Zaxby’s Hot Honey Mustard Recipe
After spending Saturday cooking for my pets on Cook for Your Pets Day, I woke up on Sunday with zero motivation to cook for myself, pure lazy mode.
Then I remembered that I had some leftover chicken tenders lying around, but nothing to dip them in.
Instead of settling for bland ketchup or mayo, I raided the fridge and started experimenting, trying to recreate the irresistible flavor of Zaxby’s.
Zaxby’s Hot Honey Mustard is a sauce that tastes different from others. It is sweet, a bit spicy, and enhances the flavor of fried chicken.
Why I Want to Make It Again
Zaxby’s sauce is creamy, sweet, and has a nice kick. You can use it on fried chicken, grilled chicken, sandwiches, or salads. It only takes five minutes to make.
I was surprised that it tasted even better than I expected! This homemade Zaxby’s recipe uses ingredients you already have in your kitchen.
Making it at home gives you better control over the heat, sweetness, and texture. It has no artificial additives, just real ingredients.

Zaxby’s Hot Honey Mustard Recipe Ingredients
- ½ Cup Ranch Dressing: This is the base of the sauce. You can use store-bought or homemade ranch. If you prefer, sour cream with a bit of garlic powder and onion powder works too.
- ¼ Cup Honey: This adds sweetness. You can use agave or maple syrup, but honey has the best flavor.
- ¼ Cup Yellow Mustard: This gives the sauce its tangy taste. You can use Dijon mustard for a sharper flavor.
- ½ Teaspoon Cayenne Pepper: This adds heat. If you want a milder sauce, use just a pinch. To make it hotter, add more cayenne. If you don’t have cayenne, you can use hot sauce or crushed red pepper flakes.
Tools You Will Need in Your Kitchen
- Mixing bowl
- Whisk or spoon!
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Small jar or container for storage
How I Make Zaxby’s Hot Honey Mustard
Step 1: Start by grabbing a medium bowl and pouring in ranch dressing to create your creamy base. Make sure it is smooth and fresh.

Step 2: Slowly add the honey and stir it in, allowing it to blend well with the ranch dressing. You will notice a sweet shine.

Step 3: Next, add yellow mustard and mix until the color turns golden and the mixture is smooth.

Step 4: Sprinkle in cayenne pepper and stir again. Taste the mixture; if you want more heat, you can add a little extra cayenne.

Step 5: Once everything is well combined, pour the sauce into a jar or container. Seal it tightly and place it in the fridge.

Step 6: Let it chill for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld. After that, it will be ready to use!

Quick Tips from My Kitchen
- Use fresh mustard and honey for the best flavor.
- Let the sauce sit in the fridge before using it; it tastes better after resting.
- Double the batch if you are making wings or feeding a crowd.
- Add a splash of vinegar for a tangier flavor.
- Use Greek yogurt instead of ranch for a lighter version.
Keep It Fresh
You can prepare this sauce ahead of time and store it in the fridge for up to 7 days. Just store it in a sealed jar or container.
If you want to freeze it, pour it into a freezer-safe bag and lay it flat. It will last about 2 months frozen.
Thaw in the fridge before reheating and stir well. If it smells sour, appears separated, or has mold, dump it.
Best Foods to Eat with This Sauce
Zaxby’s Hot Honey Mustard is a versatile sauce that pairs well with a variety of dishes. It is excellent with fried chicken tenders, whether you dip or drizzle it.
You can spread it on grilled chicken sandwiches or toss it on crispy chicken wings.
It also makes a tasty dip for French fries, potato wedges, and vegetable sticks, such as carrots and cucumbers.
Chicken wraps taste better with this sauce, and it works well as a dressing for salads, especially those with grilled chicken.
For the best flavor, serve it cold or at a slightly warm temperature, allowing it to sit for about 30 minutes before serving.
Zaxby’s Sauce Questions Answered
Common Questions About This Sauce
1. Can I use Dijon mustard instead of yellow mustard?
Yes, but it will be sharper in flavor. Yellow mustard has the classic taste you want.
2. Is this kid-friendly?
It has a mild spice from cayenne. You can reduce it or skip it for kids who don’t like spicy food.
3. Can I make this vegan sauce?
Yes! Use vegan ranch and agave syrup instead of honey for a similar taste.
4. Can I use this sauce for cooking or just dipping?
You can use it both ways. It is excellent for dipping but also works as a glaze for baked chicken or tossed with wings.
Zaxby’s Hot Honey Mustard Recipe
Make Zaxby’s Hot Honey Mustard Recipe in just 5 minutes! Sweet, spicy, and creamy that perfect for chicken, wings, or dipping.
Ingredients
- ½ cup bottled ranch dressing
- ¼ cup honey
- ¼ cup prepared yellow mustard
- ½ teaspoon cayenne pepper
Instructions
- Start by grabbing a medium bowl and pouring in ranch dressing to create your creamy base. Make sure it is smooth and fresh.
- Slowly add the honey and stir it in, allowing it to blend well with the ranch dressing. You will notice a sweet shine.
- Next, add yellow mustard and mix until the color turns golden and the mixture is smooth.
- Sprinkle in cayenne pepper and stir again. Taste the mixture; if you want more heat, you can add a little extra cayenne.
- Once everything is well combined, pour the sauce into a jar or container. Seal it tightly and place it in the fridge.
- Let it chill for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld. After that, it will be ready to use!
Nutrition Information:
Yield: 16 Serving Size: 1Amount Per Serving: Calories: 55
Give Zaxby’s Hot Honey Mustard recipe a try! It is delicious, easy to make, and great for dipping or drizzling. You will always want to keep it in your fridge. Let me know how it turns out!
