Homemade Hot Honey Sauce

This homemade hot honey sauce is sweet, spicy, and ready in just 2 minutes using only 4 simple ingredients. Drizzle it over fried chicken, pizza, sandwiches, roasted vegetables, or use it as a dipping sauce for a delicious sweet heat.

Making hot honey sauce at home is quick, easy, and lets you adjust the heat to suit your taste. It's simple, preservative-free, cheaper than store-bought versions, and comes together with just a few pantry staples.

Looking for more homemade sauces? Try our Asian Zing Sauce and Cajun Alfredo Sauce.

Hot Honey Sauce Ingredients

Here are a few important notes about the ingredients. For measurements, see the recipe card below.

Honey: Pure raw honey, locally sourced organic honey, or regular store-bought honey all work well. Use whatever is available to you. Just avoid products labeled "honey flavored" or "blended."

Chili: I find that a combination of red chili flakes and chili powder gives the perfect balance of heat and flavor. Adjust the amount to suit your taste, or omit the chili powder if you prefer a milder sauce.

Lemon juice: Fresh lemon juice adds a slight tang that balances the sweetness of the honey and the heat from the chili. I especially love the bright citrus flavor it adds. However, apple cider vinegar is an excellent alternative. You can use either, depending on your taste preference.

Grated lemon zest (optional): A little grated lemon zest adds a fresh flavor and extra depth to the sauce. Use a microplane or fine grater, and avoid grating the white pith, which can taste bitter.

Key Tips

• Use your preferred chili flakes, such as crushed red pepper flakes, gochugaru (Korean chili flakes), or Sichuan chili flakes, to create your desired spice level. Each variety adds a slightly different level of heat and flavor, so choose the one you enjoy most.
• Heat the mixture over low heat until the honey becomes warm and runny. Boiling the honey can cause it to caramelize and alter its flavor.
• For smoother drizzling, strain the spicy honey. However, keep in mind that the longer it steeps, the stronger and spicier the flavor becomes.
• Add a pinch of garlic powder, a little butter, or a pinch of salt for extra flavor.

Instructions (Step-By-Step)

1. In a small saucepan, combine the honey, chili flakes, chili powder, lemon juice, and grated lemon zest.

2. Heat the mixture over low heat until the honey is warm and runny. Do not let it boil.

3. Remove from the heat and let it cool slightly.

4. Taste and adjust the seasoning, if needed.

5. Pour the sauce into a clean, airtight glass jar. Store it at room temperature for up to 2 weeks or refrigerate it for a longer shelf life.

Ways To Use

This sweet and spicy sauce is incredibly versatile. Keep a jar of this hot honey sauce in your kitchen, ready to drizzle over your favorite foods. Here are some delicious ways to use it:

• Drizzle over fried chicken, Crispy Honey Sriracha Chicken Tenders, wings, pizza, or Buffalo Chicken Flatbread Pizza.
• Use as a dipping sauce for fries, onion rings, or Chicken and Potato Cutlets.
• Spread on sandwiches, burgers, wraps, or toast.
• Brush over grilled or roasted chicken, seafood, or vegetables.
• Toss with stir-fries or roasted vegetables for extra flavor.
• Whisk into salad dressings or drizzle over fresh salads.

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Recipe

Homemade Hot Honey Sauce

This recipe is very easy to make. You can have a delicious homemade hot honey sauce in just 2 minutes using 4 simple ingredients. Enjoy it as a dip or drizzle over your favorite dish for a sweet and spicy kick.

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Course: Condiment, Sauces

Cuisine: American

Keyword: Homemade hot honey sauce

Prep Time: 1 minute minute

Cook Time: 1 minute minute

Total Time: 2 minutes minutes

Servings: 8 tablespoons

Calories: 65kcal

Author: Geetanjali

Equipment

• Sauce pan

Ingredients 

1x2x3x

• ½ cup honey
• ¾ teaspoon red chili flakes or more, to taste
• ¼ teaspoon chili powder
• 1 teaspoon lemon juice or to taste
• ¼ teaspoon lemon zest grated optional

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Instructions

• In a small saucepan, combine the honey, chili flakes, chili powder, lemon juice, and grated lemon zest.
• Heat the mixture over low heat until the honey is warm and runny. Do not let it boil.
• Remove from the heat and let it cool slightly.
• Taste and adjust the seasoning, if needed.
• Pour the sauce into a clean, airtight glass jar. Store it at room temperature for up to 2 weeks or refrigerate it for a longer shelf life.

Notes

• Use your preferred chili flakes, such as crushed red pepper flakes, gochugaru (Korean chili flakes), or Sichuan chili flakes, to create your desired spice level.
• Heat the mixture over low heat until the honey becomes warm and runny. Boiling the honey can cause it to caramelize and alter its flavor.
• For smoother drizzling, strain the spicy honey. However, keep in mind that the longer it steeps, the stronger and spicier the flavor becomes.

Nutrition

Calories: 65kcal | Carbohydrates: 18g | Protein: 0.1g | Fat: 0.04g | Saturated Fat: 0.01g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 0.02g | Monounsaturated Fat: 0.01g | Sodium: 5mg | Potassium: 17mg | Fiber: 0.1g | Sugar: 17g | Vitamin A: 74IU | Vitamin C: 0.4mg | Calcium: 2mg | Iron: 0.1mg

Nutrition Disclaimer:

Nutrition information is a general estimate only. Actual values may vary depending on the specific ingredients and brands used. For the most accurate information, please consult a registered dietitian or use your preferred nutrition calculator.