Hot honey BBQ sauce was one of the first recipes I ever created completely from memory—no measuring, no second-guessing, just heart and instinct. Back in my grandmother’s kitchen in St. Francisville, I watched her mix honey into everything from baked beans to barbecue glaze. She didn’t write anything down, but I remember how she’d taste, adjust, and nod when it was just right. That’s the soul of this sauce—sweet, smoky, and kissed with slow-building heat.
When I moved to New Orleans, I wanted something bold but simple for weeknight dinners. This became the one I reach for whether I’m grilling chicken, roasting wings, or adding a twist to pulled pork. It’s made with pantry basics—think honey, ketchup, apple cider vinegar, and spices—but the flavor is anything but ordinary. What I love most about hot honey BBQ sauce is how it transforms the everyday into something crave-worthy with very little effort.
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Hot Honey BBQ Sauce – Easy Sweet & Spicy Recipe You’ll Love
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Description
This sweet and spicy hot honey BBQ sauce brings bold Southern flavor to everything from chicken to veggies. Ready in 20 minutes with pantry staples!
Ingredients
1 cup ketchup
1/3 cup honey
1/4 cup apple cider vinegar
1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
1 teaspoon smoked paprika
1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
Salt and black pepper to taste
Instructions
1. In a medium saucepan, combine all ingredients over medium heat.
2. Whisk continuously until the mixture begins to bubble.
3. Reduce the heat to low and let it simmer for 10–12 minutes.
4. Remove from heat and let the sauce cool slightly.
5. Pour into a jar or airtight container for storage.
6. Use immediately or refrigerate for up to 7 days.
Notes
Adjust heat by increasing or reducing red pepper flakes.
For a thinner consistency, add a splash of water while reheating.
Freezes well for up to 3 months.
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I especially love how it clings to anything it touches. That sweet glaze grips chicken wings, salmon, even grilled veggies, and the heat lingers just enough to keep things interesting. My kids even love it as a dip for chicken tenders, and it makes a sandwich sing with just a spoonful.
If you’ve already tried my hot honey sauce, this is the next step. That same warm sweetness now gets a smoky, tangy BBQ upgrade that works for every season, not just summer. This isn’t just another condiment—it’s a jar full of Southern comfort. Whether you’re serving wings or ribs, hot honey BBQ sauce brings a depth of flavor that always satisfies.
Table of Contents
Simple Ingredients for Hot Honey BBQ Sauce
Make It in One Pan with Pantry Basics
Hot honey BBQ sauce starts with everyday ingredients but delivers a flavor that tastes like you spent hours perfecting it. I keep this recipe on standby because it only takes one pan and less than 20 minutes, start to finish. It’s great for weeknights when I need something quick but still homemade.
Here’s what you’ll need:
- 1 cup ketchup
- 1/3 cup honey
- 1/4 cup apple cider vinegar
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (more if you want it spicier)
- Salt and black pepper to taste
Just whisk everything together in a saucepan over medium heat. Once it starts to bubble, reduce the heat to low and let it simmer for 10–12 minutes. The sauce will thicken as it cools. You can use it immediately or store it in a sealed jar in the fridge for up to 7 days.
Easy Adjustments for Custom Flavor
The beauty of this hot honey BBQ sauce is that you can adjust it to your liking. Want it tangier? Add more vinegar. Need it sweeter? A bit more honey does the trick. I often serve it with grilled chicken or baked tofu, and it makes a perfect glaze for meatballs too.
For another twist on spicy-sweet flavor, check out my hot honey dressing, or if you want a smooth creamy side, try this Homemade hot honey sauce.
Whether you’re grilling, dipping, or roasting, hot honey BBQ sauce brings heat, sweetness, and Southern charm to your table.
Best Ways to Use Hot Honey BBQ Sauce
Hot Honey BBQ Sauce Turns Simple Meals into Standouts
I use hot honey BBQ sauce in so many ways that I’ve started keeping a jar in the fridge at all times. Whether it’s dinner for the family or weekend grilling with friends, this sauce adds that perfect punch of flavor that makes everyone ask for seconds. It’s especially great for chicken wings, grilled shrimp, or brushed over meatballs before baking.
When I want something quick, I toss air-fried chicken tenders with the sauce and serve them with ranch. On weekends, I glaze ribs or brush it over grilled veggies like zucchini or corn. It works beautifully on turkey burgers too—just add a slice of sharp cheddar and your favorite toasted bun.
You can even use it as a marinade. Mix the sauce with a splash of olive oil and soak boneless chicken thighs for a few hours. Grill or roast them, and the flavor seeps right into the meat. The sugar in the honey helps caramelize the outside for a gorgeous, sticky finish.
