Many iconic restaurants in Chicago serve Mild Sauce with their fried chicken or wings. These include well-known spots like Harold’s Chicken Shack, The Original Soul Vegetarian, and Lennox Chicken, where Mild Sauce is a must-have for local diners. It is often paired with fried chicken or wings, making it a go-to condiment for Chicagoans.
Chicago Mild Sauce gained popularity in the 1940s and 1950s when local chicken spots began creating their own versions to accompany fried chicken. Over the years, it became a beloved sauce that is now an essential part of Chicago’s food scene. Its widespread use in local restaurants and at food stands has helped the sauce become a go-to condiment in the city.
Ingredients
- Ketchup
- Vinegar
- Garlic Powder
- Onion Powder
- Sugar
- Water or Stock
Special Spices and Seasonings Used in Chicago Mild Sauce:
- Paprika
- Chili Powder
- Mustard or Lemon Juice
- Cayenne Pepper
How to Make Chicago Mild Sauce at Home (Step-by-Step Guide)
Combine the Base Ingredients: In a medium saucepan, combine ketchup, vinegar, and a little water or chicken stock. Stir well to combine.
Add Seasonings: Add garlic powder, onion powder, and sugar to the mixture. Stir until the sugar is fully dissolved.
Incorporate the Special Spices: Add paprika, chili powder, and cayenne pepper (if using). Stir again until the spices are evenly distributed.
Simmer and Adjust Consistency: Bring the sauce to a gentle simmer over medium heat. Stir occasionally to ensure it doesn’t stick to the bottom of the pan. If the sauce is too thick, add a small amount of water or stock until you reach your desired consistency.
Taste and Adjust: Taste the sauce and adjust the sweetness, tanginess, or heat level by adding more sugar, vinegar, or cayenne pepper, depending on your preference.
Finish with Fresh Ingredients: Optionally, add a splash of lemon juice or a teaspoon of mustard to bring a bit more acidity and flavor balance.
Cool and Store: Let the sauce cool before using. It will thicken slightly as it cools. Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to a week.
Tips for Perfecting the Sauce Consistency:
Adjust the water/stock: If the sauce is too thick, gradually add a little more liquid until you reach the perfect pourable consistency.
Simmer for flavor depth: Let the sauce simmer for 10-15 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together. The longer it simmers, the deeper the flavor.
Strain if desired: For a smoother sauce, you can strain it after simmering to remove any unwanted solids.
What Dishes Pair Well
Chicago Mild Sauce is most famously paired with fried chicken wings.
Chicago Mild Sauce isn’t just for wings! It can be used as a dipping sauce for French fries, onion rings, and fried chicken tenders.
While Chicago Mild Sauce is often used with fried foods, it can also pair wonderfully with grilled meats like chicken, pork, and beef.
Best Foods to Serve:
Fried Chicken: The classic pairing that made Chicago Mild Sauce famous.
Grilled Meats: Perfect with grilled chicken, steak, or pork chops.
Potato Dishes: Use as a dipping sauce for fries, tater tots, or baked potatoes.
Tacos and Burritos: Drizzle on tacos, burritos, or quesadillas for added flavor.
Sandwiches: It works wonderfully as a sauce on chicken sandwiches, burgers, or even pulled pork sandwiches.
Variations
Chicago Mild Sauce is a versatile and customizable condiment. Here are a few variations you can try:
Spicy Chicago Mild Sauce:
For those who like a little heat, adding extra cayenne pepper, hot sauce, or chili flakes can give the sauce a spicy kick while still maintaining its mild flavor profile.
Sweet and Tangy Version:
To bring out more sweetness in the sauce, you can increase the sugar or add a little more honey or molasses. This variation pairs particularly well with grilled meats or even as a dipping sauce for sweet potato fries.
Vegan Chicago Mild Sauce:
For a vegan-friendly version, swap out the regular honey for agave nectar or maple syrup. Ensure that all ingredients are plant-based to make a truly vegan Chicago Mild Sauce.
