Dave’s Hot Chicken Sauce Ingredients, Calories & Recipe Guide

Dave’s Hot Chicken Sauce is not only famous for its spicy tenders and sliders. But there is one more thing that keeps customers coming back just as much as the chicken, which is their Sauce. It is creamy, smoky, slightly sweet, and pairs perfectly with everything on the menu.

So if you have ever wondered what is actually in it, how many calories it has, or how to make it at home, then this guide will help you to find out. After reading the article below, you will not have any questions regarding Dave’s sauces.

Dave’s sauce is not your typical spicy dipping sauce. It is a creamy, chipotle-based sauce that was built to complement the bold spice levels at Dave’s Hot Chicken. Although the chicken carries the heat through a dry spice rub, the sauce balances that with the slight sweetness.

It is important to understand the difference here. The spice levels at Dave’s No Spice, Mild, Medium, Hot, Extra Hot, and Reaper come from the dry rub on the chicken. The sauce is separate. It does not add extreme heat. Instead, it adds creaminess and a mild smoky flavor that makes the whole meal better.

The official ingredient list for Dave’s sauce is simple. According to the restaurant, the sauce contains:

Mayonnaise
Chipotle sauce
Honey
Sugar
Salt
Black pepper
Garlic powder

What Is Dave's Hot Chicken Sauce Made Of? — **Infographic: What Is Dave’s Hot Chicken Sauce Made Of?**

There is no ketchup, no mustard, and no vinegar. Some online sources list those ingredients, but they are not accurate.

Dave’s sauce tastes creamy first, smoky second, and mildly sweet at the finish. It is not a hot sauce. It does not burn. Instead, it gives you a rich, layered flavor that works as a dip, a spread, or a topping. Look at the table below and find out, how it is different from the other sauces of reputable fast food providers:

Sauce	Base	Spice Level	Key Flavor
Dave’s Hot Chicken Sauce	Mayo + chipotle	Mild	Smoky, creamy, slightly sweet
Chick-fil-A Sauce	Mayo + mustard + BBQ	None	Sweet, tangy, smoky
Regular Spicy Mayo	Mayo + sriracha	Mild–Medium	Tangy, spicy

Those who love Chick-fil-A sauce but still want something smokier and less sweet must try Dave’s sauce, and they will love it.

Dave’s sells the sauce in two sizes. But it is better to understand the difference between the two, so it becomes easy for you to decide which one to order:

Dave’s Sauces	Small Cup	Large (8 oz)
Price	Included in most combos	$2.99
Serving Size	~2 oz	~8 oz
Calories	~180	1,530
Total Fat	~18g	165g
Sodium	~200mg	2,500mg

It is always recommended to understand the complete nutrition available in the meal you are consuming. So, below are the nutritional facts of Large Dave’s Sauce (8 oz):

Nutrient	Amount	% Daily Value
Calories	1,530	—
Total Fat	165g	212%
Saturated Fat	25g	125%
Cholesterol	120mg	40%
Sodium	2,500mg	108%
Total Carbohydrates	25g	9%
Sugars	15g	—
Protein	6g	—

Here is the nutritional information for a Small Cup (per serving, ~2 oz):

Nutrient	Amount
Calories	~180
Total Fat	~18g
Carbs	~2g
Sodium	~200mg
Protein	0g

It may have, but have a look at the table for more understanding:

Allergen	Present?
Milk (dairy)	Yes, from Mayo
Egg	Yes, mayo base
Soy	Yes, soy oil in mayo
Gluten/Wheat	Possible cross-contact
Tree Nuts	No
Peanuts	No
Fish or Shellfish	No

Important note: Dave’s kitchen uses shared fryers. So even though the sauce itself does not contain gluten, cross-contact is possible. If you have a gluten allergy, it is best to check with your local restaurant before ordering.

Making this sauce at home is simple and takes less than five minutes. The key is to use a Chipotle base, not ketchup or vinegar, so the taste looks similar to the original.

Ingredient	Amount
Mayonnaise	1/2 tsp
Chipotle sauce (canned or bottled)	1 and a half tsp
Honey	1 tsp
Sugar	1/2 tsp
Garlic powder	1/2 tsp
Salt	1/4 tsp
Black pepper	1/4 tsp

Instructions

Add all ingredients to a bowl.
Mix well until the sauce is smooth and evenly combined.
Taste it and adjust more chipotle for smokiness, more honey for sweetness.
Cover and refrigerate for at least 15 minutes before serving.

The resting time matters. Chilling the sauce lets all the flavors blend properly. It tastes noticeably better after 15-20 minutes in the fridge compared to eating it fresh off the spoon.