What to Pair It With for Full Flavor
This sauce isn’t just for meat. Drizzle it over roasted sweet potatoes or swirl it into mac and cheese for a spicy-sweet kick. It’s a perfect match for dishes like my chicken parmesan with alfredo sauce, giving rich meals a bold contrast. Or balance it with something fresh like Hot Honey Mustard Sauce on a crisp salad.
From lazy dinners to party trays, hot honey BBQ sauce adds Southern charm, bold flavor, and that unforgettable sweet heat that sticks with you—literally. However you use it, just be ready to make more. Around here, we never have leftovers.
How to Store and Reuse Hot Honey BBQ Sauce
Keeping Hot Honey BBQ Sauce Fresh for Every Use
Storing hot honey BBQ sauce the right way means you’ll always have a jar of flavor ready to go. Once your sauce has cooled, pour it into a clean glass jar or airtight container. It’ll stay fresh in the fridge for up to a full week. Because it’s made with vinegar and honey, the natural preservatives help maintain its quality and taste.
I like to label the jar with the date just to keep track. To reuse, simply warm it up on the stove or in the microwave for about 20–30 seconds to loosen it up. If it thickens too much in the fridge, stir in a small splash of warm water before reheating. The texture will come right back.
I often double the batch and freeze half in a freezer-safe container. It keeps well for up to three months. Just thaw it overnight in the fridge and stir well before using. That makes it perfect for planning ahead—especially if you’re prepping meals like pulled chicken sliders or glazed turkey meatballs.
Creative Ways to Reinvent Leftovers
Leftover sauce means opportunity. Use it to coat roasted nuts for a sweet-and-spicy snack. Swirl it into mayo for a next-level sandwich spread, or mix it with cream cheese for a dip that pairs beautifully with crackers and grilled sausage.
It also layers beautifully with other sauces—try blending it with homestyle ranch for a smoky-spicy dressing. Or give it a spicy twist by spooning it over spicy alfredo sauce on pasta or grilled veggies.
Wherever it lands, hot honey BBQ sauce brings bold flavor, Southern personality, and just enough heat to keep things interesting. Once it’s in your fridge, you’ll find reasons to reach for it every day.
FAQs About Hot Honey BBQ Sauce
Is hot honey a barbecue sauce?
Not exactly. Hot honey on its own is a sweet and spicy condiment made from honey and chili flakes or peppers. It’s often used as a topping or drizzle. However, when it’s blended with ingredients like ketchup, vinegar, and spices, it becomes a hot honey BBQ sauce—a richer, smokier version that works as a glaze, dip, or marinade.
How to make hot honey BBQ sauce?
To make hot honey BBQ sauce, combine ketchup, honey, apple cider vinegar, Worcestershire sauce, and spices like smoked paprika and garlic powder in a saucepan. Simmer the mixture for about 10–12 minutes until it thickens slightly. Let it cool, then store it in a jar in the fridge. It’s quick, easy, and deeply flavorful.
What is honey hot sauce made of?
Honey hot sauce usually contains honey, vinegar (like apple cider or white), chili flakes or hot sauce, and sometimes garlic or spices for depth. It’s thinner than BBQ sauce and more pourable, often used as a drizzle over pizza, fried chicken, or roasted vegetables.
Is Kinder’s Honey Hot BBQ Sauce gluten-free?
According to product labeling and the company’s information, Kinder’s Honey Hot BBQ Sauce does not contain gluten ingredients. However, it’s always safest to check the packaging or contact the manufacturer directly if you have celiac disease or gluten sensitivity.
Is honey chipotle BBQ sauce hot?
Honey chipotle BBQ sauce does carry heat, but it’s typically a smoky, mild-to-medium kind of heat. Chipotle peppers are dried and smoked jalapeños, so the sauce leans more toward smoky-sweet than fiery-hot. If you’re heat-sensitive, start with a small amount and build up.
Conclusion
If you’re like me, you probably have a handful of go-to sauces that you rely on week after week. But once you try hot honey BBQ sauce, you might just bump everything else down the list. It’s that perfect combination of sticky sweetness, slow-building heat, and smoky depth that makes each bite feel a little special.
From my grandmother’s stovetop in St. Francisville to my own kitchen here in New Orleans, this sauce carries memories and flavor in equal measure. Whether you’re grilling for a crowd or just adding something bold to tonight’s dinner, this sauce brings Southern comfort with a kick.
I hope you’ll keep a jar ready in your fridge and find your own favorite ways to use it—because in my house, it disappears fast. And the best part? It’s simple, fast, and endlessly versatile. Just like all the best kitchen stories. With one spoonful, you’ll see why we never run out of hot honey BBQ sauce. Want more easy and delicious ideas from New Easy Recipe? Check out our full collection on Pinterest.
