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–+ servings

Ultimate Homemade BBQ Sauce for Chicken

A delicious homemade BBQ sauce recipe for chicken that's easy to make with ketchup, honey, brown sugar, apple cider vinegar, and Worcestershire sauce. Perfect for grilling, baking, or slow-cooking chicken.
Print Recipe
Prep Time 5 minutes
Cook Time 25 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Servings: 2 servings
Course: Dinner
Cuisine: American
Calories: 452
Ingredients Method Nutrition

Ingredients
  

  • 1 cup ketchup
  • ¼ cup honey
  • ¼ cup brown sugar packed
  • 3 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
  • 2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
  • 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
  • 2 cloves garlic minced
  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • ½ teaspoon onion powder
  • ¼ teaspoon cayenne pepper adjust to taste
  • Salt and black pepper to taste
  • 1.5 tablespoons olive oil for cooking chicken
  • 2 pounds chicken pieces breasts, thighs, or drumsticks

Method
 

  1. In a medium saucepan, combine ketchup, honey, brown sugar, apple cider vinegar, Worcestershire sauce, Dijon mustard, minced garlic, smoked paprika, onion powder, and cayenne pepper.
  2. Stir the mixture well and bring to a gentle simmer over medium heat.
  3. Reduce heat to low and let the sauce simmer for about 15 minutes, stirring occasionally until it thickens slightly.
  4. Taste and adjust seasonings, adding salt and black pepper as needed.
  5. Remove from heat and let cool slightly before using. The sauce will continue to thicken as it cools.
  6. Preheat an outdoor grill for medium-high heat and lightly oil the grate.
  7. Season chicken pieces with salt and pepper.
  8. Brush chicken lightly with olive oil to prevent sticking.
  9. Place chicken on the preheated grill and cook for about 5-7 minutes per side.
  10. Once chicken is almost cooked through, begin brushing with your homemade BBQ sauce.
  11. Continue grilling, turning and basting with sauce every 2-3 minutes until chicken is fully cooked (internal temperature of 165°F) and the sauce has caramelized, about 10 more minutes.
  12. Remove from grill and let rest for 5 minutes before serving.
  13. Serve with additional warm BBQ sauce on the side.

Nutrition

Calories: 452kcalCarbohydrates: 60gProtein: 26gFat: 13gSaturated Fat: 2gCholesterol: 67mgSodium: 714mgFiber: 1gSugar: 56g
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