1-First Step: Gather Ingredients and Tools Measure out ½ cup mayonnaise, 3 tablespoons ketchup, 1 to 1.5 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce, 1 teaspoon garlic powder, ½ to 1 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper, and ½ teaspoon salt if using. Prepare a medium mixing bowl and a whisk or fork for blending.

2-Second Step: Combine Sauce Ingredients Add the mayonnaise, ketchup, Worcestershire sauce, garlic powder, black pepper, and salt into the bowl. This combination forms the creamy, tangy base of the Canes chicken sauce, balancing sweet, savory, and mildly spicy notes.

3-Third Step: Whisk Thoroughly Using a whisk or fork, mix all ingredients rigorously until the sauce turns a smooth, uniform salmon color. This texture indicates that the components are well blended and the flavor has developed evenly throughout the sauce.

4-Fourth Step: Taste and Adjust Sample the sauce to check seasoning. Adjust for personal preference by adding more ketchup for sweetness, reducing Worcestershire sauce for milder umami, or lowering black pepper to decrease heat. For dietary modifications, prepare separate batches with substitutions as necessary before blending.

5-Fifth Step: Refrigerate to Meld Flavors Cover the sauce and refrigerate for a minimum of 6 hours, preferably overnight or up to 24 hours. This resting period is essential to deepen the flavors and mellow sharper notes, resulting in a richer, balanced dip.

6-Final Step: Serve and Enjoy Serve the Canes chicken sauce chilled as a dip for chicken tenders, fries, or nuggets. It also makes a flavorful spread for sandwiches or burgers. Garnish with chopped fresh parsley or chives for added color and freshness if desired.