Perfect for wings, dips, chicken salads, and more, this tangy, spicy, and oh-so-easy homemade buffalo wing sauce recipe will quickly become a staple in your kitchen.
I absolutely love chicken wings, but let’s be real—at nearly $2 per wing at local restaurants, it can get pretty expensive. That’s why I started making hot wings at home, and let me tell you, the secret to incredible wings is all about a great homemade buffalo sauce. This easy recipe features Franks Red Hot Sauce, which is hands-down my favorite. The tangy, spicy flavor it brings is perfect for wings.
What makes this buffalo sauce recipe so good is how simple it is to whip up. With just a few ingredients you can have a rich, flavorful sauce ready in no time. I can make a batch and store it in the fridge for up to two weeks, so it’s always on hand whenever I need a quick, delicious addition to my meals.
I love how versatile this sauce is. Whether I’m tossing it with crispy chicken wings, mixing it into a creamy dip, or dipping my French fries in this spicy sauce, it never disappoints. It's restaurant-quality flavor without the hefty price tag. Trust me, once you try this homemade buffalo sauce, you’ll wonder why you ever bought the bottled stuff!
Jump to:
Ingredients
- Butter – I uses salted butter as the base for the sauce. You can use unsalted butter but may need to add additional salt for flavor.
- Hot Sauce – My preference for this recipe is Frank's RedHot Original or Texas Pete but you can substitute your favorite brand of hot sauce.
- Garlic Powder – Garlic powder adds a subtle depth of flavor, infusing the sauce with a hint of aromatic garlicky goodness without overpowering the other key ingredients.
- Black Pepper – A touch of freshly ground black pepper provides a mild spiciness and enhances the flavor of the sauce.
See recipe card for quantities.
Instructions
- Step 1: Melt the butter in a saucepan along with the hot sauce. Add the remaining seasoning and bring to a simmer.
- Step 2: Cool the sauce and use in your favorite recipes or store in a glass jar in the fridge for later use.
Hint: Use a wire whisk to blend the sauce while it heats. This will help prevent the melted butter from separating as the sauce cools.
Variations
- Honey – Add in 1-2 tablespoons of honey for a sweet and spicy buffalo sauce. You can also use maple syrup.
- Extra Spicy – To make the sauce spicier, increase the amount of hot sauce or add a bit of cayenne pepper.
- Smoky Sauce – Stir in a bit of smoked paprika and a dash or two of liquid smoke for a smoky buffalo sauce.
Storage
Store the prepared sauce in an airtight jar or lidded container in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks.
Top Tips
- Melt the butter slowly.
- Whisk the sauce well to emulsify it.
- Bring the sauce to a simmer but do not boil.
- Cool before storing.
- Reheat in a saucepan whisking constantly.
- Double the recipe so you always have this tasty sauce on hand.
Serving Suggestions
When it comes to serving this homemade buffalo sauce, the possibilities are endless. My go-to is tossing it with fried chicken wings or chicken legs. Whether you're making a batch for game day or a casual family dinner, this sauce complements chicken with its perfect balance of heat and tanginess. You can also try using it on crispy chicken strips for a delicious and easy meal that everyone will love.
This versatile sauce is fantastic mixed into chicken salad, giving it a spicy, buttery kick that transforms a simple dish into something special. It’s also great for spicing up your favorite sandwiches or wraps or used in recipes like The Best Baked Buffalo Chicken Dip, Buffalo Cauliflower Wings or Buffalo Chicken Flatbread with BACON.
For a fun twist, combine this buffalo sauce with ranch dressing to make a creamy, tangy dip. It’s perfect for pairing with wings, of course, but also try it with crispy cauliflower bites, drizzled over baked potatoes, or as a dip for your fries.
FAQ
This buffalo sauce is great on a variety of dishes, including cauliflower bites, roasted potatoes, burgers, and even as a spicy topping for pizza.
If the sauce separates, let it cool, then whisk it well over low heat until it comes back together. This should restore its smooth consistency.
Buffalo sauce and hot sauce are similar but not the same. Hot sauce is an ingredient in this Buffalo sauce but there is also the addition of butter and seasonings to make it more tasty.
More Sauce Recipes:
Try these other sauce recipes:
If you like this Buffalo Wing Sauce recipe, please leave a 5-star rating.
RECIPE
Homemade Buffalo Wing Sauce
Ingredients
- 4 tablespoons salted butter (½ stick)
- ½ cup Hot Sauce I love Frank's red hot sauce
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
Instructions
- Add the butter and hot sauce to a pan. Place over medium heat and once the butter melts, add in the garlic powder, salt and pepper.
- Mix well (I like to use a whisk) and bring to a simmer. Remove from heat and let cool. Pour in an airtight container and store in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks.
Notes
Nutrition
Thanks for stopping by! Subscribe to Jersey Girl Cooks if you would like more recipes and cooking tips sent to your email. You can also order my Super Easy Cookbook for Beginners and follow me on social media - Facebook, Twitter, Pinterest and Instagram.
Leave a Reply