This BBQ Sauce recipe is easy to make and customize to your preference. It’s tangy, sweet, smoky, and perfect for chicken, ribs, pork, or to use as a dipping sauce. 

Homemade BBQ Sauce in a jar.

The Best Homemade BBQ Sauce Recipe!

Are you tired of the same old BBQ sauces from the grocery store? This recipe is perfect for any type of meats, whether it be chicken, ribs, pork or even as a dipping sauce. It’s tangy, sweet and smoky, with a hint of heat! But what makes this recipe really special is that you can adjust the flavor to your preferences. Whether you like it sweeter or spicier, you can adjust the recipe however you like.

Why Make Your Own Sauce?

Packaged BBQ sauces are easy, but homemade has its benefits. It’s fresher and doesn’t have preservatives or artificial ingredients, giving it a more natural, bold flavor. Plus, making it yourself lets you control the taste—whether sweeter, spicier, or tangier—and add your favorite spices or herbs.

Store-bought sauces can taste flat since they’re made to please a lot of people, lacking the richness you get with homemade.

Process shots-- images of the ketchup and remaining sauce ingredients being added to a pot

How To Make BBQ Sauce

Here are our top tips for making your own BBQ Sauce:

  • Taste as you go: Change the flavor while making your BBQ sauce. Add sugar for sweetness, vinegar for tang, or hot sauce for heat.
  • Try different ingredients: Use good-quality ingredients. You can switch sweeteners like honey or brown sugar, vinegars like apple cider or red wine, and spices like garlic, cumin, or smoked paprika for more flavor.
  • Cook the sauce: Let the sauce simmer to thicken it and blend the flavors.

What Is BBQ Sauce Made Of?

  • Ketchup: Gives a rich tomato taste and smooth texture.
  • Water: Thins the sauce so it’s easier to spread.
  • Apple cider vinegar: Adds a tangy, slightly sweet flavor.
  • Light brown sugar & white sugar: Balance the sweetness without being too much.
  • Garlic powder & ground mustard: Add more flavor and a nice smell.
  • Lemon juice & Worcestershire sauce: Give a bit of tang and extra flavor to balance sweetness.
  • Salt & pepper: Make all the flavors pop.
Process shots of BBQ Sauce-- images of the sauce being cooked until thickened and transferred to a container

Storage

Storage

Storing this homemade BBQ sauce is easy and will help to maintain its freshness and flavor for a longer period of time.

  1. Cool the sauce completely: Before storing the BBQ sauce, let it cool completely to room temperature.
  2. Use an airtight container: Transfer the cooled BBQ sauce to an airtight glass or plastic container. Make sure to leave as little air as possible in the container.
  3. Refrigerate:  Homemade BBQ sauce can last for up to 2 weeks if stored properly in the refrigerator.

Can You Freeze Homemade BBQ Sauce?

Yes, freeze the BBQ sauce for a longer shelf life. Allow the sauce to cool completely and then pour it into an airtight container or resealable freezer bags. Be sure to leave as little air as possible in the container to prevent freezer burn. Homemade BBQ Sauce can be stored in the freezer for three to four months. When ready to use, thaw the sauce for several hours or in the refrigerator overnight. Stir it well before using and check for the texture, flavor and overall taste before consuming.

How To Use Homemade BBQ Sauce

There are many ways to use this homemade BBQ Sauce recipe. Here are a few ideas:

  • Marinade: Brush sauce on meats like chicken, pork, beef, fish, or tofu before grilling to add flavor and tenderness.
  • As a basting and finishing sauce: Baste meats while cooking to keep them juicy and add flavor, then brush with more sauce to finish.
  • Dip: Serve BBQ Sauce as a dip for veggies, wings, or snacks.
  • Sandwich spread: Spread on sandwiches or burgers for a tasty kick.
  • Salad dressing: Mix with sour cream or mayo for a tangy dressing (like in BBQ Pasta Salad).

Quick Tip

We love using this homemade sauce in the following recipes: BBQ Pork Mac and Cheese, BBQ Chicken Tacos With Coleslaw, BBQ Chicken Salad, BBQ Pulled Pork Pizza, and 3 BBQ Dinner Recipes with 1 Rotisserie Chicken.

Image of a jar of our homemade BBQ Sauce

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BBQ Sauce

By Chelsea Lords
This BBQ Sauce is simple and customizable. It’s tangy, sweet, smoky, and perfect for chicken, ribs, pork, or as a flavorful dipping sauce!
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 1 hour 25 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour 40 minutes
Servings: 3 cups

Equipment

Ingredients

  • 3 cups ketchup
  • 1-1/2 cups chicken broth
  • 3/4 cup apple cider vinegar
  • 1/2 cup light brown sugar lightly packed
  • 1/3 cup + 1 tablespoon granulated sugar
  • 2-1/4 teaspoons onion powder
  • 2-1/4 teaspoons garlic powder
  • 2-1/4 teaspoons ground mustard
  • 1 teaspoon paprika
  • 1-1/2 tablespoons lemon juice
  • 1-1/2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions 

  • Add all ingredients to a large pot over medium heat. Season to taste with salt and pepper. I start with 1 teaspoon of each and add more from there. Whisk everything together until it’s smooth and well combined.
  • Bring the mixture to a simmer, then lower the heat to maintain a low simmer. Let it simmer, uncovered, for 1 hour 15 minutes. Stir occasionally during this time to ensure the sauce simmers and thickens evenly. The sauce should have a thick, syrupy consistency and a well-developed flavor when it’s done. Don’t rush the simmering; this is where the magic happens!
  • Taste the sauce and adjust to your personal preference. Add more salt, pepper, sugar, etc. as needed. If it’s too thick, you can thin it out with a splash of water. Serve the sauce warm, not cold. Enjoy!

Video

Recipe Notes

Note 1: The better the ingredients you use, the better the sauce tastes. I’m a big fan of Heinz® ketchup and Bragg’s® apple cider vinegar. Neither brand sponsors this post; they’re just what I enjoy most!
Storage: Let the BBQ sauce cool completely, then transfer it to an airtight container. Store in the fridge for up to 2 weeks to maintain its freshness and flavor.

Nutrition

Serving: 1serving | Calories: 134kcal | Carbohydrates: 34g | Protein: 1g | Fat: 0.3g | Saturated Fat: 0.02g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 0.1g | Monounsaturated Fat: 0.1g | Cholesterol: 1mg | Sodium: 684mg | Potassium: 220mg | Fiber: 0.2g | Sugar: 30g | Vitamin A: 323IU | Vitamin C: 4mg | Calcium: 22mg | Iron: 0.5mg

Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.

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Meet Chelsea

Hello, and welcome to Chelsea’s Messy Apron! I’m Chelsea, the recipe developer, food photographer, and writer behind the site. I’m passionate about creating simple, reliable, and delicious recipes that anyone can make.

Thanks for stopping by—I hope you find something delicious to make!

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4 Comments

  1. Christine says:

    You mention onion AND garlic powder, but is it 2 and 1/4 of EACH or is that 2 and 1/4 combined TOTAL?

    Reply
    1. Chelsea Lords says:

      Each 🙂

      Reply
  2. Ramya says:

    Cant wait to make this soon for me can i use vegetable broth and coconut aminos i never had bbq sauce before Cant wait to try this with tofu and your other recipes love your recipes as always brightens up my day everyday after work

    Reply
    1. Chelsea Lords says:

      I am so excited for you to try! Thanks Ramya! 🙂

      Reply