Hot wings are a quintessential American deli favorite, known for their bold, spicy, and tangy flavors.
The sauce is the star of the dish, transforming crispy wings into a flavorful, finger-licking treat.
While many enjoy ordering hot wings from delis, making your own sauce at home allows for customization of heat, sweetness, and tang.
From classic buffalo to sweet and smoky varieties, the right sauce can elevate wings to a whole new level.
We’ve curated 15 American deli hot wing sauce recipes that cater to all taste preferences.
Whether you prefer mild, medium, or fiery hot wings, these recipes bring the authentic deli experience to your kitchen.
15 Classic American Deli Hot Wing Sauce Recipes to Try at Home
American deli-style hot wings are all about bold, flavorful sauces that complement crispy, juicy chicken.
The 15 American deli hot wing sauce recipes in this collection offer a variety of flavors and spice levels.
They’re perfect for parties, game nights, or casual dinners at home.
Making your own sauce allows for control over ingredients, spice, and sweetness while delivering authentic flavor.
These recipes ensure every bite of your wings is tangy, spicy, and utterly delicious.
Classic Buffalo Deli Hot Wing Sauce
Bring the classic deli flavor to your wings with this Buffalo hot wing sauce.
It balances tangy vinegar, buttery richness, and cayenne heat for the perfect spicy-sweet combination.
This sauce clings to crispy wings for a bold, irresistible flavor that deli-goers love.
Ideal for game day, parties, or any occasion where finger-licking wings are a must.
Ingredients:
- ½ cup unsalted butter
- ½ cup hot sauce (Frank’s RedHot recommended)
- 1 tablespoon white vinegar
- ¼ teaspoon garlic powder
- ¼ teaspoon paprika
- Pinch of salt
Instructions:
- Melt butter in a small saucepan over medium heat.
- Stir in hot sauce, vinegar, garlic powder, paprika, and salt until well combined.
- Simmer for 2–3 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- Toss cooked wings in the sauce until evenly coated.
- Serve immediately with celery sticks and blue cheese dressing.
Classic Buffalo Deli Hot Wing Sauce is tangy, buttery, and perfectly spicy.
It elevates wings with authentic deli flavor and a smooth, rich texture.
This sauce is ideal for casual gatherings or game-day indulgence.
Every bite delivers balanced heat and signature tanginess.
It’s simple, versatile, and brings homemade wings to deli-level quality.
2. Sweet and Spicy Honey Hot Wing Sauce
Add a touch of sweetness to your heat with this Honey Hot Wing Sauce.
The combination of honey, hot sauce, and a hint of garlic creates a flavorful balance that appeals to all taste buds.
It coats wings in a sticky, golden glaze that’s finger-licking good.
Perfect for those who like heat with a mellow, sweet finish.
Ingredients:
- ½ cup hot sauce
- ¼ cup honey
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 1 teaspoon soy sauce
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- Pinch of red pepper flakes
Instructions:
- Melt butter in a saucepan over medium heat.
- Stir in hot sauce, honey, soy sauce, garlic powder, and red pepper flakes.
- Simmer for 3–4 minutes until slightly thickened.
- Toss freshly cooked wings in the sauce until coated.
- Serve warm with ranch or celery sticks.
Sweet and Spicy Honey Hot Wing Sauce is sticky, sweet, and perfectly balanced.
The honey tempers the heat while enhancing the wings’ flavor.
It’s ideal for game-day parties or casual family dinners.
Each bite delivers sticky sweetness with a satisfying kick.
This sauce is simple, crowd-pleasing, and a great alternative to classic buffalo.
Garlic Parmesan Deli Hot Wing Sauce
Elevate your wings with the rich flavor of Garlic Parmesan sauce.
Butter, garlic, and grated Parmesan combine to create a savory, cheesy coating.
This sauce delivers mild heat with deep, comforting flavors that pair perfectly with crispy wings.
It’s perfect for those who prefer bold flavor over fiery spice.
Ingredients:
- ½ cup unsalted butter
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 teaspoon lemon juice
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- Pinch of salt
Instructions:
- Melt butter in a saucepan over medium heat.
- Add minced garlic and sauté for 1–2 minutes until fragrant.
- Stir in Parmesan, lemon juice, black pepper, and salt.
- Toss cooked wings in the sauce until evenly coated.
- Serve immediately with extra Parmesan on top.
Garlic Parmesan Deli Hot Wing Sauce is rich, cheesy, and aromatic.
It coats wings in a savory, buttery layer that melts in your mouth.
Perfect for those who enjoy flavor over extreme heat.
Every bite delivers comfort, depth, and savory satisfaction.
This sauce is easy, indulgent, and perfect for family meals or gatherings.
