Five minutes, one pan, no fuss – this sweet-and-spicy sauce is what makes those crispy chicken burgers taste like a Friday night fakeaway.
This is the sauce that takes a crunchy chicken burger from great to “Okay, this is the best thing you’ve ever made!”

It’s sweet, sticky, a little spicy (if you want it to be), and takes all of 5 minutes in one pan. I use it on my Hot Honey Crunch Chicken Burger, but it works anywhere you want that sweet-savoury glaze moment – think grilled chicken, pork, tofu, roast veggies, or even a cheeky drizzle over fried rice.
It’s also make-ahead and freezer-friendly, and made entirely from pantry staples, so you can batch it and keep it on hand for whenever dinner just needs … something extra.
Messy, glorious, Friday night energy – in a spoon.

Can I make it mild for the kids?
Definitely. Just skip the chilli (red pepper) flakes or reduce them. You still get all the flavour from the honey, butter, garlic and salt – just without the kick.

How can I use this sauce?
Brush it over crispy chicken (oven-baked, air fried or pan-fried), drizzle it on grilled veggies or pork, toss it with tofu, or spoon it into wraps or burgers. It’s also excellent over halloumi or on the side of a grain bowl.

Watch how to make Easy Hot Honey Sauce
Easy Hot Honey Sauce goes beautifully with the following recipes:
Hot Honey Crunch Chicken Burger
Sticky Lime Honey Chicken Tacos
Mexican Pulled Chicken Nachos
Loaded Potato Taco Bowls
Black Bean Crunch Tacos
Peri-peri Chicken Bowls

Easy Hot Honey Sauce
This Easy Hot Honey Sauce is the shortcut to fakeaway-level flavour at home. It’s quick, made with pantry staples, and adds instant excitement to crispy chicken, roast veggies, burgers or grain bowls. Make a double batch – you’ll want it again.
- Total Time: 5 minutes
- Yield: Makes approx. ½ cup (125 ml)
Ingredients
- 2 tbsp unsalted butter
- 3 tbsp honey
- ½ tsp chilli (red pepper) flakes (adjust to taste)
- ¼ tsp sea salt flakes
Instructions
Stovetop
- Add the butter to a small saucepan over low heat and melt gently.
- Once melted, remove from the heat and stir in the honey, chilli flakes and salt until fully combined and smooth.
- Taste and adjust the chilli to your preference.
- Use immediately, or let cool before storing in a sealed container.
Microwave
- Place the butter in a microwave-safe bowl or jug and microwave for 20–30 seconds until melted.
- Stir in the honey, chilli flakes and salt until fully combined and smooth.
- Use right away, or let cool before storing in a sealed container.
Store
- Use immediately, or cool and store refrigerated in an airtight container or jar for up to 7 days. For reheating instructions and full make ahead instructions, see below.
Notes
Make Ahead
Fridge – Store in a jar or airtight container for up to 7 days.
Freezer – Freeze in small containers or silicone trays for up to 3 months.
Reheat – Gently warm on the stovetop or in the microwave. Stir before serving. Stir through a splash of water to loosen if needed.
Leftovers
See the make ahead instructions above.
- Prep Time: 2 minutes
- Cook Time: 2–3 minutes
- Category: Condiments
- Method: Stovetop or microwave
- Cuisine: Fakeaway-inspired