Daves Hot Chicken Sauce [My Go-To Copycat Recipe]

Dave’s Hot Chicken Sauce, or Dave’s Sauce.

A delightfully tasty, rich, creamy and flavorsome sauce that is literally served with pretty much all menu items. (and then there are extra side packets available too if you wanted more!)

You can see why once you’ve tried it….

If you are here, chances are you fall into one of two groups:

• You are yet to try/are about to order and want to learn more before you do.
• You love it so much that you want to make it at home yourself.

Either way, I’m going to be that guy that serves both answers to you.

What Is Daves Hot Chicken Sauce?

Dave’s sauce is a chipotle and mayonnaise-based creamy orange-colored dipping sauce. It’s included with most chicken and sandwich menu items.

What Do You Need To Make Daves Hot Chicken Sauce?

Mayonnaise

In this spicy chicken sauce recipe, mayonnaise serves as the creamy, smooth base that carries the other flavors.

Its mild, subtly sweet flavor complements the spices and the heat from the other ingredients, creating a well-rounded taste.

Its rich texture ensures that the sauce coats the chicken perfectly, delivering a burst of flavor in every bite.

Chipotle Sauce

The chipotle sauce is crucial for adding a smoky, spicy kick to the sauce.

Its complex flavor profile not only brings heat but also a depth of flavor that makes the sauce more intriguing.

The smokiness of the chipotle pairs beautifully with the sweetness of the honey, creating a flavor contrast that is a hallmark of many great sauces.

Honey

Honey plays an essential role in this recipe by adding a natural sweetness that balances out the spiciness from the chipotle sauce.

Its thick consistency helps to bind the ingredients together, creating a luscious, sticky sauce that clings to the chicken.

Moreover, when honey comes into contact with heat, it caramelizes, adding an additional layer of flavor that complements the smoky heat from the chipotle sauce perfectly.

Cayenne Pepper (Optional)

In this sauce recipe, cayenne pepper can be used to boost the heat level and providing an extra distinct, pungent flavor.

It has a slightly fruity, sharp quality that adds a unique character to the sauce.

Remember, the heat level can be adjusted according to your taste preference, so feel free to reduce the quantity if you prefer a milder sauce.

How To Make Dave’s Hot Chicken Sauce

Making Daves Hot Chicken sauce couldn’t be simpler. It’s a matter of adding them to a mixing bowl and combining together.

I suggest mixing the mayo and chipotle first, before proceeding onto the honey (and optional cayenne).

Expert Tips When Making Dave’s Hot Chicken Sauce

Make It Fresh Each Time

One of the key factors in achieving the best flavor in your sauce is to make it fresh each time you need it.

This ensures that all the ingredients are at their peak flavor, especially the spices, which can lose their potency over time.

Making it fresh also allows you to adjust the flavors according to your preference or according to the specific dish you’re preparing.

Plus its so quick and easy to do so, it doesn’t really make any sense to batch make it!

Consider Adjusting The Core Ingredients

Don’t be afraid to tweak the recipe according to your personal preferences.

If you’re a fan of extreme heat, you may want to add more cayenne pepper or chipotle sauce.

If you prefer a sweeter sauce, a touch more honey could be your go-to adjustment.

The beauty of homemade sauce is in its versatility and adaptability to your individual taste.

Be Sure to Refrigerate

Always remember to refrigerate before serving, if you can.

This will help the flavors to further meld together, while also adding to its thicker texture.

It’s also important to preserve the mayo, which can deteriorate quickly when left at room temperature.

What To Eat Dave’s Hot Chicken Sauce With?

Fried Chicken

Dave’s Hot Sauce was born to be paired with fried chicken.

The rich, spicy, and slightly sweet sauce is a perfect match for the crunchy, savory flavor of the chicken.

Whether you’re making Nashville hot chicken or a simple fried chicken recipe, a generous drizzle of this sauce will elevate your dish to a new level.

Burgers

Add a spicy twist to your burgers by swapping your regular condiments with Dave’s Hot Sauce.

Whether it’s a juicy beef burger, a crispy chicken burger, or a veggie-packed vegan burger, the spicy kick and robust flavor of the sauce will enhance the taste, providing a delicious contrast to the ingredients inside the bun.

Sandwiches

Want to add a kick to your regular sandwiches?

Spread a layer of Dave’s Hot Sauce on the bread before you add your fillings. It pairs well with a variety of sandwiches, from turkey and cheese to vegetarian options.

The heat from the sauce makes a nice contrast to cold, crunchy salad fillings, and can also help cut through richer ingredients like cheese or avocado.

Fries

Fries and spicy sauce are a match made in food heaven.

Instead of your regular ketchup or mayo, dip your crispy, golden fries into Dave’s Hot Sauce.

The rich, creamy texture of the sauce along with its complex spicy flavor turns plain fries into a gourmet treat.

Whether they’re sweet potato fries, regular fries, or even zucchini fries, they’re bound to be delicious when paired with this sauce.

Meats

Dave’s Hot Sauce can also make an exceptional marinade for various types of meats.

The spicy, tangy, and slightly sweet sauce can help tenderize and infuse meats with a depth of flavor that simple seasonings can’t match.

Chicken

Chicken is a natural pair for this hot sauce.

Marinate your chicken breasts, thighs, or wings in the sauce for a few hours or overnight to really allow the flavors to penetrate.

Then, grill, bake, or pan-fry the chicken for a deliciously spicy dish.

Beef

Try using Dave’s Hot Sauce as a marinade for beef cuts.

Whether you’re preparing a steak, roast, or even beef skewers, the sauce will add a powerful, spicy kick to your dish.

Be sure to marinate your beef for at least 2 hours, or even overnight, to achieve the best flavor penetration.

Pork

The spicy and sweet profile of the sauce can work wonders on pork.

Use it as a marinade for pork chops or tenderloin and let it rest for a few hours before cooking.

The result is a wonderfully flavored piece of pork with a hint of spice that cuts through its natural richness.

FAQs