Dave’s Hot Chicken Sauce Recipe

Dave’s Hot Chicken started in a parking lot in Los Angeles back in 2017.

What began as a simple pop-up quickly became one of the hottest chicken spots in America. People wait in long lines just to get a taste of their crispy fried chicken covered in that spicy, creamy sauce.

The secret behind their success is not just the chicken – it’s the sauce that everyone talks about. The sauce is tangy, smoky, spicy, and creamy all at once.

It coats every piece of chicken perfectly and makes you want more with every bite. Customers keep coming back because nothing else tastes quite like it.

Today, I am sharing this Dave’s Hot Chicken Sauce Recipe so you can make it at home anytime you want.

Why You’ll Love This Dave’s Hot Chicken Sauce

1. Saves Money – You get all the bold flavors of the original without spending a fortune at the restaurant.
2. Quick and Simple – It takes just a few minutes to mix together, and you probably already have most of these ingredients in your kitchen.
3. Perfectly Creamy – The mayo gives it that rich texture, the hot sauce brings the heat, and the Worcestershire sauce adds a deep, savory touch.
4. Restaurant-Style Taste – The smoked paprika gives it that professional color and smokiness.
5. Adjustable Heat Level – You can control the spice level too. Want it hotter? Add more hot sauce. Want it milder? Use less.
6. Goes With Everything – This sauce pairs well with so many things – chicken tenders, nuggets, fries, burgers, sandwiches, even veggies.
7. Addictive Flavor – Once you make this, you’ll want to put it on everything.
8. Meal Prep Friendly – It stays fresh in the fridge for days, so you can have it ready anytime.
9. Better Than Store-Bought – No more buying expensive sauces from the store that don’t even come close to the real thing.

Dave’s Hot Chicken Sauce Ingredients

• Mayonnaise (1 cup): Provides the creamy base that balances heat. Kewpie mayo is extra rich, but any regular mayo works well.
• Ketchup (½ cup): Adds sweetness and tang to lift the sauce. Tomato paste can work as a substitute if needed.
• Garlic Powder (1 teaspoon): Delivers a gentle garlicky flavor. Fresh minced garlic can be used, but it changes texture slightly.
• Onion Powder (¼ teaspoon): This brings a soft, sweet onion taste that works well with the garlic.
• Cracked Black Pepper (1 teaspoon): Gives bite and earthiness. Ground black pepper is fine if cracked is unavailable.
• Smoked Paprika (¼ teaspoon): Provides smoky notes and bright color. Sweet paprika can substitute, but flavor will be milder.
• Worcestershire Sauce (1 teaspoon): This gives the sauce a deep, savory flavor. It is that “what is that tasty secret?” part of the sauce.
• Louisiana Hot Sauce (1 teaspoon): Adds the heat and tang that makes this sauce stand out. Adjust to taste or use another vinegar-based hot sauce.
• Optional Creole or Cajun Seasoning (½ teaspoon): If you want that extra southern spice vibe, this is perfect.

Recommended Equipment

• Mixing Bowl – To combine all ingredients easily.
• Whisk or Spoon – Ensures smooth, even blending.
• Measuring Cups & Spoons – For accurate measurements.
• Airtight Container – Keeps sauce fresh in the fridge.

How to Make Dave’s Hot Chicken Sauce Recipe

Step 1 | Measure Ingredients

Grab your bowl and add 1 cup mayonnaise, ½ cup ketchup, 1 teaspoon garlic powder, ¼ teaspoon onion powder, 1 teaspoon cracked black pepper, ¼ teaspoon smoked paprika, 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce, and 1 teaspoon Louisiana hot sauce.

Step 2 | Mix Together

Use a whisk or spoon to stir everything until fully combined. Keep mixing until the texture is smooth, with no lumps or streaks of sauce left.

Step 3 | Chill in Fridge

Transfer to an airtight container and refrigerate for at least 24 hours. This step is important – the sauce tastes so much better after resting.

