Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This Hooters-inspired Chicken Wing Sauce gives you the authentic restaurant flavor without needing to leave your home. The mix of hot sauce, butter, and seasonings creates a savory yet spicy sauce that clings perfectly to wings, giving them the perfect amount of heat and flavor. It’s customizable to your heat preference, allowing you to adjust the spice level while still keeping the iconic Hooters taste. Plus, it’s quick and easy to make, so you can have restaurant-quality wings in no time!

Ingredients

1/2 cup hot sauce (Frank’s RedHot is a great choice)
1/4 cup unsalted butter
1 tablespoon white vinegar
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1 teaspoon onion powder
1/2 teaspoon paprika
1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional, for extra heat)
Salt and black pepper, to taste

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Directions

Melt the butter: In a small saucepan, melt the butter over low heat. Stir occasionally to prevent it from browning.
Add the hot sauce and seasonings: Once the butter is melted, add the hot sauce, white vinegar, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, and cayenne pepper (if using). Stir the mixture until all ingredients are well combined.
Simmer the sauce: Let the sauce simmer over low heat for 2-3 minutes, stirring occasionally to allow the flavors to meld together.
Season and adjust: Taste the sauce and adjust the seasoning with salt, pepper, or additional cayenne pepper for more heat if desired. If you like a milder sauce, reduce the amount of hot sauce or cayenne.
Coat the wings: Once the sauce is ready, toss it with freshly cooked wings or drizzle it over your wings. Serve immediately with your favorite sides, like celery, carrots, or blue cheese dressing.

Servings and Timing

Servings: 2-4 (enough for 12-15 wings)
Prep Time: 5 minutes
Cook Time: 5 minutes
Total Time: 10 minutes

Variations

Mild Version: Use less hot sauce or switch to a milder hot sauce variety like Tabasco Sweet & Spicy for a less fiery version.
Sweet & Spicy: Add a tablespoon of honey or brown sugar to the sauce for a sweet twist that complements the heat.
Garlic Parmesan: Add grated Parmesan cheese and extra garlic to the sauce for a garlic parmesan version of the sauce.
Extra Spicy: Add a dash of extra cayenne pepper or a few dashes of your favorite hot sauce to intensify the heat.

Storage/Reheating

Storage: Store leftover wing sauce in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 1 week.
Reheating: Reheat the sauce in a small saucepan over low heat until warm, stirring occasionally.

FAQs

Can I use a different hot sauce?

Yes, you can use any hot sauce that you prefer, but for an authentic flavor, Frank’s RedHot is recommended. You can also experiment with other types of hot sauce depending on your taste preference.

How can I make this sauce spicier?

To increase the spice level, add more cayenne pepper or a dash of your favorite hot sauce. You can also use a hotter hot sauce for an intense kick.

Can I make the sauce ahead of time?

Yes, you can make the sauce ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator. Just reheat it before using.

Can I use this sauce for other dishes?

Absolutely! This sauce works wonderfully on other meats like chicken tenders, shrimp, or even grilled vegetables for a spicy kick. It can also be used as a dip or drizzled over fries.

How do I know when the sauce is ready?

The sauce should be smooth, well combined, and heated through. It doesn’t need to be simmered for a long time—just enough to combine all the flavors and allow it to thicken slightly.

Can I make the sauce without butter?

For a lighter version, you can reduce the amount of butter or use olive oil instead. However, the butter gives it a rich flavor and smooth texture that’s part of what makes Hooters sauce unique.

How can I adjust the vinegar flavor?

If you prefer a tangier sauce, you can add a bit more vinegar to taste. Start with a teaspoon at a time and adjust until you get your desired flavor.

Can I make this recipe vegan?

Yes, you can substitute the butter with a plant-based butter or olive oil for a vegan version of this sauce.

How do I make the sauce thicker?

If you prefer a thicker sauce, let it simmer for a little longer, or add a small amount of cornstarch (about 1/2 teaspoon) mixed with water to thicken it.

Can I freeze this sauce?

While it’s best served fresh, you can freeze the sauce in an airtight container for up to 3 months. Reheat it thoroughly before using.

Conclusion

Hooters Chicken Wing Sauce is the perfect addition to any batch of wings, bringing that signature sweet and spicy flavor right to your kitchen. Whether you like your wings mild or with a fiery kick, this sauce is customizable and quick to make. With just a few ingredients, you can enjoy the iconic taste of Hooters at home and elevate your next wing night to new levels of flavor.

Hooters Chicken Wing Sauce

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Hooters Chicken Wing Sauce is a bold, tangy, and spicy sauce perfect for coating your chicken wings. The combination of hot sauce, butter, and seasonings gives it the signature Hooters flavor, making it the ideal addition to any batch of wings.

Author: Laura
Prep Time: 5 minutes
Cook Time: 5 minutes
Total Time: 10 minutes
Yield: Enough for 12-15 wings
Category: Sauce
Method: Simmering
Cuisine: American

Ingredients

1/2 cup hot sauce (Frank’s RedHot is a great choice)
1/4 cup unsalted butter
1 tablespoon white vinegar
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1 teaspoon onion powder
1/2 teaspoon paprika
1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional, for extra heat)
Salt and black pepper, to taste

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Instructions

Melt the butter: In a small saucepan, melt the butter over low heat. Stir occasionally to prevent it from browning.

Add the hot sauce and seasonings: Once the butter is melted, add the hot sauce, white vinegar, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, and cayenne pepper (if using). Stir the mixture until all ingredients are well combined.
Simmer the sauce: Let the sauce simmer over low heat for 2-3 minutes, stirring occasionally to allow the flavors to meld together.
Season and adjust: Taste the sauce and adjust the seasoning with salt, pepper, or additional cayenne pepper for more heat if desired.
Coat the wings: Once the sauce is ready, toss it with freshly cooked wings or drizzle it over your wings. Serve immediately with your favorite sides, like celery, carrots, or blue cheese dressing.

Notes

Mild Version: Use less hot sauce or switch to a milder hot sauce variety like Tabasco Sweet & Spicy for a less fiery version.
Sweet & Spicy: Add a tablespoon of honey or brown sugar to the sauce for a sweet twist that complements the heat.
Garlic Parmesan: Add grated Parmesan cheese and extra garlic to the sauce for a garlic parmesan version of the sauce.
Extra Spicy: Add a dash of extra cayenne pepper or a few dashes of your favorite hot sauce to intensify the heat.

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 tablespoon
Calories: 80
Sugar: 1g
Sodium: 460mg
Fat: 8g
Saturated Fat: 5g
Unsaturated Fat: 3g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 2g
Fiber: 0g
Protein: 0g
Cholesterol: 20mg