Chicken & Ribs BBQ Sauce is a thick, sweet, smoky sauce made with ketchup, brown sugar, vinegar, and spices, perfect for coating grilled chicken or ribs.
This Chicken & Ribs BBQ Sauce delivers bold flavour with every bite, combining ketchup, brown sugar, mustard, and spices.
I made this Chicken & Ribs BBQ Sauce after seeing it prepared in a Southern BBQ special, inspired by the deep flavours. Now, I’ll guide through each step of the process to make this sauce from scratch.
Why We Love This Chicken & Ribs BBQ Sauce?
We love this Chicken & Ribs BBQ Sauce because it delivers bold, rich flavor in every bite. The balance of sweet brown sugar, tangy vinegar, smoky spices, and savory garlic creates a mouthwatering blend that brings out the best in grilled meats.
It clings beautifully to chicken and ribs, caramelising as it cooks. Each spoonful brings homemade comfort and that classic barbecue taste everyone craves. It’s satisfying, easy to make, and always a crowd favourite at the table.
How To Prepare Chicken & Ribs BBQ Sauce?
Recipe Overview
Preparation Time: 10 minutes
Cooking Time: 25 minutes
Total Time: 35 minutes
Course: Sauce / Condiment
Cuisine: American BBQ
Difficulty: Easy
Yield: Approximately 3 cups
Equipment Needed
- Medium saucepan
- Wooden spoon or silicone spatula
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Knife and cutting board
- Airtight container or glass jar for storage
Ingredients
- 1/4 cup vegetable oil
- 1 medium onion, finely chopped
- 4 garlic cloves, minced
- 5 teaspoons chili powder
- 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1/3 cup yellow mustard
- 3 teaspoons liquid smoke
- 1/4 cup molasses
- 2 cups ketchup
- 1 cup packed brown sugar
- 1/4 cup apple cider vinegar
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
Instructions
1. Cook The Onion And Garlic
Heat a bit of vegetable oil in a medium saucepan over medium heat. Toss in the chopped onion and cook for about 4 to 5 minutes, until it softens and turns translucent. Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute, stirring so it doesn’t burn.
2. Add The Spices
Sprinkle in the chili powder and smoked paprika. Stir everything around for about 30 seconds to bring out the flavours.
3. Mix In The Flavor Boosters
Add the mustard, liquid smoke, and molasses. Stir until everything’s well combined.
4. Build The Sauce
Pour in the ketchup, brown sugar, and apple cider vinegar. Give it a good stir to make sure the sugar fully dissolves.
5. Season And Simmer
Season with salt and freshly cracked black pepper to your taste. Bring the sauce to a gentle simmer, then lower the heat and let it cook uncovered for around 20 minutes. Stir it now and then it’ll thicken up a bit as it simmers.
6. Blend It (If You Want)
If you prefer a smooth sauce, you can blend it once it’s cooled slightly either with an immersion blender right in the pot or in a regular blender.
7. Cool Down And Store
Let the sauce cool to room temperature. Then pour it into a clean jar or container with a lid.
Special Note
I swear by the liquid smoke it gives an authentic smokiness without needing a grill or smoker. If you’re health conscious, you can skip oil, onion, and fresh garlic and use garlic/onion powders instead, though I still prefer the richer aroma of the original.
Also, letting it rest for a day transforms the flavour completely don’t skip that step!
Nutrition Facts Of Chicken & Ribs BBQ Sauce
| Nutrition | Amounts |
|---|---|
| Calories | 90 kcal |
| Total Fat | 3.5 g |
| Saturated Fat | 0.5 g |
| Cholesterol | 0 mg |
| Sodium | 210 mg |
| Total Carbohydrates | 15 g |
| Sugars | 13 g |
| Protein | 0.5 g |
Chicken & Ribs BBQ Sauce
The speciality of this Chicken & Ribs BBQ Sauce lies in its perfect balance of sweet, smoky, and tangy flavours.
Made with rich molasses, brown sugar, and a hint of liquid smoke, it delivers a deep, bold taste that complements grilled meats beautifully.
The blend of mustard, apple cider vinegar, and spices adds complexity, making it ideal for both chicken and pork ribs.
Its thick, glossy texture also makes it perfect for basting, glazing, or dipping truly a versatile, crowd-pleasing BBQ sauce.
Usage Suggestions
1. Brush generously over chicken or ribs during the last few minutes of grilling for a sticky, caramelized finish.
2. Use as a dipping sauce for crispy chicken tenders or fries to add a smoky, tangy kick.
3. Mix into baked beans or chili to deepen the smoky, savory profile of the dish.
4. Stir into pulled pork or shredded chicken for extra moisture and rich flavor in sandwiches or tacos.
5. Drizzle over roasted vegetables to give them a sweet and spicy BBQ twist.
Secrets To Perfect Chicken & Ribs BBQ Sauce
➢ Use brown sugar, apple cider vinegar, and liquid smoke in the right proportions for depth and boldness.
