Bourbon Barbecue Chicken Sauce

By
Derrick Riches
Derrick Riches
Derrick Riches
Derrick Riches is a grilling and barbecue expert. He has written two cookbooks.
Learn about The Spruce Eats' Editorial Process
Updated on 06/29/21
Bourbon Barbecue Chicken Sauce

The Spruce / Madhumita Sathishkumar

Prep: 15 mins
Cook: 10 mins
Total: 25 mins
Servings: 48 servings
Yield: 3 cups
Nutrition Facts (per serving)
26 Calories
1g Fat
4g Carbs
0g Protein
Show Full Nutrition Label Hide Full Nutrition Label
×
Nutrition Facts
Servings: 48
Amount per serving
Calories 26
% Daily Value*
Total Fat 1g 1%
Saturated Fat 0g 0%
Cholesterol 0mg 0%
Sodium 130mg 6%
Total Carbohydrate 4g 2%
Dietary Fiber 0g 0%
Total Sugars 4g
Protein 0g
Vitamin C 1mg 3%
Calcium 5mg 0%
Iron 0mg 1%
Potassium 36mg 1%
*The % Daily Value (DV) tells you how much a nutrient in a food serving contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.
(Nutrition information is calculated using an ingredient database and should be considered an estimate.)

This deeply rich sauce, bursting with sweet bourbon and tomato flavor is a great accompaniment to the chicken. Whether grilling breasts, thighs, or drumsticks, you'll fall in love with this bold, but the delicious chicken sauce.

Ingredients

  • 1 1/2 cups ketchup

  • 1/2 cup bourbon

  • 1/2 cup brown sugar

  • 1/3 cup onion, pureed

  • 1/4 cup cider vinegar

  • 2 tablespoons vegetable oil

  • 2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce

  • 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard

  • 3 cloves garlic, minced

  • 1 teaspoon ancho chili powder

  • 1 teaspoon salt

  • 1 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper

  • 1/2 teaspoon liquid smoke

Steps to Make It

  1. Gather the ingredients.

    Bourbon Barbecue Chicken Sauce ingredients

    The Spruce / Madhumita Sathishkumar

  2. In a medium saucepan, heat vegetable oil until hot over medium heat.

    oil in a saucepan

    The Spruce / Madhumita Sathishkumar

  3. Add the pureed onion and cook for 1 minute, stirring often.

    Add the pureed onion to the saucepan with the oil

    The Spruce / Madhumita Sathishkumar

  4. Add garlic and cook for an additional minute.

    onions, garlic and oil in a saucepan

    The Spruce / Madhumita Sathishkumar

  5. Add remaining ingredients, bring to a bubble and reduce heat to medium-low. Allow sauce to simmer for 8 to 10 minutes.

    sauce cooking in a saucepan

    The Spruce / Madhumita Sathishkumar

  6. Once the sauce is done, remove from heat and allow to cool before applying to chicken.

    Bourbon Barbecue Chicken Sauce served with chicken

    The Spruce / Madhumita Sathishkumar

Tips

  • If using later, allow mixture to cool completely, store in a sealed plastic container in the refrigerator for up to 7 days. If using as a side sauce, reheat before serving.