Honey Chipotle BBQ Sauce Recipe

This sticky, sweet Honey Chipotle BBQ Sauce Recipe is made with smoky adobo peppers, rich ketchup, and ready in 20 minutes. Watching the dark crimson mixture bubble and thicken into a glossy glaze on the stove is deeply satisfying. I keep a jar of this in my fridge at all times.

Restaurant-Quality At Home

I used to buy bottled sauces until I realised how easy it is to make a proper glaze at home. Getting the balance of sweet and heat right took a few tries, as too much adobo easily overpowers the honey.

Simmering the ingredients together gives the sauce time to develop a deep, complex profile. I learned that letting it cool slightly makes it stick beautifully to chicken or ribs.

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Honey Chipotle BBQ Sauce Recipe Ingredients

For the Sauce:

• 1 cup ketchup
• 1/3 cup honey
• 2 tablespoons chipotle peppers in adobo sauce, minced
• 1/4 cup light brown sugar, packed
• 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
• 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
• 1/4 teaspoon salt

How To Make Honey Chipotle BBQ Sauce Recipe

1. 1. Combine the base: Add ketchup, honey, and brown sugar to a medium saucepan off the heat.
2. 2. Add the flavourings: Stir in the minced chipotle peppers, apple cider vinegar, Worcestershire sauce, garlic powder, onion powder, and salt.
3. 3. Simmer the sauce: Place the saucepan over medium heat and bring the mixture to a gentle bubble, stirring frequently.
4. 4. Thicken and reduce: Lower the heat and let the sauce simmer for 15 minutes until it becomes thick and glossy.
5. 5. Cool and store: Remove from the heat and let it sit for 10 minutes before using or transferring to a jar.

Recipe Tips

• Adjust the heat: Start with one tablespoon of chipotle peppers if you prefer a milder sauce, then taste and add more.
• Keep stirring: Sugar and honey burn easily, so use a whisk to keep the mixture moving across the bottom of the pan.
• Blend for smoothness: If you dislike small bits of pepper, pulse the finished sauce in a blender until completely smooth.

What To Serve With Honey Chipotle BBQ Sauce

This bold sauce pairs brilliantly with crispy fried chicken tenders or grilled pork ribs. It also works well brushed over salmon fillets during the last few minutes of baking.

How To Store

Keep this sauce in an airtight glass jar or container in the fridge for up to two weeks. You can also freeze it in a freezer-safe bag for up to three months.

FAQs

• Can I use powdered chipotle instead of canned? Yes, you can substitute one teaspoon of chipotle powder, though you will miss some depth from the adobo sauce.
• Why is my sauce too thin? It needs more time to reduce on the stove. Keep simmering on low heat until it coats the back of a spoon.
• Is this sauce gluten-free? Most of the ingredients are naturally gluten-free, but always check your specific brand of Worcestershire sauce to be sure.

Nutrition

• Calories: 65 kcal
• Total Fat: 0 g
• Saturated Fat: 0 g
• Cholesterol: 0 mg
• Sodium: 280 mg
• Total Carbohydrate: 17 g
• Protein: 0 g