Smoky Chipotle Hot Wing Sauce
Bring a smoky, spicy flavor to your wings with this Chipotle Hot Wing Sauce.
Chipotle peppers in adobo add deep smokiness, while butter and vinegar balance the heat.
The result is wings with a rich, layered flavor that mimics authentic deli-style sauces.
Perfect for adventurous eaters who enjoy bold, smoky heat.
Ingredients:
- ½ cup hot sauce
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 2 chipotle peppers in adobo, minced
- 1 tablespoon white vinegar
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- Pinch of salt
Instructions:
- Melt butter in a small saucepan over medium heat.
- Add minced chipotle peppers and sauté for 1 minute.
- Stir in hot sauce, vinegar, smoked paprika, and salt.
- Simmer for 2–3 minutes until slightly thickened.
- Toss wings in the sauce until fully coated.
Smoky Chipotle Hot Wing Sauce is bold, smoky, and satisfyingly spicy.
The chipotle adds depth while the butter balances the heat.
It’s ideal for wings that pack flavor without being overwhelming.
Each bite delivers smokiness, spice, and a rich, savory finish.
This sauce is simple, distinctive, and perfect for wing enthusiasts.
Tangy Cajun Hot Wing Sauce
Spice up your wings with a zesty Cajun-inspired sauce.
Cayenne, paprika, and garlic deliver heat and robust flavor, while butter and vinegar create a balanced tang.
This sauce clings beautifully to wings, providing a spicy, smoky, and slightly tangy experience.
Perfect for fans of bold, southern-inspired wing flavors.
Ingredients:
- ½ cup unsalted butter
- ½ cup hot sauce
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- ½ teaspoon cayenne pepper
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 tablespoon white vinegar
- Pinch of salt
Instructions:
- Melt butter in a saucepan over medium heat.
- Add paprika, cayenne, garlic powder, and sauté briefly.
- Stir in hot sauce, vinegar, and salt; simmer for 2–3 minutes.
- Toss wings in the sauce until evenly coated.
- Serve immediately with celery and dipping sauce.
Tangy Cajun Hot Wing Sauce is spicy, smoky, and bold.
The blend of spices enhances the wings while keeping flavors balanced.
Perfect for a flavorful, southern-style wing experience at home.
Every bite delivers heat, tang, and authentic deli-style flavor.
This sauce is simple, spicy, and ideal for wing lovers seeking bold taste.
Maple Bourbon Hot Wing Sauce
Indulge in a sweet, smoky, and boozy twist with Maple Bourbon Hot Wing Sauce.
The rich maple syrup balances the heat from hot sauce while bourbon adds depth and complexity.
This sauce clings beautifully to wings, delivering layers of flavor in every bite.
Perfect for special occasions or when you want a gourmet wing experience at home.
Ingredients:
- ½ cup hot sauce
- 2 tablespoons bourbon
- 3 tablespoons maple syrup
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- Pinch of salt
Instructions:
- Melt butter in a saucepan over medium heat.
- Stir in hot sauce, bourbon, maple syrup, garlic powder, and salt.
- Simmer for 3–4 minutes until slightly thickened.
- Toss cooked wings in the sauce until evenly coated.
- Serve immediately with optional celery sticks.
Maple Bourbon Hot Wing Sauce is sweet, smoky, and rich.
The maple and bourbon create a gourmet flavor that complements crispy wings.
It’s ideal for a special game night or dinner gathering.
Each bite delivers depth, heat, and sticky, delicious flavor.
This sauce is simple, indulgent, and perfect for adventurous wing lovers.
Korean Gochujang Deli Hot Wing Sauce
Give your wings an Asian-inspired kick with Korean Gochujang Hot Wing Sauce.
Gochujang, a Korean chili paste, adds spicy, sweet, and umami notes that make wings unforgettable.
Honey and garlic balance the heat, while a splash of rice vinegar adds tang.
Perfect for anyone seeking bold, international flavors with a deli-style twist.
Ingredients:
- ½ cup gochujang
- 2 tablespoons honey
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
- 1 teaspoon sesame oil
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
Instructions:
- Combine gochujang, honey, soy sauce, rice vinegar, sesame oil, and garlic in a saucepan.
- Simmer over medium heat for 3–4 minutes until sauce thickens slightly.
- Toss freshly cooked wings in the sauce until fully coated.
- Serve immediately with sesame seeds and green onions if desired.
Korean Gochujang Deli Hot Wing Sauce is spicy, sweet, and savory.
The sauce adds bold, umami-rich flavor to every crispy wing.
It’s perfect for a unique twist on classic deli wings.
Each bite delivers heat, tang, and irresistible flavor.
This sauce is easy, vibrant, and perfect for adventurous eaters.
