Hot honey sauce might just be my favorite happy accident in the kitchen. It all started one chilly weeknight when I had planned spicy roasted chicken, only to realize I was out of my go-to store-bought hot honey. With two hungry kids and no desire to dash to the store, I did what any home cook would do—I grabbed a bottle of honey, stirred in some hot sauce, tossed in a little chili powder, and hoped for the best.
What came out of that bowl was magic.
The balance of warm sweetness and gentle heat gave life to everything it touched. I spooned it over chicken tenders, drizzled it on roasted veggies, and even swirled it into salad dressing. Suddenly, dinner went from “meh” to “more, please!” My daughter even dipped her fries in it and declared it “way better than ketchup.” High praise from a 7-year-old, trust me.
This post will walk you through exactly how to make hot honey sauce at home, what makes it so addictive, how to tweak it to your taste, and delicious ways to use it—including a sweet little twist at the end.
Let’s get into it.
Table of Contents
Table of Contents
Hot Honey Sauce and the Story Behind It
Why Hot Honey Sauce Is Having a Moment
It’s not just me—hot honey sauce is everywhere these days. And for good reason. This simple three-ingredient wonder straddles the line between sweet comfort and spicy excitement. The best part? It’s customizable. Want more heat? Add more hot sauce. Prefer it mellow? Just lean on the honey. It’s flexible, flavorful, and works on everything from fried chicken to roasted Brussels sprouts.
And the homemade version? It’s faster than ordering takeout and ten times more satisfying. You don’t even need to turn on the stove. Just stir and taste. That’s it.
At our house, it’s become as essential as ketchup, living right next to the mustard and mayonnaise. We even keep a small jar in the fridge to grab when serving our quick chicken recipes or jazzing up leftovers.
From Pantry Raid to Favorite Staple
The first time I made this hot honey sauce, I was just trying to avoid a grocery run. But now? It’s a little ritual I look forward to. There’s something about tasting and adjusting as you go—more hot sauce here, a sprinkle of chili powder there—that makes this condiment feel like your own little signature.
It reminds me of my grandmother, who used to say the best sauces weren’t measured—they were felt. And while this one only has three ingredients, it packs enough personality to make a statement on everything it touches.
When I serve up crispy chicken or even drizzle it over a comfort food twist like mac and cheese, it always gets the same reaction: “What is that sauce?”
Homemade Easy Hot Honey Sauce
Ingredients
- ▢ ¼ cup honey
- ▢ 1 tablespoon + 1 teaspoon hot sauce Texas Pete or your favorite
- ▢ ¼ teaspoon chili powder
Instructions
- Stir the honey, hot sauce, and chili powder together in a small bowl until well combined.
- Taste and add more hot sauce if you’d like a spicier hot honey.
- Store in a jar at room temperature for up to 3 months.
Notes
- Use raw or local honey for added flavor.
- Add garlic powder or citrus zest for variations.
- Excellent as a dip, drizzle, or dressing base.
Nutrition
(Nutrition is estimated and will vary based on actual ingredients used)
For more spicy-sweet inspiration, check out our collection on Golden Bite Recipes’ Pinterest board.
Making Hot Honey Sauce at Home
The Basic Ingredients (and the Secret to Customizing It)
Making hot honey sauce couldn’t be simpler—and that’s the beauty of it. You only need three ingredients:
- Honey: Any kind works. I’ve made this with raw honey from our local farmer’s market and the classic squeeze bottle from the pantry. Both do the job beautifully.
- Hot Sauce: This is where things get fun. You can go tangy with something like Frank’s, sharp with Tabasco, or mellow with Texas Pete (my personal pick for balance).
- Chili Powder: This adds depth and smoky warmth. Just ¼ teaspoon is enough to round things out.
Here’s the real secret: you’re in control. Add more hot sauce if you like that sting-on-the-lips feeling. Dial it back and let the honey shine if you’re making it for kiddos or a milder palate.
And there’s no simmering or straining here. No stovetop. Just stir it up in a bowl or jar, taste, and adjust.
| Ingredient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Honey | ¼ cup |
| Hot Sauce (your choice) | 1 tbsp + 1 tsp |
| Chili Powder | ¼ tsp |
Step-by-Step: Stir, Taste, Adjust
Grab a small mixing bowl and combine your honey, hot sauce, and chili powder.
Stir with a spoon or small whisk until completely blended.
Taste a drop. Want more heat? Add a bit more hot sauce. Want it sweeter? Add a touch more honey.
Store in a small glass jar at room temperature—or refrigerate if you prefer it chilled.
That’s it! No heating, no mess, no special tools.
