Four Pepper Barbecue Sauce For Chicken
A flavorful barbecue sauce with a spicy, peppery kick, perfect for grilled chicken, offering a balance of sweetness and tang with vibrant vegetable flavors.
Ingredients
- 1/2 cup chopped onion ⓘ
- 1/2 cup sliced scallions ⓘ
- 1/3 cup minced sweet red peppers ⓘ
- 1/3 cup minced sweet yellow peppers ⓘ
- 1/3 cup minced sweet green peppers ⓘ
- 2 jalapeno peppers, seeded and minced ⓘ
- 2 cloves garlic, minced ⓘ
- 1 1/4 cups low-sodium ketchup ⓘ
- 3/4 cup canned crushed tomatoes ⓘ
- 3 tablespoons light molasses ⓘ
- 3 tablespoons red wine vinegar ⓘ
- 1/4 teaspoon oregano ⓘ
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce ⓘ
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper ⓘ
- 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts ⓘ
Instructions
- Lightly coat a 2-quart saucepan with nonstick spray and place over low heat.
- Add the chopped onion, sliced scallions, minced sweet red, yellow, and green peppers, and minced garlic.
- Cover and cook about 10 minutes or until vegetables are tender.
- Add ketchup, crushed tomatoes, molasses, vinegar, oregano, Worcestershire sauce, and black pepper.
- Cover and simmer until thickened, about 10 minutes.
- Grill chicken breasts for 4 minutes, then turn and spread 2 to 3 tablespoons of sauce over each piece.
- Continue grilling until chicken is done, about 5 to 6 minutes.
- Serve the chicken with the remaining sauce.
Tips & Substitutions
For a sweeter sauce, consider adding a bit more molasses or a touch of honey. If you prefer a spicier kick, keep the seeds from the jalapenos. Substituting brown sugar for the molasses can also work, but be mindful of the flavor change. This sauce can be used in other chicken recipes or as a marinade for grilling.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this Four Pepper Barbecue Sauce on grilled chicken breasts, pairing them with sides like coleslaw or corn on the cob. It also complements baked beans or potato salad perfectly. For a hearty meal, consider serving alongside New England Noodles Supreme for a delightful combination.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftover sauce in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to one week. It can also be frozen for up to three months. To reheat, warm the sauce gently on the stove over low heat or in the microwave, stirring occasionally until heated through.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Four Pepper Barbecue Sauce For Chicken contains roughly 475 calories, with 14g protein, 82g carbohydrates, and 15g fat. It is an excellent source of iron (93% of the Daily Value), dietary fiber (78% of the Daily Value), and vitamin C (53% of the Daily Value), and a good source of vitamin A. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 648mg per serving (28% of the Daily Value).
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 make this barbecue sauce ahead of time?
Absolutely! This sauce can be made up to a week in advance. Just store it in the refrigerator and give it a good stir before using. The flavors will meld beautifully over time, enhancing the overall taste of your grilled chicken.
Is this sauce suitable for other meats?
Yes, this barbecue sauce works wonderfully with various meats like pork, beef, or even grilled vegetables. Feel free to use it as a marinade or dipping sauce for your favorite proteins, expanding its versatility beyond just chicken.
How can I adjust the spiciness of the sauce?
To modify the spiciness, you can reduce the number of jalapenos or omit them altogether for a milder flavor. Alternatively, adding a pinch of cayenne pepper can enhance the heat without overwhelming the sauce. Taste as you go to find your perfect balance.
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).