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 tangy sauce with smoky undertones and tons of flavor 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.
What is hot honey, you ask? Sometimes it’s just spicy honey (chili-infused honey)… but not this recipe. It’s a well-rounded, super flavorful, crazy delicious homemade hot honey recipe.
Why this recipe is great
- It’s a spicy condiment that takes 2 minutes (or less!)
- This hot honey sauce recipe is so much more flavorful than your average spicy honey that’s made with just liquid honey and chili flakes. This recipe is so much more flavorful!
- It’s cheap and easy to make your own.
Hot honey sauce ingredients
- 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.
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.
15 ways to use hot honey sauce
- Drench over fried chicken for a crave-worthy Crispy Chicken Sandwich.
- An amazing drizzle on soft pillowy 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 over hot honey wings.
- Try a hot honey drizzle on 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!
For a crowd
This quick and easy hot honey recipe makes a fantastic addition to potlucks, dinner parties, or family get-togethers. Basically, anywhere you want to wow people’s taste buds with minimal effort! It’s the perfect sauce to make ahead!
Tips & Tricks
- Don’t skip the smoked paprika! It isn’t the same as any other paprika.
- Make sure that you use fresh honey. If it is beginning to crystalize it’s time to buy a new one.
Recipe!
The Best Hot Honey Sauce Recipe
Equipment
- pan
- Mixing bowls
- cups
Ingredients
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
Notes
- Don’t skip the smoked paprika! It isn’t the same as any other paprika.
- Make sure that you use fresh honey. If it is beginning to crystalize it’s time to buy a new one.