10 Best BBQ Sauces for Wings Ranked by Heat Level

When it comes to BBQ wings, the sauce can make or break your meal. If you’re a fan of heat, then this ranking of the best BBQ sauces for wings is just what you need. We’ve lined up a range of smoky, tangy, and fiery options to spice up your next feast, so get ready to fire things up!

Tangy Apple Cider BBQ Sauce

This Tangy Apple Cider BBQ Sauce packs a punch with its sweet and tangy flavor profile. Combining the richness of barbecue sauce with the refreshing zest of apple cider, it’s a fantastic addition to your wings. Plus, it’s super easy to whip up in no time!

The sauce brings a delightful contrast to the smoky, juicy wings, making each bite a flavorful experience. Perfect for game day or any casual gathering, this recipe ensures your wings stand out at the table!

Ingredients

• 1 cup apple cider
• 1 cup ketchup
• 1/4 cup brown sugar
• 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
• 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

1. Combine all the ingredients in a medium saucepan over medium heat. Stir until the mixture is well blended.
2. Allow the sauce to simmer for about 20 minutes, stirring occasionally, until it thickens slightly.
3. Remove from heat and let it cool before using. This sauce can be stored in the refrigerator for up to a week.
4. Toss your cooked wings in the sauce or serve it on the side for dipping.

Mild Honey BBQ Sauce

This Mild Honey BBQ Sauce is a delightful blend of sweetness and tang, perfect for those who prefer their wings without the heat. It’s simple to whip up, making it a go-to option for weeknight dinners or weekend cookouts. The honey adds a natural sweetness that pairs beautifully with the rich flavors of the barbecue sauce, creating a delicious glaze that will have everyone coming back for more.

With just a few ingredients, this sauce comes together in no time. Spread it over grilled or baked chicken wings for a tasty treat that everyone will love. Easy to make and bursting with flavor, it’s sure to become a favorite in your kitchen!

Ingredients

• 1 cup honey
• 1 cup ketchup
• 1/4 cup apple cider vinegar
• 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon onion powder
• 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

1. In a medium saucepan, combine the honey, ketchup, apple cider vinegar, Worcestershire sauce, garlic powder, onion powder, and smoked paprika.
2. Cook over medium heat, stirring regularly, until the mixture begins to simmer.
3. Reduce heat and let it simmer for about 10 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together. Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper as desired.
4. Remove from heat and let cool before using. Toss your cooked wings in the sauce or use it as a dipping sauce.

Classic Kansas City BBQ Sauce

Classic Kansas City BBQ sauce is a sweet and tangy delight that perfectly complements chicken wings. This sauce is thick, rich, and packed with flavors that include molasses, vinegar, and spices, giving it a robust taste that keeps everyone coming back for more. Plus, it’s super easy to make at home and requires just a few common ingredients.

The beauty of Kansas City BBQ sauce lies in its versatility. Whether you’re grilling, baking, or slow-cooking, this sauce elevates any dish. Perfect for cookouts or weeknight dinners, it’s sure to become a staple in your kitchen!

Ingredients

• 1 cup ketchup
• 1/2 cup apple cider vinegar
• 1/2 cup brown sugar
• 1/4 cup molasses
• 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
• 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon onion powder
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika

Instructions

1. Combine Ingredients: In a saucepan, mix together the ketchup, apple cider vinegar, brown sugar, molasses, Worcestershire sauce, and Dijon mustard.
2. Add Spices: Stir in garlic powder, onion powder, black pepper, and smoked paprika. Mix well until all ingredients are combined.
3. Simmer: Bring the sauce to a gentle simmer over medium heat. Reduce the heat and let it cook for about 15-20 minutes, stirring occasionally, until it thickens slightly.
4. Cool and Store: Remove from heat and let the sauce cool. Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to two weeks.
5. Enjoy: Brush over grilled chicken wings or use as a dipping sauce!

