KFC’s signature comeback sauce has quickly become a cult favorite, thanks to its creamy tang and peppery Southern kick. Whether you’re dunking crispy tenders or smearing it on a fried chicken sandwich, this sauce brings the crave factor. Inspired by Mississippi’s iconic comeback sauce, KFC’s version is smoother, thicker, and made to cling to crunchy golden breading.
This copycat KFC Comeback Sauce recipe gets you dangerously close to the real thing. It’s quick, versatile, and perfect for dipping fries, drizzling over chicken, or even dressing a slaw. You can whip it up in just 5 minutes, using pantry staples you probably already have.
Table of Contents
How to make Copycat KFC Comeback Sauce
This creamy, smoky sauce comes together in one bowl and needs no cooking. Let it chill a bit before serving to help the flavors blend fully. It’s bold, tangy, and slightly sweet with a subtle heat at the finish—just like KFC’s version.
Prep Time: 5 minutes
Chill Time: 30 minutes (optional, for best flavor)
Total Time: 5 to 35 minutes
Servings: 8 (2 tablespoons per serving)
Calories: 120 per serving
Ingredients, tools, instructions and tips
Ingredients
- ½ cup mayonnaise
- 3 tablespoons ketchup
- 1 tablespoon chili sauce (like Heinz or Sriracha blend)
- 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
- ½ teaspoon lemon juice
- ¼ teaspoon smoked paprika
- ¼ teaspoon garlic powder
- ¼ teaspoon onion powder
- ¼ teaspoon freshly cracked black pepper
- Pinch of cayenne (optional, for more heat)
Tools Needed
- Medium mixing bowl
- Measuring spoons and cups
- Whisk or spoon
- Airtight jar or container for storage
Instructions
- In a medium bowl, combine the mayonnaise, ketchup, and chili sauce. Stir until smooth.
- Add the Worcestershire sauce, lemon juice, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, black pepper, and cayenne.
- Whisk everything together until fully blended and creamy.
- Taste and adjust the spice if needed. You can add more pepper or cayenne for a spicier finish.
- For the best flavor, cover and refrigerate for 30 minutes before serving. This lets the sauce mellow and deepen.
- Store leftovers in a sealed jar in the fridge for up to 7 days.
Tips
- Use real mayonnaise, not Miracle Whip or salad dressing, for the authentic creamy base.
- The chili sauce gives subtle spice and a richer tomato flavor. Don’t skip it.
- Cracked black pepper adds that signature KFC bite. Pre-ground won’t deliver the same flavor.
- Want it thicker? Add 1 extra tablespoon of mayo.
What to serve with the dish
This copycat KFC Comeback Sauce is incredibly versatile. Try it with:
- Fried chicken tenders or popcorn chicken
- Crispy potato wedges or fries
- Fried pickles (just like the July 2025 KFC launch)
- Grilled chicken wraps or sliders
- As a sandwich spread or burger sauce
- Drizzled over southern-style slaw
For a full-on KFC experience, use it as your dip next to mashed potato bites or buttery biscuits.
Ingredient substitutes
- Mayonnaise
Original Ingredient: Mayonnaise
Substitutes:- Vegan Mayo: Use plant-based mayo to make this recipe egg-free.
- Greek Yogurt: For a tangier and lower-fat option.
- Sour Cream: Adds more acidity, but changes the flavor profile slightly.
- Chili Sauce
Original Ingredient: Chili sauce
Substitutes:- Hot Sauce: Adds heat without sweetness, great if you prefer it spicy.
- Sriracha: Delivers both heat and tang with a thicker texture.
- Ketchup + Cayenne: Use if you’re out of chili sauce entirely.
- Worcestershire Sauce
Original Ingredient: Worcestershire
Substitutes:- Soy Sauce + a dash of vinegar
- Coconut Aminos (for gluten-free)
- Anchovy paste + vinegar for a more umami-rich result.
- Lemon Juice
Original Ingredient: Lemon juice
Substitutes:- White Vinegar: Slightly more acidic but still works.
- Apple Cider Vinegar: Adds a little sweetness.
- Lime Juice: A brighter twist that pairs well with chicken.
- Spices
Original Ingredient: Garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika
Substitutes:- Fresh garlic and onion minced very fine (¼ teaspoon each)
- Sweet paprika: If you don’t have smoked, regular paprika works.
- Chili powder: Swaps in well if you want more earthy heat.
Ingredients
- ½ cup mayonnaise
- 3 tablespoons ketchup
- 1 tablespoon chili sauce (like Heinz or Sriracha blend)
- 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
- ½ teaspoon lemon juice
- ¼ teaspoon smoked paprika
- ¼ teaspoon garlic powder
- ¼ teaspoon onion powder
- ¼ teaspoon freshly cracked black pepper
- Pinch of cayenne (optional, for more heat)
Instructions
In a medium bowl, combine the mayonnaise, ketchup, and chili sauce. Stir until smooth. Add the Worcestershire sauce, lemon juice, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, black pepper, and cayenne. Whisk everything together until fully blended and creamy. Taste and adjust the spice if needed. You can add more pepper or cayenne for a spicier finish. For the best flavor, cover and refrigerate for 30 minutes before serving. This lets the sauce mellow and deepen. Store leftovers in a sealed jar in the fridge for up to 7 days.