Mango Habanero Hot Wing Sauce
Add tropical sweetness and fiery heat with Mango Habanero Hot Wing Sauce.
Ripe mangoes mellow the heat from habanero peppers while maintaining a spicy kick.
The combination results in wings that are sweet, tangy, and unapologetically bold.
Perfect for wing lovers who enjoy a balance of fruity sweetness and intense heat.
Ingredients:
- ½ cup mango puree
- 2 tablespoons hot sauce
- 1 tablespoon honey
- 1 tablespoon unsalted butter
- 1 habanero pepper, minced
- Pinch of salt
Instructions:
- Melt butter in a small saucepan over medium heat.
- Stir in mango puree, hot sauce, honey, habanero, and salt.
- Simmer for 3–5 minutes until slightly thickened.
- Toss wings in the sauce until coated evenly.
- Serve immediately with optional lime wedges.
Mango Habanero Hot Wing Sauce is sweet, tangy, and fiery.
The mango tempers the habanero’s heat while enhancing flavor.
It’s perfect for adventurous wing enthusiasts seeking bold flavor.
Each bite delivers a delicious mix of sweet and spicy heat.
This sauce is simple, vibrant, and ideal for game nights or parties.
Sriracha Lime Hot Wing Sauce
Give your wings a zesty, tangy kick with Sriracha Lime Hot Wing Sauce.
The heat of sriracha pairs perfectly with bright lime juice for a refreshing, spicy flavor.
Butter and garlic round out the sauce, adding richness and depth.
Perfect for a lively, citrusy twist on classic deli-style wings.
Ingredients:
- ½ cup hot sauce
- 2 tablespoons sriracha
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 1 tablespoon lime juice
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- Pinch of salt
Instructions:
- Melt butter in a saucepan over medium heat.
- Add hot sauce, sriracha, lime juice, garlic powder, and salt.
- Simmer for 2–3 minutes until sauce thickens slightly.
- Toss wings in the sauce until evenly coated.
- Serve immediately with lime wedges or cilantro garnish.
Sriracha Lime Hot Wing Sauce is tangy, spicy, and bold.
The lime adds brightness that enhances the heat and richness of wings.
It’s perfect for a refreshing, deli-style twist on classic buffalo.
Each bite delivers zesty, fiery, and flavorful satisfaction.
This sauce is simple, vibrant, and ideal for any wing lover.
Smoky Bourbon BBQ Hot Wing Sauce
Enjoy a smoky, tangy, and slightly sweet wing experience with Smoky Bourbon BBQ Sauce.
Bourbon and smoked paprika add depth, while brown sugar balances heat with sweetness.
This sauce is thick, sticky, and perfect for coating crispy wings for a true deli-style flavor.
Ideal for BBQ nights, game day, or casual family dinners.
Ingredients:
- ½ cup BBQ sauce
- 2 tablespoons bourbon
- 1 tablespoon brown sugar
- 1 tablespoon hot sauce
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
Instructions:
- Combine BBQ sauce, bourbon, brown sugar, hot sauce, smoked paprika, and garlic powder in a saucepan.
- Simmer over medium heat for 3–4 minutes until thickened.
- Toss cooked wings in the sauce until evenly coated.
- Serve immediately with celery sticks or coleslaw.
Smoky Bourbon BBQ Hot Wing Sauce is rich, tangy, and slightly sweet.
The bourbon and smoked paprika add depth and a smoky flavor to wings.
It’s perfect for a unique, deli-style wing experience at home.
Each bite delivers flavor, sweetness, and a satisfying sticky coating.
This sauce is simple, flavorful, and ideal for BBQ or game nights.
Carolina Mustard Hot Wing Sauce
Give your wings a tangy, zesty twist with Carolina Mustard Hot Wing Sauce.
Yellow mustard, vinegar, and a touch of honey combine to create a uniquely bold and flavorful sauce.
It clings perfectly to wings, delivering a tangy, slightly sweet, and mildly spicy bite every time.
Perfect for southern-inspired deli-style wings that stand out at any gathering.
Ingredients:
- ½ cup yellow mustard
- ¼ cup hot sauce
- 2 tablespoons honey
- 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- Pinch of salt
Instructions:
- Combine mustard, hot sauce, honey, vinegar, paprika, and salt in a small saucepan.
- Simmer over medium heat for 3–4 minutes until slightly thickened.
- Toss cooked wings in the sauce until evenly coated.
- Serve immediately with celery sticks or pickles.
Carolina Mustard Hot Wing Sauce is tangy, slightly sweet, and flavorful.
The mustard provides a bold punch while the honey balances the heat.
It’s ideal for southern-style wings that are unique and crowd-pleasing.
