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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
Cook 2 minutes
Total 4 minutes
Servings: 8 servings

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.

Watch how to make it

Nutrition information

Nutrition Facts
Easy Hot Honey Sauce
Amount per Serving
Calories
69
% Daily Value*
Fat
 
4
g
6
%
Saturated Fat
 
3
g
19
%
Monounsaturated Fat
 
1
g
Cholesterol
 
8
mg
3
%
Sodium
 
76
mg
3
%
Potassium
 
11
mg
0
%
Carbohydrates
 
9
g
3
%
Sugar
 
9
g
10
%
Calcium
 
2
mg
0
%
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2000 calorie diet.

Nutritional information on this site is calculated using Foodworks Professional, the nutrition analysis software trusted by dietitians, researchers and food manufacturers across Australia and New Zealand. Disclaimer re gluten-free and dairy-free recipes

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