How to make hot honey sauce for wings is one of the most satisfying things you can learn to elevate your chicken wings to a whole new level. The sweet, sticky sauce clings perfectly to the crispy wings, giving them a burst of flavor that’s both fiery and sweet. I first discovered this sauce when I was craving something bold to spice up my weekly wing night. I didn’t want just another barbecue sauce—something sweet and spicy that would bring a unique twist to the wings I already loved. So, I combined honey with chili flakes, and the result was nothing short of perfection.
Growing up in St. Francisville, I learned early on that honey is one of the most versatile ingredients. My grandmother used it in almost everything, from glazes to desserts, and I found that adding a little heat to it was a game-changer. When I moved to New Orleans, I wanted to capture that same Southern comfort but with a bit more boldness.
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How to Make Hot Honey Sauce for Wings – Sweet, Spicy, and Irresistible
- Total Time: 10 mins
- Yield: 3/4 cup 1x
Description
This hot honey sauce for wings brings sweet heat in every bite—perfect for game day, snacks, or adding bold flavor to your meals.
Ingredients
1 cup honey
1 ½ teaspoons crushed red pepper flakes
1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
Optional: pinch of salt or garlic powder
Instructions
1. In a small saucepan, combine honey and red pepper flakes.
2. Warm over low heat, stirring occasionally for 5–7 minutes.
3. Remove from heat and stir in apple cider vinegar.
4. Add a pinch of salt or garlic powder if desired.
5. Let the sauce cool slightly before using.
6. Toss with freshly cooked wings or store for later use.
Notes
Adjust spice level by increasing or reducing red pepper flakes.
Use raw honey for deeper flavor or clover honey for a lighter sweetness.
Store in the fridge for up to 2 weeks in an airtight container.
- Prep Time: 5 mins
- Cook Time: 5 mins
- Category: Sauces & Condiments
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Southern
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 tablespoon
- Calories: 64
- Sugar: 16g
- Sodium: 1mg
- Fat: 0g
- Saturated Fat: 0g
- Unsaturated Fat: 0g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 17g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 0g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
Keywords: how to make hot honey sauce for wings, hot honey wings, spicy honey sauce
That’s when I figured out how to make hot honey sauce for wings. It’s simple, but the flavors it brings are unforgettable. The honey gives a natural sweetness, and the red pepper flakes add the perfect amount of heat. Add a splash of vinegar, and you’ve got a sauce that’s tangy, sweet, and spicy—everything a wing sauce should be.
The best part about how to make hot honey sauce for wings is that it’s quick and easy to make. You only need a few ingredients you likely already have in your pantry. Once you try it, you’ll find yourself making it over and over again. For the full step-by-step instructions, check out my Hot Honey Sauce Recipe.
Table of Contents
How to Make Hot Honey Sauce for Wings – Ingredients and Preparation
Ingredients for the Perfect Hot Honey Sauce for Wings
If you’re wondering how to make hot honey sauce for wings, the great thing is that you don’t need many ingredients to get started. This simple sauce uses pantry staples that you likely already have at home. The foundation of the sauce is honey, which provides that irresistible sweetness that balances perfectly with the heat from the chili flakes. Here’s what you’ll need:
- 1 cup honey (raw or regular)
- 1 ½ teaspoons crushed red pepper flakes
- 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
- Pinch of salt (optional)
The ingredients are basic, but the beauty of how to make hot honey sauce for wings is in the balance of sweet and spicy. You can adjust the heat by adding more chili flakes if you like a stronger kick, or tone it down for a milder version. This flexibility makes it a go-to recipe for anyone who loves a little heat on their wings.
How to Prepare Hot Honey Sauce for Wings
Making the sauce is as easy as mixing the ingredients together. Begin by combining the honey and crushed red pepper flakes in a small saucepan. Set the heat to low and let it warm gently. Stir occasionally for about 5–7 minutes until the chili flakes infuse the honey with their heat. Once the sauce has thickened slightly and you smell that irresistible aroma, remove it from the heat and stir in the apple cider vinegar. This adds a little tanginess that perfectly complements the sweetness of the honey. You can also add a pinch of salt to taste, though it’s optional.
Once you’ve learned how to make hot honey sauce for wings, you can customize the flavor to your liking. I recommend letting the sauce cool for a few minutes before tossing it with freshly cooked wings. The sauce will cling to the wings beautifully, creating that perfect balance of heat and sweet.
For more inspiration, check out my Homemade Hot Honey Sauce for a smooth and flavorful version that works for any dish.
Best Ways to Use Hot Honey Sauce for Wings
Toss It, Glaze It, or Drizzle It
Once you’ve figured out how to make hot honey sauce for wings, you’ll realize how versatile it is. While it’s perfect for tossing with crispy fried wings, it also makes an excellent glaze for grilled wings. The sauce sticks to the wings beautifully, creating a shiny, flavorful coating. You can even drizzle it on roasted veggies or chicken tenders for a quick and easy dinner. No matter how you use it, this hot honey sauce brings a sweet, spicy kick to any dish.
