Making your own BBQ sauce for chicken is surprisingly simple and tastes way better than store-bought versions. This homemade sauce is perfect for grilled chicken, BBQ chicken pizza, wings, or even as a dipping sauce.
Basic BBQ Sauce Recipe
This easy homemade BBQ sauce recipe from Simply Delicious requires just a few ingredients
- 1 cup tomato ketchup
- ¼ cup Worcestershire sauce
- 2 tbsp balsamic vinegar (apple cider vinegar works too)
- 2 tbsp brown sugar
- 1 tsp salt
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- ¼ tsp garlic powder
How to Make It
- Combine all ingredients in a small saucepan over medium-high heat
- Bring to a simmer and cook for 5-7 minutes, stirring regularly
- Cook until the sugar has completely dissolved
- Taste and adjust seasonings if needed
- Remove from heat and let cool before using
The sauce takes about 15 minutes total (5 minutes prep 10 minutes cooking) and makes approximately 2 cups.
Customizing Your BBQ Sauce
You can easily modify this base recipe to suit your taste:
- For more sweetness: Add honey or maple syrup
- For more heat: Add cayenne pepper or red pepper flakes
- For more depth: Add onion powder or mustard
- For a smoky flavor: Increase the smoked paprika or add liquid smoke
Storage Tips
The sauce can be made ahead of time and stored:
- Refrigerator: Keeps for a few weeks in an airtight container
- Freezer: Freezes well for up to 3 months in freezer-safe containers
Troubleshooting
- Too thin? Add a teaspoon or two of cornstarch slurry and cook until thickened
- Too vinegary? Add more sugar to balance the acidity
- Not flavorful enough? Let it simmer longer to concentrate flavors
Using Your BBQ Sauce with Chicken
This versatile sauce works great with:
- Grilled chicken breasts or thighs
- Baked chicken wings
- BBQ chicken pizza
- Pulled chicken sandwiches
- As a dipping sauce for chicken tenders
For grilling chicken with this sauce, it’s best to season and partially cook the chicken first, then baste with the sauce during the final few minutes of cooking. This prevents the sugars in the sauce from burning while ensuring the chicken is fully cooked.
Based on user comments, this recipe has been consistently rated well (47/5 stars) with many noting it’s better than store-bought options Some users mentioned reducing the vinegar slightly if you prefer a less tangy sauce, while others suggested adding a bit of liquid smoke for extra flavor.
Try making this homemade BBQ sauce next time you’re grilling chicken – you’ll probably never go back to the bottled stuff again!
To Barbecue the Broilers:
Place the broiler halves over the fire after the flame is gone. Turn the halves every five to ten minutes, depending on the heat from the fire. Use turners or a long handled fork. The chicken should be basted with a fiber brush at each turning. The basting should be light at first and heavy near the end of the cooking period.
Test the chicken to see whether it is done by pulling the wing away from the body and using a meat thermometer. If the meat in this area splits easily and the meat thermometer reads at least 165°F in the breast and thigh, the chicken is done.
Cornell Chicken Barbecue Sauce
- 1 cup cooking oil
- 1 pint cider vinegar
- 3 tablespoons salt*
- 1 tablespoon poultry seasoning
- 1/2 teaspoon pepper
- 1 egg
Beat the egg, then add the oil and beat again. Add other ingredients and stir. The recipe can be varied to suit individual tastes. Leftover sauce can be stored in a glass jar in a refrigerator for several weeks. (Adapted from Cornell Cooperative Extension Information Bulletin 862.)
* Adjust the quantity or eliminate salt to meet individual health needs and taste. Barbecued chicken basted frequently during cooking will be saltier than chicken that has been lightly basted.
How To Make BBQ Sauce 3 Ways
FAQ
Can you make homemade BBQ sauce for chicken?
In summary, homemade BBQ sauce for chicken is a fun and rewarding kitchen project that can elevate your grilling game to new heights. Whether you prefer a classic tangy sauce or a spicy kick, experimenting with different ingredients and flavors can lead to some delicious results.
How do you make homemade BBQ sauce?
To make homemade BBQ sauce, gather these common ingredients: Ketchup provides a familiar base for the sauce. Brown sugar adds sweetness and balances the tangy flavors. Apple cider vinegar contributes acidity and brightness to the sauce. Worcestershire sauce brings depth and umami notes to the flavor profile.
Can you use BBQ sauce on grilled chicken?
This easy BBQ sauce imparts moisture and flavor to grilled chicken, and it can be used on beef, pork, and even tofu or tempeh. With the perfect combination of tang and sweetness, the sauce isn’t overpowering and won’t drown the charred and smoky profile of your grilled meats.
What goes well with homemade BBQ sauce?
This homemade BBQ sauce is perfect for slathering on grilled chicken, but it’s also great to have some tasty sides to round out your meal. A classic coleslaw with a tangy dressing makes a perfect match – the cool, crunchy cabbage balances out the sweet and smoky sauce.
How do you glaze chicken with BBQ sauce?
To glaze chicken, brush the homemade BBQ sauce generously over the chicken pieces during the last few minutes of grilling. The heat caramelizes the sugars in the sauce and creates a beautiful, sticky coating on the chicken.
How long does it take to make homemade BBQ sauce?
The biggest challenge when making homemade BBQ sauce is getting the right consistency – many home cooks rush the simmering process, but giving your sauce at least 15-20 minutes to reduce and thicken will create that perfect, sticky texture that clings to your chicken.
How do you make BBQ sauce for chicken?
Steps to Make It
Heat up a medium saucepan on medium-low. Add 1 cup ketchup, 1/4 cup white vinegar, 1/4 cup brown sugar, 2 tablespoons paprika, 1 tablespoon olive oil, 1 tablespoon chili powder, 2 teaspoons garlic powder, and 1/4 teaspoon cayenne powder. Allow the mixture to simmer for 5 to 8 minutes.
What are the main ingredients of barbecue sauce?
BBQ sauce typically consists of a tomato base (like ketchup or tomato paste), a sweetener (such as brown sugar or molasses), a tangy element (like vinegar), and various spices and flavorings (including garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, and Worcestershire sauce) to create its signature sweet, smoky, and tangy profile.
What is the secret to good BBQ sauce?
A good BBQ sauce achieves a craveable balance between sweet, tangy, and smoky flavors, with a rich and savory base, and is thick enough to cling to meat. Key components include a sweet element (like brown sugar or molasses), an acid (vinegar or mustard), a savory base (tomato, Worcestershire), smoky notes (smoked paprika, liquid smoke), and spices for heat and depth. The ideal sauce enhances the meat without overpowering it, and flavor balance, texture, and aroma all contribute to its success.
How to make barbecue sauce easy?
- 5 tbsp tomato ketchup.
- 1 tsp mustard.
- 2 tbsp treacle or maple syrup.
- 2 tsp Worcestershire sauce (or vegetarian Worcestershire sauce)
- 1 tsp smoked paprika.
- 1 tsp salt.