Description
A simple, customizable homemade wing sauce recipe that delivers restaurant-quality flavor, far surpassing store-bought versions. It’s perfect for busy families seeking an easy dinner idea to transform plain chicken into perfectly coated wings.
Ingredients
Scale
- 0.5 cup unsalted butter, for richness and smooth texture
- 1 cup quality cayenne pepper sauce, for the classic kick
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder, for aromatic depth
- 0.5 teaspoon authentic smoked paprika, for warmth and subtle smoky flavor
- 1 tablespoon light brown sugar, optional, for sweetness
- 1 tablespoon white vinegar, to brighten flavors and thin sauce
- Salt, to taste
- Black pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Melt Butter: In a medium saucepan over low heat, gently melt the butter until completely liquid and shimmering, avoiding browning.
- Combine Ingredients: Remove from heat. Stir in the hot sauce, garlic powder, smoked paprika, brown sugar (if using), white vinegar, plus salt and pepper to taste.
- Whisk Until Smooth: Whisk vigorously until the sauce is smooth and all ingredients are well combined. If the sauce appears to separate, return to very low heat and whisk constantly until smooth.
- Taste and Adjust Seasoning: Taste the warm sauce and adjust seasonings. Add more hot sauce for extra heat, or a pinch more sugar to mellow.
- Coat Wings: Toss freshly cooked, crispy chicken wings generously with the warm sauce until fully coated and glistening. Serve immediately.
Notes
Consider organic or plant-based butter; use gluten-free hot sauce if needed. Adjust spice level by varying hot sauce quantity. For a faster method, microwave butter. For a healthier option, use light butter or olive oil. To troubleshoot separation, reheat and whisk; for spiciness, add butter or sugar; for thinness, simmer to reduce.
- Prep Time: 4 minutes
- Cook Time: 3 minutes
- Category: Sauce
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 2 tablespoons sauce
- Calories: 100 calories
- Sugar: 1 g
- Sodium: 550 mg
- Fat: 10 g
- Saturated Fat: 6 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 2 g
- Fiber: 0 g
- Protein: 0 g
- Cholesterol: 25 mg
Keywords: wing sauce, homemade, customizable, easy dinner, restaurant-quality, spicy, butter, hot sauce, pantry staples, budget-friendly