Dave's Hot Chicken Sauce Recipe
This creamy Dave’s Hot Chicken sauce recipe is spicy, tangy, smoky, and slightly sweet. Made with mayonnaise, ketchup, cayenne, smoked paprika, honey, and vinegar, it comes together in just 5 minutes and is perfect for chicken tenders, crispy fried chicken, fries, burgers, and chicken sandwiches.
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
- Refrigerate for at least 30 minutes before serving for the best flavor.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator.
- Reduce the cayenne pepper for a milder sauce.
- Serve with chicken tenders, fried chicken, fries, burgers, or chicken sandwiches.