By Dr. Leah Alexander | Published on March 2, 2023 | Last Updated on February 25, 2024
Dino’s chicken sauce is a unique, one-of-a-kind marinade that combines ingredients from traditional Greek and American cuisine. It was created in 1980 by Demetrios after his wife Eleni urged him to create something special.
The marinade consists of soy sauce, vinegar, ketchup, sweet chili sauce, brown sugar, lemon juice and zest, lime juice and zest, garlic cloves, olive oil and jalapeno peppers.
This marinade is perfect for grilled chicken dishes as it adds a delicious burst of flavor. It can also be used as a dipping sauce or added to other recipes such as Nashville Hot Chicken.
In this article, I’ll share Dino’s chicken sauce recipe and walk you through the steps of making it. I’ll also discuss some additional ideas for using Dino’s chicken sauce, as well as potential variations on this classic marinade.
With these tips, you can create your own unique version of Dino’s chicken sauce that will be sure to tantalize your taste buds! Let’s get cooking!
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What does it taste like?
Dino’s chicken sauce has a unique flavor combination that is both sweet and spicy. The tomato paste, Worcestershire sauce and lemon juice add a tangy kick while the garlic, onion and bell peppers bring out the savory notes in the marinade. The cayenne pepper sauce adds heat to the mix and the molasses, stevia and chili powder contribute a subtle sweetness.
How did I first get introduced to the dino’s chicken sauce?
I love Dino’s Chicken where they use their secret sauce on their fried chicken. You get a hint of sweet and sour taste that is simply delicious! I was hooked after the first bite I took.
So, when I heard about a recipe online for making my own homemade version of Dino’s Chicken Sauce I couldn’t help but give it a try!
And I’m so glad I did, because Dino’s Chicken Sauce is such an amazing condiment; perfect for adding flavor to so many dishes.
What can you do with the sauce?
Dino’s chicken sauce is great for marinating meats, like chicken or pork and adding a burst of flavor to grilled vegetables. You can also use it as a dip or topping for tacos, burgers, or even pizza.
It’s also great for making sauces and glazes for slow-cooked dishes like pork ribs and pulled pork. And if you want to give your fried chicken an extra kick of flavor, try using Dino’s Chicken Sauce as a coating before frying it.
How to make dino’s chicken sauce?
Making Dino’s Chicken Sauce is actually quite simple and requires minimal effort. All you need are some basic ingredients and for your help we have provided step by step instructions.
Ingredients
- Butter (or Avocado Oil for a Vegan Option): I use butter for its rich and creamy texture, adding a luscious mouthfeel to the sauce. For a vegan option, avocado oil works well, providing a similar silkiness without compromising on flavor.
- Pinch of Salt and Pepper: A pinch of salt and pepper enhances the overall taste, ensuring that the other flavors in the sauce are well-balanced. Salt brings out the natural flavors, while pepper adds a subtle kick.
- Garlic, Minced: Minced garlic brings a pungent and aromatic quality to the sauce, elevating its savory profile. It provides a robust base note and a delightful depth of flavor.
- Tomato Sauce: Tomato sauce contributes a tangy and slightly sweet element to the sauce. It forms the base and imparts a rich tomato flavor, creating a well-rounded taste.
- Apple Cider Vinegar: The vinegar adds a zesty and slightly acidic kick, balancing the sweetness of other ingredients and brightening the overall flavor profile.
- Tomato Paste: Tomato paste intensifies the tomato flavor, thickening the sauce and providing a concentrated richness. It enhances the texture and adds depth to the sauce.
- Onion, Minced: Minced onion adds a sweet and savory component, complementing the garlic. It contributes to the overall complexity of the sauce.
- Jalapeño Peppers, Seeded and Minced: These peppers bring a mild heat and a subtle fruity note to the sauce. Minced jalapeños add a touch of spiciness without overwhelming the other flavors.
- Green Bell Pepper, Minced: Mincing green bell pepper adds a fresh and slightly sweet taste to the sauce, contributing to its overall balance.
- Water: Water helps achieve the desired consistency of the sauce. It’s a neutral element that allows the other flavors to meld together seamlessly.
- Lemon Juice: Lemon juice adds a bright and citrusy freshness, enhancing the overall flavor and providing a pleasant contrast to the richness of the sauce.
- Worcestershire Sauce: Worcestershire sauce contributes umami and depth to the sauce. It brings a complex savory flavor that enhances the overall taste experience.
- Ground Black Pepper, Allspice, Salt, Cloves, Cayenne Pepper Sauce, Smoked Paprika, Molasses, Chili Powder, Stevia Powder: These spices and sweeteners collectively create a well-rounded flavor profile, with smokiness from paprika, sweetness from molasses and stevia, and a blend of spices adding complexity. The cayenne pepper sauce and chili powder bring a controlled level of heat.
- Optional Ingredients (Liquid Smoke, Habanero Peppers, Cayenne Pepper): These optional ingredients allow for customization based on personal preferences. Liquid smoke imparts a smoky flavor, habanero peppers add intense heat, and cayenne pepper provides an extra kick for those who enjoy spicier sauces.
Step by step instructions
Step 1:
In a large skillet over medium-high heat, melt the butter.
Step 2:
Once melted, add the onion and bell pepper and sauté until softened, about 4 minutes.
