Get ready to drizzle this crazy good Hot Honey Sauce on everything! This is not your typical one-dimensional spicy honey. It's an ultra-delicious sweet and spicy sauce with smoky undertones and tons of flavor that’s perfect for chicken, sandwiches, fries, and more. Plus it can be made in less than 2 minutes!
This is so delicious we just can't stop! We have made just about everything with this combination of sweet and heat in our collection of Hot Honey Recipes.
I know it gets old hearing people say, ”This is the best recipe”, but I don’t know a better way to say it. This is the VERY BEST. I'm talking next-level!
What is hot honey sauce, you ask? Sometimes people use just spicy honey (chili-infused honey)… but this recipe is more. It's an actual thick, super flavorful homemade sauce.
You won't be sorry when you try it on chicken sliders, hot honey chicken sandwiches, hot honey wings, biscuits, pizza... and the list goes on. See the bottom of this post for more ideas!
The first time I tried a version of this spicy honey sauce on chicken sandwiches from Spoon Fork Bacon, I knew it was something that would be delicious on just about everything.
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Why this recipe is great
- It’s a spicy condiment that takes 2 minutes to make (or less!)
- It's a no cook recipe with just 5 ingredients!
- This recipe is so much more flavorful than your average spicy honey that's made with just liquid honey and chili flakes.
- It's thicker than a regular spicy honey, which is what makes it a genuine sauce that sticks perfectly to chicken, pizza, wings, and so much more!
- It’s cheap and easy to make homemade.
Ingredients for hot honey sauce
This is a 5 ingredient recipe, so it really is simple! We have included our top tips and notes on substitutions below to make sure you have the best success with this recipe.
- Honey: Any lightly flavored pure honey will do but make sure it is fresh and room temperature. A stronger flavored honey may impact the finished product.
- Butter: Melted butter adds the perfect thickness to the sauce. Salted or unsalted butter works in this recipe.
- Cayenne pepper: This is where the heat comes from, and the spice level can be adjusted to your liking. Feel free to substitute other dried hot peppers (red pepper flakes, dried smoked ghost chili peppers, Carolina reapers, etc..) keeping in mind that it may change the flavor profile.
- Smoked paprika: Don’t substitute this ingredient! While all are important, this one really is the key ingredient to this sauce! Any brand will do, but I love the one from Trader Joe's.
- Garlic powder: A great addition that rounds out the flavors. I don't suggest substituting with fresh garlic in this case because it has a harsher bite.
How to make hot honey sauce
Start by melting butter in a bowl or small saucepan over low to medium heat. Then add in regular honey and spices.
Mix all ingredients together until thoroughly combined. Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to two weeks. To use, microwave on half power until loose.
How spicy is this sauce? Can I adjust it?
The level of spiciness is determined by the spiciness of the pepper and how much of the pepper is used. For this recipe, we want a kick of heat that's enough to feel the kick but not so spicy that it blows your mouth off. Of course, feel free to adjust the spiciness level for your taste buds by adding or decreasing the amount of cayenne pepper.
15 ways to use hot honey sauce
- Drench over fried chicken for a crave-worthy sandwich (or on it's own).
- An amazing drizzle on any kind of biscuit, like these Cornmeal Drop Biscuits.
- A great dipping sauce for chicken fingers, chicken tenders, or chicken nuggets.
- As a spicy twist on fried chicken and waffles.
- Lather some onto this cast iron cornbread or even this jalapeno cheddar cornbread (made with Jiffy).
- Add spicy flavors to roasted sweet potatoes (or other vegetables) for a new taste experience.
- Add to a snack board or charcuterie tray. A favorite on any cheese plate.
- Brush on grilled corn.
- Use as a wing sauce.
- Try a hot honey pizza (Trust me … it’s amazing!!)
- Add it to bacon for the ultimate breakfast or BELT experience!
- Swap out the maple glaze on these chicken sausage appetizers.
- Drizzle a small amount on these crispy smashed potatoes.
- Try a crostini with ricotta, fruit, and a dollop of this sweet and spicy sauce.
- Mix over some roasted nuts.
- It's a great gift in a food basket or on its own!
Storage instructions
Store any extra sauce in an airtight container or jar in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks. Be sure to bring it to room temperature or warm slightly in the microwave or on the stove before using.
FAQs
Any of your favorite honey brands will work for this recipe, whether it's local, raw, alfalfa, wildflower, or the classic honey bear from the grocery store. We have best results with fresh, plain honey (not flavored in any way). We can't guarantee the final product if your honey has crystallized, however you should be able to gently warm it to return it back to it's original texture before using.
Because this sauce contains dairy, it should be refrigerated to ensure it stays fresh.
We really can't say enough about how delicious the flavor of this recipe is. Using hot sauce will provide a very different flavor, so we don't recommend substituting it in this case.
Tips & tricks
- Don’t skip the smoked paprika! It isn’t the same as any other paprika and adds the distinct flavor that makes this recipe so good.
- Make sure that you use fresh honey. If it is beginning to crystalize, gently warm it in the microwave until it is smooth. If you cannot restore it to it's original smooth texture, it’s time to buy a new one.
- If the sauce is slightly gritty, warm it in the microwave for 10-15 seconds at a time, stirring it well in between, until it is well combined and smooth.
- To make measuring honey less messy, spray the measuring cup with a tiny bit of non-stick spray. Now the honey should pour out easily!
- You will not see the magic of this sauce until you add it to something else, like fried chicken, cornbread, etc. Serve it warm and experience the magic!
More sweet and spicy recipes
Other great condiments and sauces
- Red Robin Campfire Sauce - A two-ingredient wonder!
- Quick & Easy Tzatziki Sauce - One of my favorite ways to get protein and a great way to eat more veggies!
- Hot Honey Ranch - An tasty new twist to the classic buttermilk dressing!
- Easy Hot Honey Dressing - A vinaigrette with a sweet and spicy kick!
Recipe
ADDICTIVE Hot Honey Sauce (just 2 min!)
Ingredients
- ¼ cup butter melted
- ¼ cup honey
- 1 tablespoon smoked paprika
- ¾ teaspoon cayenne pepper plus more if desired
- ½ tsp garlic powder
- ¼ tsp kosher salt
Instructions
- Combine all ingredients in a bowl and stir until thoroughly combined.¼ cup honey, ¾ teaspoon cayenne pepper, 1 tablespoon smoked paprika, ¼ cup butter, ½ teaspoon garlic powder, ¼ teaspoon kosher salt
- Store in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks. To use, allow to come to room temperature or warm gently in the microwave on half power until loose.
Notes
- Don’t skip the smoked paprika! It isn’t the same as any other paprika and adds the distinct flavor that makes this recipe so good.
- Make sure that you use fresh honey. If it is beginning to crystalize, gently warm it in the microwave until it is smooth. If you cannot restore it to it's original smooth texture, it’s time to buy a new one.
- If the sauce is slightly gritty, warm it in the microwave for 10-15 seconds at a time, stirring it well in between, until it is well combined and smooth.
- To make measuring honey less messy, spray the measuring cup with a tiny bit of non-stick spray. Now the honey should pour out easily!
- You will not see the magic of this sauce until you add it to something else, like fried chicken, cornbread, etc. Serve it warm and experience the magic!
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.
Natasha says
This is THE best hot honey sauce!
Danielle says
We agree! This comment makes our day! Thank you for taking a minute to let us know. Enjoy!