Chicken dipping sauce is a creamy, tangy, and slightly sweet condiment that pairs perfectly with fried chicken, chicken tenders, nuggets, or grilled chicken. It’s easy to whip up with pantry staples and can be customized to suit your taste. Think of it as the ultimate companion to your favorite chicken dishes!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick and Easy: Ready in just 5 minutes with simple ingredients.
- Versatile: Great for dipping, spreading on sandwiches, or drizzling over chicken.
- Customizable: Adjust the sweetness, spice, or tanginess to suit your preferences.
- Kid-Friendly: A guaranteed hit with both kids and adults.
- Better Than Store-Bought: Fresh and free of preservatives, with a taste you’ll love.
Ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
- Mayonnaise
- Ketchup
- Dijon mustard (or yellow mustard)
- Honey (or brown sugar for a different sweetness)
- Apple cider vinegar (or lemon juice for tang)
- Paprika
- Garlic powder
- Salt and pepper
Directions
- Combine Ingredients:
- In a small mixing bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, ketchup, Dijon mustard, honey, apple cider vinegar, paprika, garlic powder, salt, and pepper until smooth.
- Taste and Adjust:
- Adjust seasoning to taste, adding more honey for sweetness, vinegar for tanginess, or paprika for smokiness.
- Chill (Optional):
- For the best flavor, refrigerate the sauce for at least 30 minutes to let the flavors meld.
- Serve:
- Serve the sauce as a dip for chicken tenders, nuggets, or grilled chicken, or use it as a spread or drizzle.
Servings and Timing
- Servings: About 1 cup of sauce (enough for 4-6 people)
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Total Time: 5 minutes
Variations
- Spicy Kick: Add a dash of hot sauce, cayenne pepper, or sriracha for some heat.
- Smoky Flavor: Use smoked paprika or add a splash of liquid smoke.
- BBQ Blend: Mix in a tablespoon of your favorite BBQ sauce for a smoky-sweet twist.
- Herbed Version: Stir in finely chopped fresh herbs like parsley, dill, or chives for a fresh flavor.
- Zesty Ranch: Add a teaspoon of ranch seasoning for a tangy, herby taste.
Storage
- Refrigeration: Store the sauce in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 1 week.
- Freezing: Not recommended, as the texture may change when thawed.
FAQs
Can I make this sauce dairy-free?
Yes, simply ensure your mayonnaise is dairy-free. Most store-bought mayonnaise is naturally dairy-free.
Is this sauce gluten-free?
Yes, this recipe is naturally gluten-free, but check your mustard and ketchup labels to confirm.
Can I use yellow mustard instead of Dijon?
Yes, yellow mustard works well for a slightly milder flavor.
How do I make the sauce thicker?
Reduce the amount of vinegar or add a small amount of sour cream or Greek yogurt for a thicker consistency.
What can I serve this sauce with?
Pair it with chicken tenders, nuggets, grilled chicken, fries, or even use it as a spread for burgers and sandwiches.
Can I make this sauce sugar-free?
Yes, replace honey with a sugar-free alternative like stevia or monk fruit sweetener.
How do I make it vegan?
Use vegan mayonnaise and a plant-based sweetener like maple syrup.
Does this sauce need to be refrigerated?
Yes, due to the mayonnaise and honey, it should be refrigerated when not in use.
Can I double the recipe?
Absolutely! Simply double all the ingredients to make a larger batch.
Can I use this sauce as a marinade?
Yes, it works wonderfully as a marinade for chicken, adding both flavor and moisture.
Conclusion
Chicken dipping sauce is the perfect accompaniment to your favorite chicken dishes, offering a delicious balance of creamy, tangy, and sweet flavors. With its quick preparation, easy customization, and versatile uses, this sauce is a must-have for any meal. Whether you’re hosting a party, feeding the kids, or simply enjoying chicken at home, this dipping sauce will elevate your meal to the next level!
PrintChicken Dipping Sauce
This Chicken Dipping Sauce is creamy, tangy, and sweet with a hint of smokiness, making it the perfect companion for chicken tenders, nuggets, or wings. It’s quick and easy to whip up with pantry staples!
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: About 3/4 cup 1x
- Category: Sauce, Dip
- Method: Mixing
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
- 1/2 cup (120 ml) mayonnaise
- 1/4 cup (60 ml) ketchup
- 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard (or yellow mustard for a milder flavor)
- 1 tablespoon honey
- 1 teaspoon apple cider vinegar
- 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika (or regular paprika)
- 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Mix the Ingredients:
- In a medium bowl, combine mayonnaise, ketchup, Dijon mustard, honey, and apple cider vinegar.
- Add Seasonings:
- Stir in the smoked paprika, garlic powder, and a pinch of salt and pepper. Mix until smooth and fully combined.
- Taste and Adjust:
- Taste the sauce and adjust sweetness, tanginess, or seasoning to your liking. Add more honey for sweetness or vinegar for tang.
- Chill:
- Cover and refrigerate the sauce for at least 20 minutes to let the flavors meld.
- Serve:
- Serve the sauce as a dip for chicken tenders, nuggets, or grilled chicken. It’s also great with fries or as a sandwich spread!
Notes
- Make Ahead: The sauce can be made up to 5 days in advance and stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator.
- Customizations: Add a dash of hot sauce for a spicy kick or a touch of Worcestershire sauce for depth.
- Pairing Ideas: This sauce pairs perfectly with fried, baked, or grilled chicken.