If you’ve ever had Dave’s Hot Chicken, you know their sauce is next-level delicious—creamy, tangy, and just the right amount of spicy.
The good news? You can make it at home with simple ingredients in just 5 minutes! It’s perfect for dipping, drizzling, or slathering on your homemade hot chicken. Let’s get started!
What You’ll Need
Main Ingredients:
- ½ cup mayonnaise
- 1 tablespoon ketchup
- 1 tablespoon honey
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
- 1 teaspoon white vinegar
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon smoked paprika
- ½ teaspoon cayenne pepper (adjust to taste)
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
Pro Tips
🔥 Want it spicier? Add more cayenne or a dash of hot sauce.
🍋 No vinegar? Lemon juice works too!
🥪 More than just for chicken! Try this on burgers, sandwiches, or as a fry dip.
🥄 Smooth consistency? Whisk well or blend for an extra creamy texture.
🌡 Let it sit! Resting for 10 minutes lets the flavors meld together.
Tools You’ll Need
✔ Small mixing bowl
✔ Whisk
✔ Measuring spoons
Possible Substitutions & Variations
✨ Mayo alternative? Use Greek yogurt for a lighter version.
✨ Sweeter touch? Swap honey for maple syrup.
✨ Extra smoky? Double the smoked paprika for a deeper flavor.
How to Make Dave’s Hot Chicken Sauce
1. Add the Mayo Base
In a small bowl, add ½ cup mayonnaise—this makes the sauce super creamy.
2. Mix in the Ketchup, Honey & Mustard
Stir in 1 tablespoon ketchup, 1 tablespoon honey, and 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard. This adds sweetness and tang.
3. Add Vinegar for Tanginess
Pour in 1 teaspoon white vinegar and stir well. This gives the sauce a little kick.
4. Season It Up
Sprinkle in ½ teaspoon garlic powder, ½ teaspoon smoked paprika, ½ teaspoon cayenne, ¼ teaspoon salt, and ¼ teaspoon black pepper.
5. Whisk Until Smooth
Use a whisk to blend everything together until smooth and creamy.
6. Let It Rest & Serve!
Let the sauce sit for 10 minutes so the flavors come together, then serve with your favorite Dave’s hot chicken (recipe here!)
Leftovers & Storage
- Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to a week.
- Stir before using, as some ingredients may settle.
Final Thoughts
That’s it! Dave’s Hot Chicken Sauce is super easy to make and so good on everything. Try it, tweak it to your taste, and let me know in the comments how you like it! 🔥🍯🍗