Dave's Hot Chicken Sauce Recipe
Dave’s Hot Chicken Sauce Recipe combines cayenne pepper, butter, oil, and spices for a spicy, smoky sauce you’ll use on everything.
Equipment
- Small saucepan
- Heat-resistant whisk or spoon
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Small bowl
- Fine mesh strainer
- A glass jar or a heat-safe container for storing
Ingredients
For the Sauce
- ½ cup neutral oil vegetable, canola, or avocado oil
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 3 tablespoons cayenne pepper adjust to taste
- 1 tablespoon smoked paprika
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon brown sugar
- ½ teaspoon chili powder
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon white pepper optional but amazing
- 1 teaspoon honey optional, but balances heat beautifully
Instructions
- Add the oil and butter to a small saucepan over low heat. Let the butter melt slowly into the oil. Don’t rush this. We’re not frying—we’re infusing.
- In a separate bowl, mix all the dry spices. Once the oil is warm (not hot), add the spice mixture slowly, whisking constantly.
- This is where the kitchen starts smelling unreal.
- Let the sauce simmer on the lowest heat for 5–7 minutes. Stir often. You’ll notice the color deepen into that signature deep red.
- Add honey if using. Taste carefully (yes, carefully). Adjust salt or sugar if needed.
- Turn off the heat and let it cool slightly before using.
- That’s your Dave’s Hot Chicken Sauce Recipe—done.