This Easy Hot Honey BBQ Sauce Recipe brings the perfect mix of sweet, smoky, and spicy with just a handful of pantry ingredients. It is quick to make, easy to adjust for heat level, and works great on chicken, ribs, wings, or as a dipping sauce.
This Easy Hot Honey BBQ Sauce is what happens when sweet meets heat and refuses to back down. Sticky honey, smoky barbecue sauce, and a little spicy kick come together in minutes, making it perfect for brushing on chicken, ribs, wings, or even drizzling over roasted veggies.
No fancy steps, no hard-to-find ingredients, just bold flavor you can whip up fast and keep in the fridge for whenever your food needs a serious upgrade.
If you love easy BBQ Sauce Recipes, try some of my favorite BBQ recipes:
Applebee’s Honey BBQ Sauce Copycat Recipe
KFC Honey BBQ Sauce Copycat Recipe
Why You Will Love This Recipe!
- It comes together fast with pantry staples, no special ingredients required.
- The sweet honey and spicy heat balance perfectly with smoky barbecue flavor.
- You can control the heat level, from mild to “wow that’s got a kick.”
- It works on everything from chicken and ribs to burgers and roasted veggies.
- It tastes like something you’d pay extra for at a BBQ joint, but made at home.
Ingredients Needed
- Ketchup: Classic tomato base that keeps the sauce thick
- Honey: Adds natural sweetness with a sticky glossy finish
- Hot sauce: Brings heat and balances the sweet honey flavor
- Apple cider vinegar: Adds tangy bite to cut through sweetness
- Worcestershire sauce: Boosts savory depth with bold umami flavor
- Smoked paprika: Adds smoky warmth without overpowering heat
- Garlic powder: Gives mild garlicky flavor throughout the sauce
- Onion powder: Adds subtle sweetness and background savory notes
- Black pepper: Sharpens flavor with gentle peppery heat
- Salt: Enhances and balances all the sauce flavors
How To Make Easy Hot Honey BBQ Sauce Recipe
Step One: Add all ingredients to a small saucepan and place it over medium heat. Stir until everything is fully combined and smooth, then bring the sauce to a gentle simmer.
Step Two: Let the sauce simmer for about 8 to 10 minutes, stirring often, until it thickens slightly and the flavors come together. Remove from heat, taste, and adjust the heat or sweetness if needed. Use right away or let it cool before storing for later.
Easy Hot Honey BBQ Sauce Recipe Tips
- Use high quality honey for bold, clean sweetness
- Start mild on the heat, then adjust to taste
- Simmer gently to prevent burning or bitterness
- Stir often so the sauce thickens evenly
- Balance sweetness with a splash of vinegar if needed
- Let the sauce cool slightly to thicken properly
- Taste at the end and tweak seasoning before serving
Storing Instructions
Store leftover hot honey BBQ sauce in an airtight container or glass jar in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks. For longer storage, freeze the sauce in small portions for up to 3 months and thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
Easy Hot Honey BBQ Sauce Recipe Faqs
Can I make this sauce ahead of time? Yes, it can be made a day or two in advance and stored in the refrigerator for up to two weeks.
How can I adjust the heat? Reduce or increase the amount of hot sauce or chili flakes to suit your spice preference.
Can I use this sauce on other foods besides chicken? Absolutely. It works great on ribs, wings, burgers, roasted vegetables, or even as a dipping sauce.
Can I freeze the sauce? Yes, freeze in small portions for up to three months and thaw in the refrigerator before using.
How thick should the sauce be? It should be slightly thick and glossy, enough to coat food but still pourable.
Can I use a different type of vinegar? Apple cider vinegar is recommended, but white wine or rice vinegar can also work for a slightly different tang.
Is this sauce keto-friendly? Yes, it can be keto-friendly if you use a low-carb sweetener instead of honey.
More Easy BBQ Sauce Recipes
Applebee’s Honey BBQ Sauce Copycat Recipe
KFC Honey BBQ Sauce Copycat Recipe
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Easy Hot Honey BBQ Sauce Recipe
Description
Ingredients
- 1 cup ketchup
- 1/2 cup honey
- 1/4 cup hot sauce
- 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
Instructions
- In a small saucepan, combine 1 cup ketchup , 1/2 cup honey , 1/4 cup hot sauce, 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar, 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce, 1 teaspoon smoked paprika , 1 teaspoon garlic powder , 1 teaspoon onion powder , 1/2 teaspoon black pepper , and 1/2 teaspoon salt and stir until smooth.
- Place the saucepan over medium heat and bring to a gentle simmer.
- Simmer for 8–10 minutes, stirring often, until the sauce thickens slightly.
- Taste and adjust seasoning, adding more hot sauce for heat or honey for sweetness if desired.
- Remove from heat and let cool slightly before using.
Equipment
- Saucepan
- Spoon
Nutrition
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