Spicy, Tangy, Sweet: A Guide to Chad’s BBQ Sauces
When it comes to BBQ sauces, we all have our familiar and go-to favorites. Much like the diverse regional styles of American barbecue, the sauces themselves bring forth a symphony of flavors — from the sweet, molasses-rich notes of Kansas City to the vinegar-infused tang of the Carolinas. After many years of experimenting and trying different flavors at Chad’s, we decided to make our own. From that came three BBQ sauces that we love (and sell!)
Here is a deeper dive into what makes our sauces unique and how each bottle combines a special mix of flavors to enhance your barbecue experience. Our dedication to great taste is evident in every drop.
Chad’s Governor’s Wing Sauce
In their pursuit of crafting the perfect buffalo sauce, Chad and his brother-in-law spent a great deal of time experimenting in the kitchen. The success of their efforts became evident when Maryland Governor Larry Hogan expressed his love for this sauce and deemed it his favorite (hence the name). This sauce quickly garnered a fan following, and its popularity is easily understandable.
Buffalo-style sauce, in general, is a tangy and spicy condiment originating from Buffalo, New York, commonly associated with chicken wings. What sets the Governor’s Wing Sauce apart is its use of real butter, avoiding artificial flavorings. We feel using real butter significantly elevates the sauce’s flavor and quality, providing a rich, creamy, and indulgent element that artificial butter flavorings cannot replicate.
Beyond being the ideal complement to your favorite wings, the sauce boasts versatility, enhancing various dishes with its flavorful kick. Many people like dipping their mac and cheese in it or stopping it on our ribs!
Honey Jalapeño Everything Sauce
While we would like to claim that we devoted as much time to developing this sauce as our beloved Governor’s Wing Sauce, the genesis of the Honey Jalapeño Everything Sauce was more serendipitous. Born out of the necessity for a second sauce during a BBQ competition, Chad, with his culinary prowess, worked his magic, resulting in this delightful creation.
To our surprise and delight, the Honey Jalapeno Everything Sauce clinched first place, affirming its exceptional taste. Its introduction to the restaurant proved to be an instant hit. This sauce boasts a harmonious blend of honey’s sweetness and jalapeño’s spiciness, offering a delightful balance that complements an array of our dishes, including:
- Honey Jalapeño Wings: Smoked wings smothered with our housemade sauce, served with blue cheese and celery.
- Honey Jalapeño Ribs: Smoked ribs covered with our housemade sauce, served with blue cheese and celery.
- Dipping Sauce: Ask for a side of our award-wining sauce for any dish.
Sweet & Tangy Sauce
You might be wondering, “Isn’t your Honey Jalapeno Sauce already a sweet and tangy option?” Well, not exactly. While “spicy” and “tangy” are sometimes used interchangeably, we believe they represent distinct flavor profiles. For this sauce, in particular, we wanted to balance the sweetness with acid for balance instead of heat. And by “we,” we mean Chad.
Although the credit is to his creation, this wouldn’t have been created without inspiration from Chad’s father-in-law. With his prompting, it got the creative juices going. The big difference for this sauce is it’s free from preservatives and artificial smoke for a genuine taste experience. Here are some additional reasons why Chad’s Sweet & Tangy Sauce is a fantastic choice:
- Balanced Flavor: The combination of flavors creates a well-balanced taste profile that appeals to a wide range of palates.
- Versatile: It can be used with various meats, including ribs, pulled pork, chicken, and beef. They also pair well with vegetables.
- Caramelization: The natural sugars in this sauce can caramelize beautifully on grilled or smoked meats, creating a flavorful crust and a visually appealing glaze.
- Stand-Alone Sauce: It’s an excellent accompaniment for dipping chicken tenders, French fries, or other finger foods.
Honorable Mention
We would be remiss if we didn’t mention another fan favorite: salsa verde! While we don’t have a bottled version, we do make it for a variety of dishes on our menu. It’s made with fresh herbs, garlic, olive oil, and vinegar or citrus juice. Salsa Verde is a delightful and versatile condiment that can elevate the flavors of grilled and smoked dishes to a whole new level. We use this sauce in our Salsa Verde Pork Belly Sandwich and Angie’s wings, which occasionally make a guest appearance on our special menu.
Ready to Try Chad’s BBQ Sauces?
If you’ve enjoyed dining in or ordering out with Chad’s BBQ, please share your experiences and tell us your favorite sauce or dish from our menu. Whether it’s a spicy secret, a tangy delight, or a sweet sensation, we’d love to hear about the flavors that make Chad’s BBQ a standout destination for BBQ enthusiasts. Sharing your experiences can help others discover hidden culinary gems and inspire them to embark on BBQ sauce adventures.
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