Spice Up Your Chicken Game with This Irresistible Dave’s hot chicken sauce recipe. If you’ve ever tried Dave’s Hot Chicken Restaurants, you know their signature sauce is next-level delicious—creamy, spicy, tangy, and just a little sweet. It’s the perfect companion for crispy fried chicken, golden fries, or even as a secret weapon on your next chicken sandwich. The good news? You don’t have to wait in line to enjoy it!
Today, we’re sharing a quick and easy copycat recipe that captures all those bold flavors in just minutes. Whether you’re hosting a backyard cookout, planning a family dinner, or simply craving some spicy sauce, this sauce is about to become your new favorite condiment. Ready to bring the heat? Let’s dive in!

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Dave's Hot Chicken Sauce Recipe
Since I’ve been pregnant with my 4th child I’ve been craving chipotle sauce but the real deal is Dave’s Hot Chicken Sauce. The spicy flavors and the sweetness of the sauce combined with the pieces of chicken are an explosion for my taste buds. Plus, the creamy texture is the best texture for breaded chicken pieces.
And the best part it doesn’t take much time to create this sauce.
Ingredients For Dave's Sauce:
A list of the simple ingredients you will need for Dave’s hot chicken sauce recipe:
- 1/2 cup of Mayonnaise (full-fat mayonnaise is recommended)
- 2 tbsp Ketchup
- 1 tbsp Hot Sauce (e.g., Frank’s RedHot or Louisiana Hot Sauce)
- 1 tbsp Cayenne Pepper (adjust for spice level)
- 1 tsp Smoked Paprika
- 1 tsp Garlic Powder
- 1 tsp Onion Powder
- 1 tbsp Honey (brown sugar as a substitute)
- 1 tbsp White Vinegar (apple cider vinegar as a substitute)
- 1/2 tsp Black Pepper
- Salt (to taste)
I tried to keep this recipe simple by using ingredients everyone has at home. Sure using red chili peppers is wonderful but it is simpler to use cayenne pepper or chili powder without losing the heat component of this sauce. As a busy mom, I don’t have the time to run out to get chili peppers for a sauce I’m craving. I depend on what is in my spice cabinet to recreate the spicy taste of this sauce.
Ingredients Overview:
A quick overview of all of the ingredients you will need for Dave’s hot chicken sauce recipe. Please note you can change the heat levels by reducing the amount of hot sauce and cayenne pepper. And increase the sweet flavor by using more honey.

Instructions:
The following instructions for Dave’s hot chicken sauce recipe include step-by-step images for this hot sauce mixture you can serve with your favorite spicy chicken sandwich.

- In a medium bowl, combine mayonnaise, ketchup, and hot sauce. Mix well until smooth.
- Add cayenne pepper, smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, black pepper, and salt. Stir until all spices are fully incorporated.
- Add honey and white vinegar, then mix again until smooth and creamy.
- Taste and adjust seasoning or spice level as needed.
- Transfer to an airtight container and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to let the flavors meld.

Dave's Hot Chicken Sauce Recipe
Equipment
- 1 Mixing Bowl To combine all of the ingredients.
- 1 Whisk or spoon For thorough mixing and smooth consistency.
- Measuring Cups and Spoons To measure out precise ingredient amounts.
- 1 Spatula (optional) To scrape down the sides of the bowl.
- 1 Airtight Container or Jar For storing the sauce in the refrigerator.
Ingredients
- 1/2 cup Mayonnaise Full-Fat recommended
- 2 tbsp Ketchup
- 1 tbsp Hot Sauce (e.g., Frank’s RedHot or Louisiana Hot Sauce)
- 1 tbsp Cayenne Pepper (adjust for spice level)
- 1 tsp Smoked Paprika
- 1 tsp Garlic Powder
- 1 tsp Onion Powder
- 1 tbsp Honey (brown sugar as a substitute)
- 1 tbsp White Vinegar (apple cider vinegar as a substitute)
- 1/2 tsp Black Pepper
- Salt (to taste)
Instructions
- In a medium bowl, combine mayonnaise, ketchup, and hot sauce. Mix well until smooth.
- Add cayenne pepper, smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, black pepper, and salt. Stir until all spices are fully incorporated.
- Add honey and white vinegar, then mix again until smooth and creamy.
- Taste and adjust seasoning by changing the amount of cayenne pepper to adjust the spice level as needed.
- Transfer to an airtight container and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to let the flavors meld.
Notes
- Drizzle over crispy fried chicken
- Use as a dipping sauce for fries or chicken tenders
- Spread on burgers or chicken sandwiches
Additional Recipes
For more delicious recipes like the Dave’s hot chicken sauce recipe check out the following links. Refreshingly Simple Lemon Vinaigrette With Thyme recipe. Try My Greek Yogurt Avocado Cilantro Lime Dressing. Last but not least check out my Spicy Dal Makhani recipe.
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