Hot Honey Lemon Pepper Sauce (Perfect for Wings!)

Ever bite into something so good you can’t stop eating it? That’s what happens with hot honey lemon pepper sauce.

I’ve been making this sauce for three years now, and it never gets old.

This sauce hits every flavor note you crave. Sweet honey meets spicy heat, then tangy lemon pepper cuts through everything perfectly.

I used to buy expensive wing sauces from the store. Then I figured out how to make this at home with ingredients I already had.

Now I make it weekly because my family won’t let me stop.

Let’s make one together!

Why You’ll Love This Hot Honey Lemon Pepper Sauce

Here’s what makes this sauce special:

Trust me, once you taste this sauce, you’ll understand why I make it so often. It’s addictive in the best way possible.

What Makes Hot Honey So Special?

Let me explain what hot honey actually is.

It’s honey that’s been infused with chili peppers or hot sauce. The result? Sweet heat that makes your taste buds dance.

Then you add lemon pepper seasoning. The fresh lemon juice emulsifies everything together while adding brightness. The pepper brings depth and that classic tangy kick we all love.

When these three elements combine, magic happens.

The honey balances the heat, the lemon cuts through richness, and the pepper adds complexity. It’s perfect harmony in sauce form.

Ingredients You’ll Need

I love this recipe because you probably have most of these ingredients right now:

See? Simple ingredients that pack a huge flavor punch.

Equipment You Need

Don’t worry, you won’t need fancy equipment. Here what you need to make your homemade hot honey lemon pepper sauce:

That’s it. No special gadgets required.

How to Make Hot Honey Lemon Pepper Sauce

Follow these steps and you’ll have perfect sauce every time:

1: Melt the butter in your small saucepan over medium-low heat

2: Add garlic and let it sizzle for one minute until fragrant

3: Whisk in honey, hot sauce, lemon juice, and lemon zest

4: Add lemon pepper seasoning, black pepper, and any optional ingredients

5: Bring to a gentle simmer, stirring occasionally

6: Let it bubble for 3-5 minutes until it thickens slightly

7: Taste and adjust seasonings to your liking

The sauce will keep thickening as it cools, so don’t overdo the simmering. I’ve learned this the hard way when I made it too thick once.

How to Make Perfect Wings with This Sauce

This sauce shines brightest on crispy chicken wings. Here’s how I prep my wings for maximum crispiness.

Wing Prep Steps

My Secret Dry Rub Mix

Mix these together, coat wings lightly with oil, then toss in the rub.

Ways to Cook Wings with Hot Honey Lemon Pepper Sauce

1. Air Fryer Method (My Favorite)

Here’s how I make them in my air fryer:

The air fryer gives you the crispiest skin every time.

2. Oven Method

For oven wings, follow these steps:

The wire rack lets air circulate for even crispiness.

3. Grilled Wings

Grilling adds amazing smoky flavor:

Pro Tips I’ve Learned

After making this sauce dozens of times, here’s what works best:

1. For Perfect Sauce

2. For Crispy Wings

3. For Best Results

Delicious Variations to Try

Want to switch things up? Try these ideas:

1. Sweetener Swaps

2. Heat Level Changes

3. Flavor Additions

4. Style Variations

What to Serve With Your Wings

These sides pair perfectly with hot honey lemon pepper wings:

1. Classic Sides

2. For Bigger Meals

The cool, crisp vegetables help balance the rich, spicy wings perfectly.

Storage and Reheating Tips

Here’s how to handle leftovers:

Storing Sauce

Storing Wings

Reheating Wings

FAQs

Conclusion

This hot honey lemon pepper sauce recipe is my secret weapon for impressive meals.

The combination of sweet, spicy, and tangy creates something truly special that you just can’t buy in stores.

You can make it right now with ingredients from your pantry.

So, give it a try, and get ready to fall in love with your new favorite sauce.

Have you tried making hot honey lemon pepper sauce before? What’s your favorite way to use it besides wings?

I’d love to hear your thoughts and any creative variations you’ve discovered!

More Ideas You May Like:

Hot Honey Lemon Pepper Sauce

Author: Amelia Harrison

Try this easy hot honey lemon pepper sauce recipe for wings & more. Amazing flavor you can make at home in 10 minutes with simple ingredients!

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 5 minutes mins

Cook Time 5 minutes mins

Total Time 10 minutes mins

Course Appetizer, Sauce

Cuisine American

Servings 1 cup sauce

Calories 150 kcal

Equipment

• Small saucepan
• Whisk
• Measuring Spoons
• zester

Ingredients

  

• 1/3 cup runny honey
• 2-3 tablespoons Frank's hot sauce
• 3 tablespoons salted butter
• 2-3 tablespoons fresh lemon
• 1 teaspoon lemon zest
• 1 tablespoon lemon pepper seasoning
• 2 cloves minced garlic
• 1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
• 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional)
• 1/2 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce (optional)
• Salt to taste

Instructions

 

• Melt butter in small saucepan over medium-low heat
• Add minced garlic and cook for 1 minute until fragrant
• Whisk in honey, hot sauce, lemon juice, lemon zest, lemon pepper seasoning, black pepper, and optional ingredients
• Bring to gentle simmer, stirring occasionally
• Simmer 2-5 minutes until slightly thickened
• Taste and adjust seasonings as needed
• Toss with hot cooked wings immediately

Notes

• Sauce thickens as it cools
• Adjust heat level by varying hot sauce amount
• Fresh lemon juice is essential for best flavor
• Store in refrigerator up to 2 weeks
• Great on chicken, seafood, or vegetables

Keyword hot honey lemon pepper sauce, hot honey lemon pepper sauce recipe