Chicken Wings Sauce Recipe

Ash Tyrrell

Chicken Wings Sauce Recipe

I just made this chicken wing sauce and wow—it’s sticky, sweet, and just spicy enough to make me want more. I love how simple it is: only a few ingredients, yet the flavor punches way above its weight.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 5

Cook Time 5

Servings: 4

Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients

1 cup hot sauce — I usually use something like Frank’s Red Hot Sauce because it has a good balance of heat and tang. A smoother moderate hot sauce works best to let the other flavors shine.
1 cup light brown sugar — gives sweet molasses notes. The “light” type keeps it from being too dark or bitter.
⅓ cup butter spread — this adds richness and helps smooth out the sauce. I use butter spread because it melts easier and blends cleanly.
1 –2 teaspoons crushed red pepper or cayenne pepper optional — only if you want a little extra heat. It kicks it up without overwhelming the base flavors.

Method

I start by placing the butter spread and light brown sugar into the saucepan. Over medium heat, I stir constantly until the sugar dissolves completely and the mixture is smooth. That step is important so there are no grainy bits in the sauce.
Once the sugar and butter are well-blended, I remove the pan from heat and pour in the hot sauce. Then I mix thoroughly. This ensures the sauce gets that sweet-heat edge without burning or over-cooking the sugar.
If I want more kick, I stir in the crushed red pepper or cayenne now. Then I transfer the sauce to a serving bowl. It’s best used right away while warm, especially if you’re coating wings—it spreads and sticks better.

Notes

I always taste for balance: if it’s too sweet, I add a bit more hot sauce; if too spicy, a touch more sugar or butter helps.
I let the butter and sugar mixture bubble just enough to dissolve, but don’t scorch—low to medium heat is key.
I coat wings hot from the oven. When the wings are hot, the sauce adheres better and looks glossier.
If I’m making it in advance, I warm the sauce slightly before using so it’s pourable and smooth.