Once you try this easy homemade BBQ sauce recipe, you won't go back. Quick to make, full of flavor, and perfect for your next BBQ night.
When my husband and I tried a no-sugar diet (spoiler: I'm terrible at diets), we quickly realized all the good stuff-like BBQ sauce-was off-limits.
I found a "healthy" version online, tried it, and let's just say... it didn't stick.
So I started playing with the ingredients, made a few swaps, and somehow landed on this bold, flavorful homemade BBQ sauce.
It's rich, tangy, and perfect for cooking-definitely not your average diet food.
Jump to:
Skill Level: Beginner
Total Time: 10-15 minutes
Ingredients
Scroll down for the complete recipe with ingredient measurements.
This recipe makes about ¾ cup of barbeque sauce and is enough to marinate about 2 lbs of meat.
Great for chicken and ribs!
Easy Homemade BBQ Sauce Recipe
Equipment
Ingredients
- 6 ounces Tomato Pasta
- ⅛ cup Apple Cider Vinegar
- ¼ cup White Vinegar
- 2 tsp Liquid Smoke
- 1 ½ tsp Worcestershire Sauce
- 3 cloves Mined Garlic
- 1 tsp Truvia or other sugar substitute
- 2 tsp Minced Onion (dehydrated)
- Garlic and Herb Seasoning to taste
- Salt and Pepper to taste
- 1 Lemon (juiced)
Instructions
- Add all the ingredients to a saucepan and heat over medium-low.
- Stir occasionally until everything is nice and warm-no need to bring it to a boil. Once it's warmed through, reduce the heat to low and let it simmer gently for 5-10 minutes.
- Pour the sauce over your chicken and let it marinate.
- Grill the chicken to your liking, then serve it hot with your favorite sides-and don't forget to save some extra sauce for dipping!
Nutrition
How to Marinate Chicken
Cool the Sauce: Let the homemade barbecue sauce cool completely before using it as a marinade. Warm sauce can start to cook the meat too soon.
Prep the Chicken: Pat the chicken dry with paper towels so the sauce sticks better.
Coat Generously: Place the chicken in a large zip-top bag or shallow dish, then pour enough BBQ sauce over it to fully coat each piece.
Marinate: Cover and and place in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes-2 hours is even better. If you're short on time, even 10-15 minutes will still give it a nice flavor boost.
Grill or Bake: Remove the chicken from the marinade (shake off any excess) and cook as usual. Save some fresh sauce for basting or dipping-don't reuse marinade that touched raw meat.
How to Store Leftovers
Once the BBQ sauce has cooled, pour it into a clean, airtight jar or container (a mason jar works great).
Store it in the fridge for up to 2 weeks. For best flavor, give it a quick stir before using. Especially if any ingredients have settled.
Can Homemade BBQ Sauce be Frozen?
Yes! Freeze the sauce in a freezer-safe container or a silicone ice cube tray for up to 3 months.
Simply thaw in the fridge before using.
More Grilling Recipes
Since the Grill is still warm, here are a few more delicious recipes!
Hi, I'm Katie!
I'm so glad you're here. Want to make something fabulous? I'm here to help!
Sandra Wheeler
I would like to try this recipe....but what is Liquid Smoke???
Katie Adams
Liquid Smoke is a flavor that adds a smoky wood flavor without actually smoking the food.