This Honey Chipotle Sauce Recipe is a 4 minute recipe that is so easy to make, yet packed with so much flavor that it tastes like you spent the day on it. Sweet, smoky, spicy, and completely craveable, it really is one of the best things we have ever eaten. Once you try it, you will be looking for excuses to drizzle it on everything.
Whether you're tailgating or hosting friends, this is just one of our many game day recipes that are sure to keep them coming back for more.
You're going to want to clear a spot in your refrigerator for this sauce! It is the kind of sauce that I like to keep on hand (fridge or freezer) because it can add so much flavor to whatever I am serving. The sweet, smoky chipotle flavor is so good, you might want to double or triple the batch.
We use this sauce on these crispy chicken wings, and we have Honey Chipotle Chicken for an amazing homemade version of Chipotle's chicken, only a little richer, smokier, and even more flavorful. Seriously, so good!
Recipe Notes from Danielle & Misty
Honestly, this sauce came together pretty quickly. We started with our ever-popular Hot Honey Sauce, a recipe we have made hundreds of times, and gave it a Mexican-inspired twist with chipotle chili powder and classic spices.
The honey butter combination creates a sticky, sweet, yet really rich sauce. After making it a few different ways, we knew we had something really special. The flavor is bold, rich, and completely delicious!
Honey chipotle sauce ingredients
This is a simple recipe, but the ingredients really do matter. Here are a few tips for choosing the right ones.
- Honey: Any mild-tasting Grade A honey works well. You might be able to use crystalized honey if you warm it first, but we can't guarantee it will cool to the same smooth, pourable texture as liquid honey.
- Butter: Butter provides a rich flavor. We recommended using salted butter because it adds just the right amount of seasoning. If you are using unsalted butter, add in a tiny pinch of salt.
- Chipotle chili powder: This is made from smoked jalapeños that get ground into a fine powder. It is where the signature smoky flavor and the heat comes from, so do not substitute regular chili powder. They are very different flavor profiles.
- Smoked paprika: Adds a great supporting role to the smokiness of the chipotle without overpowering it.
- Cumin: A touch of the classic, earthy Mexican spice for a well-rounded sauce.
- Oregano: A nice herby note to help balance the richness of the honey and butter.
Helpful kitchen tools
How to make honey chipotle sauce
To a small mixing bowl, add the melted, still-warm butter. Pour in the honey and measure in the spices.
Gently whisk until the sauce is smooth and completely combined. Use immediately or store in the refrigerator until ready to use.
Chef's Note
Adjustable Heat
This sauce has a touch of heat, but it is necessary to balance the sweetness of the honey. If you like things spicier, feel free to add some cayenne pepper. If you prefer it on the very mild side, simply use less chipotle chili powder.
What to serve with
- As the sauce on this popcorn.
- Or tossed over these meatballs.
- Use it as a dip for chicken fingers.
- Drizzled over quick baked sweet potatoes.
- Stir it into store-bought hummus for a fun flavor profile.
Tips & Tricks
- Honey can be a sticky mess when measuring. To keep things easy, lightly spray the measuring cup with a thin layer of oil before adding the honey. That way the honey will slide right out.
- As the chipotle honey sauce cools, it will thicken, so don't be concerned if it seems a little loose at first. If it gets too firm, gently warm it in the microwave for 10-12 seconds to loosen it up.
More recipes
Looking for other recipes? Try these:
- Creamy Mexican Salad
- Taco Quesadilla on corn tortillas
- Sheet Pan Quesadillas
- Roasted Tomatillo Salsa
- Refried Bean Dip
Recipe
Honey Chipotle Sauce Recipe
Equipment
- jar for storing
Ingredients
- ¼ cup butter melted
- ¼ cup honey
- 1 ½-2 teaspoons chipotle chili powder
- ½ teaspoon smoked paprika
- ½ teaspoon oregano
- ½ teaspoon cumin
Instructions
- Add the ingredients to a small bowl or glass measuring cup.
- Whisk to combine. Use immediately or store in the refrigerator until ready to use.
Notes
- Honey can be a sticky mess when measuring. To keep things easy, lightly spray the measuring cup with a thin layer of oil before adding the honey. That way the honey will slide right out.
- As the chipotle honey sauce cools, it will thicken, so don't be concerned if it seems a little loose at first. If it gets too firm, gently warm it in the microwave for 10-12 seconds to loosen it up.
Add Your Own Notes
Nutrition
All nutrition information is provided by a third party and is an estimate only. Use your own nutritional calculator for more specific measurements.
Danielle says
A super quick and easy recipe that's so good!