Honey Chipotle – Sweet, Smoky, and a Little Sassy

Some spices are just sweet. Some are just spicy. Honey Chipotle is the rare gem that’s both charming and smooth at first, then brings just enough heat to keep things interesting.

It’s one of those names that makes your mouth water before you’ve even opened the jar. Fun to say, easy to remember (looking at you, Ras el Hanout), and even easier to use. This isn’t a spice that demands special trips to the market or an advanced cooking degree; it’s an instant upgrade to everyday meals.

Flavour Passport: What Is Honey Chipotle?

Let’s break it down.

Chipotle is simply a jalapeño pepper that’s been dried and smoked, giving it a rich, earthy heat with a deep, woodsy aroma. That smokiness is its signature, and it’s what separates Chipotle from fresh green jalapeños.

Honey, in this blend, isn’t the sticky liquid from the bottle; it’s granulated honey. This is honey that’s been carefully dried into crystals, keeping its sweetness and floral notes intact while making it shelf-stable and perfect for spice blends.

Mix those together with a few supporting players, brown sugar for extra caramel notes, paprika for warmth, onion for savoury depth, and herbs like rosemary, basil, and sage for complexity, and you’ve got a spice that delivers sweet, smoky, and spicy in perfect balance.

Sweet + heat isn’t just a trend, it’s a pairing loved in food cultures around the world. From hot honey drizzled on pizza in the US, to fresh mango with chilli salt in Mexico, to pineapple chow in Trinidad & Tobago, it’s proof that our taste buds love a little contrast.

Why You’ll Love It (Even If You’re Not a Spice Person)

If you’re cautious with heat, Honey Chipotle is your safe zone. The sweetness softens the spice, making it more “mmm” than “ouch.” Instead of setting your mouth on fire, it gently warms your palate while coating it in smoky-sweet flavour.

For spice lovers, it’s still exciting; Chipotle brings a slow-building warmth that’s satisfying without overpowering. It’s the perfect middle ground for family dinners, potlucks, or anytime you’re cooking for a mix of tastes.

The Sticky Fingers Effect

Some spices are quiet background players. Honey Chipotle is not one of them. This is a hands-on, lick-your-fingers kind of seasoning, the kind that makes wings glisten, ribs caramelise, and roasted veggies practically beg to be eaten straight from the tray.

And it’s not just about savoury dishes. This spice plays surprisingly well with fruit. Sprinkle it over pineapple chunks for a beach snack, toss watermelon cubes with a pinch for a refreshing sweet-heat combo, or brush it on grilled mango skewers for a dessert that will have people talking.

How I’d Use It (If You Were in My Kitchen)

If you were in my kitchen and I actually knew how to cook, I’d start by tossing sweet potatoes with olive oil and Honey Chipotle seasoning, then roasting them until they’re crispy on the edges. While they’re in the oven, I’d whip up a chipotle mayo: just mayo, lemon juice, and a generous sprinkle of the spice to dip fries or drizzle over a burger.

Dinner? We’d do sticky Honey Chipotle wings, baked until golden and finished with a quick warm honey glaze. And if you love shrimp and it’s in the fridge, they’d get a fast sauté with butter, garlic, and Honey Chipotle, then a squeeze of lime before hitting the plate.

Easy Ways to Try Honey Chipotle

Here are a few ways to let this spice work its magic:

1. Honey Chipotle Roasted Sweet Potatoes

Sweet on sweet with smoky contrast. Cube sweet potatoes, toss with olive oil and Honey Chipotle seasoning, roast until tender, and finish with lime juice.

2. Sticky Honey Chipotle Chicken Wings

Coat wings in Honey Chipotle seasoning, a little brown sugar, and butter. Bake or air fry, then glaze with warm honey for finger-licking perfection.

3. Honey Chipotle Glazed Shrimp

Sauté shrimp in butter, garlic, and Honey Chipotle until pink. Add lime for brightness. Serve over rice, in wraps, or tacos.

4. Chipotle Mayo for Fries (The Wild Card)

Stir Honey Chipotle seasoning into mayo with lemon juice. Dip fries, plantain chips, or drizzle over grilled corn.

5. Fruits + Sweet Heat

• Fresh pineapple or mango sprinkled with Honey Chipotle.
  
• Watermelon wedges for a hot-day snack.
  
• Grilled peaches or mango with a drizzle of honey for dessert.
  

6. Unexpected Uses

• Sprinkle on popcorn for a movie-night twist.
  
• Stir into salad dressings for smoky sweetness.
  
• Dust over baked brie before warming for a savoury-sweet appetiser.
  

25-Minute Honey Chipotle Burrito Bowl
Looking for a full meal idea? Our burrito bowl recipe layers smoky-sweet chicken, rice, beans, and fresh toppings, and it’s ready in just 25 minutes.
Get the full recipe here

Cooking Tips

• For best flavour: Add before roasting or grilling to let the sugars caramelise, or after frying to keep the honey flavour bright.
  
• Pro tip: If you’re seasoning meat, rub it in and let it rest for at least 2 hours before cooking. The granulated honey mingles with the juices and helps form a gorgeous, sticky, flavour-packed crust, basically giving it time to lock in the flavour before stepping into the Spice Spotlight (pun intended).
  
• Pairings: Pairs beautifully with lime, garlic, butter, and creamy bases like mayonnaise or cream cheese.
  
• Balance: If a dish feels too sweet, add a squeeze of citrus to brighten it up.

Final Sprinkle – Your Sweet + Spicy Challenge

Honey Chipotle won’t transport you to a spice market halfway across the globe, but it will make your cooking taste like you’ve quietly mastered the art of sweet-heat balance.

Here’s my challenge: this week, try it in one savoury dish (like wings, sweet potatoes, shrimp, or even our Honey Chipotle Burrito Bowl) and one sweet dish (fruit, dessert, or even popcorn). You might just find your new favourite flavour combo, sticky fingers and all.

Try it for yourself
[Tap here to shop our Honey Chipotle]

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Spices tell stories. And we’re just getting started.

Until next time,
Keep cooking. Keep experimenting.
And keep adding flavour to your story.

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