PDQ Sauce from PDQ features a tangy blend of smoky spices, zesty mustard, and a hint of sweetness, delivering a vibrant flavor that perfectly complements crispy chicken tenders and fries.
Equipments
- Mixing bowl
- Whisk
- Measuring cups
- Measuring spoons
- Small saucepan (if heating is required)
- Silicone spatula
- Storage container with lid
Ingredients
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise
- 2 tablespoons honey
- 2 tablespoons yellow mustard
- 1 tablespoon barbecue sauce
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/2 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1/2 teaspoon lemon juice
- 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper
- Salt to taste
- Black pepper to taste
Ensure you measure ingredients like smoked paprika and cayenne pepper accurately to maintain the perfect balance of smoky and spicy flavors in your sauce. Using yellow mustard and barbecue sauce creates the tangy and slightly sweet base essential to replicate the original taste. If you prefer a smoother consistency, whisk the sauce thoroughly in a mixing bowl before serving. Heating the mixture gently in a small saucepan can help blend the flavors more deeply, but it is optional depending on your texture preference. Your homemade PDQ Sauce from PDQ copycat menu will deliver the signature tangy, smoky, and sweet flavor that pairs excellently with chicken tenders and fries.
Instructions
- Add mayonnaise, honey, yellow mustard, and barbecue sauce to a mixing bowl.
- Add smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, Worcestershire sauce, and lemon juice.
- Sprinkle in cayenne pepper, salt, and black pepper to taste.
- Whisk all ingredients together until completely smooth and well combined.
- Taste and adjust seasoning if needed.
- If desired, transfer mixture to a small saucepan and heat over low heat, stirring until just warmed through (optional).
- Pour sauce into a storage container with a lid.
- Refrigerate for at least 30 minutes before serving to allow flavors to meld.
- Serve with chicken tenders, fries, or your favorite dippers.
- Store any leftovers in the refrigerator.
Substitution
PDQ Sauce from PDQ copycat menu combines smoky spices, mustard, and a touch of sweetness to create a tangy condiment ideal for chicken tenders and fries. If you don't have smoked paprika, regular paprika mixed with a small pinch of ground cumin can provide a similar smoky flavor. Honey can be substituted with maple syrup or agave nectar to maintain the sauce's sweetness. You may want to adjust the cayenne pepper amount based on your preferred spice level to avoid overwhelming the sauce. Store any leftovers in a covered container in the refrigerator for up to one week for optimal freshness.
Tips
When measuring ingredients like honey and mustard, use measuring spoons or cups to ensure accurate ratios that maintain the balance of sweet, tangy, and smoky flavors in PDQ Sauce. Whisk the mixture thoroughly until completely smooth to avoid uneven seasoning or texture inconsistencies. Refrigerate the sauce for at least 30 minutes to let the flavors fully develop, enhancing the overall taste when served with crispy chicken tenders or fries. Use a silicone spatula to scrape the bowl clean and transfer the sauce into an airtight container to preserve freshness and prevent contamination.
Nutritions
PDQ Sauce combines mayonnaise and honey, providing a rich source of healthy fats and natural sugars that deliver energy and satiety. The inclusion of yellow mustard and spices like smoked paprika and cayenne pepper adds antioxidants and anti-inflammatory compounds, which may support immune health. With Worcestershire sauce and lemon juice, the sauce offers trace minerals and vitamin C, enhancing flavor without adding excess calories. You can enjoy this sauce as a flavorful complement to protein-rich chicken tenders and crispy fries while controlling portion size for balanced nutrition.
Storage
Store the PDQ Sauce in an airtight container to maintain its tangy, smoky flavor and freshness. Refrigerate the sauce promptly after preparation and use within one week to ensure the best taste and safety. When ready to serve, you can gently warm the sauce in a small saucepan over low heat to enhance its vibrant spices.
Variation or Alternatives
Swap yellow mustard for Dijon mustard to add a sharper, more complex tang to your PDQ Sauce. Replace honey with maple syrup for a richer, earthier sweetness that pairs well with smoked paprika. For a smoky heat boost, increase cayenne pepper slightly or add chipotle powder instead. You can also blend in a teaspoon of apple cider vinegar if you want a brighter acidity to balance the richness.
Allergies
PDQ Sauce contains mayonnaise, which includes eggs, a common allergen to be aware of if you have egg sensitivities. The inclusion of Worcestershire sauce may also pose a risk for those allergic to anchovies or fish products. Check all ingredients carefully to ensure your safety if you have allergies to mustard, garlic, or any spices listed.
Why this recipe?
PDQ Sauce from PDQ restaurant is praised for its unique blend of tangy, savory, and slightly sweet flavors that perfectly complement their chicken dishes and fries. The sauce's versatility allows it to enhance a variety of menu items, making each bite consistently flavorful and satisfying. Your taste buds will appreciate the bold yet balanced profile, which can be recreated at home to bring that signature PDQ experience to your own kitchen. Trying to make a copycat PDQ Sauce is worth it for achieving that distinctive fast-casual flavor without the need to visit the restaurant.