Favorite Barbecue Chicken Sauce

Prep: 10 min Cook: 75 min Cuisine: American

A flavorful barbecue chicken sauce combining tangy, sweet, and savory elements, perfect for baked chicken dishes. Its rich tomato and Worcestershire base is complemented by onion, garlic, and vinegar, appealing to those who enjoy bold, classic BBQ flavors with a homemade touch.

Be the first to rate this recipe

Ingredients

  • 1/4 cup butter
  • 1 medium minced onion
  • 1/4 cup bottled steak sauce (A.1.)
  • 1/4 cup sugar
  • 1/2 cup Worcestershire sauce
  • 3 cloves garlic
  • 1 cup catsup
  • 1/4 cup vinegar
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 cup water

Instructions

  1. Combine all ingredients in a saucepan and bring to a boil.
  2. Pour the sauce over uncooked chicken in a baking pan.
  3. Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 1 1/4 hours or until the chicken is cooked through.

Tips & Substitutions

For a richer flavor, consider adding smoked paprika or liquid smoke to the sauce. If you prefer a sweeter sauce, you can increase the sugar or use honey as a substitute. You can also replace Worcestershire sauce with tamari for a gluten-free option. When cooking, ensure the chicken is fully coated with sauce for maximum flavor absorption.

Serving Suggestions

Serve this barbecue chicken with a side of coleslaw or cornbread for a classic meal. It pairs beautifully with Stuffed Cornbread, creating a comforting and hearty dish. For a refreshing touch, consider adding a side of pickles or grilled vegetables. Drizzle extra sauce over the chicken before serving for added flavor.

Storage & Reheating

Store any leftover barbecue chicken sauce in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to a week. To reheat, gently warm it on the stove over low heat, stirring occasionally. Alternatively, you can microwave it in short intervals, stirring in between, until heated through. This sauce also freezes well for up to three months.

Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)

Each serving of Favorite Barbecue Chicken Sauce contains roughly 441 calories, with 6g protein, 43g carbohydrates, and 27g fat. It is a good source of iron (14% of the Daily Value), protein (13% of the Daily Value), and vitamin C (12% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 2416mg per serving (105% of the Daily Value).

441 kcal 22% DV
Protein Fat Carbs

Macronutrients

Protein 6.4g 13% DV
Total Fat 27.2g 35% DV
Carbs 42.7g 16% DV
Fiber 3.2g 11% DV
Sugar 7.3g 15% DV

Electrolytes

Sodium 2416mg 100% DV
Potassium 222.3mg 5% DV
Cholesterol 45mg 15% DV

Vitamins & Minerals

Vitamin A 10.7mcg 1% DV
Vitamin C 10.7mg 12% DV
Vitamin D 0.1mcg 1% DV
Calcium 39.5mg 3% DV
Iron 2.6mg 14% DV
Contains Milk

Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.

* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use this sauce on ribs instead of chicken?

Absolutely! This sauce works wonderfully with ribs. Simply apply the sauce over the ribs before baking or grilling. Adjust the cooking time based on the thickness of the ribs, ensuring they are tender and the sauce is caramelized.

Is it possible to make this sauce in advance?

Yes, you can prepare the sauce ahead of time. Just store it in the refrigerator for up to a week. When ready to use, simply reheat the sauce before pouring it over the chicken or other meats for a delicious flavor boost.

Can I make this sauce spicier?

Definitely! To add heat, consider incorporating cayenne pepper or hot sauce to the mix. Start with a small amount and adjust to taste. This will enhance the flavor profile and give your dish a kick, perfect for those who enjoy spicy barbecue.

Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).

American recipes → Beef recipes → Dairy recipes → All recipes →