How to make hot honey sauce is a question that many home cooks ask when they want to add a little sweet heat to their meals. For me, it all started when I was simply trying to elevate a fried chicken dinner with something more than the usual condiments. I grabbed honey, added some hot sauce, and just like that, I had a creation that I’ve been making ever since.
Growing up in St. Francisville, Southern food was all about layers of flavor—nothing too complicated, but always satisfying. When I mixed honey with chili flakes and a dash of vinegar, it was an instant hit. This is where I really figured out how to make hot honey sauce that could elevate simple, comforting dishes with a bold twist.
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How to Make Hot Honey Sauce – A Sweet, Spicy Recipe You’ll Love
- Total Time: 10 minutes
- Yield: 1 cup 1x
Description
This homemade hot honey sauce is the perfect blend of sweet and spicy, made with just 4 ingredients in under 10 minutes. It’s ideal for chicken, pizza, wings, and more!
Ingredients
1 cup honey (raw or regular)
1 ½ teaspoons crushed red pepper flakes
1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
Pinch of salt (optional)
Instructions
1. In a small saucepan, combine honey and red pepper flakes.
2. Warm gently over low heat, stirring occasionally for 5–7 minutes.
3. Remove from heat and stir in apple cider vinegar and salt.
4. Let cool for 10 minutes, then transfer to a clean glass jar.
5. Refrigerate and stir before each use.
Notes
Adjust heat by adding more red pepper flakes for extra spice.
Strain the chili flakes for a smoother texture if desired.
Store in the fridge for up to 2 weeks.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 5 minutes
- Category: Sauce
- Method: Simmer
- Cuisine: Southern American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 tablespoon
- Calories: 60
- Sugar: 14g
- Sodium: 1mg
- Fat: 0g
- Saturated Fat: 0g
- Unsaturated Fat: 0g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 17g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 0g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
Keywords: hot honey sauce recipe, sweet spicy honey sauce, chili honey glaze
Now, living in New Orleans, I get inspired by the vibrant flavors around me. But this simple sauce is still my favorite—versatile, flavorful, and always ready in under 10 minutes. Whether I’m drizzling it over wings, tossing it with roasted vegetables, or slathering it on sandwiches, it’s the one thing I always go back to when I want how to make hot honey sauce that’s just right. If you’re interested, check out my hot honey sauce recipe to see how I make it.
Table of Contents
How to Make Hot Honey Sauce – Easy Ingredients and Simple Steps
Ingredients for the Perfect Hot Honey Sauce
To make hot honey sauce, you don’t need a lot of fancy ingredients. The beauty of this sauce lies in its simplicity. All you need are a few pantry staples, and you’ve got a flavorful, versatile sauce that can be drizzled over anything from wings to veggies.
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 best part about how to make hot honey sauce is that you can adjust the heat to your liking. For a milder version, use fewer chili flakes. If you want more kick, feel free to add a little extra. You can also try using a different type of hot sauce or even a splash of sriracha for a smoky twist.
Step-by-Step Instructions for How to Make Hot Honey Sauce
Making this hot honey sauce is as easy as it gets. Start by combining the honey and crushed red pepper flakes in a small saucepan. Set the heat to low and let it warm gently, stirring occasionally. The goal is to infuse the heat from the flakes without boiling the honey, so keep a close eye on it.
After about 5–7 minutes, once the chili flakes have infused their heat into the honey, remove the pan from the heat. Stir in the apple cider vinegar and a pinch of salt, if desired. This adds the perfect balance to the sauce, cutting through the sweetness and adding a little acidity.
Once everything is mixed together, let the sauce cool for about 10 minutes before transferring it to a clean jar or bottle. This hot honey sauce is now ready to use! You can store it in the fridge for up to a week, but it’s usually gone before that.
If you’re looking for an extra twist, try using this sauce in a hot honey mustard dressing or as a glaze for your favorite meats. You can also check out my hot honey mustard sauce for another delicious way to enjoy this sweet heat.
Best Ways to Use Your Hot Honey Sauce
Drizzle, Dip, Glaze – Hot Honey Sauce is Perfect for Any Meal
Once you’ve learned how to make hot honey sauce, you’ll discover how versatile it is. I love drizzling this sauce over chicken wings or grilled shrimp. It adds the perfect balance of sweet and spicy, which makes every bite irresistible. Whether you’re preparing a quick weeknight dinner or hosting a gathering, this sauce works wonders on everything.
I first tried it with crispy chicken tenders, and my kids couldn’t get enough. You can also use it as a glaze for roasted vegetables or as a dipping sauce for fries and mozzarella sticks. The sweetness of the honey complements the crispy coating, while the heat adds a kick.
If you’re making pizza, a drizzle of hot honey sauce will take it to the next level. It pairs perfectly with pepperoni, sausage, or veggie toppings, giving your pizza that extra burst of flavor.