➢ Cooking onions and garlic in oil before adding other ingredients builds a flavorful base.
➢ Allowing the sauce to simmer thickens it and enhances the flavor.
➢ A good ketchup ensures a richer, more natural tomato taste.
➢ Cooling the sauce slightly allows flavors to meld fully.
Best Variations
➣ Honey Garlic BBQ Sauce: A sweet and savory twist combining honey and garlic for a rich, sticky glaze.
➣ Spicy Chipotle BBQ Sauce: Smoked chipotle peppers add a smoky heat that pairs great with grilled meats.
➣ Tangy Mustard BBQ Sauce: A zesty blend of mustard and vinegar gives a sharp, tangy kick.
How To Store Leftovers Chicken & Ribs BBQ Sauce?
Leftover Chicken & Ribs BBQ Sauce should be stored in an airtight container or glass jar to maintain freshness. Keep it refrigerated to prevent spoilage and extend its shelf life.
Properly stored, the sauce can last up to two weeks in the fridge. Before using leftovers, give the sauce a good stir to recombine any separated ingredients.
If the sauce thickens too much, gently warm it or add a small splash of water to reach the desired consistency. Always use a clean spoon to avoid contamination.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can This Sauce Be Used For Other Meats?
Absolutely, it works well on pork, beef, or even vegetables.
Is This Sauce Spicy?
It has a mild to moderate heat level from chili powder and smoked paprika.
Can I Adjust The Sweetness?
Yes, adding more or less brown sugar changes the sweetness to your taste.
Is Liquid Smoke Necessary?
Liquid smoke adds a smoky flavour, but it can be omitted if unavailable.
Can This Sauce Be Frozen For Later Use?
Yes, freezing is possible. Thaw in the fridge and stir before use.
Conclusion
This Chicken & Ribs BBQ Sauce was an easy, enjoyable, and delicious success. I’m proud of how it turned out, and I hope you feel inspired to try it yourself.
The bold, rich flavours bring out the best in chicken and ribs, and it’s simple to prepare at home. Now it’s your turn go ahead and make it soon.
After you try it, let me know how delicious it turned out for you. Enjoy every bite!
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Chicken & Ribs BBQ Sauce
Equipment
- Medium saucepan
- Wooden spoon or silicone spatula
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Knife and cutting board
- Airtight container or glass jar for storage
Ingredients
- 1/4 cup vegetable oil
- 1 medium onion finely chopped
- 4 garlic cloves minced
- 5 teaspoons chili powder
- 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1/3 cup yellow mustard
- 3 teaspoons liquid smoke
- 1/4 cup molasses
- 2 cups ketchup
- 1 cup packed brown sugar
- 1/4 cup apple cider vinegar
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
Instructions
Cook The Onion And Garlic
- Heat a bit of vegetable oil in a medium saucepan over medium heat. Toss in the chopped onion and cook for about 4 to 5 minutes, until it softens and turns translucent. Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute, stirring so it doesn’t burn.
Add The Spices
- Sprinkle in the chili powder and smoked paprika. Stir everything around for about 30 seconds to bring out the flavours.
Mix In The Flavor Boosters
- Add the mustard, liquid smoke, and molasses. Stir until everything’s well combined.
Build The Sauce
- Pour in the ketchup, brown sugar, and apple cider vinegar. Give it a good stir to make sure the sugar fully dissolves.
Season And Simmer
- Season with salt and freshly cracked black pepper to your taste. Bring the sauce to a gentle simmer, then lower the heat and let it cook uncovered for around 20 minutes. Stir it now and then it’ll thicken up a bit as it simmers.
Blend It (If You Want)
- If you prefer a smooth sauce, you can blend it once it’s cooled slightly either with an immersion blender right in the pot or in a regular blender.
Cool Down And Store
- Let the sauce cool to room temperature. Then pour it into a clean jar or container with a lid.
Notes
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 90 kcal | Total Fat: 3.5 g | Saturated Fat: 0.5 g | Cholesterol: 0 mg | Sodium: 210 mg | Total Carbohydrates: 15 g | Sugars: 13 g | Protein: 0.5 g“Hi, I’m Samia, a passionate recipe creator with 5 years of experience in crafting delicious, unique dishes. My love for cooking has led me to explore a variety of cuisines, combining flavors to create memorable meals for every occasion. Whether it’s a simple weeknight dinner or an elaborate feast, I believe in making every dish special. Join me on my culinary journey as I share easy-to-follow recipes and tips that will inspire your cooking and bring joy to your kitchen!”