Step 4 | Serve

After chilling, give it a quick stir and enjoy your copycat Dave’s Hot Chicken Sauce Recipe with your crispy chicken, fries, or sandwiches.

Pro Tips For Making This Recipe

Here are a few extra tips to make sure your sauce turns out perfect every time.

• For a Spicier Sauce: Feel free to add more Louisiana hot sauce. Start with an extra half-teaspoon and taste it before adding more.
• Check the Thickness: If your sauce seems too thick after mixing, you can thin it out. Just add a teaspoon of water or buttermilk and stir until it is the consistency you like.
• Taste as You Go: Before you put the sauce in the fridge, you can taste a little bit. This lets you adjust the flavors. You might want a little more pepper or garlic powder.
• Use Fresh Spices: Your garlic powder and paprika should smell strong. If your spices are old, the sauce will not have as much flavor.

How to Serve This Sauce

This sauce goes with so many dishes. The most popular way is drizzling it over crispy fried chicken, just like at Dave’s Hot Chicken.

The creamy, spicy sauce soaks into the crispy coating and makes every bite amazing. Use it as a dipping sauce for chicken tenders, nuggets, or wings.

Spread it on sandwiches and burgers before adding your toppings. This sauce also tastes great with fries, onion rings, and sweet potato fries.

At Dave’s restaurant, they serve this sauce right on top of their Nashville-style hot chicken. The chicken is fried crispy, then tossed in the sauce or served on the side.

You can do the same at home. Just fry up some chicken, let it cool slightly, then drizzle or toss it in the sauce. Serve it with pickles and white bread just like the restaurant does.

Storage Tips for Homemade Sauce

Store this sauce in an airtight container or jar in the fridge. It will stay fresh for up to two weeks when kept cold.

Always use a clean spoon when scooping it out to keep bacteria away. The sauce has gone bad when it smells sour or looks separated and dull.

Do not freeze this sauce because mayo becomes watery and grainy after thawing. Check the dates on your mayo and ketchup before making it, since the sauce only lasts as long as your freshest ingredient.

Dave’s Hot Chicken Sauce Recipe FAQs

1. Can I adjust the smoky flavor?

Yes. Add more smoked paprika for a stronger smoke taste or reduce it if you prefer mild. This allows customization based on personal preference.

2. My sauce came out too thin. How can I fix it?

If your sauce is thinner than you would like, it is usually because of the type of mayonnaise you used. To thicken it, just let it sit in the refrigerator.

The cold temperature will help it firm up. You can also add one or two more tablespoons of mayonnaise and mix it in well.

3. My sauce is too thick. What can I do?

This can happen, especially with thick mayonnaise. Do not worry, it is easy to fix. Just add a small amount of liquid.

Start with one teaspoon of water, buttermilk, or even regular milk. Stir it in. Keep adding liquid one teaspoon at a time until the sauce is as thin as you want it.

4. Can I make a larger batch of this sauce?

Absolutely! This recipe is very easy to double or even triple. Just make sure you use a large enough bowl for mixing.

It is a great idea to make a big batch if you are planning a party or want to have plenty on hand for the week.

5. How can I tell if the sauce has gone bad?

You will know the sauce is no longer good to eat if you see any mold growing on it, which may look like green or white spots.

Also, if it develops a sour or unpleasant smell, you should throw it away. Always use a clean spoon when you take sauce from the jar to keep it fresh longer.

6. How spicy is Dave’s Hot Chicken Sauce?

The sauce has a mild to medium heat level from the Louisiana hot sauce. It is not too spicy for most people but adds a noticeable kick.

You can control spiciness by changing the amount of hot sauce used.

7. What can I use instead of mayonnaise?

Greek yogurt or sour cream can be used instead of mayonnaise if a lighter sauce is preferred. These options will change the sauce’s texture slightly but still offer creaminess.

This copycat Dave’s Hot Chicken Sauce Recipe lets you enjoy a restaurant favorite at home. The creamy and spicy flavor improves so many meals.

It is simple to prepare and always gets compliments. I know you will love having a jar of this delicious sauce in your fridge.