This 10-Minute Sweet & Spicy Chipotle BBQ Sauce is super easy to make and you only need a few pantry staples + a can of chipotle peppers to make it.
Recipe Overview
Time: 10 Minutes
Ingredients: Ketchup, apple cider vinegar, Worcestershire sauce, brown sugar, canned chipotle peppers, smoked paprika, and garlic powder.
Ease: Super Easy. Just add everything to a blender and blend.
If you haven't tried making your BBQ sauce, you have to try it! I like to use it in my Slow Cooker BBQ Brisket recipe, and it's amazing! If you want a little Tex-Mex night, try these brisket tacos with the BBQ sauce.
Ingredients & Substitutions
Ketchup: Tomato sauce is the base of most barbecue sauces. I like using ketchup for this recipe since it's already in your fridge.
Brown Sugar: I used three tablespoons of brown sugar. If you want the sauce to be sweeter, you can always mix in another tablespoon to the sauce after blending. You can also use three tablespoons of white sugar, or two tablespoons of honey.
Worcestershire Sauce: Adds a sweet, salty, tangy, and umami flavors to your sauce. If you don't have it, you can use soy sauce instead but you many need to add more sugar since soy sauce is significantly less sweet. .
Apple Cider Vinegar: If you don't have apple cider vinegar, rice wine vinegar, and red wine vinegar are great substitutes. White vinegar can also be used, but you'll want to only use 3 tablespoons since it is a more tart.
Chipotle Peppers In Adobo: You can find canned chipotle peppers in Adobo sauce in the Mexican aisle of your grocery store. Chipotle peppers are just jalapeños that have been smoked.
Smoked Paprika: Adds smokiness and deepens the color of the sauce. You can use regulars paprika if you don't like your BBQ sauce too smokie.
Garlic Powder: Makes the sauce a little more savory and adds a little depth. You can also use onion powder, which will give you a slightly different taste, but similar effect.
Full ingredient list with quantities in the recipe card below
How to Make Chipotle Barbeque Sauce
Blend
I love how easy this sauce is to make. Add everything into a blender. Blend until smooth, and then adjust to your taste, if needed.
Adjustments
Everyone has different preferences for their BBQ sauce. Below are a few modifications you can make to create your perfect Sweet & Spicy Chipotle BBQ Sauce.
- Not Spicy Enough: Add another chipotle pepper.
- Too Spicy? Add another tablespoon of brown sugar.
- Bolder BBQ Flavor: add one more tablespoon of vinegar and Worcestershire.
Make Ahead & Store
Make Ahead: This BBQ sauce can be made up to 1 week in advance. Store it in the refrigerator and give it a good stir before using, as the ingredients may separate slightly.
Leftovers: Keep leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 weeks.
Tried this recipe? Let everyone know how it turned out! Your feedback and tips help others decide if they should make it.
Sweet & Spicy Chipotle BBQ Sauce
Ingredients
- ⅔ cups ketchup
- 4 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
- ¼ cup Worcestershire sauce
- 3 tablespoons brown sugar
- 2-3 chipotle peppers in adobo sauce use 2 peppers for a light kick
- 2 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
Instructions
- Add everything into a blender. Blend until smooth, and then adjust to your taste, if needed.*
Notes
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- If the BBQ sauce isn't spicy enough, add another chipotle peppers.
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- If it's too spicy, add another tablespoon of brown sugar.
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- If you feel like the sauce needs a bolder BBQ flavor add one more tablespoon of vinegar and Worcestershire.
Nutrition
The nutritional information provided is an estimate and may vary based on the ingredients used.
Have Leftover Sauce? Try These Recipes
More BBQ Recipes
Baked BBQ Ribs- These Chipotle BBQ Ribs are just one of those super easy Sunday dinners you can toss in the oven and let cook while you check off your to-do list.
BBQ Brisket Sandwich- You cook the BBQ Brisket in the slow cooker, then make it into a sandwich your family will love.
Air Fryer BBQ Thighs- These Air Fryer Boneless Skinless Chicken Thighs are bursting with flavor and only take 30 minutes to make.
Did you make this recipe? Let me know!