Easy Dave’s Hot Chicken Sauce Recipe
Dave’s Hot Chicken Sauce Recipe is a creamy, spicy, and slightly sweet condiment. It’s made by mixing mayonnaise, chipotle sauce, honey, and sugar in a bowl until smooth. Then refrigerate for 1 hour to meld flavors. Adjust sweetness or spice to taste. Dave’s Hot Chicken Sauce pairs well with chicken, fries, or sandwiches.
“It kind of tasted like they had mixed their fry and chicken seasoning with mayo and a bit of lemon juice.” – Business Insider (on the sauce’s flavor)
If you are wondering, what is dave’s hot chicken sauce made of?, What does Dave’s hot chicken sauce taste like? Keep reading.
What Is Dave’s Hot Chicken Sauce?
Dave’s Hot Chicken Sauce is a creamy, spicy, sweet condiment. Born at Dave’s Hot Chicken, a Los Angeles chain launched in 2017 with fans like Drake, this sauce elevates their Nashville-style hot chicken. Dave’s Hot Chicken Sauce consists of smoky chipotle heat, creamy mayonnaise base, and honeyed sweetness, making it a versatile dip for tenders, fries, or sliders. Simple yet bold, it’s a fast food favorite you can recreate at home.

This sauce’s popularity is tied to its balanced flavor and cultural buzz. Let’s dive into the ingredients that make it shine.
Ingredients
To make Dave’s Hot Chicken Sauce, you’ll need:
- 1 cup mayonnaise
- 1 cup chipotle sauce (e.g., Tabasco Chipotle or La Costeña)
- 1 tablespoon honey
- 1 teaspoon sugar
These easy-to-find ingredients blend effortlessly. Next, we’ll explore how to transform them into the perfect sauce.
How Do You Make Dave’s Hot Chicken Sauce?
Step-by-Step Guide to Making Dave’s Hot Chicken Sauce recipe.
Step 1: In a bowl, combine 1 cup mayonnaise, 1 cup chipotle sauce, 1 tablespoon honey, and 1 teaspoon sugar.
Step 2: Whisk until smooth, ensuring a lump-free texture.
Step 3: Cover and refrigerate for 1 hour to meld smoky and sweet flavors.
Step 4: Stir before serving for a creamy consistency.

Tips
Tips for Perfecting Dave’s Hot Chicken Sauce
- Serve slightly chilled with Nashville-style chicken or crispy fries.
- Use room-temperature mayonnaise for smoother blending.
- Add chipotle sauce gradually, tasting to perfect the heat.
- Refrigerate for at least an hour to meld smoky and sweet notes.
How Can You Customize Dave’s Hot Chicken Sauce?
Tweak spice, sweetness, or add bold flavors.
Tailor this sauce to your taste:
- Spicier: Boost heat with extra chipotle sauce or cayenne, like Buffalo wing dips.
- Sweeter: Add more honey for a honey-mustard vibe.
- Tangy: Stir in lime juice or apple cider vinegar, as in Southwestern dressings.
- Herby: Mix in fresh cilantro or garlic powder for complexity.
These tweaks enhance dishes like chicken tenders or tacos. Let’s explore more ways to use this versatile sauce.
Why Is Dave’s Hot Chicken Sauce So Popular?
Dave’s Hot Chicken Sauce Is So Popular because of its bold flavor and cultural buzz.

Dave’s Hot Chicken Sauce
Ingredients
- 1 cup mayonnaise
- 1 cup chipotle sauce e.g., Tabasco Chipotle or La Costeña
- 1 tablespoon honey
- 1 teaspoon sugar
Instructions
- In a medium bowl, combine mayonnaise, chipotle sauce, honey, and sugar.
- Whisk until smooth and lump-free.
- Cover and refrigerate for 1 hour to meld flavors.
- Stir before serving.
Notes
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Customize: Add extra chipotle for heat, more honey for sweetness, or lime juice for tang.
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Vegan Option: Use vegan mayonnaise (e.g., Hellmann’s Vegan) and agave nectar instead of honey.
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Storage: Keep in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 1 week. Do not freeze.
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Serving Ideas: Pairs with Nashville-style chicken, fries, sandwiches, or veggie sticks.
Dave’s Hot Chicken Sauce recipe blends mayonnaise, chipotle, honey, and sugar into a smoky, creamy delight. Easy to make, customizable, and versatile, Dave’s sauce elevates chicken, fries, or veggies. Store it for a week, tweak it for vegan diets, and enjoy its bold flavor. Recreate this fast food favorite at home and elevate your meals!