There’s something undeniably satisfying about Little Caesars’ buffalo wings. While the wings themselves are crispy and juicy, it’s the buffalo sauce that brings the whole thing to life.
It’s that tangy, buttery, slightly spicy coating that clings to each wing and leaves your fingers messy in the best way. If you’ve been craving that signature flavor at home, this Little Caesars Buffalo Wing Sauce copycat recipe is exactly what you need.
Whether you’re making wings from scratch or tossing store-bought ones in your own sauce, this recipe captures the heat and zing that makes Little Caesars’ wings such a hit.
It comes together in under 10 minutes using pantry ingredients and works beautifully on everything from wings to cauliflower bites, sandwiches, burgers, and even pizza crusts.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
It’s quick, easy, and customizable. You can adjust the spice level, make it creamier or tangier, and batch it up to keep in the fridge for future wing nights.
The recipe sticks closely to the recognizable taste of Little Caesars’ buffalo sauce — tangy with a mild to medium heat, rich in butter, and full of classic wing flavor. Plus, no additives or preservatives here — just real ingredients and big taste.
What You’ll Need
- ½ cup Frank’s RedHot Original Cayenne Pepper Sauce (or similar hot sauce)
- ¼ cup unsalted butter
- 1 tablespoon white vinegar
- ½ teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
- ¼ teaspoon garlic powder
- ¼ teaspoon onion powder
- ¼ teaspoon paprika (optional, for added depth)
- Pinch of cayenne pepper (optional, for extra heat)
- Salt to taste (start with ⅛ teaspoon)
Pro Tips
- Use Frank’s or similar cayenne hot sauce – This gives you the most authentic flavor base for that recognizable buffalo tang.
- Simmer gently – Don’t boil the sauce; just melt and stir. High heat can break the emulsion and make it separate.
- Taste as you go – Add vinegar for more tang, butter for richness, or cayenne for more heat.
- Toss wings immediately – The sauce coats best when the wings are hot and just out of the oven or fryer.
- Use it beyond wings – Try it on cauliflower, chicken sandwiches, burgers, or even as a dipping sauce for pizza.
Tools Required
- Small saucepan
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Small whisk or spoon
- Heatproof bowl (for tossing wings)
- Storage jar with lid (for leftovers)
Substitutions and Variations
- Vegan version: Use plant-based butter and make sure your Worcestershire is vegan.
- Mild version: Cut hot sauce to ⅓ cup and increase butter to ⅓ cup.
- Creamy version: Add 1–2 tablespoons of ranch or blue cheese dressing for a thicker, richer sauce.
- Honey buffalo: Stir in 1 tablespoon of honey for a sweet and spicy flavor.
- Smoky variation: Add a drop or two of liquid smoke or a pinch of chipotle powder.
Make-Ahead Tips
This sauce keeps well in the fridge for up to 1 week. Reheat gently in the microwave or on the stovetop over low heat before using. You can also freeze it in a small container for up to 2 months — just thaw and stir before serving.
Instructions
1. Melt the butter
In a small saucepan over medium-low heat, melt ¼ cup of butter gently until fully liquefied.
2. Add hot sauce and other ingredients
Once butter is melted, stir in ½ cup hot sauce, 1 tablespoon white vinegar, ½ teaspoon Worcestershire, and spices (garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, cayenne, and salt).
3. Simmer and stir
Whisk the mixture constantly and let it simmer gently for 2–3 minutes until fully combined and slightly thickened. Do not let it boil.
4. Toss or serve
Remove from heat and use immediately to coat wings or transfer to a bowl for dipping. Let cool slightly before storing.
Leftovers and Storage
Pour any leftover buffalo sauce into a jar or airtight container and store in the refrigerator for up to 7 days. Reheat gently in the microwave or on the stovetop before using. Stir or shake well, as some separation may occur. For longer storage, freeze for up to 2 months.
Recipe FAQ
1. Can I use a different hot sauce besides Frank’s?
Yes, but Frank’s gives the closest flavor to Little Caesars’ buffalo sauce. Crystal or Texas Pete are good alternatives.
2. Why is my sauce separating?
Buffalo sauce can split if overheated. Keep the heat low and stir constantly while combining the ingredients.
3. Is this sauce very spicy?
This version has a medium spice level. To make it milder, reduce the cayenne and use more butter. For extra heat, add more cayenne or a splash of Tabasco.
4. Can I make this in the microwave?
Yes — melt butter in a microwave-safe bowl, then whisk in the other ingredients. Microwave in 20-second intervals, stirring until well combined.
Just Like the Real Thing — With More Options
This copycat Little Caesars buffalo wing sauce brings the perfect balance of heat, tang, and richness right into your kitchen. It’s fast, flexible, and ready to coat just about anything you’re cooking — not just wings. From spicy game-day snacks to your next pizza night, this sauce is your secret weapon for bringing the heat.
Give it a try and tell me what you used it on! Wings? Fries? Something creative? Drop a comment and share how you made this spicy, buttery favorite your own.