Perfect for Barbecue, Sandwiches, and More
After mastering how to make hot honey sauce, you’ll want to use it on everything! Brush it onto meats during the last few minutes of grilling or roasting for a delicious glaze. It’s perfect on ribs, chicken, or even pulled pork. I also love using it on sandwiches. Spread it on a soft roll before adding crispy chicken or use it as a condiment for grilled burgers. That sweet heat brings something extra to any sandwich filling.
If you’ve perfected how to make hot honey sauce, you’re already halfway to making incredible dips, glazes, and dressings. For more ideas, check out my hot honey BBQ sauce for another variation of this sweet-spicy combo!
Customize and Store Your Hot Honey Sauce
Adjust the Heat to Match Your Taste
One of the best things about how to make hot honey sauce is how easy it is to adjust to your preference. If you like your sauce hotter, simply add more red pepper flakes or a splash of your favorite hot sauce. Sriracha, chipotle, or even a bit of cayenne pepper can give your sauce a smoky kick.
For a milder version, use fewer chili flakes and strain them out to keep the sauce smooth. You can also experiment with different types of honey. I like to use raw honey for a more floral taste, but clover or wildflower honey will work just as well. Each variation brings a slightly different nuance, so don’t hesitate to get creative with it.
Storing Your Hot Honey Sauce for Future Use
Once you’ve perfected how to make hot honey sauce, you’ll want to make sure it stays fresh. Pour the sauce into an airtight container, like a glass jar or squeeze bottle. Let it cool completely before sealing it to ensure it keeps its texture.
Store your hot honey sauce in the fridge, where it will stay fresh for up to two weeks. If the sauce thickens too much after refrigeration, simply warm it in the microwave for a few seconds or place the jar in warm water to loosen it up. Before using, give it a good stir to redistribute the chili flakes and spices.
If you’re looking for an easy way to always have this hot honey sauce ready to go, try making a larger batch and storing it in a jar for whenever you need a quick burst of sweet heat. Once you’ve mastered how to make hot honey sauce, you’ll never want to go back to store-bought versions. For more inspiration, you can check out my Homemade Hot Honey Sauce for another variation that’s just as simple and delicious.
FAQs About How to Make Hot Honey Sauce
How to make hot honey sauce for chicken?
To make hot honey sauce for chicken, combine honey, crushed red pepper flakes, and apple cider vinegar in a saucepan. Warm the mixture over low heat until the chili flakes infuse into the honey. Once it’s done, simply drizzle over grilled, roasted, or fried chicken for a sweet and spicy kick.
How to make hot honey sauce for wings?
For wings, follow the basic recipe for how to make hot honey sauce, and toss it with crispy wings right before serving. The sauce will stick beautifully to the crispy skin, making each bite a perfect balance of heat and sweetness.
What is hot honey sauce made of?
Hot honey sauce is made of three key ingredients: honey, crushed red pepper flakes, and apple cider vinegar. These simple ingredients come together to create a perfect blend of sweetness, spice, and tang. You can also customize the sauce by adding other spices or hot sauces to suit your taste.
How to make a simple honey sauce?
A simple honey sauce can be made by combining honey with a touch of apple cider vinegar and a pinch of salt. For extra flavor, you can add a bit of mustard or garlic powder. Warm the mixture until it’s smooth and well combined, and you’re ready to drizzle it over your favorite dishes.
What is honey hot wing sauce made of?
Honey hot wing sauce is made by combining honey with hot sauce, butter, and often garlic or cayenne pepper. It’s a perfect combination of sweet, spicy, and savory that coats wings, making them irresistible. You can use homemade hot honey sauce as the base, adding butter for extra richness.
How to make hot honey without cooking?
If you prefer how to make hot honey sauce without cooking, simply combine honey and your choice of hot sauce (like sriracha or chipotle) with crushed red pepper flakes in a jar. Shake or stir the ingredients until well blended. This no-cook method still gives you a flavorful sauce in minutes.
Conclusion
Final Thoughts on How to Make Hot Honey Sauce
How to make hot honey sauce is simpler than you might think, and it quickly becomes a staple in your kitchen once you’ve mastered it. Whether you’re drizzling it over crispy chicken, tossing it with wings, or using it as a glaze for roasted vegetables, this sweet and spicy sauce adds depth and flavor to any dish. It’s versatile, easy to make, and endlessly customizable.
What I love about this recipe is how it bridges comfort and boldness in a way that works for every meal. And the best part? You can make it in under 10 minutes, with ingredients you likely already have at home. Whether you make a small batch for dinner or prepare a larger jar for meal prep, you’ll find yourself reaching for it again and again.
Once you’ve tried this homemade hot honey sauce, I’m sure it’ll become a family favorite, just like it did in mine. Sweet, spicy, and full of flavor—this sauce is a must-try in your kitchen. For the full recipe, feel free to check out my How to Make Hot Honey Sauce for Wings . Want more easy and delicious ideas from New Easy Recipe? Check out our full collection on Pinterest.
