If you think all wing sauces are the same, think again. Buffalo Wild Wings doesn’t just toss wings; it’s an entire ritual of sticky fingers, tangy heat, and flavors that can either make or break your craving. With over 20 sauces and seasonings, it’s easy to get stuck with something too sweet, too bland, or a fiery mess that leaves you disappointed. We’ve done the messy work, taste-testing each option to reveal which 5 sauces are worth every glorious, napkin-shredding bite—and which 5 you should dodge on your next game-day order without regret.
1. Lemon Pepper Sauce
Bright citrus notes dance with cracked black pepper in this game-changing sauce. Unlike its dry rub counterpart, the sauce version delivers a perfect balance of tangy lemon and savory pepper that clings beautifully to each wing.
The versatility here is unmatched – equally delicious on traditional wings, boneless tenders, or even the cauliflower bites for vegetarians. Many fans order extra just for dipping fries!
The sauce transforms ordinary chicken into a refreshing flavor experience that somehow manages to be both sophisticated and crowd-pleasing at once. It’s the sauce that converts lemon-pepper skeptics into devoted fans.
2. Hot Sauce
Nothing beats a perfectly executed classic, and BWW’s Hot sauce delivers exactly what buffalo wing purists crave. The vinegar-forward tang hits your tongue first, followed by a moderate heat that builds without overwhelming.
What makes this sauce special is its balance – hot enough to satisfy spice lovers but approachable enough for casual wing eaters. The rich, buttery undertones complement the vinegar kick perfectly.
Order these wings when introducing friends to authentic buffalo flavor. The Hot sauce represents the gold standard that made Buffalo Wild Wings famous in the first place, proving that sometimes tradition outperforms innovation.
3. Honey BBQ
Honey BBQ consistently ranks as BWW’s top-selling sauce for good reason. The first bite reveals layers of flavor – smoky depth from real hickory, molasses-rich sweetness, and just enough tanginess to keep things interesting.
Kids love it for the sweetness, while adults appreciate the complex flavor profile. The slight kick at the end prevents it from being one-dimensional like many restaurant BBQ sauces.
Even BBQ snobs from regions famous for their sauce often grudgingly admit BWW’s version hits all the right notes. It’s thick enough to coat wings thoroughly without becoming messy, making it the perfect gateway sauce for buffalo wing newcomers.
4. Caribbean Jerk
Caribbean Jerk sauce transports your taste buds to island paradise with its complex spice blend. The initial sweetness quickly gives way to warm notes of allspice, thyme, and cinnamon before a moderate heat kicks in at the finish.
Unlike many restaurant interpretations of jerk seasoning, BWW’s version doesn’t shy away from authentic flavors. The sauce captures the essence of Caribbean cooking while remaining accessible to American palates.
Try this sauce when you’re tired of one-dimensional wing flavors. The multi-layered taste experience makes these wings perfect for savoring slowly, rather than mindlessly munching during game day.
5. Thai Curry
Buffalo Wild Wings’ most underrated sauce might just be their Thai Curry. The creamy, golden sauce combines coconut richness with aromatic curry spices, creating something wholly unexpected on a wing menu.
Each bite delivers waves of flavor – first the aromatic curry spices, then coconut sweetness, followed by a gentle heat that builds gradually. The complexity rivals what you’d find in authentic Thai restaurants.
Order these when you want to impress friends with your adventurous palate. The sauce transforms ordinary wings into an exotic treat that pairs surprisingly well with beer. It’s the sauce that makes people ask, “Wait, this is from Buffalo Wild Wings?”
1. Lemon Pepper Dry Rub
While the sauce version shines, the Lemon Pepper dry rub falls dramatically short of expectations. Wings arrive dusted with a pale yellow powder that looks promising but delivers minimal flavor impact.
The citrus notes that should define this seasoning are barely detectable, leaving mainly a bland peppery taste that seems to disappear after the first bite. Many customers report needing to ask for dipping sauce just to add moisture and flavor.
The biggest issue is texture – the dry powder often creates a chalky mouthfeel that detracts from the wing experience. Save your appetite and order the sauce version instead for the lemon-pepper flavor you’re actually craving.
2. Orange Chicken
The Orange Chicken sauce sounds promising but delivers an overwhelming sugar rush with very little citrus character. The bright orange color comes with an artificial candy-like sweetness that lacks the tangy balance of proper orange chicken sauce.
Many customers compare it unfavorably to bottled sweet and sour sauce from the grocery store. The sauce coats wings in a thick, syrupy layer that becomes cloying after just a few bites.
Even orange chicken fans find this interpretation misses the mark completely. The absence of authentic orange flavor and overreliance on pure sweetness makes this sauce one to skip on your next visit.
3. Teriyaki
Teriyaki at Buffalo Wild Wings promises a sweet, sticky glaze but often falls short for those craving authentic depth. It leans heavily on sugary notes, masking any underlying umami or subtle ginger hints you’d expect from classic teriyaki.
While it offers a safe, mild choice for those avoiding heat, it can leave your taste buds underwhelmed, especially when compared to the bolder options on the menu.
Many reviewers note it tastes closer to syrupy soy sauce than a balanced teriyaki. If you’re looking for rich, layered flavor on your wings, this sauce might be one to skip next order.
4. Sweet BBQ
Don’t be fooled by the name – Sweet BBQ bears more resemblance to ketchup than authentic barbecue sauce. The overwhelming sweetness lacks the smoky depth or tangy complexity that defines proper BBQ flavor.
Wings arrive slathered in a thin, bright red sauce that runs off rather than clinging properly. The one-dimensional sugar profile quickly becomes tiresome, with many customers leaving unfinished wings behind.
Skip this sauce and opt for Honey BBQ instead, which delivers the sweet BBQ experience you’re actually seeking. The Sweet BBQ seems designed for extremely picky eaters who want the absolute simplest flavor possible – essentially wings dipped in sweetened ketchup.
5. Blazin’ Knockout
Created solely for heat challenges rather than enjoyment, Blazin’ Knockout delivers extreme spice without flavor complexity. The dark red sauce carries an immediate warning with its intense aroma that makes eyes water before the first bite.
The Carolina Reaper peppers provide devastating heat that overwhelms taste buds, making it impossible to taste the chicken itself. Most orders end up barely touched, serving only as proof of spice tolerance rather than an enjoyable meal.
Even dedicated spice enthusiasts typically order this sauce once for the experience, then return to options that balance heat with actual flavor. When eating wings becomes an endurance sport rather than a pleasure, something has gone seriously wrong.
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