Learn how to make the best hot honey sauces at home and discover delicious recipes to use them on—fried chicken, pizza, crostini, wings, and more.
The best hot honey sauces don’t come from a jar—they come from your own kitchen. They strike that sweet spot between a silky drizzle and a spicy slap. And once you make a good hot honey at home? You’ll want to pour it on everything from crispy fried chicken to a gooey brie crostini. It’s not just a sauce—it’s a secret weapon. Let’s dive in!!
BASIC HOT HONEY SAUCE (The Classic)
Ingredients:
- 1 cup raw honey
- 2–3 teaspoons red pepper flakes (adjust to spice tolerance)
- 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar (for tang)
Optional: 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika or cayenne for extra depth
Instructions:
- Warm the Honey: In a small saucepan over low heat, pour in your honey and let it warm gently (do NOT boil).
- Add the Heat: Stir in the red pepper flakes and optional spices. Let it steep for 5–10 minutes on low.
- Add the Vinegar: Stir in apple cider vinegar to balance the sweetness with a little zing.
- Strain or Leave It: You can strain out the pepper flakes for a smoother sauce, or leave them in for bold flavor and a rustic look.
- Bottle & Store: Pour into a clean jar or squeeze bottle. It’ll keep in the pantry for 2–3 months.
WHAT TO USE IT ON: HOT HONEY FRIED CHICKEN BITES
Ingredients:
- 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken thighs (cut into bite-sized pieces)
- 1 cup buttermilk
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 cup cornstarch
- Salt & pepper to taste
- Neutral oil for frying
- Hot honey (recipe above)
Instructions:
- Marinate Chicken: In a bowl, combine chicken, buttermilk, garlic powder, paprika, salt, and pepper. Let sit for at least 30 minutes (overnight is best).
- Dredge: Mix flour and cornstarch in a separate bowl. Toss the marinated chicken into this dry mix until coated.
- Fry: Heat oil in a deep skillet to 350°F. Fry chicken in batches for 5–7 minutes, until golden brown and crisp.
- Drizzle: Remove and drain on paper towels. Drizzle generously with your hot honey while still warm.
OTHER GENIUS WAYS TO USE HOT HONEY
1. HOT HONEY PIZZA DRIZZLE
Drizzle hot honey over a slice of pepperoni pizza for that sweet-heat kick that went viral on TikTok for good reason. Trust me, it turns a regular pizza into a gourmet experience.
2. HOT HONEY AVOCADO TOAST
Top whole grain toast with smashed avocado, a soft-boiled egg, chili flakes, and a slow drizzle of hot honey. Breakfast of champions.
3. HOT HONEY + BRIE CROSTINI
Slice a baguette, toast the rounds, add a slice of brie, and pop them under the broiler for a minute. Finish with a thin drizzle of hot honey and a sprinkle of crushed pistachios.
4. HOT HONEY WINGS
Toss your air-fried or oven-baked wings in a 1:1 ratio of hot honey and melted butter for sticky, spicy-sweet perfection.
PRO TIP VARIATIONS
- Garlic Hot Honey: Add 1 clove of minced garlic while steeping and strain before storing.
- Lemon Zest: A little lemon zest adds a bright zing.
- Chili Oil Hybrid: Blend in 1 tablespoon of chili oil for that fiery depth.
Once you’ve mastered your own homemade hot honey, there’s no going back. The balance of heat and sweet is addictive, and it elevates everything it touches—breakfast, dinner, even dessert (yes, I’ve tried it on vanilla ice cream). Whether you’re hosting, meal-prepping, or just wanting to spice up your weeknight, having the best hot honey sauces in your fridge makes you feel like a kitchen wizard.
Do try this Coconut Cloud Matcha!
