This 7 ingredient copycat Dave's hot chicken sauce is the perfect way to increase the spice level of any dish with only a few simple steps and 5 minutes of time. This copycat sauce is a fan favorite in the realm of creamy sauces and is ready to elevate your chicken sandwiches in a matter of minutes while also bringing your favorite fast food flavors of Dave's Hot Chicken restaurants right into your own kitchen without leaving home.
A delicious sauce like this is perfect to make during football season on game day because it pairs perfect with delicious recipes that are characteristic of a football Sunday spread while also adding spicy flavors. It can also be great to serve on a chicken sandwich or as a dipping sauce with some french fries, crispy fried chicken, chicken tenders or chicken pieces.
This spicy sauce can also be great to serve as a condiment during the summer months at barbecues and parties. It is great to serve at a July 4th, Memorial Day or Labor Day barbecue as a sauce to add to burgers or chicken. The bold flavors will really help this sauce stand out.
This was inspired by my copycat bang bang sauce recipe on this site, and pairs well with this classic chicken sandwich recipe.
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Ingredients
The base of this sauce is mayonnaise. The spiciness comes from chipotle sauce and this also adds a lot of chipotle pepper flavor as well as smoky flavor. Honey cuts the spice a little by adding a little sweet flavor. The sauce is seasoned with garlic powder, salt and pepper. A little apple cider vinegar is added for an acidic note.
- mayonnaise
- chipotle sauce
- honey
- garlic powder
- salt
- black pepper
- apple cider vinegar
See recipe card for quantities.
Instructions
- Step 1: In a small bowl, add mayonnaise, chipotle sauce, honey and apple cider vinegar. Mix until combined.
- Step 2: Add in garlic powder, salt and pepper.
- Step 3: Mix until combined.
- Step 4: Serve immediately or save for later.
Hint: If the sauce feels too loose, add a bit more mayonnaise to thicken the texture. Alternatively, chill it in the refrigerator for a short time to help it set.
Substitutions
- Mayonnaise - mayonnaise can be swapped with sour cream or greek yogurt
- Chipotle Sauce - the chipotle sauce can be switched out with any chipotle pepper based hot sauce
- Garlic Powder - can be switched out with fresh garlic
Variations
- Sweeter - add more honey or even a little extra sugar to cut down the spice
- Extra Spicy - add cayenne pepper, chili powder or a little chili spicy oil to add more of a spicy kick to this dave's sauce
- Crunchy - stir in finely chopped pickled jalapeños or crispy fried onions right before serving for a texture contrast that complements the smooth sauce
- Marinade - use the sauce as a marinade to infuse chicken or tofu before cooking, letting the flavors penetrate deeply for a more intense experience
- Honey Mustard - take out the spice and add some mustard for a delicious copycat McDonald's honey mustard
See this McDonald's honey mustard on my website!
Equipment
To make this sauce, you will need a small bowl or a mason jar to mix the sauce in. You will also need measuring cups and spoons as well as a mixing spoon.
How to Store Dave's Hot Chicken Sauce
Store the leftover sauce in the fridge in an airtight container. Good for up to 2 weeks.
These ingredients don't stand up well to freezing.
Top Tip
Whisk the sauce thoroughly to ensure all ingredients merge evenly for a perfect balance of flavors. If separation occurs, give it a good stir just before serving.
FAQ
Yes, preparing the sauce a few hours or even the day before allows the flavors to meld beautifully and intensify.
Use vegan mayonnaise and substitute honey with maple or agave syrup to enjoy a fully vegan version that’s just as delicious.
Yes, reduce or omit the chipotle sauce and add extra mayonnaise or honey to keep the creamy texture and softness.
Related
Looking for other recipes like this? Try these:
Pairing
These are my favorite dishes to serve with dave's hot chicken sauce:
📖 Recipe
Homemade Copycat Dave's Hot Chicken Sauce Recipe
Equipment
- 1 small bowl
- 1 measuring cups and spoons
Ingredients
- ½ cup mayonnaise
- ¼ cup chipotle sauce
- 1 tablespoon honey
- 1 teaspoon apple cider vinegar
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
Instructions
- In a small bowl, add mayonnaise, chipotle sauce, honey and apple cider vinegar.
- Add in garlic powder, salt and pepper.
- Mix until combined.
- Serve immediately or save for later.
Notes
- save leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 weeks.
- these ingredients do not stand up well to freezing.
Nutrition
If you have any questions about how to make this copycat Dave's hot chicken sauce or need other sauce recipe suggestions, leave a comment below!
Sarah says
What kind/brand of chipotle sauce do you use?
Alicia Moyer says
I used Tobasco brand!
Elliot says
We love this recipe! It’s the best on chicken sandwiches!
Alicia Moyer says
So glad you enjoyed!
C says
Entirely too much chipotle sauce to be an accurate copycat. Dave's sauce is more cream-forward, whereas this is VERY in your face chipotle - now, that's not a bad thing, I'm only rating it poorly because it's not accurate to the name, but if you really like Tabasco or other chipotle-based sauces this adds a lot of background flavor notes to that. I will also note that it's a bit runny when mixed as-directed, even with time to sit in the fridge, and I added quite a bit of extra mayo. If someone reading this wants a copycat sauce, I'd recommend toning the chipotle sauce down to maybe half it's original volume.
Alicia Moyer says
I really appreciate the feedback, I'm going to go back in and retest this one to make sure I get the amounts more accurate so the recipe is more true to the original!