Variations to try:

If you want it spicier, add a small pinch of cayenne or a few drops of hot sauce.
If you want it vegan, use vegan mayo and replace honey with agave syrup.
If you want fewer calories, use light mayo and reduce the amount to 2 tablespoons per serving.

Tip: The homemade version keeps well in the fridge for up to five days in a sealed container.

Dave’s sauce works with almost anything, but some pairings are better than others.

On Dave’s menu:

With the Chicken tenders, it becomes a classic pairing. Adding a small cup adds about 180 calories to your meal.
This sauce is also good with the Sliders. The sauce is sometimes built into the slider already, but ordering extra on the side gives you more control.
It is one of the best dipping combos with the French fries. The creamy sauce contrasts well with the salty crunch.
With the Cauliflower bites, it becomes a great vegetarian-friendly combo that many customers overlook.

Off-menu uses:

Spread on burgers or wraps instead of plain mayo.
Use as a dipping sauce for roasted vegetables.
Mix into a grain bowl as a creamy dressing.
Spread on a breakfast sandwich to get a smoky flavor.

The honest answer is that it depends on how much you use. The sauce itself is high in fat and sodium because it is mayo-based. The large cup at 1,530 calories has more calories than most full meals. But that is for 8 oz, which is a family-sized portion.

If you stick to the small cup (around 180 calories) and treat it like a dipping sauce rather than a topping. It fits into most meals without pushing your totals too far. A few smart habits help a lot:

Ask for sauce on the side so you control how much you use.
Use 1-2 tablespoons per dip instead of pouring the whole cup.
Share the large sauce across a group order instead of using it solo.

Is Dave's Hot Chicken Sauce Healthy? — **Infographic: Is Dave’s Hot Chicken Sauce Healthy?**

No, as of 2026, Dave’s Hot Chicken does not sell its sauce in bottles. You can only get it in-store as a small cup (usually included with combo meals) or as a large 8-oz portion for $2.99.

Dave’s Hot Chicken signature sauce served in-store with crispy chicken tenders and fries inside a modern green-themed restaurant setting

If you want something similar at home without making it from scratch, look for Chipotle mayo products at your local grocery store. Brands like Sir Kensington’s Chipotle Mayo or Trader Joe’s Chipotle Mayo come close to the flavor profile. Although they are not identical, they have the same smoky-creamy notes.

If Dave’s does launch a bottled version in the future, it will most likely be announced on their official website, and we will also provide the updated information.

The sauce is made from mayonnaise, chipotle sauce, honey, sugar, salt, black pepper, and garlic powder. It does not contain ketchup, mustard, or vinegar.

The small cup has about 180 calories. The large 8 oz serving has 1,530 calories, mostly from fat.

No, the sauce has a mild smokiness from chipotle, but it is not spicy on its own. It is actually one of the mildest parts of a Dave’s meal.

It is vegetarian but not vegan. It contains egg (from mayo), dairy, and honey.

The sauce does not list gluten as a direct ingredient. However, cross-contact is possible due to shared fryers in the kitchen.

Yes, a small cup of sauce is included with most combo meals. The large size is an upgrade for $2.99.

Yes. Mix 1/2 cup mayo, 1 and a half tbsp chipotle sauce, 1 tsp honey, 1/2 tsp garlic powder, salt, pepper, and a pinch of sugar. Chill for 15 minutes before serving.

The sauce is rich and heavy, so pairing it with already creamy dishes like mac and cheese or loaded fries topped with cheese is not recommended. In those cases, a lighter side like kale slaw works better.

Dave’s Hot Chicken is famous for its creamy and slightly spicy Dave’s Sauce. In 2026, the restaurant also offers Ranch, Reaper Ranch, Spicy Buffalo, Spicy BBQ, Hot Honey, and a mild Cheese Sauce that pairs well with fries.

Dave’s Sauce has a creamy, tangy, and slightly smoky flavor. It is made with a mayo and ketchup base, along with honey, mustard, garlic, and spices. The sauce tastes rich, a little sweet, and mildly spicy with every bite.

You cannot buy bottled Dave’s Sauce in regular stores right now. However, you can order extra sauce from Dave’s Hot Chicken locations or delivery apps. It is usually sold as a “Large Dave’s Sauce” or a side dipper.

Dave’s Hot Chicken sauce is one of the most popular sauces in fast food today. It is made with simple ingredients like mayo, chipotle, honey, and garlic. Even with a few ingredients, the sauce has a creamy, smoky, and slightly sweet taste that makes the food more delicious.

Many people enjoy it with chicken, fries, and sandwiches. You can order it at the restaurant or even make it at home. If you know what is inside the sauce, you can enjoy it even more. Just try not to use too much at once, and do not be afraid to ask for extra sauce with your meal.