Buffalo BBQ Sauce is a rich, fiery blend that combines the bold kick of hot sauce with the deep, smoky sweetness of barbecue.
Making it feels like creating something elite, a flavor that’s both commanding and comforting. I was making this sauce for friends who crave bold flavors and appreciate homemade touches in food.
The aroma of garlic and chipotle filled the kitchen as I stirred everything together in a saucepan, watching the mixture slowly thicken and darken. Butter stirred in at the end gave it a smooth finish, and I couldn’t resist tasting it right off the spoon.
It became a shared experience laughter in the kitchen, anticipation in the air. The sauce wasn’t just a condiment that day; it became part of the memory we built around our meal.
What Does Buffalo BBQ Sauce Taste Like?
Buffalo BBQ sauce has a bold, tangy flavor with a spicy kick. It combines the heat and vinegar tang of traditional Buffalo wing sauce with the smoky sweetness of BBQ sauce.
The result is a sauce that’s rich, zesty, and slightly sweet, with a noticeable bite from cayenne or hot sauce. It’s more intense than standard BBQ sauce but not as sharp as straight Buffalo sauce.
How To Prepare Buffalo BBQ Sauce?
Recipe Overview
Preparation Time: 5 minutes
Cooking Time: 15 minutes
Total Time: 20 minutes
Course: Sauce / Condiment
Difficulty: Easy
Cuisine: American
Calories (Estimated): 60 calories per 2-tablespoon serving
Yield: About 2 cups of sauce (approx. 16 servings)
Equipment Needed
- Medium saucepan
- Wooden spoon or silicone spatula
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Garlic press (optional)
- Whisk
Ingredients
- 1 cup ketchup
- 1 cup Frank’s RedHot Sauce
- 1/4 cup apple cider vinegar
- 1/4 cup light or dark brown sugar
- 2 tablespoons molasses
- 2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, cubed and cold
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon chipotle powder (or to taste)
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
Instructions
1. In a medium saucepan over medium heat, add a small splash of oil (optional), then saute the minced garlic until fragrant (about 30 seconds to 1 minute).
2. Add the ketchup, Frank’s RedHot Sauce, apple cider vinegar, brown sugar, molasses, Worcestershire sauce, onion powder, chipotle powder, salt, and pepper. Stir to combine.
3. Bring the mixture to a simmer. Reduce the heat to low and let it cook for about 10–15 minutes, stirrin occasionally. The sauce should slightly thicken.
4. Turn off the heat and immediately whisk in the cold, cubed butter. This gives the sauce a smooth and rich finish.
5. Taste the sauce and adjust the seasoning if needed (more chipotle for heat, more sugar for sweetness, etc.)
6. Let the sauce cool before transferring it to a jar or airtight container. Store in the refrigerator for up to 1 week.
Amazing Serving Ideas
➣ Brush the sauce onto shrimp before grilling for a smoky, spicy glaze that complements the natural sweetness of the seafood.
➣ Spread the sauce over pizza dough as the base sauce, then top with chicken, cheese, and fresh veggies for a deliciously tangy twist.
➣ Toss roasted vegetables like cauliflower, carrots, or Brussels sprouts in the sauce for an unexpected flavor-packed side dish.
➣ Drizzle the sauce over chicken or beef tacos for a spicy, sweet contrast to the fresh toppings and creamy avocado.
➣ Use the sauce on mini burgers or pulled pork sliders for a burst of flavor that will keep everyone coming back for more.

How To Store Leftovers For Buffalo BBQ Sauce?
To store leftover Buffalo BBQ Sauce, let it cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container or jar. Make sure the container is sealed tightly to preserve freshness. You can store it in the refrigerator for up to 1 week.
If you want to keep it longer, consider freezing the sauce. Simply pour it into a freezer-safe container or a resealable freezer bag, leaving some room for expansion, and store it in the freezer for up to 3 months.
When you’re ready to use it again, let the sauce thaw in the refrigerator overnight or gently reheat it on the stove, stirring to ensure it’s smooth and well mixed.
My Tips
➤ Start with fresh garlic: Sauteing minced garlic first brings out its full flavor and sets a savory foundation.
➤ Simmer gently: Let the sauce cook on low heat to thicken gradually and allow the flavors to meld together.
➤ Use cold butter at the end: Stir it in after removing the sauce from the heat for a creamy texture and a smooth finish.
➤ Adjust heat and sweetness: Taste as you go and balance the heat from the hot sauce with sweetness from brown sugar or molasses.
➤ Let it rest: After cooking, let the sauce cool slightly before using to let the flavors deepen and develop even more.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Buffalo BBQ Sauce?
A mix of spicy Buffalo sauce and smoky BBQ sauce, often used for wings and grilled meats.
Is Buffalo BBQ Sauce spicy?
Yes, it’s spicy due to the hot sauce or cayenne pepper.
How do you use Buffalo BBQ Sauce?
It’s great for wings, burgers, grilled meats, or as a dipping sauce.
Can I make it at home?
Yes, it’s easy to make with hot sauce, butter, vinegar, and BBQ ingredients.
How long does it last?
Homemade Buffalo BBQ sauce lasts up to 1-2 weeks in the fridge. Store-bought lasts longer.
Conclusion
Buffalo BBQ Sauce has been an easy success in my kitchen, offering a rich combination of heat, sweetness, and smokiness that complements almost any dish.
Its simple ingredients come together to create a flavorful sauce that elevates everything from wings to burgers. The balance of tang and spice is always a hit, making it an instant favorite.
It’s quick to prepare, and the results are always satisfying. If you’re looking for a bold, delicious sauce to enhance your meals, I highly recommend giving this one a try today. It’s guaranteed to add excitement to your cooking.

Buffalo BBQ Sauce
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- In a medium saucepan over medium heat, add a small splash of oil (optional), then saute the minced garlic until fragrant (about 30 seconds to 1 minute).
- Add the ketchup, Frank’s RedHot Sauce, apple cider vinegar, brown sugar, molasses, Worcestershire sauce, onion powder, chipotle powder, salt, and pepper. Stir to combine.
- Bring the mixture to a simmer. Reduce the heat to low and let it cook for about 10–15 minutes, stirrin occasionally. The sauce should slightly thicken.
- Turn off the heat and immediately whisk in the cold, cubed butter. This gives the sauce a smooth and rich finish.
- Taste the sauce and adjust the seasoning if needed (more chipotle for heat, more sugar for sweetness, etc.)
- Let the sauce cool before transferring it to a jar or airtight container. Store in the refrigerator for up to 1 week.

“Hi, I’m Samia, a passionate recipe creator with 5 years of experience in crafting delicious, unique dishes. My love for cooking has led me to explore a variety of cuisines, combining flavors to create memorable meals for every occasion. Whether it’s a simple weeknight dinner or an elaborate feast, I believe in making every dish special. Join me on my culinary journey as I share easy-to-follow recipes and tips that will inspire your cooking and bring joy to your kitchen!”