Dave's Hot Chicken Sauce Recipe (2024)

If you’re a fan of flavorful, spicy condiments, then you’ve likely heard of Dave’s Hot Chicken Sauce.

This delectable sauce is notorious for adding zesty goodness to dishes, making it a staple in many people’s kitchens.

It’s versatile, easy to make, and pairs perfectly with various foods, from grilled or fried chicken to sandwiches and burgers.

Comprised of items like mayonnaise, cayenne pepper, and butter, it’s a delicious mixture you can quickly whip up in your home.

Additionally, a few variations and expert tips help you customize the sauce to your liking.

How to Make Dave’s Hot Chicken Sauce

Ingredients List

To make Dave’s Hot Chicken Sauce, gather the following ingredients:

1 cup mayonnaise
1 teaspoon black pepper
4 oz vegan butter (or regular butter, if preferred)
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1 teaspoon onion powder
1 teaspoon cayenne pepper (adjust to your desired spice level)
1 tablespoon chili powder
1/4 cup white vinegar
2 tablespoons pickle juice
1 tablespoon regular mustard
Salt, to taste

Step-by-step process

Step 1:

In a medium-sized mixing bowl, combine 1 cup of mayonnaise, 1 teaspoon black pepper, 1 teaspoon garlic powder, 1 teaspoon onion powder, 1 teaspoon cayenne pepper, and 1 tablespoon chili powder.

Mix the ingredients well.

Step 2:

Melt 4 oz of vegan butter in a separate microwave-safe bowl.

If you prefer using regular butter, you may substitute it.

Once melted, add the butter to the mixture in the medium-sized mixing bowl.

Step 3:

Pour 1/4 cup of white vinegar and 2 tablespoons of pickle juice into the mixture.

Ensure to mix well so that all the ingredients are evenly combined.

Step 4:

Add 1 tablespoon of regular mustard to the mixture and mix it thoroughly to ensure a smooth and even consistency.

Step 5:

Taste the sauce and adjust salt levels to your preference.

If you find the sauce too spicy, add more mayonnaise to dilute the heat.

Alternatively, if you want a spicier sauce, add more cayenne pepper to achieve your preferred spice level.

Once you’ve followed these steps, your Dave’s Hot Chicken Sauce is complete and ready to be used as a flavorful condiment for your hot chicken dishes.

Side Dishes for Dave’s Hot Chicken Sauce

Dave’s Hot Chicken Sauce is a delicious, versatile condiment that elevates any meal.

To help you enjoy it to the fullest, here are some side dishes that pair wonderfully with this flavorful sauce:

Green Beans

Green beans are a classic side dish with Dave’s Hot Chicken Sauce.

They provide a fresh, crunchy contrast to the creamy and spicy sauce.

Simply steam or sauté the green beans and season them lightly with salt, pepper, and garlic.

Drizzle some of the sauce on the beans or serve it as a dipping sauce on the side for a tasty experience.

Cornbread

Whip up a batch of warm, buttery cornbread for a heartier side dish.

This southern classic pairs well with Dave’s Hot Chicken Sauce flavors, soaking up the rich flavors while adding a touch of sweetness.

Cut the cornbread into squares and serve it with a dollop of the spicy sauce on top or alongside for dipping.

Coleslaw

Coleslaw is another excellent accompaniment to Dave’s Hot Chicken Sauce.

Ingredients Substitutes

Black Pepper

If you don’t have black pepper, you can substitute it with white pepper or ground paprika.

White pepper has a similar heat level but a slightly different flavor, while ground paprika provides mild spiciness without altering the overall taste.

Garlic Powder

If you run out of garlic powder, use ¼ teaspoon of granulated garlic or minced fresh garlic clovesfor every 1 teaspoon of garlic powder needed.

Fresh garlic gives the sauce a more potent flavor, but the texture might be slightly different.

Onion Powder

If you don’t have onion powder, you can use 1 tablespoon of minced fresh onion or 1 teaspoon of granulated onion for every teaspoon of onion powder required.

Remember that fresh onion may change the texture and moisture content of the sauce slightly.

Cayenne Pepper Powder

For those who don’t have cayenne pepper powder or want a milder option, substitute it with equal parts paprika and chili powder or use crushed red pepper flakes.

Adjust the amount according to your desired heat level.

Mustard

If you don’t have mustard, you can replace it with equal parts honey mustard or horseradish sauce.

These options provide a slightly different flavor but work well in Dave’s hot chicken sauce.

Mayonnaise

If you prefer not to use mayonnaise or don’t have any, you can substitute it with plain Greek yogurt or sour cream.

These options will maintain the creamy texture and provide a slightly tangier taste.

Remember, when substituting ingredients, it’s essential to consider the differences between the original ingredient and the substitute regarding flavor, texture, and cooking properties.

Feel free to experiment and adjust the recipe to your taste preference.

How to Store Dave’s Hot Chicken Sauce

Proper storage is essential When retaining the freshness and flavor of your homemade Dave’s Hot Chicken Sauce.

Following these storage methods will ensure the sauce maintains its consistency, taste, and quality over time.

Airtight Container

Storing your sauce in an airtight container is crucial to protect it from airborne contaminants and keep its consistency intact.

Pour the sauce into a clean container, leaving enough headspace to accommodate any expansion during refrigeration or freezing.

Seal the container tightly, and don’t forget to label and date the container for easy reference later.

Refrigeration

For short-term storage, place the airtight container in the refrigerator.

Dave’s Hot Chicken Sauce can last 7 to 10 days in the fridge when properly stored.

Make sure to keep the sauce away from any strong-smelling foods to prevent cross-contamination of flavors.

Freezing

If you plan to keep your Dave’s Hot Chicken Sauce for an extended period, freeze it for optimal freshness.

Before freezing, divide the sauce into smaller, easy-to-use portions in separate airtight containers or resealable plastic bags.

The sauce can last up to 3 months in the freezer when properly stored.

To use the sauce after freezing, simply thaw it in the fridge before reheating.

Using these storage methods, you will preserve the freshness and flavor of your Dave’s Hot Chicken Sauce, ensuring a delicious experience each time you enjoy it.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Here are some common mistakes to avoid when preparing Dave’s Hot Chicken Sauce.

Overusing Cayenne Pepper

Cayenne pepper is a crucial ingredient in Dave’s hot chicken sauce, giving it a spicy and fruity flavor.

However, it’s easy to go overboard.

Too much cayenne can make the sauce overwhelmingly spicy and unpalatable.

Stick to the recommended amount in the recipe (usually around ½ tablespoon) and adjust according to your spice tolerance.

Ignoring Cooking Tips

When preparing Dave’s hot chicken sauce, don’t overlook the cooking tips provided in the recipe.

Tips like using room temperature ingredients or whisking the sauce until smooth and creamy ensure that your sauce has the right consistency and flavor.