A Definitive Ranking of Popeyes’ Dipping Sauces

Out of all the fast-food chicken restaurants, Popeyes might rank at the top of our list.

There's just so much variety there. Bone-in, boneless. Chicken tenders, sandwiches. Mild, spicy. And if you're a pescatarian, shrimp. The possibilities are endless!

But the million-dollar question is, which of their six starkly different dipping sauces should you order? I tried out every flavor offered at my local Popeyes—using their mild and spicy boneless wings—to make your decision a little bit easier. Keep reading to see where your favorite sauce ranked, and discover our ultimate recommendation for Popeyes newbies.

6. Buttermilk Ranch

Popeyes' Buttermilk Ranch is probably the least memorable sauce on their roster. Honestly, you can't go wrong with any of their sauces, but the five other flavors are jam-packed with savory seasonings that make them so much more appealing than the Buttermilk Ranch. 

The only time I'd recommend opting for this choice is if you're not an adventurous eater—there are no surprises here. The Buttermilk Ranch is interchangeable with Hidden Valley or any other grocery store brand.

 

Also read about: A Definitive Ranking of All the Best Crumbl Cookie Flavors

 

5. BoldBBQ

We had the same sentiment about BoldBBQ sauce. Sure, it's not bad for a barbecue sauce. It's sweet, tangy and reminds us of Wendy's original formula for barbecue sauce. 

However, when we think of Popeyes, we don't think of barbecue sauce! We usually reserve barbecue for blander chicken, like McDonald's or Dairy Queen. The mild and spicy flavors of Popeyes chicken pair better with their more flavorful dipping sauces.

 

4. Bayou Buffalo

Bayou Buffalo is when Popeyes really starts to get good.

Overall, it's a pretty standard buffalo sauce—not too spicy and has notes of cayenne and vinegar. Our favorite part of the Bayou Buffalo is that it's palatable enough that, even when you drench the sauce, it doesn't overpower the flavor of the chicken.

 

3. Mardi Gras Mustard

My initial concern with the Mardi Gras Mustard was that it would be too sweet and contrast with the spicy, savory taste of the chicken.

To my surprise, Mardi Gras Mustard was an elevated version of honey mustard. It was both zesty and sweet, and its slight kick brought out the spices of the chicken. I'd select this dipping sauce again, but it'd probably be if I was in the mood for it, simply because I'm not the biggest fan of honey mustard.

 

Also read about: A Definitive Ranking of Rob's Backstage Popcorn Flavors

 

2. Blackened Ranch

I knew Blackened Ranch was a Popeyes staple, and after my first try, I understood why. The Blackened Ranch has a rich flavoring, colored by hints of garlic and pepper. It's super creamy and has an extremely pleasant, herbal aftertaste. Like the Bayou Buffalo, the Blackened Ranch never overpowers the flavor of the chicken. Instead, it complements it.

If I had to recommend a dipping sauce for any Popeyes first-timers, it'd be the Blackened Ranch. It's the safest option because it's easily digestible for those with sensitive stomachs, but there's so much to enjoy in this sauce, even for the most advanced palates.

 

1. Sweet Heat

Back in 2020, Popeyes did a limited-time collaboration with Megan Thee Stallion that included a sweet take on hot sauce, appropriately titled "Hottie Sauce." It was delicious. 

Sweet Heat is like the Hottie Sauce's refined older sister. It closely resembles a sweet chili sauce but with an added level of spiciness. The beautiful thing about Sweet Heat is that it's not spicy enough to the point where it's unenjoyable.

Personally, I really enjoy spicy foods! If you have a low spice tolerance, you might not like Sweet Heat, but those who do will probably appreciate this flavor as much as I do.

 

Looking for more food recommendations? Read HERE to find out what the best food and drink we tried in April 2023.