This Hot Honey Sauce is the recipe that sparked our love for all things sweet and spicy! Out of the 400+ recipes we have published, it's easily the most universally loved in our family (even by the pickiest eaters!). It's packed with deep, smokey flavors that pair perfectly on crispy chicken, biscuits, fries, and so much more! With just 5 ingredients and 2 minutes to make, it's the sauce that inspired our entire collection of Hot Honey Recipes!
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. We have since created our own version of hot honey chicken sandwiches that are one of the best things we've ever eaten.
This is a go-to for parties and gatherings of all kinds and is a top favorite on our collection of Game Day Recipes!
I make this all the time. I mostly use it for my hot honey salmon and rice and mango salsa recipe. It's so so good. I've tried others and this one is the best.
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ - Kat
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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.
What does it taste like?
This sauce has a bold and savory flavor with lots of smoky, sweet, and spicy notes. It also has hints of garlic flavor to round it out.
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.
How to serve honey hot sauce
- Drench over fried chicken for a crave-worthy sandwich (or on it's own).
- Turn it into Hot Honey Chicken Sliders.
- 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 on these Hot Honey Wings.
- 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!
How to Store
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. Because this sauce has dairy in it, it should not be stored at room temperature.
Make ahead and freezer instructions
You can store this in the fridge as described above or in the freezer for 2-3 months. Thaw it completely at room temperature for 2-3 hours, then reheat gently on the stove or in the microwave 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.
It will last for up to two weeks in the fridge or for 2-3 months in the freezer.
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.
Technically, yes. You can gently reheat your crystalized honey until it is smooth again, then make the recipe. However, I have found that starting with smooth honey is best, especially when I plan to store it.
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 recipes
Looking for other recipes like this? Try these:
- Hot Honey Chicken Marinade
- Sweet and Spicy Pasta Salad
- Hot Honey Vinaigrette Dressing
- Jalapeno Deviled Eggs with Candied Bacon
- Red Robin Campfire Sauce
- Quick & Easy Tzatziki Sauce
- Hot Honey Ranch
- Easy Hot Honey Dressing
- Pan Fried Potatoes
- White Chocolate Raspberry Cheesecake Recipe
- Make Ahead Mac and Cheese
- Scalloped Potato Recipe
- Maple Glaze
- Fresh Green Bean Recipe
Recipe
Hot Honey Sauce Recipe
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.
Nicole says
Thank you for this flavor combo! I reduced the spices a bit but kept salt the same. Really yummy on smoked salmon.
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!