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What Is Dave's Hot Chicken Sauce

What Is Dave’s Hot Chicken Sauce? Resolved (Updated)

Last Updated on September 14, 2024 by Shari Mason

Dave’s Hot Chicken Sauce hit the food scene like a lightning bolt, bringing a **bold and spicy** kick that people simply can’t get enough of.

This sauce is inspired by the popular Nashville hot chicken trend and is known for its intense heat and unique flavor profile. 

But, really, what is Dave’s Hot Chicken Sauce? 

We’ll look closer at Dave’s Hot Chicken sauce, how it’s made, and how you can use it in your cooking.

How To Make Dave’s Hot Chicken Sauce?

Dave's Hot Chicken Sauce Copycat Recipe

Ingredients:

  • 1 cup vegetable oil
  • 3 tablespoons cayenne pepper
  • 1 tablespoon smoked paprika
  • 1 tablespoon garlic powder
  • 1 tablespoon brown sugar
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1 teaspoon onion powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
  • 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme

Instructions:

  1. In a small saucepan, heat the vegetable oil over medium heat.
  2. Combine the cayenne pepper, smoked paprika, garlic powder, brown sugar, salt, black pepper, onion powder, oregano [1], and thyme in a separate mixing bowl.
  3. Slowly whisk the spice mixture into the hot oil, constantly stirring until the sauce is smooth and all ingredients are well combined.
  4. Remove the sauce from the heat and allow it to cool to room temperature.
  5. Store the sauce in an airtight container in the refrigerator until ready to use.

This recipe makes a moderately spicy sauce, so adjust the amount of cayenne pepper to your desired heat level. Additionally, you can add more or less oil to adjust the thickness of the sauce to your liking.

What Dishes Can You Use This Chicken Sauce With?

  1. Nashville hot chicken: The classic pairing for Dave’s Hot Chicken Sauce is Nashville hot chicken. Whether making it yourself or picking it up from a restaurant, this sauce is the perfect addition to fried chicken.
  2. Burgers: If you like your burgers with extra heat, try adding Dave’s Hot Chicken Sauce as a condiment. It pairs well with beef, chicken, or veggie burgers.
  3. Tacos: This sauce can be a great addition to tacos [2], especially those made with chicken or beef. It adds a nice kick of heat that balances the other flavors.
  4. Wings: Another classic pairing for hot sauce, wings are a perfect canvas for Dave’s Hot Chicken Sauce. Toss them in the sauce before serving for a spicy twist on traditional wings.
  5. Sandwiches: Whether you’re making a classic deli sandwich or something more creative, Dave’s Hot Chicken Sauce can add some spice to your lunch. Try it on roast beef, turkey, or even grilled cheese.
  6. Fries: If you’re a fan of dipping your fries in hot sauce, Dave’s Hot Chicken Sauce is a great choice. It pairs well with both regular and sweet potato fries.
  7. Eggs: Add a dollop of Dave’s Hot Chicken Sauce for breakfast or brunch to your scrambled eggs or omelet. It can add some heat and flavor to your morning meal.

How Hot Is Dave’s Hot Chicken Sauce?

Dave's Hot Chicken Sauce on a Bowl

Dave’s Hot Chicken Sauce is a reasonably spicy hot sauce with a heat level that ranges from medium to hot. 

The sauce contains cayenne pepper as its main ingredient, known for its spicy and intense flavor. 

“Chipotles, which are dried jalapeno peppers, give out a terrific smoky flavor – they’re warm, earthy and usually not too spicy.”

– Yotam Ottolenghi, Chef

The exact heat level can vary depending on the individual’s tolerance for spice, but generally, it is considered to be on the hotter end of the spectrum. 

If you’re not a fan of spicy food, use Dave’s Hot Chicken Sauce sparingly or mix it with other condiments to tone down the heat.

Where Can You Buy Dave’s Hot Chicken Sauce?

Dave’s Hot Chicken Sauce can be purchased online on the company’s website or through online retailers like Amazon. 

It can also be found in select grocery stores and specialty food stores across the United States. To find a store near you that carries the sauce, check the store locator on Dave’s Hot Chicken website or contact the company directly. 

Additionally, some Dave’s Hot Chicken locations may offer the sauce for sale in-store or for takeout orders.

FAQs

u003cstrongu003eWhat does Dave’s hot chicken special sauce taste like?u003c/strongu003e

Dave’s Hot Chicken Special Sauce has a tangy, slightly sweet flavor with a prominent heat from cayenne pepper. It is also slightly smoky and has a touch of garlic flavor. 

u003cstrongu003eWhy is Dave’s Hot Chicken so popular?u003c/strongu003e

Dave’s Hot Chicken is popular due to its unique Nashville-style hot chicken, varying levels of spiciness, flavorful sauces, and strong social media presence.

u003cstrongu003eWhy is it called Dave’s Hot Chicken?u003c/strongu003e

The restaurant is named after its founder, Dave Kopushyan. He started serving hot chicken out of his backyard with a makeshift fryer and quickly gained a following, leading him to open the first Dave’s Hot Chicken location in Los Angeles. The name reflects the restaurant’s focus on serving delicious, spicy hot chicken.

Final Thoughts

Dave’s Hot Chicken Sauce is a proprietary sauce used at Dave’s Hot Chicken restaurants to complement their Nashville-style hot chicken. 

The sauce is made from a blend of spices, oil, vinegar, and cayenne pepper and has a tangy, slightly sweet flavor with a prominent heat that makes it a perfect match for hot chicken. 

It is available in varying levels of spiciness to cater to customers’ heat preferences, ranging from mild to extra hot. 

Dave’s Hot Chicken Sauce has become popular among customers for its unique flavor and ability to add a kick of heat to any dish.

References:

  1. https://www.webmd.com/vitamins/ai/ingredientmono-644/oregano
  2. https://www.bettycrocker.com/recipes/easy-beef-tacos/426c261d-b2eb-4e22-9cba-0066f3335591
Shari Mason

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