Step 3:
Add the jalapeño peppers, garlic, salt and pepper and cook for an additional 2 minutes.
Step 4:
Pour in the tomato sauce, tomato paste, apple cider vinegar, water, Worcestershire sauce and lemon juice.
Step 5:
Reduce heat to low-medium and simmer for 15 minutes.
Step 6:
Add the cayenne pepper sauce, molasses, stevia powder, chilli powder, black pepper, salt, allspice and cloves to the skillet. Stir to combine. Cook for an additional 5 minutes.
Step 7:
Add the paprika and optional ingredients, if desired. Simmer for an additional 5 minutes until the sauce has thickened to desired consistency
Tips
• If a spicier sauce is desired, leave some seeds in the jalapeño peppers or add 1-2 habanero peppers.
• Use freshly ground spices for the best flavor.
• Make sure to use blackstrap molasses, which is less processed and contains more nutrients than regular molasses.
Dino’s Chicken Sauce Recipe
Equipment
- 1 Oven
Ingredients
- ¼ cup butter or you can use avocado oil if you’re a vegan
- 4 cloves minced garlic
- 28 oz tomato sauce
- 1 cup onion minced
- 1 cup apple cider vinegar
- pinch of salt and pepper
- ¼ cup Worcestershire sauce
- 6 oz tomato paste
- 2 jalapeño peppers seeded and minced
- ½ cup green bell pepper minced
- 1 cup water
- ¼ cup lemon juice
- 1 tsp freshly ground black pepper
- ½ tsp allspice
- ½ tsp salt
- 1 pinch cloves
- 1 tbsp chilli powder
- ¼ cup cayenne pepper sauce
- 1 pinch smoked paprika
- ¼ cup molasses
- ¼ cup stevia powder
Optional Ingredients
- 1 tbsp liquid smoke
- ½ tsp cayenne pepper
- 2-3 habanero peppers seeded & minced
Instructions
- In a large skillet over medium-high heat, melt the butter.
- Once melted, add the onion and bell pepper and sauté until softened, about 4 minutes.
- Add the jalapeño peppers, garlic, salt and pepper and cook for an additional 2 minutes.
- Pour in the tomato sauce, tomato paste, apple cider vinegar, water, Worcestershire sauce and lemon juice.
- Reduce heat to low-medium and simmer for 15 minutes.
- Add the cayenne pepper sauce, molasses, stevia powder, chilli powder, black pepper, salt, allspice and cloves to the skillet. Stir to combine. Cook for an additional 5 minutes.
- Add the paprika and optional ingredients, if desired. Simmer for an additional 5 minutes until the sauce has thickened to desired consistency.
Notes
Nutrition Information
Per serving (about ¼ cup):
Calories: 85; Total Fat: 6g; Saturated Fat: 4g; Cholesterol: 16mg; Sodium: 545mg; Carbohydrates: 6g; Fibre: 1g; Sugar: 5g; Protein: 2g.
What to serve with dino’s chicken sauce?
Dino’s chicken sauce is great for grilled or roasted chicken, fish, shrimp or pork. It can also be used as a topping for tacos or burritos, in sandwiches and wraps, stirred into chilli, added to a hearty bowl of soup or stew, or even poured over potatoes and veggies.
How to store leftover dino’s chicken sauce?
Leftover Dino’s chicken sauce should be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. It can also be frozen for up to 3 months.
Can pregnant women eat this?
It is safe for pregnant women to eat Dino’s chicken sauce. Before ingesting any type of food while pregnant, speaking with a doctor or other health care provider is advised.
FAQs
What is the best way to reheat leftover dino’s chicken sauce?
The best way to reheat leftover dino’s chicken sauce is in a skillet over medium-low heat until heated through. You may need to add a bit of water or broth if the sauce has become too thick.
Does this sauce contain gluten?
No, Dino’s chicken sauce does not contain any gluten ingredients and is safe for those on a gluten-free diet.
How spicy is dino’s chicken sauce?
The spiciness of Dino’s chicken sauce will depend on the type and amount of chilli pepper used. Habanero peppers are quite spicy, so if you prefer a milder sauce, you can opt for regular jalapeño peppers or omit them altogether.
If you like your sauces really spicy, feel free to add habanero peppers or even some cayenne pepper to the mix!
Wrapping Up
Making your own homemade dino’s secret chicken sauce is much easier than you might think! With just a few simple ingredients and some easy instructions, you can have the tasty and flavorful sauce ready in no time. Whether you like it mild or spicy, this delicious sauce will surely be a hit with the whole family.
That’s it! Your homemade Dino’s chicken sauce is now ready to be enjoyed by all. This hearty and flavorful sauce will make any dish so much better. Try using it as a topping for tacos or burritos, stirring it into chilli, pouring it over potatoes and veggies, or adding it to sandwiches and wraps for added flavour.
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Dr. Leah Alexander, M.D., is a board-certified Pediatrician in New Jersey and has been working at Elizabeth Pediatric Group of New Jersey since 2000.
She also has a passion for culinary arts that extends beyond the medical realm. After completing culinary school at the French Culinary Institute, she started Global Palate, LLC, a catering firm, in 2007. She ran her own six-year-old catering company and served small group parties as an owner and executive chef.