Garlic-Infused Chicago Mild Sauce:
For a more garlicky flavor, add freshly minced garlic or garlic powder. You can also roast the garlic before adding it to the sauce for a more mellow flavor.
How to Store and Reheat
Storing Chicago Mild Sauce:
In the Refrigerator: After cooling the sauce, store it in an airtight container or jar in the refrigerator. It will stay fresh for up to one week.
In the Freezer: If you’d like to store Chicago Mild Sauce for longer, you can freeze it. Pour the sauce into freezer-safe containers or ice cube trays and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight when ready to use.
Reheating Chicago Mild Sauce:
On the Stovetop: To reheat the sauce, pour it into a saucepan and warm it over low heat, stirring occasionally to avoid burning. If the sauce has thickened too much, add a little water or stock to adjust the consistency.
In the Microwave: Place the sauce in a microwave-safe container and heat it in 30-second intervals, stirring in between to ensure even heating.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can you use Chicago Mild Sauce for other dishes?
Yes! Chicago Mild Sauce can be used on a variety of dishes beyond wings and fries. It pairs wonderfully with grilled meats, roasted vegetables, sandwiches, and tacos. It can even be used as a marinade or dipping sauce.
What’s the difference between Chicago Mild Sauce and other sauces?
Chicago Mild Sauce is typically sweeter and tangier than most barbecue or hot sauces. Unlike spicy sauces, it has a mild heat level, which is why it’s called “mild.” The key difference is its balance of flavors—sweet, tangy, and savory, with no overwhelming spice.
Can Chicago Mild Sauce be made in advance?
Absolutely! Chicago Mild Sauce can be made in advance and stored in the refrigerator for up to a week. It actually tastes even better after the flavors have had time to meld together.
Can I freeze Chicago Mild Sauce?
Yes, you can freeze Chicago Mild Sauce. Pour the cooled sauce into freezer-safe containers or ice cube trays and freeze it for up to three months. Be sure to let it thaw in the refrigerator before reheating.
More Recipes
Chicago Mild Sauce
Ingredients
- 1 cup Ketchup
- 2 tablespoons Vinegar
- 1 teaspoon Garlic Powder
- 1 teaspoon Onion Powder
- 2 tablespoons Sugar
- 1/4 cup Water or Stock
Special Spices and Seasonings:
- 1 teaspoon Paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon Chili Powder
- 1 tablespoon Mustard or Lemon Juice
- 1/4 teaspoon Cayenne Pepper adjust for spice level
Instructions
- Combine the Base Ingredients: In a medium saucepan, combine ketchup, vinegar, and a little water or chicken stock. Stir well to combine.
- Add Seasonings: Add garlic powder, onion powder, and sugar to the mixture. Stir until the sugar is fully dissolved.
- Incorporate the Special Spices: Add paprika, chili powder, and cayenne pepper (if using). Stir again until the spices are evenly distributed.
- Simmer and Adjust Consistency: Bring the sauce to a gentle simmer over medium heat. Stir occasionally to ensure it doesn’t stick to the bottom of the pan. If the sauce is too thick, add a small amount of water or stock until you reach your desired consistency.
- Taste and Adjust: Taste the sauce and adjust the sweetness, tanginess, or heat level by adding more sugar, vinegar, or cayenne pepper, depending on your preference.
- Finish with Fresh Ingredients: Optionally, add a splash of lemon juice or a teaspoon of mustard to bring a bit more acidity and flavor balance.
- Cool and Store: Let the sauce cool before using. It will thicken slightly as it cools. Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to a week.
Notes
- Adjust the water/stock: If the sauce is too thick, gradually add a little more liquid until you reach the perfect pourable consistency.
- Simmer for flavor depth: Let the sauce simmer for 10-15 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together. The longer it simmers, the deeper the flavor.
- Strain if desired: For a smoother sauce, you can strain it after simmering to remove any unwanted solids.