Habanero Peach BBQ Sauce

This Habanero Peach BBQ Sauce is a delightful blend of spicy and sweet, making it perfect for those who love a bit of heat with their wings. The fruity notes of ripe peaches pair beautifully with the fiery kick of habanero peppers, creating a sauce that’s both vibrant and bold. Plus, it’s simple to whip up, making it an easy choice for your next cookout or game day gathering.

The process is straightforward, requiring just a few ingredients that you likely have on hand. Whether you’re slathering it on grilled wings or using it as a dipping sauce, this BBQ sauce will elevate your dish with its unique flavor profile. Give it a try, and you might just find your new favorite BBQ sauce!

Ingredients

• 2 ripe peaches, diced
• 1-2 habanero peppers, minced (adjust for heat preference)
• 1 cup ketchup
• 1/4 cup apple cider vinegar
• 1/4 cup brown sugar
• 2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

1. Prepare the Peaches: In a saucepan over medium heat, combine the diced peaches, minced habanero peppers, and a splash of water. Cook until the peaches are soft, about 5-7 minutes.
2. Add Remaining Ingredients: Stir in the ketchup, apple cider vinegar, brown sugar, Worcestershire sauce, smoked paprika, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Mix well to combine.
3. Simmer the Sauce: Allow the mixture to simmer for about 15-20 minutes, stirring occasionally, until it thickens to your desired consistency.
4. Blend: Remove from heat and let it cool slightly. Use an immersion blender to puree the sauce until smooth, or transfer it to a regular blender and blend until smooth.
5. Store: Let the sauce cool completely before transferring it to a jar. Store in the fridge for up to a week.

Smoky Bourbon BBQ Sauce

Smoky Bourbon BBQ Sauce is a rich and tangy delight, perfect for coating wings or ribs. Its unique blend of flavors provides a sweet and smoky kick that elevates your BBQ game. Easy to whip up, this sauce brings the warmth of bourbon together with savory spices for a truly unforgettable taste.

With just a few simple ingredients, you can create a sauce that’s bursting with flavor. This recipe is perfect for tailgating, summer cookouts, or just a cozy night in with friends. So, grab your wings and let’s get cooking!

Ingredients

• 1 cup ketchup
• 1/4 cup bourbon
• 1/4 cup apple cider vinegar
• 1/4 cup brown sugar
• 2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
• 1 tablespoon smoked paprika
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon onion powder
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional, for extra heat)

Instructions

1. Combine all ingredients in a medium saucepan over medium heat.
2. Bring the mixture to a simmer, stirring occasionally.
3. Let it cook for about 15-20 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together.
4. Remove from heat and let it cool slightly.
5. Use immediately or store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to a week.

Spicy Mustard BBQ Sauce

Spicy Mustard BBQ Sauce brings a delightful twist to traditional barbecue flavors. Its tangy and spicy notes create a vibrant taste that perfectly complements chicken wings. This sauce is not only flavorful but also easy to whip up, making it a great choice for any gathering or casual weeknight dinner.

The harmony of mustard with a kick of heat provides a unique experience that stands out among other BBQ sauces. With just a few ingredients, you can create this zesty sauce that will have everyone coming back for more!

Ingredients

• 1 cup yellow mustard
• 1/4 cup apple cider vinegar
• 1/4 cup brown sugar
• 2 tablespoons hot sauce (adjust to taste)
• 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon onion powder
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

1. In a medium-sized bowl, mix together the yellow mustard, apple cider vinegar, and brown sugar until well combined.
2. Add in the hot sauce, Worcestershire sauce, garlic powder, and onion powder. Stir until smooth.
3. Taste the sauce and season with salt and pepper as needed.
4. Allow the sauce to sit for at least 30 minutes to let the flavors meld.
5. Toss with cooked chicken wings or use as a dipping sauce. Enjoy!

