Unlock the secret to making your favorite Wendy's chili sauce at home with this easy-to-follow recipe. This homemade version of Wendy's iconic Hot Chili Seasoning sauce captures the perfect blend of heat and flavor, bringing a zesty kick to any dish. Whether you're drizzling it on burgers and fries or stirring it into chili, this sauce will take your meals to the next level with that unmistakable Wendy's flavor.
If you've ever been to Wendy's, you know the best things on their menu are the nuggets, crispy fries, chocolate Frosty, and a bowl of warm chili! But I have to say, their hot chili seasoning packets are an absolute game-changer.
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What is Wendy's Chili Sauce?
It's not just a chili topping; it's a classic condiment that's loved by many. The flavor is rich, savory, and just the right amount of heat. The vinegar tanginess mixed with the sugar and spice blend creates a perfect balance of flavor.
It actually reminds me of Popeye's Sweet Heat Sauce—another favorite!
This hot chili sauce is delicious when drizzled over a bowl of chili topped with shredded cheese and diced onions. It's also great for dipping sauce!
Why you'll love this recipe
- A quick and easy way to add flavor to any dish.
- Made with simple ingredients that you probably already have in your pantry.
- Make it as hot and spicy as you like!
Key ingredients
Luckily, this recipe for Wendy's chili sauce just uses a handful of ingredients and spices that you probably already have in your pantry.
You'll see the original recipe calls for xanthan gum to thicken the sauce, but we're going to switch it up with a cornstarch slurry instead. Here are a few more key ingredients:
White Vinegar: Adding one tablespoon of vinegar to the sauce gives it a tangy kick, making it taste like the original Wendy's hot chili sauce.
Sugar: Granulated white sugar is used to give the sauce a hint of sweetness. You can also use honey or agave as a healthier alternative.
Spices: Ground cumin, cayenne pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, and paprika all play a key role in creating the perfect balance of flavors in this chili sauce recipe.
Heather's helpful hints
If you want a thicker sauce, add more cornstarch slurry and simmer for an additional 1-2 minutes.
Prefer a spicier chili sauce? Sprinkle in some more cayenne pepper to taste.
Step-by-step instructions
Making a batch of this hot chili sauce is super simple to make and can be ready to serve over your bowl of chili in just 10 minutes! Follow these 4 easy steps:
Step 1) Mix all the sauce ingredients in a medium pan, crank up the heat, and boil. Then, let it simmer for 3-5 minutes, stirring now and then.
Step 2) Mix together 1 tablespoon of cornstarch and 1 tablespoon of cold water to make a slurry. Whisk it together until smooth and lump-free.
Step 3) Slowly pour the cornstarch slurry into the simmering sauce on the stove. Stir it and let it simmer for another 5 minutes.
Step 4) Taste it and add more cayenne if you like. Remove it from the heat and let it cool before serving.
Recipe Variations
- Want a smoky flavor? Add a dash of liquid smoke to the sauce.
- Try adding different spices, such as chili powder or smoked paprika, for a unique twist on this classic hot chili sauce recipe.
Make ahead and storage
This hot chili sauce can be made ahead of time and stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to a week. Just reheat it a bit or leave it at room temperature for 10 minutes before using it as a topping or dipping sauce.
Equipment
You'll need the following pieces of equipment to make this recipe for Wendy's chili sauce...
- Sauce Pan: A medium-sized saucepan will work best for this recipe.
- Whisk: To mix the ingredients and create a smooth consistency, you'll need a whisk. This helps make sure there are no lumps in the sauce and slurry.
Meal ideas
Serve this delicious hot chili seasoning over a bowl of Wendy's famous chili, or use it as a dipping sauce for your favorite snacks!
Here are some other ways I love to use this chili sauce recipe:
- Drizzle it over a hot dog or hamburger for an extra kick of flavor.
- Use it as a dip for fries, chicken tenders, or onion rings.
- Mix it into mayo (or Greek yogurt) to create a flavorful aioli for sandwiches and burgers.
- Add it to your favorite chicken or veggie marinade for a bold and spicy twist.
Frequently asked questions
The original Wendy's hot chili seasoning packets list the following ingredients: water, corn syrup, salt, distilled vinegar, natural flavors, xanthan gum, and paprika extractives.
In my version, I substituted xanthan gum for cornstarch and used actual paprika instead of extractives. The result is still a delicious and tangy chili sauce that tastes just like the original!
Yes! This recipe is gluten-free, thanks to the cornstarch slurry used to thicken the sauce.
If you don't have cornstarch on hand, you can substitute all-purpose flour. The ratio is 3 teaspoons of flour for every 1 teaspoon of cornstarch.
Just note that by using all-purpose flour, this sauce recipe will no longer be gluten-free.
If you don't have white vinegar, apple cider vinegar can be used as a substitute. However, keep in mind that this may slightly alter the taste of the sauce.
Yes, you can use brown sugar as a substitute for white sugar. This will give the sauce a slightly richer and deeper flavor.
If you like your chili sauce extra spicy, simply add more cayenne pepper to taste. You can also try adding in some red pepper flakes or fresh chopped jalapeños for an added kick.
Yes, you can double or triple the recipe to make a larger batch and freeze it for later use. Just thaw it in the fridge before using it again.
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Recipe
Wendy's Chili Sauce
Ingredients
Sauce Ingredients
- ½ cup water
- 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
- 2 tablespoons canola oil
- 1 tablespoon distilled white vinegar
- ½ teaspoon paprika
- ¼ teaspoon garlic powder
- ¼ teaspoon onion powder
- ¼ teaspoon ground cumin
- ¼ teaspoon cayenne pepper to taste
Cornstarch Slurry
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch or arrowroot
- 1 tablespoon water cold
Instructions
- Combine all sauce ingredients in a medium pan, and bring to a boil over high heat. Allow the mixture to simmer for 3-5 minutes, while stirring occasionally.
- Make a slurry by combining 1 tablespoon cornstarch and 1 tablespoon of cold water. Whisk together until no lumps remain.
- Slowly pour the cornstarch slurry into the simmering sauce on the stove. Stir and allow to simmer for 5 more minutes.
- Taste and add more cayenne, as desired. Remove and allow to cool before serving. Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator.
Notes and Tips
- Also known as Wendy's Hot Chili Seasoning.
- Ingredients include: water, corn syrup, salt, distilled vinegar, natural flavors, xanthan gum, extratives of paprika.
- You can put this sauce on several Wendys menu items: burgers, fries, chili, chicken, mixed with ketchup.
- The original ingredient list uses xanthan gum, but we substitute this with cornstarch in this recipe.
- In 2015, Wendy's updated their recipe to remove caramel color from the list, and replace it with extratives of paprika. Originally the packets were gold, but now they come in red and black.
Dan
Perfect—just like the packets! I think you've got it down with the cornstarch slurry!
Heather
Thanks Dan! I find this is the closest to the real thing I get to at home! Enjoy :)