BBQ Sauce

There’s nothing like a rich, homemade barbecue sauce that hits all the right notes — sweet, smoky, tangy, and just a little spicy. This easy barbecue sauce recipe is a total game-changer: it's made from pantry staples, comes together in one pot, and tastes 100x better than anything from a bottle.

This BBQ Sauce adds a small but powerful twist: orange juice for brightness and chipotle powder for a smoky kick.

It’s the perfect sauce for grilling season — slather it on ribs, brush it over grilled chicken, or use it as a dip for fries and nuggets. You’ll never go back to store-bought again.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe:

One pot, 15 minutes, pantry-friendly ingredients

1. Deep flavor from molasses, vinegar, and spices

2. Easily customizable heat and sweetness

3. No preservatives, high-fructose corn syrup, or artificial smoke

4. Perfect for grilling, dipping, or marinades

Final Thoughts:

This homemade barbecue sauce is thick, rich, and packed with flavor — the kind of sauce that makes your grilled chicken sing and your pulled pork unforgettable. Whether you're firing up the grill, meal prepping for the week, or just need a reliable dip in the fridge, this BBQ sauce will have your back every time.

Simple ingredients. Big flavor. No regrets.

Yield: 1 1/2 cups

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BBQ Sauce

Prep time: 5 MinCook time: 15 MinTotal time: 20 Min

There’s nothing like a rich, homemade barbecue sauce that hits all the right notes — sweet, smoky, tangy, and just a little spicy. This easy barbecue sauce recipe is a total game-changer: it's made from pantry staples, comes together in one pot, and tastes 100x better than anything from a bottle.

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Ingredients

• 1 cup ketchup
• ¼ cup apple cider vinegar
• 2 tablespoons molasses
• 2 tablespoons brown sugar (light or dark)
• 2 tablespoons orange juice (fresh or bottled)
• 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
• 1 teaspoon yellow mustard (or Dijon)
• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
• ½ teaspoon garlic powder
• ½ teaspoon onion powder
• ¼ teaspoon chipotle powder (or cayenne, optional)
• Salt and black pepper to taste

Instructions

1. In a medium saucepan, combine all ingredients. Stir well and bring to a simmer over medium heat.
2. Reduce heat to low and simmer uncovered for 10–15 minutes, stirring occasionally, until thickened to your liking.
3. Let sauce cool, then transfer to a jar or airtight container. Store in the fridge for up to 2 weeks.

Notes

Like it spicier? Add extra chipotle powder or a splash of hot sauce.

Sweeter? Add more brown sugar or a spoonful of honey.

No molasses? Sub with maple syrup or more brown sugar.

Make it vegan: Use vegan Worcestershire sauce.

Freeze it: Freeze in small containers or ice cube trays for later.

Nutrition Facts

Calories

509

Fat

1 g

Sat. Fat

0 g

Carbs

130 g

Fiber

2 g

Net carbs

128 g

Sugar

110 g

Protein

4 g

Sodium

2683 mg

Cholesterol

0 mg

Nutritional information is only an estimate. The accuracy of the nutritional information for any recipe on this site is not guaranteed.