I love making a big batch of this sauce so I can use it throughout the week. It’s perfect for dipping your favorite snacks or brushing over grilled chicken. The beauty of how to make hot honey sauce for wings is that it can be stored in the fridge for up to two weeks, so you can always have it on hand whenever the craving hits.
Experiment with Different Cooking Methods
The beauty of this sauce is that it works with nearly any cooking method. Whether you’re grilling, frying, or roasting your wings, how to make hot honey sauce for wings can be adapted to suit your preferences. For crispy wings, fry them and toss them in the sauce just before serving. For grilled wings, brush them with the sauce during the final minutes of cooking to give them a beautiful, caramelized finish. You can also drizzle the sauce on wings after they’ve been roasted in the oven for a flavorful boost.
For an even more exciting twist, try pairing your wings with a side of my Hot Honey Mustard Sauce for an extra layer of tangy sweetness.
Storing and Adjusting Your Hot Honey Sauce for Wings
Storing Hot Honey Sauce for Future Use
Once you’ve mastered how to make hot honey sauce for wings, you’ll want to know how to store it properly. This sauce is best kept in an airtight container, like a glass jar or squeeze bottle. Once cooled, transfer the sauce into your chosen container and store it in the refrigerator. It will keep for up to two weeks, and you’ll always have it on hand for whenever you want to make wings or add a spicy touch to your favorite dishes.
If you find that the sauce thickens after storing it in the fridge, just heat it in the microwave for a few seconds or warm it up in a saucepan. This will bring it back to its original consistency, ready to coat your wings perfectly again.
Adjusting the Flavor and Spice Level
One of the best parts about how to make hot honey sauce for wings is how easy it is to adjust the flavor to your liking. If you prefer your wings spicier, simply increase the amount of red pepper flakes or hot sauce. If you prefer a milder version, reduce the chili flakes or omit them entirely. You can also experiment with different types of vinegar to alter the tanginess, or add a bit of garlic powder for a deeper, savory flavor.
Remember that once you’ve found your perfect balance, you can always double or triple the batch, especially if you’re hosting a party or making wings for a crowd. For even more flavor combinations, check out my Hot Honey BBQ Sauce for a smoky twist on this sweet and spicy sauce.
FAQs About How to Make Hot Honey Sauce for Wings
How to make a hot honey sauce for wings?
How to make hot honey sauce for wings is as simple as simmering honey with crushed red pepper flakes and a splash of apple cider vinegar. Warm the ingredients gently in a small saucepan for about 5–7 minutes to infuse the honey with heat. Once the sauce thickens slightly, it’s ready to toss with freshly cooked wings. This quick and easy method ensures maximum flavor with minimal effort.
How to make hot honey garlic sauce for wings?
If you’re wondering how to turn this into a garlicky version, just add a couple of minced garlic cloves to your base while heating. This variation on how to make hot honey sauce for wings creates a bold, savory layer of flavor while keeping the balance of sweet and spicy intact. Let it simmer just long enough to mellow the garlic, then pour it straight over your wings.
What is hot honey sauce made of?
The base of hot honey sauce is simple: honey, crushed red pepper flakes, and apple cider vinegar. That’s the heart of how to make hot honey sauce for wings—just a few ingredients that come together to create magic. Some versions include salt or garlic for extra flavor, and you can always tweak the spice level to your taste.
How to make Wingstop hot honey?
Start with the same steps as how to make hot honey sauce for wings, then blend in a little melted butter and your favorite hot sauce. Sriracha or cayenne-based sauces work great. Wingstop-style hot honey is slightly smoother and has a buttery finish that makes it great for tossing right before serving.
How to make homemade hot wing sauce?
For a non-honey version, combine hot sauce, melted butter, and garlic powder. But if you’re still craving sweet heat, return to how to make hot honey sauce for wings, which brings that signature balance of sticky sweetness and bold spice that’s unbeatable on crispy wings.
Conclusion
Final Thoughts on How to Make Hot Honey Sauce for Wings
How to make hot honey sauce for wings is one of those kitchen skills that feels small but makes a big impact. With just a few ingredients and ten minutes on the stove, you get a sauce that transforms simple wings into something memorable—sweet, spicy, sticky, and full of flavor. Whether you’re hosting game night, prepping a quick dinner, or just want something bold and exciting, this sauce is your answer.
What makes it even more special is how flexible it is. You can customize the heat, add garlic, swap out vinegars, or even mix in butter for a smoother texture. And the best part? It stores beautifully, so you can always keep a jar ready in the fridge.
Once you’ve mastered how to make hot honey sauce for wings, you’ll realize it’s more than just a recipe—it’s a shortcut to crowd-pleasing meals. For more ways to elevate your wings, check out my full guide on How to Make Hot Honey Sauce and explore all the sweet-heat variations you can try.
From my kitchen in New Orleans to yours, I hope this sauce becomes one of your favorites just like it did in mine. However you serve it—on wings, shrimp, roasted veggies, or pizza—this homemade hot honey sauce brings a fiery, Southern twist that always delivers. Want more easy and delicious ideas from New Easy Recipe? Check out our full collection on Pinterest.
