Chipotle BBQ sauce is a smoky, spicy, and slightly sweet condiment that brings bold flavors to any dish.
Made with chipotle peppers in adobo, this sauce delivers a perfect balance of heat and smokiness, complemented by tangy and savory notes.
It’s versatile enough to use as a marinade, glaze, or dipping sauce. Whether brushed over grilled meats or drizzled on veggies, Chipotle BBQ sauce adds a delicious kick to every bite.
How To Make Chipotle BBQ Sauce?
Preparation time: 10 minutes
Cooking time: 25 minutes
Course: Sauce
Cuisine: American
Yield: 2 cups of sauce
Equipment Needed
- Sharp chef’s knife
- Cutting board
- Medium saucepan
- Wooden spoon
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Immersion blender for ultra-smooth finish (Optional)
Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 cup ketchup
- 1/2 cup apple cider vinegar
- 1/4 cup brown sugar
- 2 Chipotle peppers in adobo sauce, chopped
- 2 tablespoons adobo sauce from the chipotle peppers
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1/2 cup molasses
- 1 tablespoon minced fresh ginger
- Salt & Pepper to taste
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1 teaspoon ground mustard
Instructions
1. Sauté the Aromatics
Heat olive oil in a saucepan over medium heat. Add chopped onion, garlic, and fresh ginger. Cook until soft and fragrant, about 3–4 minutes.
2. Blend in Heat & Smoke
Stir in the chopped chipotle peppers, adobo sauce, and smoked paprika. Let them sizzle for a minute to release their bold, smoky flavor.
3. Build the Base
Add ketchup, apple cider vinegar, molasses, Worcestershire sauce, and brown sugar. Mix well until smooth.
4. Season & Simmer
Sprinkle in ground mustard, salt, and pepper. Lower the heat and let the sauce simmer gently for 20–25 minutes, stirring occasionally, until thickened.
5. Taste & Finish
Adjust seasoning to your preference. For a smoother texture, blend the sauce before serving.
Nutrition Facts Of Chipotle BBQ Sauce
- Calories: 80 kcal
- Fat: 1 g
- Carbohydrates: 18 g
- Protein: 1 g
Which goes best with Chipotle BBQ Sauce?
❖ Grilled Meats – Brush over chicken, ribs, or steak for a smoky, spicy glaze.
❖ Burgers & Sandwiches – Use as a zesty spread for burgers, pulled pork, or chicken sandwiches.
❖ Dipping Sauce – Perfect for fries, onion rings, chicken tenders, or even roasted veggies.
❖ Pizza Base – Swap traditional tomato sauce with chipotle BBQ for a smoky-flavored pizza.
❖ Tacos & Wraps – Drizzle inside tacos, burritos, or wraps for an extra kick.
Tips & Variations
✔ Adjust the Heat – Add more chipotle peppers for extra spice or reduce the amount for a milder taste.
✔ Sweet Twist – Stir in honey, maple syrup, or brown sugar for a sweeter balance.
✔ Smokier Flavor – Add smoked paprika or liquid smoke for deeper smokiness.
✔ Tangy Kick – A splash of apple cider vinegar or lime juice adds a bright note to the sauce.
✔ Texture Change – Blend smooth for a silky sauce or leave chunky for rustic style.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Can I use canned chipotle peppers in adobo?
Yes, they are the most common and convenient option.
How long does this homemade sauce last?
In an airtight jar in the fridge, it keeps well for 1–2 weeks.
Can I freeze this BBQ Sauce?
Yes, freeze in small portions for up to 3 months.
Is this BBQ Sauce gluten-free?
Usually yes, but check store-bought Worcestershire or soy sauce for gluten.
Can I use it as a marinade?
Definitely—it works well for marinating chicken, pork, and beef.
Can I make it sugar-free?
Yes, replace sugar with natural sweeteners like honey, maple syrup, or stevia.
Can I use it on pizza?
Yes, it makes a flavorful base for BBQ chicken or veggie pizza.
Conclusion
Chipotle BBQ sauce transforms ordinary meals into flavorful experiences with its smoky, spicy, and slightly sweet profile. Versatile and easy to use, it enhances grilled meats, roasted vegetables, and sandwiches alike.
A perfect blend of heat and richness, this sauce is a must-have for anyone seeking bold, unforgettable flavors.
Sweet & Spicy Chipotle BBQ Sauce
Equipment
- Sharp chef’s knife
- Cutting board
- Medium saucepan
- Wooden spoon
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Immersion blender for ultra-smooth finish (Optional)
Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 cup ketchup
- 1/2 cup apple cider vinegar
- 1/4 cup brown sugar
- 2 Chipotle peppers in adobo sauce chopped
- 2 tablespoons adobo sauce from the chipotle peppers
- 1 small onion finely chopped
- 3 cloves garlic minced
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1/2 cup molasses
- 1 tablespoon minced fresh ginger
- Salt & Pepper to taste
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1 teaspoon ground mustard
Instructions
- Heat olive oil in a saucepan over medium heat. Add chopped onion, garlic, and fresh ginger. Cook until soft and fragrant, about 3–4 minutes.
- Stir in the chopped chipotle peppers, adobo sauce, and smoked paprika. Let them sizzle for a minute to release their bold, smoky flavor.
- Add ketchup, apple cider vinegar, molasses, Worcestershire sauce, and brown sugar. Mix well until smooth.
- Sprinkle in ground mustard, salt, and pepper. Lower the heat and let the sauce simmer gently for 20–25 minutes, stirring occasionally, until thickened.
- Adjust seasoning to your preference. For a smoother texture, blend the sauce before serving.
Welcome to Arora’s Sauce Recipe, where every drop tells a story of tradition, innovation, and a boundless love for culinary arts. My name is Brazen, and I am the founder and chief sauce creator at Arora’s Kitchen. Born into a family with a rich heritage of culinary arts, I grew up surrounded by the aromas of spices and the sounds of simmering pots, which ignited my passion for cooking from a young age.
Inspired by generations of culinary expertise, I embarked on a professional quest to capture these fleeting aromas and flavors in bottles of sauce that could bring a gourmet experience to every meal.
As the founder of Arora’s Sauce Recipe, my mission is to inspire your culinary adventures with the finest sauces. Whether you’re a professional chef or a home cook, our sauces are crafted to elevate your cooking with every spoonful.
Thank you for choosing Arora’s Sauce Recipe. Here’s to a journey filled with flavor, passion, and unforgettable meals.