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5.0 from 6 votes

Homemade BBQ Sauce

Such an easy barbecue sauce recipe! It's sweet, smoky, tangy and deliciously robust. It pairs perfectly with chicken and pork.

Prep Time
5 mins
Cook Time
5 mins
Total Time
15 mins
Servings: 7
Course: Condiments
Cuisine: American

Ingredients

  • 3/4 cup ketchup (preferably without corn syrup)
  • 3 Tbsp apple cider vinegar
  • 3 Tbsp molasses
  • 3 Tbsp apple juice or apple juice concentrate, thawed
  • 1 Tbsp Worcestershire sauce 
  • 1 Tbsp honey
  • 1 tsp smoked paprika
  • 1/2 tsp garlic powder
  • 1/2 tsp mustard powder
  • 2 tsp natural hickory smoke flavor, or to taste
  • Salt and freshly ground black pepper

Instructions

    Cup of Yum
  1. Add all ingredients to a small saucepan.
  2. Bring to a simmer over medium heat then reduce heat to low. Cover partially with lid (to reduce splattering) and let simmer 8 minutes or until slightly reduced and harsh vinegar flavor is toned down.
  3. Let cool slightly. Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator up to 2 weeks.

Notes

  • Add some heat, try it with cayenne pepper or chipotle powder to taste.
  • Replace honey with brown sugar if that's what you have.
  • Substitute hickory smoke flavor with mesquite smoke flavor.
  • Add 2 Tbsp butter to make it rich.
  • Try adding other spices like chili powder, cumin, onion powder, and even a little cinnamon or cocoa powder.
  • Baste over grilled chicken (bone-in or boneless, skin-on or skinless), see notes in post above for directions on cooking or grilling.
  • Toss with pulled pork sandwiches or pulled chicken for sandwiches.
  • Spread over smoked or slow cooked ribs.
  • Serve as a dip for chicken nuggets or chicken tenders.
  • Use as a glaze on meatloaf.
  • Add some to baked beans for a flavor boost.
  • Try it with little smokies.
  • Use it as a sauce for bbq chicken pizza.