Hey, Welcome to Harold’s Mild Sauce Recipe. Harold’s Mild Sauce is a sweet, tangy, and slightly spicy condiment that pairs perfectly with fried chicken and fries.
If you’ve ever had this at Harold’s Chicken Shack in Chicago, you already know how addictive and mouthwatering it is.
I wanted to recreate that at home, and guess what? I nailed it! Today, I’m sharing the easiest way to make this iconic recipe right in your kitchen.
Recipe Overview
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Total Time: 25 minutes
Servings: 6
Cuisine: American (Chicago-style)
Category: Sauce
History and Origin
In 1950, Harold’s Chicken Shack was established in Chicago, where Harold’s Mild Sauce rose to fame. By the way, you can also try the Applebees Broccoli Recipe.
This sauce blends ketchup, hot sauce, and spices, creating a unique sweet-spicy flavor that became a signature taste of Chicago’s fried chicken culture.
What does Harold’s Mild Sauce taste like?
Harold’s Mild Sauce has a smooth texture with a sweet, tangy, and mildly spicy flavor. It perfectly balances tomato ketchup, hot sauce, and vinegar.
Creating a lip-smacking flavor that makes fried chicken, fries, and sandwiches irresistibly delicious.
Harold’s Mild Sauce Ingredients
You will need the following ingredients to start making the Best Harold’s Mild Sauce Recipe:
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Ketchup | 1 cup |
| Hot sauce (mild) | ¼ cup |
| White vinegar | 2 tablespoons |
| Brown sugar | 2 tablespoons |
| Paprika | 1 teaspoon |
| Garlic powder | 1 teaspoon |
| Onion powder | 1 teaspoon |
| Worcestershire sauce | 1 tablespoon |
| Water | ½ cup |
| Salt | ½ teaspoon |
| Black pepper | ½ teaspoon |
Equipment Needed
Also, gather the following equipment, as they are necessary to craft your Easy Harold’s Mild Sauce Recipe:
- Saucepan
- Wooden spoon
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Whisk
- Mixing bowl
- Storage jar or container
How to Make Harold’s Mild Sauce Recipe
Step 1: Combine ingredients
In a saucepan, add ketchup, hot sauce, vinegar, brown sugar, Worcestershire sauce, and water. Stir everything together until well mixed.
Step 2: Add spices
Sprinkle in paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper. To properly distribute the spices, whisk the sauce.
Step 3: Cook the sauce
Place the saucepan on medium heat and let the mixture simmer for about 10–12 minutes. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.
Step 4: Adjust consistency
Add a little water if the sauce is too thick. If too thin, cook for a few more minutes until it thickens slightly.
Step 5: Cool and store
Remove from the heat, let it cool, and transfer the sauce into a jar. Store it in the refrigerator until ready to use.
Recipe Card
Harold’s Mild Sauce Recipe
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- In a saucepan, add ketchup, hot sauce, vinegar, brown sugar, Worcestershire sauce, and water. Stir everything together until well mixed.
- Sprinkle in paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper. To properly distribute the spices, whisk the sauce.
- Place the saucepan on medium heat and let the mixture simmer for about 10–12 minutes. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.
- Add a little water if the sauce is too thick. If too thin, cook for a few more minutes until it thickens slightly.
- Remove from the heat, let it cool, and transfer the sauce into a jar. Store it in the refrigerator until ready to use.
Video
Notes
Nutritional Information
Below, I have listed the nutritional information for Harold’s Chicken Mild Sauce Recipe:
| Nutrient | Amount (per serving) |
|---|---|
| Calories | 70 |
| Carbohydrates | 16 g |
| Protein | 1 g |
| Fat | 0.5 g |
| Sugar | 12 g |
| Sodium | 250 mg |
Serving Suggestions
Serve Harold’s Mild Sauce with crispy fried chicken, golden fries, or juicy wings for an authentic Chicago-style experience.
It also tastes amazing on burgers, hot dogs, or as a dipping sauce for onion rings and other snacks.
Storage Tips
Keep Harold’s Mild Sauce in a clean, airtight glass jar and refrigerate it. For up to two weeks, it remains fresh.
Avoid freezing, as it may change the sauce’s flavor and smooth consistency. Always scoop with a clean spoon.
Why You’ll Love This Sauce
This sauce is the perfect blend of sweet, tangy, and mild spice that enhances every bite. It’s versatile enough for dipping, drizzling, or marinating.
Once you try it, you’ll never settle for store-bought sauces again.
Perfect Pairings For Harold’s Mild Sauce
Harold’s Mild Sauce Recipe shines best with fried chicken, fries, or wings, but that’s not all. Try it on grilled meats, sandwiches, or burgers.
It adds that signature Chicago touch to almost any dish you love.
Tips For The Best Flavor
Use high-quality ketchup and a mild hot sauce for the most authentic taste. Letting the sauce simmer slowly deepens its flavor.
Adjust sweetness or heat to match your preference without losing its classic balance.
Variations You Can Try
You can customize Harold’s Mild Sauce Recipe to your taste. Add honey for extra sweetness, cayenne for heat, or smoked paprika for depth.
Each version offers a delicious twist while keeping the soul of the Chicago classic.
Common Mistakes To Avoid
Avoid overcooking the sauce, as it can become too thick and lose its smoothness. Don’t skip whisking—it ensures even blending.
Also, resist adding too much vinegar, or it will overpower the sweet-spicy harmony.
How To Use Harold’s Mild Sauce Creatively
Beyond fried chicken, use this sauce as a glaze for ribs or a spread for sandwiches. It also works wonderfully as a base for barbecue sauce or as a dip for crispy appetizers.
Texture And Aroma Of Harold’s Mild Sauce
This Harold’s Mild Sauce Recipe has a smooth, velvety texture that coats every bite beautifully. Its aroma carries a sweet tomato scent mixed with light spices and vinegar, making it both comforting and appetizing the moment it warms up.
Conclusion
This Harold’s Mild Sauce Recipe is quick, easy, and full of flavor. It transforms ordinary fried chicken or fries into something unforgettable. Bring Chicago’s renowned flavor to your home kitchen by giving it a try today.
With these words, we came to the end of this article. If you like this recipe, then please rate this post with 5 stars at the end of the FAQs section, and don’t forget to share it with your loved ones!
Happy Cooking!
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What makes Harold’s Mild Sauce special?
Its sweet, tangy, and slightly spicy flavor makes it unique and pairs perfectly with fried chicken and fries.
Can I make Harold’s Mild Sauce spicier?
Yes, just increase the amount of hot sauce or add chili flakes for extra heat.
How long does Harold’s Mild Sauce last?
It lasts up to 2 weeks when stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator.
Can I freeze Harold’s Mild Sauce?
Freezing is not recommended, as it may change the texture and flavor.
What can I eat Harold’s Mild Sauce with?
It’s perfect with fried chicken, fries, wings, burgers, or even as a dip for snacks.
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