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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!”

Ingredients for easy hot honey sauce on a wooden surface, including butter, chili flakes, honey, and salt displayed in small bowls and a wooden spoon.
Butter, honey, salt and chilli (red pepper) flakes – that’s it. You’ve got everything you need for big flavour in 5 minutes.

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.

Close-up of easy hot honey sauce with chili flakes in a ceramic bowl, stirred with a wooden 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.

Four pieces of freshly fried crispy chicken thigh fillets resting on brown parchment paper.
The top two pieces of chicken were air-fried, the bottom two pan-fried – both passed the crunch test. Slather the hot honey on the chicken while it’s still warm.

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.

Close-up of a hot honey crunch chicken burger with crispy fried chicken, shredded lettuce, pickles, and mayonnaise in a soft brioche bun.
Sweet, spicy, crunchy – this burger owes everything to that sauce.

Watch how to make Easy Hot Honey Sauce

Easy Hot Honey Sauce goes beautifully with the following recipes:

Hot Honey Crunch Chicken Burger Recipe
Sticky Lime Honey Chicken Tacos Recipe
Mexican Pulled Chicken Nachos Recipe
Loaded Potato Taco Bowls Recipe
Black Bean Crunch Tacos Recipe
Peri-peri Chicken Bowls Recipe

Ingredients for easy hot honey sauce on a wooden surface, including butter, chili flakes, honey, and salt displayed in small bowls and a wooden spoon.

Easy Hot Honey Sauce

Author: Nicole
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This Easy Hot Honey Sauce recipe 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.
Prep 2 minutes
Total 5 minutes

Ingredients

  • 2 tbsp unsalted butter
  • 3 tbsp honey
  • ½ tsp chilli red pepper flakes (adjust to taste)
  • ¼ tsp sea salt flakes

Instructions

Make on the 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.
Make in the 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.
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.

Disclaimer re gluten-free and dairy-free recipes

Watch how to make it

Recipe 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.

Tried this recipe?

Let us know how it was!
Course Condiments
Cuisine Fakeaway-inspired