10-Minute Sweet & Spicy Chipotle BBQ Sauce

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.

This homemade chipotle BBQ sauce is so good! It's quick, effortless, and chances are, you already have most of the ingredients right in your pantry.

The chipotle peppers bring a bold, smoky heat, perfectly balanced by the subtle sweetness of brown sugar. It’s the perfect blend of sweet and smoky with just the right amount of kick!

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

Step 1 (the only step)

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.

How to Store

Store for up to two weeks in the refrigerator in an airtight container.

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.