Best Chipotle Honey BBQ Sauce

Chipotle Honey BBQ Sauce is a sweet and smoky barbecue sauce made with chipotle peppers in adobo sauce, honey, ketchup, and warm spices. The chipotle peppers give a deep smoky heat, while honey adds natural sweetness. The vinegar brings a slight tang that balances everything.

This Chipotle Honey BBQ Sauce is thicker than regular bbq sauce and perfect for brushing on grilled chicken or tossing with wings.

Many popular brands sell their own versions, but homemade gives better flavor control. It’s thick, rich, and perfect for brushing over chicken, ribs, burgers, or even honey chipotle BBQ wings.

Once I made it from scratch, I never went back to store-bought options like Sweet Baby Rays Honey Chipotle BBQ sauce.

Why You’ll Love This Chipotle Honey BBQ Sauce?

You’ll love this Chipotle Honey BBQ Sauce as it brings the right mix of sweet honey and smoky heat from chipotle peppers without being overpowering. I like how easy it is to control the spice level just by adjusting the peppers and seeds.

It works on grilled chicken, baked wings, burgers, and even as a dipping sauce. The ingredients are simple and easy to find in any kitchen. Best part, it tastes fresh and homemade, not bottled or processed.

How To Make Chipotle Honey BBQ Sauce?

Recipe Overview

Chipotle Honey BBQ Sauce is a sweet, smoky, and slightly spicy sauce made with chipotle peppers, honey, and classic chipotle BBQ sauce ingredients.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 15 minutes
• Total Time: 25 minutes
• Cuisine: American
• Course: Sauce / Condiment
• Difficulty: Easy
• Servings: About 2 cups
• Calories: ~90 per serving

Equipment

• Medium saucepan
• Wooden spoon
• Knife
• Cutting board
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Blender (optional for smoother texture)
• Airtight glass jar or bottle

Ingredients

• 1.5 cups Organic Ketchup
• 4 Chipotle Peppers in Adobo Sauce, diced finely
• 1 small Onion, grated
• 1/3 cup Honey
• 2 tbsp Brown Sugar (or Sukrin Gold for low carb)
• 1/3 cup Pineapple Juice
• 2 tbsp Apple Cider Vinegar
• 1.5 tbsp Worcestershire Sauce
• 2 tsp Olive Oil
• 1 tsp Garlic Powder
• 1 tsp Salt
• 1 tsp Pepper
• 1 tsp Smoky Paprika

Ingredient Notes

1. Chipotle Peppers in Adobo Sauce: These give the smoky heat. Remove some seeds if you want less spice. The adobo sauce adds rich flavor.

2. Honey: Adds natural sweetness and balances the smoky peppers.

3. Apple Cider Vinegar: Brings tang and keeps the sauce from tasting too sweet.

4. Pineapple Juice: Gives a mild fruity note that pairs great with chicken and even grilled jalapenos.

5. Smoky Paprika: Boosts the smoky flavor without extra heat.

Instructions (Step by Step)

1. Heat the Oil

In a medium saucepan, heat olive oil over medium heat.

2. Cook the Onion

Add grated onion and cook for 2–3 minutes until soft. Stir to avoid burning.

3. Add Chipotle Peppers

Stir in diced chipotle peppers and a spoonful of adobo sauce. Cook for 1 minute to release flavor.

4. Mix the Base

Add ketchup, honey, brown sugar, pineapple juice, Apple Cider Vinegar, Worcestershire sauce, garlic powder, smoky paprika, salt, and pepper.

5. Simmer

Stir well and let it simmer on low heat for 15–20 minutes. Stir occasionally until thick.

6. Adjust Texture

If you prefer smooth sauce like sweet chipotle bbq sauce from stores, blend it carefully and return to heat for 2 minutes.

7. Cool and Store

Let it cool fully before transferring to a jar.

My Personal Tip

 ▶ If I’m making honey chipotle bbq wings, I simmer the sauce a little longer for a thicker texture so it sticks better to chicken.

Nutrition

• Calories: 90
• Carbohydrates: 22g
• Sugar: 18g
• Fat: 1g
• Sodium: 240mg
• Protein: 0.5g

Tips and Variations

✅Add extra chipotle peppers or even a small piece of guajillo peppers for deeper smoky heat.

✅Stir in a splash of rum to make honey chipotle rum bbq sauce.

✅Replace pineapple juice with orange juice for a citrus twist.

✅Add finely chopped jalapenos for more spice.

✅Use Sukrin Gold to lower sugar content.

Storage Tips

Store in an airtight jar in the fridge for up to 10 days. It thickens more as it chills. Warm slightly before brushing on grilled chicken.

Serving Suggestions

1. Brush over grilled chicken or baked chicken thighs.

2. Toss with honey chipotle bbq wings.

3. Spread on burgers or pulled chicken sandwiches.

4. Use as dip for fries or roasted peppers.

5. Mix into baked beans for smoky flavor.

Recipe Notes

• Adjust spice by removing seeds from chipotle peppers.
• Simmer longer for thicker sauce.
• Taste before cooling and adjust salt or vinegar.
• Blend for smoother texture.

Can I Adjust The Spice Level In This Chipotle Honey BBQ Sauce?

Yes, you can easily control the heat in this Chipotle Honey BBQ Sauce. If you prefer it mild, remove the seeds from the chipotle peppers before chopping. You can even reduce the number of peppers and add a little extra honey for balance.

If you like more heat, add an extra spoon of adobo sauce or mix in a small amount of minced jalapenos. I always taste the sauce while it simmers and adjust slowly. That way, the flavor stays balanced and not overpowering.

Can I Make This Chipotle Honey Bbq Sauce Recipe Ahead Of Time?

This chipotle honey bbq sauce recipe is perfect for making in advance. After cooking, let it cool completely before storing it in a clean glass jar. Keep it refrigerated for up to 10 days for the best flavor.

The sauce thickens as it chills, which makes it even better for brushing over chicken or wings. If it becomes too thick, just warm it gently on the stove. I like making it a day before grilling so the flavors settle nicely.

What Can I Use Chipotle Honey BBQ Sauce For Besides Chicken?

This sauce works for much more than grilled chicken. I use it to coat honey chipotle bbq wings or spread it on burgers for extra flavor. It tastes great brushed over ribs or mixed into pulled pork sandwiches.

You can even use it as a dipping sauce for fries or roasted peppers. I have stirred a spoonful into baked beans for a smoky touch. Once you make it, you’ll find plenty of ways to use it in your kitchen.

More BBQ Sauce You May Like

▶Tomato-Free BBQ Sauce

▶Best Homemade Caribbean BBQ Sauce

▶Easy Hawaiian Pineapple BBQ Sauce

▶Easy Crockpot Pineapple BBQ Chicken Recipe

▶3-Ingredient Honey BBQ Sauce Recipe

FAQs For Chipotle Honey BBQ Sauce

Final Thoughts

This Chipotle Honey BBQ Sauce is one of those recipes I keep coming back to whenever I want bold flavor without extra work. The sweet honey and smoky chipotle peppers create a sauce that works on chicken, wings, burgers, and more.

I love how easy it is to adjust the heat and sweetness to fit my taste. Try it once, and I think you’ll skip the bottled version for good.