Crispy chicken wings are only as good as the sauce you toss them in. This guide covers six easy wing sauces you can make at home with common pantry ingredients, so you can switch flavors from game day to a weeknight dinner.
Basic Wing Setup
The sauces below are sized for about 2 pounds (900 g) of cooked wings, which serves 3 to 4 people as a snack. Pat the wings very dry, season them with salt and pepper, and bake, air fry, or fry them until golden and cooked through. Chicken is done when the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C). Toss the hot wings in sauce right away so it clings.
1. Classic Buffalo Sauce
This tangy, spicy sauce is the classic wing flavor.
- 1/2 cup (120 ml) hot sauce, such as Frank’s RedHot
- 4 tbsp (60 g) unsalted butter
- 1 tsp white vinegar
- 1/4 tsp garlic powder
Melt the butter in a small saucepan over low heat. Whisk in the hot sauce, vinegar, and garlic powder, then simmer for 2 to 3 minutes until smooth and slightly thickened.
2. Honey Garlic Sauce
Sweet, sticky, and mildly savory, this sauce is great for kids and anyone who likes less heat.
- 1/3 cup (110 g) honey
- 1/4 cup (60 ml) soy sauce
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tbsp (15 ml) rice vinegar
- 1 tsp cornstarch mixed with 1 tbsp (15 ml) water
Combine the honey, soy sauce, garlic, and vinegar in a saucepan over medium heat. Simmer for about 3 minutes, then stir in the cornstarch slurry. Cook 1 to 2 minutes more, until the sauce coats the back of a spoon.
3. Lemon Pepper Butter Sauce
Bright, peppery, and rich, this sauce tastes great on crispy wings.
- 4 tbsp (60 g) unsalted butter, melted
- 1 lemon, zested and juiced (about 2 tbsp juice)
- 1 tbsp (6 g) coarsely ground black pepper
- 1/2 tsp salt
Whisk all ingredients together in a bowl. Toss the wings while they are still hot so the pepper sticks to the skin.
4. Garlic Parmesan Sauce
Buttery, savory, and mild, this is a favorite for people who want flavor without heat.
- 4 tbsp (60 g) unsalted butter, melted
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/3 cup (30 g) finely grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 tbsp (4 g) chopped fresh parsley
Stir the garlic into the warm butter and let it sit for 1 minute. Toss the wings with the garlic butter, then sprinkle with Parmesan and parsley.
5. Smoky BBQ Sauce
This sweet and smoky sauce works well with baked or grilled wings.
- 3/4 cup (180 g) ketchup
- 1/4 cup (60 ml) apple cider vinegar
- 3 tbsp (45 g) brown sugar
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder
Combine everything in a small saucepan and simmer over medium-low heat for about 8 minutes, stirring often, until thick and glossy.
6. Sweet Chili Sauce
Sweet with a gentle kick, this sauce pairs well with crunchy garnishes.
- 1/3 cup (80 ml) sweet chili sauce
- 1 tbsp (15 ml) lime juice
- 1 tsp fish sauce or soy sauce
- 1 tsp chopped green onion
Stir the sweet chili sauce, lime juice, and fish sauce together. Toss the wings and garnish with green onion.
Serving and Storage
Serve the wings with celery sticks, carrot sticks, or a cool dip such as ranch or blue cheese. Store leftover wings and sauce separately in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat wings in a hot oven or air fryer until crisp, since microwaved wings can turn soft.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make the sauces ahead of time?
Yes. Most of these sauces can be refrigerated for up to 3 days. Gently reheat them before tossing with wings.
Which sauce is the easiest to make?
Buffalo and garlic Parmesan are the quickest, since each takes only a few minutes on the stove or in a bowl.
How do I keep wings crispy after saucing?
Toss the wings in sauce just before serving. Sauce softens the skin over time, so sauce only what you plan to eat.
Which sauce are you dipping into first?
