Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This homemade dipping sauce is the perfect balance of tangy, creamy, and slightly sweet—ideal for chicken nuggets, tenders, or even fries. It’s quick to whip up, made from pantry staples, and adds a punch of flavor that elevates any chicken dish. Say goodbye to store-bought sauces and hello to your new go-to!

ingredients

The BEST Homemade Dipping Sauce for Chicken Nuggets and Tenders

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

mayonnaiseketchupDijon mustardhoneyapple cider vinegargarlic powderpaprikaonion powderblack pepperhot sauce (optional, for a kick)

directions

In a medium bowl, combine the mayonnaise and ketchup until smooth.

Stir in Dijon mustard and honey, mixing well to blend flavors.

Add apple cider vinegar, garlic powder, paprika, onion powder, and black pepper.

For a spicier version, add a few dashes of hot sauce.

Whisk everything together until the sauce is creamy and well-combined.

Taste and adjust seasoning as needed—more honey for sweetness or mustard for tang.

Refrigerate for at least 15 minutes to let the flavors meld before serving.

Servings and timing

This recipe makes about 1 cup of sauce—enough for 4-6 servings.Preparation time: 5 minutesChilling time: 15 minutesTotal time: 20 minutes

Variations

Use smoked paprika for a deeper, smoky flavor.

Swap honey for maple syrup for a different sweetness profile.

Add finely chopped pickles for a tangy twist.

Try Greek yogurt in place of mayonnaise for a lighter version.

Add a squeeze of lemon juice for extra brightness.

storage/reheating

Store the sauce in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 1 week.Do not freeze, as the texture may change upon thawing.

FAQs

Can I make this sauce ahead of time?

Yes, it’s even better after chilling for a few hours or overnight.

Is this sauce spicy?

Not unless you add hot sauce—it’s mostly sweet and tangy.

Can I use yellow mustard instead of Dijon?

Yes, but the flavor will be slightly milder and less sharp.

Can I double the recipe?

Absolutely, this sauce scales up easily for parties or meal prep.

What can I use this sauce on besides chicken?

It’s great on burgers, sandwiches, fries, or as a veggie dip.

Is it kid-friendly?

Yes, especially without the hot sauce—it’s sweet, creamy, and mild.

Can I use low-fat mayonnaise?

Yes, just note the texture might be slightly thinner.

Conclusion

This homemade dipping sauce is a game-changer for chicken lovers. With just a few ingredients and minimal effort, you’ll have a delicious, crowd-pleasing dip that pairs perfectly with tenders, nuggets, and more. Once you try it, it might just replace all your bottled favorites.