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
Skip to:
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.
Kat says
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.
Misty says
Hi Kat! This comment made my day! We're so glad you like it and took the time to share.
Paul Feicht says
This is an amazing sauce for shrimp, pork, etc. I will warm you that the heat in the honey gets more intense as the sauce ages over the day.
Misty says
We're so glad you loved it! Thanks for taking the time to share your feedback.
Kelly says
We made this hot honey sauce and the fried chicken sandwich. They were both amazing!! I like more spice. I adjusted the cayenne pepper for taste.
Danielle says
So happy to hear that! We have a bunch of recipes that just published using this sauce. I hope you enjoy them!
Kerry says
Absolutely awful. I wouldn't call this a hot honey sauce. Tastes like sweet butter with a hint of spice. Bleh. Save yourself and find a different recipe. Maybe it'll be better with less butter but I don't know. I regret wasting honey on this
Maxwell Muir says
Was incredibly gritty. Very unpleasant texture.
Misty says
Hi Maxwell! I'm sorry you experienced that. The texture should not be very gritty. My suggestion would be to make sure that your honey is not crystallized. You can also warm the sauce gently in the microwave to encourage the spices to blend into the sauce a bit more smoothly. Hope that helps!
Richard Jones JONES says
Hi Does someone know if this is close to what burger King using on the spicy chicken sandwich, it's a complete mess if you ever had one but the sauce is delicious
Misty says
Hi Richard! I have not tried the Burger King version, but if you find out we'd love to hear!
Ellie says
Crystallization does NOT mean you need to buy a new jar of honey, in fact honey lasts for thousands of years so you certainly won't have honey go out of date in your lifetime. Crystallization is a natural process that happens to all honey over time-in fact it proves your honey is real honey as fake honey does not crystallize. The only thing you need to do is gently warm the honey if you don't like the consistency of the crystals.
Suki says
Was this necessary? Are you the recipe patrol? Or do you just love telling people they’re wrong? That’s really sad that your comment has nothing to don’t liking or not liking the recipe and you’re just trolling. Get some therapy.
Katie says
I'm excited to try! A pizza place I love uses it for their Hawaiian pizza. I'll have to try to make my own!
Misty says
Hope you love it!
Lyla says
Is it thick enough to put over rice ?
Misty says
It's a pretty thick sauce, so it can be drizzled over rice if you'd like. It does get a little thinner when it is hot.
Barb says
Protip-crystallized honey is perfectly fine to use! Especially for this recipe as it just needs heated and never goes bad!
Richard says
The only issue I have being a hobby beekeeper. Just because honey has crystallize just means you need to warm the bottle in a warm water bath till the crystals dissolve. HONEY NEVER GOES BAD.
Danielle says
Richard,
Just to clear up any confusion, we are not saying that honey goes bad. Just that we can't vouch for the final product if a person starts with crystallized honey. If you are comfortable with that then by all means warm the honey and use. Have a great day!
Di Bailey says
Family hit, everyone raved about it…it’s a staple now . Thank you so much.
I did not find anything gritty, just enjoyed the fabulous comments from friends and family. Charcuterie board would a great addition.
Danielle says
What fantastic feedback! So glad you love it as much as we do.
V. Adams says
I decided that I needed a sauce for my fried chicken tenders and saw your recipe. This is an excellent recipe and I will be making this many more times.Thanks for sharing.
Danielle says
Thank you for taking a minute to let us know how much you loved it! Makes our day!
Kyle says
How much would you need to coat about 20 wings?
Misty says
1 recipe would be more than enough to cover 20 wings. I suggest putting it on the wings while they are super hot to make sure the sauce coats them evenly. Enjoy!
Kyle says
Thanks!!
Aspen says
This is so good that I'm going to make little chicken pieces with it for my lunches next week. Yum, I can't wait! Way to spice up a meal. 😀
Luanda says
Why would you go get new honey if yours is crystallized? Warm it up and you are good to go. If it crystallizes at least you know you have real honey and not some adulterated "stuff".
Danielle says
We don't recommend using crystalized honey because we won't be able to vouch for the outcome. However, if you want to risk it please feel free. If you try it, please let us know how it turns out.
Annette says
Honey lasts forever, even if it crystalizes it is still edible, just rewarm.
Ellier says
See my comment above, if you gently reheat honey it will 100% lose the crystals and can be used as normal.
Frank says
Yes, crystallized honey is exactly the same as liquid honey. Honey is a super-saturated solution, the solids in raw honey cause it to crystallize faster, but all super saturated solutions come out of suspension. Warm it up, it’s identical.