
Hey, Welcome to the Zaxby’s Hot Honey Mustard Sauce Recipe. Zaxby’s Hot Honey Mustard Sauce is a sweet, tangy, and lightly spicy dipping sauce that pairs perfectly with chicken, fries, and sandwiches.
I have always loved how this sauce hits all the right notes. Sweet honey. Sharp mustard. A gentle heat that keeps you coming back.
If you are a fan of Zaxby’s like me, you are going to love making this at home. Let me show you how easy it is.
Recipe Overview
Prep Time: 5 minutes
Cook Time: 0 minutes
Total Time: 5 minutes
Servings: 6
Cuisine: American
Category: Side Dish
History and Origin
Zaxby’s Hot Honey Mustard Sauce became popular in the United States as a bold twist on classic honey mustard.
It blends Southern-style sweetness with a touch of heat, making it a favorite dipping sauce across Zaxby’s locations.
What does it taste like?
This sauce tastes sweet first, thanks to the honey. Then you get tangy mustard followed by a mild spicy kick that lingers just enough to excite your taste buds.
By the way, you can also try the Zaxby’s Grilled Chicken Recipe.
Ingredients
You will need the following ingredients to start making it:
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Mayonnaise | ½ cup |
| Yellow mustard | ¼ cup |
| Honey | 3 tablespoons |
| Hot sauce | 1 to 2 teaspoons |
| Apple cider vinegar | 1 teaspoon |
| Paprika | ½ teaspoon |
| Garlic powder | ¼ teaspoon |
| Salt | To taste |
Equipments
Also, gather the following equipment, as they are necessary to craft your recipe:
- Mixing bowl
- Measuring cups
- Measuring spoons
- Whisk
- Airtight container
How to make Zaxby’s Hot Honey Mustard Sauce
Step 1: Add the base ingredients
I start by adding mayonnaise, mustard, and honey to a mixing bowl. This creates the creamy and sweet base of the sauce.
Step 2: Add heat and flavor
Next, I mix in hot sauce, apple cider vinegar, paprika, garlic powder, and salt. You can adjust the hot sauce based on how spicy you like it.
Step 3: Whisk until smooth
I whisk everything until the sauce looks smooth and glossy. At this point, I always taste and adjust the sweetness or heat.
Step 4: Chill before serving
I like to refrigerate the sauce for 20 minutes. This helps all the flavors blend together beautifully.
Recipe Card

Zaxby’s Hot Honey Mustard Sauce Recipe
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- I start by adding mayonnaise, mustard, and honey to a mixing bowl. This creates the creamy and sweet base of the sauce.

- Next, I mix in hot sauce, apple cider vinegar, paprika, garlic powder, and salt. You can adjust the hot sauce based on how spicy you like it.

- I whisk everything until the sauce looks smooth and glossy. At this point, I always taste and adjust the sweetness or heat.

- I like to refrigerate the sauce for 20 minutes. This helps all the flavors blend together beautifully.

Notes
Nutritional Information
Below, I have listed the nutritional information for the recipe:
| Nutrient | Amount per serving |
|---|---|
| Calories | 110 kcal |
| Fat | 10 g |
| Carbohydrates | 6 g |
| Sugar | 5 g |
| Protein | 1 g |
| Sodium | 180 mg |
Serving Suggestions
I love serving this sauce with chicken tenders, grilled chicken sandwiches, or crispy fries. You can also drizzle it over burgers or use it as a salad dressing for a sweet and spicy kick.
Storage Tips
I store this sauce in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It stays fresh for up to 7 days and tastes even better after resting overnight.
Why This Sauce Works With So Many Dishes
I love how versatile this sauce is. The balance of sweet, tangy, and mild heat makes it work with almost anything.
Whether you are dipping, drizzling, or spreading, it instantly upgrades simple meals.
Sweet and Spicy Flavor Balance Explained
This sauce starts sweet because of honey. Then mustard brings tang. The gentle heat from hot sauce follows slowly. Together, these flavors hit different taste buds without overpowering each other.
Best Honey to Use for Authentic Taste
I always recommend using regular clover honey. It gives clean sweetness without strong floral notes.
Raw or flavored honey can change the taste and move it away from the classic Zaxby’s-style flavor.
Choosing the Right Mustard for Best Results
Yellow mustard works best here. It gives that familiar tang you expect from honey mustard sauces. Dijon or spicy brown mustard can be used, but they will slightly change the final taste.
How to Adjust Sweetness and Heat Easily
You can fully customize this sauce. Add more honey if you like it sweeter. Increase hot sauce slowly if you enjoy extra heat. I always suggest adjusting in small amounts and tasting as you go.
Is This Sauce Kid-Friendly?
Yes, this sauce can be very kid-friendly. Simply reduce or skip the hot sauce. You will still get a delicious sweet and tangy honey mustard that kids love with nuggets or fries.
Can This Sauce Be Used as a Marinade?
I sometimes use this sauce as a quick chicken marinade. The vinegar and mustard help flavor the meat. It works best for short marination times before grilling or baking.
Homemade vs Store-Bought Sauce Comparison
Making this sauce at home gives you fresher flavor. You control sweetness, spice, and thickness. Unlike store-bought versions, there are no preservatives or artificial aftertastes.
Common Mistakes to Avoid While Making This Sauce
Over-adding hot sauce is the biggest mistake. Another issue is skipping the chilling time. Resting the sauce helps flavors blend and gives you a smoother, more balanced taste.
Perfect Occasions to Serve This Sauce
I often serve this sauce at game nights, family dinners, and backyard cookouts. It is always a hit with chicken platters, party snacks, and casual meals.
Conclusion
This Zaxby’s Hot Honey Mustard Sauce is quick, easy, and packed with flavor. Once you try it, you will want to keep a jar ready at all times.
With these lines, we come to the end of the article. If you like this recipe, then please rate this post with 5 stars at the end of the FAQs section, and don’t forget to share it with your loved ones!
Happy Cooking!
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What makes Zaxby’s hot honey mustard spicy?
The heat comes from hot sauce combined with mustard and spices.
Can I make this sauce less spicy?
Yes, you can reduce or skip the hot sauce completely.
Is this sauce good for grilled chicken?
Yes, it pairs perfectly with grilled and fried chicken.
Can I use Dijon mustard instead?
You can, but yellow mustard gives the closest Zaxby’s flavor.
How long does homemade honey mustard sauce last?
It lasts up to 7 days when stored properly in the refrigerator.
You will also like the Zaxby’s Chicken Fingers Recipe.
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