Each bite delivers tang, sweetness, and a satisfying kick.
This sauce is simple, bold, and perfect for deli-style wing nights.
Chipotle Honey Hot Wing Sauce
Add smoky sweetness to your wings with Chipotle Honey Hot Wing Sauce.
The combination of chipotle peppers and honey creates a rich, smoky, and sweet glaze.
Garlic and butter enhance the savory depth, making it perfect for crisp wings.
Ideal for fans of smoky, sweet, and mildly spicy wing flavors.
Ingredients:
- ½ cup hot sauce
- 2 tablespoons honey
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 1 chipotle pepper in adobo, minced
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- Pinch of salt
Instructions:
- Melt butter in a saucepan over medium heat.
- Add chipotle, hot sauce, honey, garlic powder, and salt.
- Simmer for 3–4 minutes until slightly thickened.
- Toss wings in the sauce until coated evenly.
- Serve immediately with optional lime wedges.
Chipotle Honey Hot Wing Sauce is smoky, sweet, and flavorful.
The chipotle adds depth while honey balances the heat beautifully.
It’s perfect for a unique, deli-style wing experience.
Each bite delivers a smoky-sweet flavor that clings to crispy wings.
This sauce is simple, rich, and ideal for adventurous wing lovers.
Lemon Pepper Hot Wing Sauce
Brighten your wings with zesty Lemon Pepper Hot Wing Sauce.
Fresh lemon juice, butter, and cracked black pepper create a tangy, savory coating.
It’s light yet flavorful, perfect for those who prefer subtle heat over fiery spice.
Perfect for deli-style wings with a fresh, citrusy twist.
Ingredients:
- ½ cup unsalted butter
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon lemon zest
- 1 teaspoon cracked black pepper
- ¼ teaspoon garlic powder
- Pinch of salt
Instructions:
- Melt butter in a small saucepan over medium heat.
- Stir in lemon juice, lemon zest, black pepper, garlic powder, and salt.
- Simmer for 2–3 minutes.
- Toss freshly cooked wings in the sauce until evenly coated.
- Serve immediately with celery or a light dipping sauce.
Lemon Pepper Hot Wing Sauce is tangy, savory, and aromatic.
The lemon brightens the buttery wings, while black pepper adds subtle heat.
It’s ideal for those seeking a refreshing, deli-style flavor.
Each bite delivers zest, flavor, and a light, savory finish.
This sauce is simple, bright, and perfect for any wing lover.
Maple Sriracha Hot Wing Sauce
Experience a sweet-heat sensation with Maple Sriracha Hot Wing Sauce.
Maple syrup provides sticky sweetness while sriracha adds bold, spicy heat.
Butter and garlic round out the sauce for rich, deli-style flavor.
Perfect for game nights, parties, or any time you want wings with a kick.
Ingredients:
- ½ cup sriracha
- 3 tablespoons maple syrup
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- Pinch of salt
Instructions:
- Melt butter in a saucepan over medium heat.
- Stir in sriracha, maple syrup, garlic powder, and salt.
- Simmer for 3–4 minutes until slightly thickened.
- Toss wings in the sauce until fully coated.
- Serve immediately with celery or ranch dressing.
Maple Sriracha Hot Wing Sauce is sticky, sweet, and spicy.
The maple tempers the heat while enhancing the flavor depth.
It’s perfect for wings that balance sweetness with bold heat.
Each bite delivers sticky, fiery, and flavorful satisfaction.
This sauce is simple, crowd-pleasing, and ideal for wing nights.
Tangy Garlic Butter Hot Wing Sauce
Enhance your wings with rich, savory Tangy Garlic Butter Hot Wing Sauce.
Butter, garlic, and vinegar create a flavorful coating that’s tangy, buttery, and mildly spicy.
It clings perfectly to crispy wings, making each bite indulgent and satisfying.
Perfect for classic deli-style wings that are quick, delicious, and full of flavor.
Ingredients:
- ½ cup unsalted butter
- 3 tablespoons hot sauce
- 1 tablespoon white vinegar
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- ¼ teaspoon paprika
- Pinch of salt
Instructions:
- Melt butter in a saucepan over medium heat.
- Add garlic and sauté for 1–2 minutes.
- Stir in hot sauce, vinegar, paprika, and salt.
- Simmer for 2–3 minutes until slightly thickened.
- Toss cooked wings in the sauce until fully coated.
Tangy Garlic Butter Hot Wing Sauce is buttery, tangy, and flavorful.
The garlic enhances the richness while vinegar adds the perfect tang.
It’s ideal for classic, deli-style wings with a savory twist.
Each bite delivers balanced flavor and a buttery coating.
This sauce is simple, indulgent, and perfect for family or party wings.
