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 hot honey sauce!
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.
You won't be sorry when you try this honey sauce for chicken -chicken sliders, hot honey chicken sandwiches, and hot honey wings.
Don't stop there though. It's perfect for all the times you want to drizzle something with a little sweet honey and a kick of spice. Try it on biscuits, pizza, charcuterie boards… 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 (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 very little effort! It's the perfect sauce to make ahead!
Questions and Answers
The best honey is fresh honey. We can't guarantee the final product if the honey has crystallized. If you feel confident using crystalized honey, please do. While local honey or raw honey is delicious, it is not necessary for this recipe.
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.
Store any extra sauce in an airtight container or in cute jars in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks. Be sure to bring it to room temperature or warm slightly before serving.
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.
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!
Connect with us!
If you try this recipe, please leave a comment and star rating to let us know how it is! We’d also love to connect with you on Facebook, Instagram, or Pinterest. Tag @borrowedbites or hashtag #borrowedbites to show us your food!
Recipe
ADDICTIVE Hot Honey Sauce (just 2 min!)
- 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
- 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.
- 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.
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!