Sticky & Sweet Honey Chipotle Glaze Recipe

This sweet sticky Honey Chipotle Glaze Recipe is made with chipotle peppers in adobo and pure honey, ready in just 10 minutes. The sugar caramelizes and thickens as it bubbles on the stove, creating a glossy finish that coats the back of a spoon. I keep a jar of this in the fridge because it instantly upgrades weeknight chicken.

Better Than Takeaway

I used to order chicken crispers at casual dining spots just for that sweet and spicy dipping sauce. Making it at home proved surprisingly simple once I balanced the fierce heat of the adobo with enough honey.

My biggest mistake early on was blending the peppers too coarsely, leaving unexpected spicy chunks. Puréeing the chipotles first ensures a perfectly smooth, restaurant-quality sauce that clings beautifully to meats.

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Honey Chipotle Glaze Recipe Ingredients

• 1/2 cup honey
• 1/4 cup ketchup
• 2 tablespoons chipotle peppers in adobo sauce, finely puréed
• 1 tablespoon white vinegar
• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
• 1/4 teaspoon salt

How To Make Honey Chipotle Glaze Recipe

1. Blend the Peppers: Place the chipotle peppers in a small food processor and blend until completely smooth.
2. Combine Ingredients: In a small saucepan, whisk together the honey, ketchup, puréed chipotles, vinegar, garlic powder, onion powder, and salt over medium heat.
3. Simmer the Glaze: Bring the mixture to a gentle boil, then immediately reduce the heat to low. Let it simmer for 5 minutes until it thickens slightly and looks glossy.
4. Cool and Serve: Remove the pan from the heat and let the sauce cool for at least 10 minutes. It will continue to thicken as it rests.

Recipe Tips

• Adjust the heat: Add only one tablespoon of chipotle purée if you prefer a milder sauce, or increase it for extra fire.
• Watch the simmer: Honey burns easily, so keep the heat low once the mixture starts bubbling on the stove.
• Use a whisk: Whisking constantly while simmering prevents the sugars from sticking to the bottom of the pan.

What To Serve With Honey Chipotle Glaze

This sticky sauce pairs beautifully with crispy fried chicken tenders or grilled chicken thighs. It also works as an incredible dipping sauce for sweet potato fries or a savory glaze for baked salmon fillets.

How To Store

Store the cooled glaze in an airtight jar in the refrigerator for up to two weeks. Reheat it in the microwave for 15 seconds to loosen the honey before using. You can also freeze it in a sealed container for up to three months.

FAQs

Can I use powdered chipotle instead of canned?

Yes, you can substitute one teaspoon of chipotle powder, but the canned adobo sauce provides a richer, smokier depth to the finished glaze.

Why is my glaze too thin?

The sauce thickens significantly as it cools down from boiling. If it still feels too thin after cooling for ten minutes, simmer it for another two minutes.

Is this sauce very spicy?

It has a moderate kick that balances well with the sweetness of the honey. You can easily control the spice level by adding less of the canned adobo peppers.

Nutrition

• Calories: 95 kcal
• Total Fat: 0 g
• Saturated Fat: 0 g
• Cholesterol: 0 mg
• Sodium: 210 mg
• Total Carbohydrate: 25 g
• Protein: 0 g