Hey, welcome to the Zaxby’s Wimpy Sauce Recipe. It’s a tangy, buttery, Southern-style sauce that gives Zaxby’s wings and fries their bold, signature flavor.
If you’ve ever dipped a crispy chicken wing into this sauce, you already know how irresistible it is. It’s slightly spicy, perfectly smooth, and packed with flavor — simple, but so good.
Guess what happened when I tried making it at home? I actually got it just right! After a few small adjustments in my kitchen, I found the perfect balance.
Today, I’m going to share the easiest way to make this delicious Wimpy Sauce in your own kitchen.
Hi, I’m Mayank, the home cook behind The Calorie Curry. I spend most of my time experimenting in my kitchen, cooking for friends and family who often say my food tastes like it came from a pro chef. Their honest feedback and my love for simple, homemade cooking inspire every recipe I share here.
Why I Keep Making This Sauce Again and Again
It tastes just like zaxbys wing sauce
Very simple ingredients
Ready in under 15 minutes
Perfect for wings, nuggets, sandwiches & burgers
Budget-friendly copycat recipe
Easily adjustable spice level
If you’ve seen a zaxbys wing sauce reaction video online, you already know how addictive this sauce can be!
What Exactly Is Zaxbys Wimpy Sauce?
Zaxbys wimpy sauce is a mildly spicy buffalo-style sauce served with chicken wings at Zaxby’s. It’s not too hot, which makes it perfect for people who enjoy flavor without extreme heat.
It has:
Butter richness
Tangy vinegar kick
Light spice
Smooth texture
Compared to other zaxby sauce recipe versions, this one is milder and more balanced.
Ingredients You’ll Need
| Amount | Unit | Ingredient | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| ½ | cup | Hot sauce | Use mild cayenne hot sauce |
| 4 | tbsp | Unsalted butter | Melted |
| 1 | tbsp | White vinegar | Adds tang |
| 1 | tsp | Worcestershire sauce | Adds depth |
| ½ | tsp | Garlic powder | Flavor base |
| ½ | tsp | Paprika | Color & mild smokiness |
| ¼ | tsp | Black pepper | Light heat |
| 1 | pinch | Salt | Adjust to taste |
Equipment Required
| Amount | Equipment | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Small saucepan | For heating sauce |
| 1 | Whisk | For smooth mixing |
| 1 | Measuring spoons | Accurate flavor |
| 1 | Bowl | For mixing or storing |
Nutritional Information (Per Serving Approx.)
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | 120 kcal |
| Carbohydrates | 1 g |
| Protein | 0 g |
| Fat | 13 g |
| Saturated Fat | 8 g |
| Sodium | 380 mg |
| Sugar | 0 g |
Why Each Ingredient Matters
Hot Sauce – The base of this zaxbys wing sauce. Gives heat and flavor.
Butter – Makes the sauce creamy and smooth.
Vinegar – Adds tanginess and balances butter richness.
Worcestershire Sauce – Deep savory taste.
Garlic Powder – Essential background flavor.
Paprika – Light smoky color.
Black Pepper – Mild warmth.
Salt – Enhances everything.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Melt the Butter
In a small saucepan, melt the butter on low heat. Do not let it brown.
Step 2: Add Hot Sauce
Once butter melts, add the hot sauce and whisk gently. Keep flame low.
Step 3: Add Flavor Boosters
Now add vinegar, Worcestershire sauce, garlic powder, paprika, black pepper, and salt.
Step 4: Simmer Lightly
Let it simmer for 2–3 minutes. Keep whisking so the sauce blends smoothly.
Step 5: Taste & Adjust
Taste the sauce. If you want it spicier, add a little more hot sauce. If too spicy, add a tiny bit more butter.
Step 6: Cool Slightly
Remove from heat. Let it cool for 5 minutes before tossing with wings.
That’s it! Your homemade zaxby sauce recipe is ready.
My Best Tips for Perfect Sauce
Use quality hot sauce for authentic flavor.
Do not overheat. High heat breaks the butter.
Use fresh garlic powder (old spices lose flavor).
Toss wings immediately for best coating.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Overcooking butter
Adding too much vinegar
Not whisking properly
Using extremely spicy hot sauce (this is wimpy, not blazing!)
Health & Calorie-Friendly Adjustments
If you want a lighter version:
Use light butter or reduce quantity.
Try olive oil + little butter combo.
Serve with baked wings instead of fried.
Since this sauce is butter-based, moderation is key.
Variations & Substitutions
Add honey for sweet heat version
Add cayenne for extra spice
Mix with BBQ sauce for smoky twist
Use plant-based butter for dairy-free option
What I Serve It With
Crispy chicken wings
Chicken tenders
French fries
Burgers
Wraps
Grilled chicken salad
It also works great as a dip!
Storage Tips
Store in airtight container
Refrigerate up to 5 days
Reheat gently on stove before use
Do not microwave on high
Zaxby’s Wimpy Sauce Recipe
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- In a small saucepan, melt the 5gm of butter on low heat. Do not let it brown.
- Once butter melts, add the hot sauce and whisk gently. Keep flame low.
- Now add vinegar, Worcestershire sauce, garlic powder, paprika, black pepper, and salt.
- Let it simmer for 2–3 minutes. Keep whisking so the sauce blends smoothly.
- Taste the sauce. If you want it spicier, add a little more hot sauce. If too spicy, add a tiny bit more butter.
- Remove from heat. Let it cool for 5 minutes before tossing with wings.That’s it! Your homemade zaxby sauce recipe is ready.
Notes
- Keep heat low to avoid separating.
- Always whisk continuously.
- Best used warm on fresh fried wings.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Zaxby’s Wimpy Sauce very spicy?
No, it’s mildly spicy. It’s perfect for people who enjoy flavor without too much heat.
Can I make this zaxby sauce recipe ahead of time?
Yes! Make it 2–3 days before and store in fridge.
Is this the same as zaxbys wing sauce?
It’s one of their mild buffalo-style sauces, often called wimpy.
Can I use this sauce for grilling?
Yes, but brush it at the end of grilling to avoid burning.
Why does my sauce separate?
Because of high heat. Always cook on low flame.
Final Thoughts
This homemade Zaxby’s Wimpy Sauce Recipe is simple, quick, and tastes just like the restaurant version. I love how easy it is to customize based on spice level. Once you try it at home, you’ll skip buying bottled sauces forever.
If you enjoyed this recipe on The Calorie Curry, try it with baked wings and let me know how it turned out!