Buffalo chicken wing sauce is a classic American favorite that brings a perfect balance of heat and flavor to your wings. This sauce is ideal for game days, parties, or any time you crave that spicy, tangy kick. With just a few simple ingredients, you can create a mouthwatering sauce that will have everyone reaching for more.
While most of the ingredients for this buffalo chicken wing sauce are common pantry staples, you might need to pick up Worcestershire sauce and cayenne pepper if they are not already in your kitchen. These ingredients add depth and heat to the sauce, making it truly irresistible.

Ingredients For Buffalo Chicken Wing Sauce
Hot sauce: Provides the primary heat and flavor for the sauce.
Butter: Adds richness and helps to mellow out the heat.
White vinegar: Adds tanginess and helps to balance the flavors.
Worcestershire sauce: Adds a savory, umami depth to the sauce.
Cayenne pepper: Boosts the heat level for those who like it extra spicy.
Garlic powder: Adds a subtle garlic flavor that complements the other ingredients.
Technique Tip for Making Wing Sauce
When melting the butter in the saucepan, make sure to do it over low heat to prevent it from burning. Once the butter is melted, remove the pan from the heat before adding the hot sauce and other ingredients. This helps to maintain the integrity of the sauce and ensures a smooth, well-emulsified mixture. Stir continuously to combine all the flavors evenly.
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Alternative Ingredients
hot sauce - Substitute with sriracha: Sriracha provides a similar level of heat and tanginess, making it a good alternative for hot sauce.
butter - Substitute with margarine: Margarine can mimic the creamy texture and richness of butter in the sauce.
white vinegar - Substitute with apple cider vinegar: Apple cider vinegar offers a similar acidity with a slightly fruity undertone, which can add depth to the sauce.
worcestershire sauce - Substitute with soy sauce: Soy sauce can provide a similar umami flavor, though it will be less complex. Adding a dash of lemon juice can help mimic the tanginess of worcestershire sauce.
cayenne pepper - Substitute with paprika: Paprika can provide a milder heat and a smoky flavor, which can complement the other ingredients in the sauce.
garlic powder - Substitute with fresh garlic: Fresh garlic can offer a more robust and aromatic flavor compared to garlic powder. Use finely minced garlic to ensure it blends well into the sauce.
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How To Store / Freeze Your Wing Sauce
- Allow the buffalo chicken wing sauce to cool completely before storing. This helps maintain its flavor and consistency.
- Transfer the sauce to an airtight container. Glass jars or BPA-free plastic containers work best to preserve the taste.
- Label the container with the date of preparation. This ensures you keep track of its freshness.
- Store the sauce in the refrigerator. It will keep well for up to one week.
- For longer storage, consider freezing the sauce. Pour it into a freezer-safe container, leaving some space at the top for expansion.
- Alternatively, use ice cube trays to freeze individual portions. Once frozen, transfer the sauce cubes to a zip-top freezer bag for easy use.
- When ready to use, thaw the sauce in the refrigerator overnight. Reheat gently in a saucepan over low heat, stirring occasionally to maintain its smooth texture.
- Avoid microwaving the sauce directly from frozen, as this can cause uneven heating and alter the flavor profile.
- If the sauce separates after thawing, whisk it vigorously or use an immersion blender to restore its consistency.
- Always taste the sauce after reheating. Adjust the seasoning if necessary, adding a bit more hot sauce or cayenne pepper to revive its spicy kick.
How To Reheat Leftovers
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the chicken wings on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Heat for about 10-15 minutes or until they are warmed through and the skin is crispy again.
For a quicker method, use a microwave. Place the chicken wings on a microwave-safe plate. Cover with a damp paper towel to retain moisture. Microwave on high for 1-2 minutes, checking halfway through to ensure they are evenly heated.
If you have an air fryer, preheat it to 375°F (190°C). Arrange the chicken wings in a single layer in the basket. Heat for 5-7 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through to ensure even heating and crispiness.
For stovetop reheating, heat a non-stick skillet over medium heat. Add a small amount of olive oil or butter to the pan. Place the chicken wings in the skillet and cover with a lid. Heat for 5-7 minutes, turning occasionally until they are heated through and the skin is crispy.
If you prefer a steam method, place the chicken wings in a steamer basket over boiling water. Cover and steam for about 5 minutes or until heated through. This method will keep the wings moist but may not retain the crispiness of the skin.
Essential Tools for Making Wing Sauce
Saucepan: Use this to melt the butter and combine all the ingredients over low heat.
Wooden spoon: Ideal for stirring the sauce to ensure all ingredients are well combined and heated through.
Measuring cups: Essential for accurately measuring the hot sauce and butter.
Measuring spoons: Necessary for measuring the vinegar, Worcestershire sauce, cayenne pepper, and garlic powder.
Tongs: Useful for tossing the cooked chicken wings in the sauce to ensure they are evenly coated.
Mixing bowl: Handy for holding the cooked chicken wings while you toss them in the sauce.
Stovetop: Needed to heat the saucepan and melt the butter, as well as to combine and heat the sauce ingredients.
How to Save Time on Making Wing Sauce
Melt butter quickly: Cut the butter into smaller pieces to speed up the melting process.
Pre-measure ingredients: Have all ingredients measured and ready before you start cooking.
Use a microwave: Melt the butter in the microwave to save time.
Batch cook wings: Cook a large batch of chicken wings at once and store them for later use.
Use a whisk: Whisk the sauce ingredients together for faster and smoother blending.
Preheat oven: Preheat your oven while preparing the sauce to save time.

Buffalo Chicken Wing Sauce Recipe
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- ½ cup hot sauce
- ¼ cup butter
- 1 tablespoon white vinegar
- ¼ teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
- ¼ teaspoon cayenne pepper
- ⅛ teaspoon garlic powder
- Salt to taste
Instructions
- Melt butter in a saucepan over low heat.
- Add hot sauce, vinegar, Worcestershire sauce, cayenne pepper, garlic powder, and salt.
- Stir until well combined and heated through.
- Toss cooked chicken wings in the sauce until evenly coated.
Nutritional Value
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