What Sauces Does KFC Have, Taste Test & Pairings
I’ve always had a special place in my heart for the sauces. Whether you’re a diehard fan of the classic KFC Sauce or someone who prefers to spice things up, there’s no denying KFC’s sauces are an integral part of the experience. I decided it was high time to give these sauces their due diligence by taste testing and ranking these current flavors. So, what sauces does KFC have?
From classic and all-time favorite Ketchup to several sauce versions containing honey, such as the Honey Sauce, Honey Mustard, and Honey BBQ, to the unique KFC Hot Sauce, Ranch, and a revamped KFC Signature Sauce, there are many options to choose from.
After tasting and testing all of these sauces, while they were all finger-licking good, my personal favorite was the signature KFC sauce. Get ready, sauce fans, because I’m about to share everything I learned about KFC’s delectable dipping sauces!
List of KFC Sauces Ranked
You cannot go wrong with any of the KFC sauces. The good news is that with the recipes provided, you can easily recreate most of them at home and customize them to your own tastes. So grab your tenders, pick your sauce, and enjoy — just save a napkin for the mess!
KFC may have changed over the years, but one thing remains the same: their signature sauces make everything better.
KFC’s Signature Sauce
KFC’s Signature Sauce is, without a doubt, number one on this list. This classic condiment has been a staple of the chain since the 1950s for good reason.
- The flavor is tangy, slightly smoky, and a little sweet, with hints of honey and molasses.
- I love dunking my chicken tenders in this special sauce – combining the crispy breading, and the sticky, savory sauce is simply delicious.
- You really can’t go wrong pairing the signature sauce with any menu item, but I particularly enjoy it with the extra crispy chicken breasts or a classic chicken sandwich.
The ingredients are pretty straightforward if you want to make your own version at home. You’ll need mayonnaise, ketchup, molasses, honey, vinegar, garlic powder, chili powder, mustard, and black pepper. Mix everything together, adjusting to your desired spice and sweetness.
Though KFC has released many new dipping sauces over the years, the Signature Sauce remains a timeless classic.
Classic Ranch Sauce
KFC Classic Ranch comes second when I think of their selection of sauces, and it’s absolutely delicious!
This Ranch has a fantastic, creamy base with herbs like dill and chives, providing a tangy zip. Garlic and onion add savory depth, while mayonnaise gives it a rich and thick texture. For me, Ranch is the perfect complement to KFC’s Crispy Fried Chicken Tenders.
The creamy sauce helps cut through the grease and complements the savory, salty flavor of the meat.
You really can’t go wrong pairing the Ranch with any of KFC’s fried foods. It’s also great for dipping french fries, potato wedges, or even drizzling on a chicken sandwich. If you want to make your own version at home, a blend of mayonnaise, buttermilk or sour cream, fresh or dried herbs, and spices should do the trick.
Honey and Honey Mustard Sauces
Third in line is all about the honey. KFC’s Honey Sauce is pure decadence — it’s sweet, sticky, and perfect for dipping. The Honey Mustard is a bit tangier with the addition of mustard, which is ideal if you like a little kick.
This Honey Sauce is simply honey, and it’s incredible. The thick, amber-colored honey clings to whatever you dip in it, whether it be fried chicken tenders, fries, or biscuits. It’s sweet without overpowering and perfectly complements the salty, savory KFC fare. If you have a sweet tooth, the Honey Sauce is the one for you.
The Honey Mustard hits the spot for those who like a bit of tang with their sweetness. It has the familiar honey base with mustard added for a bit of zing. The spiciness is relatively mild, but it cuts through the sweetness nicely. I like to use it as a dip for my chicken tenders — the combination of the crispy, juicy chicken with the sweet and savory sauce is delicious.
To make your own version at home, mix honey and yellow mustard in equal parts. Add a bit of mayonnaise to reach your desired consistency. Store refrigerated for up to 1 month.
Hot Sauce
The fourth in rank is the KFC Hot Sauce. As a spice fanatic, I can’t get enough of that kick of heat and tangy flavor.
KFC’s Hot Sauce hits the spot when I want to amp up the flavor of their fried chicken or wedges. It has the perfect blend of chili peppers to give it a punch of heat without being too overpowering. The vinegar base adds a tang that cuts through the grease and balances the flavor.
The sauce pairs excellently with original recipe fried chicken, chicken tenders, and wedges, while it can also be used to make Buffalo chicken sandwiches, wraps, or salads at home.
While the sauce has some heat, it’s not too fiery for most people. The blend of spices and vinegar gives it a robust, full-bodied flavor that matches the Colonel’s fried chicken well.
Honey BBQ
The Honey BBQ has the perfect blend of sweet and savory with its molasses, honey, and tomato base. As the name suggests, the honey provides a subtle sweetness that’s balanced by the tangy BBQ flavors. The thick, brown sauce generously coats the crispy fried chicken, allowing all the flavors to soak in.
For me, this Honey BBQ pairs best with KFC’s Extra Crispy Tenders. The sweet and sticky sauce is ideal for the large, crunchy tenders. It also does wonders for the Potato Wedges, adding flavor to the fluffy insides and caramelizing the outsides. I like to recreate the Honey BBQ Sauce at home, and for this purpose, I usually combine ketchup, honey, molasses, vinegar, brown sugar, chili powder, garlic powder, onion powder, and a touch of mustard. Simmer until thickened and saucy.
Ketchup
And last but not least is definitely the KFC Ketchup Sauce. There’s just something classic about the tangy, tomatoey flavor that pairs perfectly with fried chicken.
Ketchup is a familiar favorite for a reason. Its vibrant red color and tomato base are instantly recognizable. The sweet and sour taste provides the perfect balance of flavor for KFC’s signature fried chicken. Whether you like to dunk each bite in it liberally or just add a drizzle, a packet or two should be a staple in any KFC order.
Personally, I find their Ketchup Sauce ideal for tenders, fries or mashed potatoes, and biscuits.
While ketchup may be a conventional choice, its tried-and-true taste is why it remains a favorite. For me, no KFC meal is complete without a few packets of this classic.
What KFC Sauces Are Vegan?
After scouring KFC’s nutrition information and ingredient lists, I found that only Ketchup and Hot Sauce make the list of vegan-friendly options.
Surprisingly, KFC Barbecue Sauce is also vegan, containing tomato paste, molasses, and vinegar as the base ingredients.
Where Can You Buy KFC Sauces?
Unfortunately, KFC sauces are not available for purchase on their own on their website. However, some bottled versions can be found at select grocery stores, or you can easily make your own copycat recipe at home. You can also sometimes find some of the limited-edition or regional flavors on Amazon and eBay, though prices may be higher due to supply and demand.
What KFC Sauce Is the Best for Tenders?
The Honey BBQ is hands down the best pairing for KFC’s chicken tenders. The sweet and tangy flavor perfectly complements the crispy breading and white meat of the tenders.
Other sauce options like the Classic KFC or Ranch are also tasty with tenders, but Honey BBQ remains my number one. Still, the way you’re having your chicken is as important as which sauce you combine it with. So, make sure you try this hack for the best KFC experience!
What Are Some KFC Discontinued Sauces?
Some of my all-time favorites were sadly discontinued over the years. As a lifelong fan of the Colonel’s cooking, I still miss a few of these original additions, including Orange Ginger, Creamy Buffalo Sauce, and Bacon Ranch.
Still, the options at hand are many and sure to satisfy even the pickiest of sauce connoisseurs.
What is your KFC sauce ranking? I would love to know how different/same we are in taste, so please write it down in the comments below!