This sauce is just as tasty drizzled over fried chicken as it is stirred into a dressing. I’ve even added it to healthy no-bake desserts like spicy nut butter bark for a salty-sweet treat with a kick.
When you make a batch, it’ll keep for up to three months in a sealed container. That makes it perfect for gifting, too. I’ve tucked jars of this into Halloween food idea baskets and even tied it to a bottle of bourbon for a spicy-sweet gift set.
Creative Twists and Tasty Uses for Hot Honey Sauce
Sweet Heat, Your Way: Variations on the Classic
Once you’ve made the basic hot honey sauce, you’re only a few tweaks away from flavor-packed spins that can suit just about any meal. Here are a few ideas we’ve tested (and loved) right here in our kitchen:
- Garlic Hot Honey: Stir in ½ teaspoon of garlic powder for a savory kick. Perfect for roasted potatoes or garlic bread.
- Smoky Chipotle Version: Swap regular chili powder for chipotle chili powder or add a splash of adobo sauce from a can of chipotles. This one pairs beautifully with grilled meats.
- Citrus Zest: A little grated orange or lemon zest adds brightness and is wonderful when drizzled over cheese plates or charcuterie boards.
You can also experiment with keto recipes by using sugar-free honey substitutes and low-carb hot sauces. That way, even folks watching their carbs can enjoy this spicy-sweet combo.
Hot honey sauce plays well with others, and you’re not limited to using it just one way. In our house, it’s the flavor boost that keeps things from feeling like “same-old dinner again.”
Favorite Ways to Use Hot Honey Sauce (Besides Just Dipping)
We started using it with crispy chicken fingers, but it didn’t stop there. Here are some of the most-requested uses from my crew:
- Hot Honey Pizza Drizzle: Especially on pepperoni or veggie pizza—just a light pour right before serving takes it up a notch.
- Biscuits + Hot Honey: Skip the jam and slather hot honey on a warm biscuit. Trust me on this one.
- Salad Dressing Upgrade: Mix equal parts hot honey, olive oil, and a splash of apple cider vinegar. You’ve got yourself a bold, tangy-sweet vinaigrette.
- Charcuterie Boards: Pair it with creamy brie or sharp cheddar. Add a little jar with a honey dipper for that “fancy but easy” vibe.
Oh, and if you’re feeling adventurous, try it with desserts. A little over vanilla ice cream or tucked into a no-bake chocolate pie adds that surprise bite that keeps you coming back for more.
It’s also a great way to jazz up leftovers. I’ve even stirred it into a batch of roasted veggies from the night before and served them with rice for a whole new meal.
FAQs About Hot Honey Sauce + Handy Tips
What is in honey hot sauce?
It’s a three-ingredient powerhouse: honey, hot sauce, and chili powder. That’s it. The simplicity is part of what makes it so crave-worthy. You can mix it up in under 2 minutes and immediately drizzle it over chicken, roasted veggies, or even your favorite 3-ingredient no bake cookies for a spicy-sweet dessert twist.
How to make hot honey sauce in the UK?
UK friends, this one’s easy! Grab your favorite local runny honey (acacia honey works great), a splash of Tabasco or Encona hot sauce (a UK classic), and ground chili powder or even crushed red chili flakes. Stir and adjust to your heat preference. It works just as beautifully with cheddar toasties or fish finger wraps as it does with roast chicken.
Is hot honey just honey and chilli flakes?
It can be, but adding hot sauce gives you better control of the heat and a tangy flavor that chili flakes alone don’t provide. Many people start with just honey and flakes, but once you try the full version with sauce and chili powder, you’ll likely never go back.
How to make a hot honey dressing?
To make a zesty hot honey dressing, whisk together:
2 tbsp hot honey sauce
1 tbsp olive oil
1 tbsp apple cider vinegar
Pinch of salt and pepper
This combo works wonders on grain bowls, chicken salads, or even drizzled over grilled peaches. We’ve used it in everything from side salads to a tangy slaw for our garlic dill sunflower dip.
Storage Tips and Shelf Life
Store your hot honey sauce in a clean glass jar with a lid. If you used only shelf-stable ingredients, you can keep it at room temperature for up to 3 months. For best flavor, give it a quick stir before each use.
One Last Note from My Kitchen
This sauce is about more than just flavor—it’s about ease, flexibility, and that little extra spark dinner sometimes needs. Whether you’re spooning it over chicken, using it as a dip, or drizzling it on pizza for movie night, hot honey sauce has a way of making food feel fun again.
When you make your own, you get to taste as you go. That’s something no store-bought bottle can offer. So next time dinner needs a boost or your snack board feels flat, just stir, taste, and enjoy the little magic of hot honey.
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