Dave's Hot Chicken Sauce Recipe

This Dave’s Hot Chicken Sauce Recipe is creamy, tangy, slightly sweet, and perfectly spicy. Made with simple ingredients, it’s a delicious homemade sauce for crispy chicken, fries, sandwiches, and wraps.

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Prep Time 5

Total Time 5

Servings: 6 people

Course: Sauce

Cuisine: American

Calories: 140

Ingredients Equipment Method Video Notes

Ingredients

Mayonnaise — 1/2 cup
Ketchup — 2 tablespoons
Dill pickle juice — 1 tablespoon
Honey — 1 tablespoon
Hot sauce — 1 tablespoon
Cayenne pepper — 1/2 teaspoon
Garlic powder — 1/2 teaspoon
Smoked paprika — 1/2 teaspoon
Black pepper — 1/4 teaspoon
Salt — 1/4 teaspoon

Equipment

Medium mixing bowl
Measuring cups
Measuring spoons
Small whisk or spoon
Airtight container for storage

Method

Step 1: Mix the Creamy Base

Add mayonnaise, ketchup, and honey to a bowl. Stir until the mixture starts coming together smoothly.

Step 2: Add Tangy Ingredients

Mix in dill pickle juice and hot sauce. These give the sauce its tangy and spicy balance.

Step 3: Add the Seasonings

Stir in cayenne pepper, garlic powder, smoked paprika, black pepper, and salt until evenly combined.

Step 4: Whisk Until Smooth

Whisk everything together until the sauce is creamy, smooth, and evenly seasoned throughout.

Step 5: Taste and Adjust

Taste the sauce and adjust the heat or sweetness. Add more hot sauce for spice or honey for a sweeter flavor.

Step 6: Chill Before Serving

Cover and refrigerate for 15–20 minutes. This gives the flavors time to blend and makes the sauce taste even better.

Video

Notes

I’ve found that the little trick is giving the sauce some resting time before serving. Even 15–20 minutes in the fridge helps the flavors come together and gives the sauce a much better taste.