In the world of culinary arts, where creativity meets precision, few chefs have carved a niche as distinct as Chef Declan Horgan. Known for his bold flavors, innovative dishes, and vibrant personality, Chef Declan has become a force to be reckoned with in both the kitchen and the media. From launching his own line of BBQ sauce to becoming a top-three finalist on Season 19 of Hell’s Kitchen, Chef Declan’s journey is a testament to the power of resilience, authenticity, and relentless pursuit of excellence.
When the world came to a standstill during the COVID-19 pandemic, Chef Declan Horgan faced the same uncertainty as many in the hospitality industry. With restaurants shuttered and events canceled, he needed a new source of income. Driven by necessity and his own health concerns—particularly managing type 2 diabetes—Chef Declan took to the kitchen to create a BBQ sauce that was not only delicious but also health-conscious. “I wanted to make something as healthy as possible with nothing artificial in it,” he explains. This commitment to quality and health sets his BBQ sauce apart from others on the market.
But Chef Declan’s creativity doesn’t stop at traditional barbecue. He encourages others to think outside the grill, suggesting unique applications for his sauce. “You can make a dressing with it that has an Asian influence,” he shares, describing a mouthwatering combination of watermelon, daikon radish, roasted peanuts, and cilantro, all tied together with his sauce, toasted sesame oil, sesame seeds, and a hint of lime. It’s this innovative approach that continues to win over food lovers everywhere.
Chef Declan’s career has been marked by unforgettable experiences, particularly in his role as a private chef for special occasions. Among his most cherished memories is the time he cooked for former First Lady Michelle Obama and her friends before they attended an Erykah Badu concert. Another highlight was preparing his famous fish and chips for 400 staff members at Lockheed Martin. These moments not only showcase his culinary prowess but also his ability to cater to a diverse and discerning clientele.
What makes a dinner with Chef Declan truly special, however, is the personal touch he brings to each booking. “It’s not all about the food,” he says. “As I am such a loud character, it’s a blast to have a dinner cooked by me. I tell people about my adventures on TV and what other exciting things I have coming down the pipeline. I feel the food is an extension of my soul and personality.”
Chef Declan’s rise to fame wasn’t without its challenges. He reflects on his journey with a mix of humor and hard-earned wisdom. “I did an interview in an Irish paper recently, and they ran with how I describe my journey into TV: ‘I sold my soul to the Devil, and I liked it!'” he jokes. But behind the quip is a serious message about the importance of pursuing one’s dreams with determination and independence. “You have to chase your own dreams and destinies as they won’t just happen on their own—you have to go out there and fight for them.”
Looking ahead, Chef Declan is poised for even greater achievements. He envisions opening his own gastropub and lounge, along with a dedicated fish and chips concept—a venture he has meticulously planned and is eager to bring to life. “I’ve worked on the concept for a few years now and am ready to pull the trigger,” he says.
As a consultant on menu and recipe development for new concepts, Chef Declan applies a methodical yet creative approach to his work. “I do the research about what’s on trend, the community where the establishment is going to be, and what clientele they’re trying to attract,” he explains. From there, he taps into his vast culinary knowledge to craft dishes that not only meet but exceed expectations. “With the flaws, skills, and tricks I’ve learned over the years, I always come up with something delicious and big crowd pleasers.”
Chef Declan’s appearances on various TV shows have played a significant role in shaping his career and personal brand. “It has been great and life-changing,” he admits. The exposure helped him overcome personal struggles and provided a platform to showcase his talent and relatability. “From the public’s response to me, I knew I wasn’t a total diva but a regular guy people could relate to who is busting his ass to make it in this world.”
Looking forward, Chef Declan has ambitious plans for his company, Horgans, LLC. Named after his family, the brand reflects his deep pride in his heritage and his desire to build a lasting legacy. “I plan to create a small empire like the Peaky Blinders over here in America to start,” he says with a smile. And as he works toward starting his own family, this legacy takes on even greater significance.
As a top-three finalist on Season 19 of Hell’s Kitchen, Chef Declan learned valuable lessons that continue to guide him. “The world can relate to me—never give up on your goals,” he emphasizes. A mentor once advised him to “always be your own man,” advice that has served him well throughout his career. And perhaps most importantly, he believes in treating others with respect. “Don’t be an absolute dick to other human beings. We all have our own shit going on and don’t need to deal with other people’s crap!”
Chef Declan Horgan’s story is one of passion, perseverance, and purpose. From his innovative BBQ sauce to his plans for a culinary empire, he continues to push the boundaries of what it means to be a chef. With each dish, he shares a piece of his soul, inviting us all to join him on his remarkable journey.
