Chicago Mild Sauce Recipe

Chicago mild sauce is a sweet, tangy, and slightly spicy condiment that’s iconic in South Side BBQ joints—perfect for drizzling over rib tips, wings, and fries. Made with a blend of ketchup, BBQ sauce, hot sauce, and brown sugar, this Chicago Mild Sauce Recipe is the ultimate flavor booster for all your favorite comfort foods.

If you’ve ever had the pleasure of biting into saucy smoked rib tips or crispy chicken wings from Harold’s Chicken Shack or Uncle Remus Saucy Fried Chicken, then you already know what the hype is all about.

This Homemade Chicago Mild Sauce recipe brings that taste of the Windy City right to your kitchen. It’s tangy, sweet, just a little spicy, and the perfect sauce for leveling up your favorite comfort foods. Whether it’s your first time making it or you’re a longtime fan, this tasty sauce will quickly become your go-to dipping sauce for everything.

What is Chicago Mild Sauce?

Chicago Mild Sauce is a sweet and tangy sauce with a mild kick of heat. It’s one of the most popular condiments in Chicago’s South Side and West Side. The sauce is a beloved condiment in many local restaurants, often slathered over rib tips, hot links, fried chicken or wings, and even french fries. It has a distinctive taste, somewhere between a KC Masterpiece style of barbecue sauce and mumbo sauce.

The history of Chicago Mild Sauce is rooted in the soul food and BBQ culture of the city. It’s closely tied to iconic spots like Harold’s Chicken Shack, known for its crispy fried chicken and tangy sauce, and Uncle Remus Saucy Fried Chicken, famous for their sweeter, more syrupy version.

People still debate who made it first or who makes it best. Harold’s mild sauce is often thinner and more vinegary, while Remus’s version has more body and a sweeter finish. Then there’s Lem’s Bar-B-Q, another South Side legend, where the sauce helps define the experience.

No matter where your loyalty lies, one thing is clear: Chicago mild sauce is a classic pairing with the bold, smoky flavors of South Side BBQ.

Why This Recipe Works

Balance of Flavors: The mix of tomato ketchup, apple cider vinegar, soy sauce, and brown sugar creates the perfect tangy sauce with a mild kick.
Simple Ingredients: All the key ingredients are pantry staples you probably already have.
Versatile Condiment: This yummy sauce can be used on everything from chicken tenders to crispy onion rings.

Supplies Needed

Medium saucepan
Whisk or spoon
Measuring cups and spoons
Airtight container or mason jar for storage

Ingredients

This mild sauce comes together with a handful of flavorful ingredients:

Base Ingredients: Tomato ketchup, water, BBQ sauce (like Open Pit or another smoky variety), tomato paste (optional for thickness)
Sweet and Tangy Elements: Brown sugar, apple cider vinegar, soy sauce, Worcestershire sauce
Spices and Heat: Paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, black pepper, cayenne pepper, chili powder, salt
Hot Sauce: Louisiana Hot Sauce or any vinegar-based hot sauce for that classic mild kick

Variations & Substitutions:

Use maple syrup instead of brown sugar for a deeper sweet flavor
Try different types of hot sauce depending on your heat level preference
Add bell peppers or a splash of tomato sauce for a thicker, chunkier version

How To Make Chicago Mild Sauce

Heat the Pan: Place a medium saucepan over medium heat and add all the ingredients.
Stir to Combine: Use a whisk or spoon to stir everything together until smooth.
Simmer Low and Slow: Reduce the heat to low and let it reach a gentle simmer. Stir often to prevent anything from sticking to the bottom.
Taste and Adjust: Once everything is combined and warm, taste it. Looking for a sweeter sauce? Add a bit more brown sugar. Need more heat? Sprinkle in a little cayenne pepper.
Cool It Down: Once the sauce has thickened slightly (about 10-15 minutes), remove from heat and let the sauce cool to room temperature.
Store It: Pour into a mason jar, an airtight container, or even a freezer-safe container or ice cube trays if you want to save it for later.

Expert Tips

Let the sauce sit for at least an hour before using it— this helps the flavors develop!
If the sauce is too thick, add a splash of water or apple cider vinegar to thin it out.
For an extra tangy flavor, use a little more vinegar and hot sauce (do this to taste).
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to two weeks. The cooled sauce tastes even better the next day.
Want to freeze it? Use ice cube trays for easy portioning, then transfer cubes to a freezer-safe container.

What To Serve It On

Chicago Mild Sauce is the perfect recipe for anyone looking to bring that signature South Side flavor to their home cooking. Here are some delicious ways to enjoy it:

Rib Tips: The classic! Smother them in this tangy sauce.
Hot Links: A smoky and spicy main course meets sweet and sour sauce.
Chicken Wings & Tenders: Fry or bake and toss them in mild sauce while hot. I love it on my smoked wings or with chicken drumsticks or thighs, or even on these catfish nuggets.
French Fries or Sweet Potato Fries: Use it like ketchup for a burst of flavor.
Hot Dogs: Add some mild sauce for a Chicago twist (just don’t put ketchup on your hot dog).
Crispy Onion Rings: Dip them in this tasty sauce for an epic side.
Slice of White Bread: Don’t knock it till you try it—it’s a classic combo in the city!

More Recipes To Try

Authentic Chicago Italian Beef

Chicago Style Hot Giardiniera Recipe

Chicago Sweet Peppers Recipe

Maxwell St. Polish Sausage

Mini Chicago Hot Dog Sliders