro Tips:

• Try using it as a sandwich spread or a salad dressing.
• Add a little cayenne pepper for some extra heat.
• Swap out the roasted red peppers for sun-dried tomatoes.

29. Ketchup

https://www.pinterest.com/pin/4011087160617133/

Fresh ketchup is always a great way to elevate your chicken nuggets.

But if you’re looking for something a little bit different, this ketchup dipping sauce is the way to go.

It’s got a little bit of sweetness from the honey, a little bit of acidity from the vinegar, and a nice depth of flavor from the smoked paprika.

Pro Tips:

• Make sure to use fresh ketchup – it really makes a difference!
• If you want a smoother sauce, give it a quick whirl in the blender before serving.
• Add a pinch of cayenne pepper for an extra kick of heat.

30. Cajun Remoulade Dipping Sauce

https://www.pinterest.com/pin/428404983314146133/

This dipping sauce is perfect with chicken nuggets, fried fish, crab cakes, or on sandwiches in place of mayo.

It’s a little bit spicy, a little bit tangy, and oh-so creamy.

The best part is that it only takes 5 minutes to make!

Pro Tips:

• Make ahead of time and store in the fridge for up to 1 week.
• Add more or less cayenne pepper to adjust the spiciness level.
• Try serving with sweet potato fries for a fun twist.

31. Soy Sauce

https://www.pinterest.com/pin/193514115231080701/

Whether you simply buy soy sauce packets from the drive-thru or you’re looking to step up your game, this sauce is for you.

Soy sauce is the perfect blend of salty and savory, and it goes with everything from chicken nuggets to dumplings.

Pro Tips:

• Add a Little Acid: A splash of rice vinegar or lemon juice will brighten up the flavor of the soy sauce.
• Make It Spicy: Add some Sriracha or diced chili peppers to give it a little heat.
• Thicken It Up: If you want a heartier dipping sauce, mix in some cornstarch to help thicken it up.

What Is the Most Popular Dipping Sauce for Chicken Nuggets?

The most popular dipping sauce for chicken nuggets is sweet and sour sauce. Other popular dipping sauces include honey mustard, barbecue sauce, and ranch dressing.

What Sauce Goes Best with McDonald’s Chicken Nuggets?

There are a few different types of sauces that go well with McDonald’s chicken nuggets. The most popular choices are honey mustard, barbecue, and ranch. However, you can also try dipping them in ketchup, sweet and sour sauce, or even buffalo sauce.

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