Let Sauce Be The Solution

Since the creation of the core sauces (béchamel, velouté, espagnole, hollandaise and tomato) and their countless variations, chefs have recognized the transformative impact of these rich flavor enhancers. But their widespread use can sometimes lead to sauces being overlooked as a powerful tool in new menu development. Even in their simplest forms—as a drizzle, condiment, or dip—sauces remain an essential part of any flavor repertoire. These versatile accompaniments are employed across a wide range of dishes, from handhelds and shareables to sides, but they are particularly effective in elevating the mild flavor of one of America’s favorite proteins: chicken. Whether used to dip nuggets, slathered on the bread carrier of a chicken breast sandwich or drizzled over sliced or diced tenders in a salad, two basic sauce flavors have long dominated in popularity: barbecue and honey mustard. But there are many contenders that have mounted successful challenges, prompting operators to expand, if not fully replace, sauce options in chicken-centric menu builds or provided to customers in portion packaging for personal application. New sauce flavors added to the menus of some of the largest quick-serve chains in 2024 included honey-barbecue, garlic-Parmesan, Buffalo, ghost pepper, ranch-Sriracha, chimichurri-ranch, jalapeño-pesto, smoky bacon-ranch, Creole honey mustard, Korean barbecue and sweet teriyaki. “Younger demographics are particularly receptive to trying new and innovative flavors,” notes Greg Gable, Corporate Chef, AFP advanced food products llc. “This creates a unique opportunity for brands to engage with this audience by offering fresh, exciting choices. New dipping sauces can tap into the growing trend of safe global flavor experimentation.” But how far such expansion extends requires a careful calculus. Ensuring your chicken menu has the “right” sauce flavors is a business imperative. Technomic’s 2023 Flavor Consumer Trend Report revealed that 34 percent of consumers consider what sauces and condiments are available when making restaurant choices. What new flavors do you add and what familiar favorites do you retain when determining the maximum number of sauces you can afford to offer? These Loaded Nashville Hot Nuggets demonstrate how easy it is to spike a versatile cheese sauce base with simple inclusions to create an impactful dish that stands out from the competition.

A SPECTRUM OF SAUCES

“Chicken’s neutral flavor profile makes it incredibly versatile, pairing well with a wide range of flavors, from tangy and spicy to sweet and savory,” says Gable. Recent research from Datassential confirms the success of these flavor attributes. Spicy, Touch of Sweet, Tangy and U.S. Regional lead the Mega Trends categories in adoption and proliferation, according to the firm’s 2024 Chicken Sandwiches report. Among the fastest-growing variations are regional favorite Alabama barbecue sauce (growing 85 percent in menu mentions in the last year and 172 percent in the last four years) and vodka sauce (rising 57 percent and 475 percent, respectively). Nashville Hot tops the list, having skyrocketed 533 percent in the last four years, although its fascination may have peaked, with just 4 percent growth in menu mentions in the past year. It’s worth noting that many of the recent sauce introductions by major brands are plays on barbecue and honey mustard, and both of these enduring favorites offer flavor characteristics that reflect the trend data. Still the climate is right for exploring a broader range of flavor profiles. “Offering unique, global-inspired sauces on a small scale lets consumers explore exciting new tastes without committing to something too unfamiliar,” says Gable, who notes that AFP is seeing various combinations of sweet and heat continuing to pop up, as well as greater interest in sauces that incorporate smoky notes. “It’s all about providing options that cater to both familiar comfort and the thrill of trying something new, allowing chicken to act as a canvas for diverse, interesting flavors.” Of course, “It really comes down to what resonates with the consumer,” Gable continues. “While some sauces, like the cult-favorite Chick-fil-A sauce, have become beloved for their perfect balance with chicken, there’s also a great opportunity to introduce consumers to more adventurous flavors.” The Chick-fil-A example is an excellent demonstration of the potential that can be found in developing signature sauces that allow a brand to stand out from the competition. Gable cites several advantages for developing signature sauces that can be used as condiments, dips and drizzles with chicken. “First, a unique sauce can help differentiate a brand from competitors, creating a memorable experience and brand identity that encourages customer loyalty and word-of-mouth marketing,” he notes. “Signature sauces also offer the flexibility to enhance a wide range of menu items, increasing perceived value and driving repeat purchases.” Promote these with simple signage or a brief description of the flavor profile on menus. Adding a flavorful sauce to chicken meat is a simple but highly effective way to tap into the popularity of global cuisines, as demonstrated by this Mexican BBQ Pulled Chicken Sandwich.

SAVOR THE POSSIBILITIES

Chefs can turn to AFP and its extensive portfolio of sauce products to develop craveable signatures. “Creating a signature sauce using a base product from AFP is incredibly easy and offers a lot of flexibility for customization,” says Gable. Start with AFP’s Muy Fresco® shelf-stable, preservative-free, ready-to-serve cheese sauces as a base. With nearly two dozen flavor varieties to choose among—from Aged Sharp Cheddar to Queso Blanco—chefs can produce trend-forward signatures with simple inclusions. “Our white cheddar or yellow cheddar cheese sauces can be the perfect starting point for crafting unique, craveable flavors,” says Gable. For example, use Muy Fresco® Monterey Jack Cheese Sauce as a base and elevate it by incorporating hot sauce, dill weed, pickles and other ingredients to create a delicious drizzle over top hot breaded chicken nuggets for Loaded Nashville Hot Nuggets. “This allows you to control the spice level and add a layer of complexity, giving your customers a perfect balance of heat and creamy texture.” Similarly, the recipes for this indulgent Buttermilk Fried Chicken Bacon Cheddar Sandwich starts with Muy Fresco® Mild Cheddar Cheese Sauce. But chefs can employ other AFP sauces to produce variations in flavor complexity. “Increase the cheddar cheese intensity to create a rich, comforting flavor,” Gable suggests. “Or incorporate flavor differentiation by using a sharper type, like Wisconsin cheddar.” This recipe further dials up the crave factor by adding an aioli made with mayonnaise, maple syrup and Sriracha. The key, advises Gable, is to focus on pairing sauces with menu items in such way that will enhance the overall experience without overwhelming the dish. “For example, if you’re offering a rich and hearty main item like a fried chicken sandwich, a complementary sauce—such as a sharp cheddar or a smoky BBQ—can elevate the flavor without overshadowing the core ingredients.” One of AFP’s new additions to the line, Muy Fresco® Adovada Sauce, has its roots in the Mexican pantry, offering “a deep, smoky and slightly spicy flavor profile with a sweetness that makes it perfect for a variety of applications,” says Gable. One such example is this Mexican BBQ Pulled Chicken Sandwich, which employs the new flavor not as a condiment per se but mixed in with warm chicken meat. Muy Fresco® Alabama White Sauce is another newbie to the company’s portfolio. “This well-known regional favorite has been gaining popularity beyond its home state,” says Gable. “It’s a tangy, creamy sauce made with vinegar and spices, offering a perfect balance of acidity and richness. It’s a great option for operators looking to expand their menu with something recognizable, regional and craveable.” Versatility and back-of-house simplicity are compelling reasons to turn to AFP’s base products, says Gable. “Whether you’re adding a spicy kick, boosting the cheese flavor or creating a whole new sauce profile, AFP’s sauces provide an easy way to craft a signature item that stands out on the menu and creates a reason for customers to return.” Source - Flavor & The Menu, https://www.getflavor.com/let-sauce-be-the-solution/