Fiery Sriracha BBQ Sauce

If you love a kick with your BBQ, this Fiery Sriracha BBQ Sauce is for you! It’s a bold blend of sweet, spicy, and smoky flavors that take chicken wings to the next level. Easy to whip up, this sauce combines the heat of Sriracha with classic BBQ elements, making it a perfect choice for casual gatherings or game day.

The good news? You only need a few ingredients to create a sauce that packs a punch. With its vibrant color and zingy taste, this sauce is sure to impress your guests and satisfy spice lovers. Get ready to enjoy wings that are not just delicious but also have that fiery kick!

Ingredients

• 1 cup ketchup
• 1/2 cup Sriracha sauce
• 1/4 cup honey
• 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
• 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon onion powder
• 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

1. In a medium saucepan, combine ketchup, Sriracha sauce, honey, apple cider vinegar, and Worcestershire sauce.
2. Add garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Stir to mix well.
3. Bring the mixture to a simmer over medium heat, stirring occasionally. Allow it to cook for about 10-15 minutes until it thickens slightly.
4. Remove from heat and let it cool before using it on your wings or storing it in the fridge for later.
5. Toss your cooked wings in the sauce and enjoy!

Ghost Pepper BBQ Sauce

Ghost Pepper BBQ Sauce is a fiery twist on traditional barbecue sauces, packing a punch from one of the hottest peppers in the world. The sauce has a rich, smoky flavor combined with a bold heat that lingers, making it perfect for those who crave an intense kick. This sauce is simple to whip up, needing just a few ingredients, and it can elevate your wings from mild to mouth-on-fire in no time.

The blend of the ghost pepper with sweet and tangy elements creates a memorable flavor. It’s perfect for grilling, glazing, or dipping, making it a versatile choice for your next BBQ. Whether you’re preparing for game day or a summer cookout, this sauce will be a crowd-pleaser for spice enthusiasts!

Ingredients

• 1 cup ketchup
• 1/4 cup apple cider vinegar
• 1/4 cup brown sugar
• 2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon onion powder
• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
• 1-2 teaspoons ghost pepper powder (adjust to taste)
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

1. In a medium saucepan, combine ketchup, apple cider vinegar, brown sugar, and Worcestershire sauce. Stir until well mixed.
2. Add garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, and ghost pepper powder to the mixture. Adjust the amount of ghost pepper powder according to your heat preference.
3. Simmer the mixture over low heat for about 15-20 minutes, stirring occasionally until it thickens slightly.
4. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Let it cool before using.
5. Brush the sauce over chicken wings during the last few minutes of grilling for a delicious glaze or serve it as a dipping sauce.

Carolina Reaper BBQ Sauce

If you’re on the hunt for a BBQ sauce that packs a serious punch, the Carolina Reaper BBQ Sauce is your go-to. This sauce is not just fiery; it’s also rich and flavorful, making it perfect for chicken wings or ribs. Whether you’re hosting a backyard BBQ or just craving something spicy, this sauce will definitely spice things up!

Making this sauce is simple and requires just a few ingredients. The Carolina Reaper peppers bring the heat, while other ingredients balance it out with a touch of sweetness and tang. Ready to tackle the heat? Here’s how to whip up this bold BBQ sauce.

Ingredients

• 1 cup ketchup
• 1/4 cup apple cider vinegar
• 1/4 cup brown sugar
• 2 tablespoons honey
• 2-3 Carolina Reaper peppers, finely chopped
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon onion powder
• 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

1. In a medium saucepan, combine ketchup, apple cider vinegar, brown sugar, and honey over medium heat.
2. Add the chopped Carolina Reaper peppers, garlic powder, onion powder, and smoked paprika. Stir well to combine.
3. Bring the mixture to a simmer, then reduce heat and let it cook for about 15-20 minutes, stirring occasionally.
4. Season with salt and pepper to taste. If you want it sweeter, add a bit more honey.
5. Once thickened, remove from heat and let it cool before using. Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to two weeks.