Kittencal's Famous Barbecue Sauce for Chicken and Ribs

Elevate your barbecue game with Kittencal's Famous Barbecue Sauce for Chicken and Ribs, a richly flavored, homemade masterpiece that's both tangy and sweet with just a hint of smoky heat. This versatile sauce combines pantry staples like ketchup, brown sugar, and apple cider vinegar with bold additions like molasses, smoked paprika, and a touch of liquid smoke to create a depth of flavor that clings perfectly to grilled meats. Ready in just 40 minutes, this easy-to-make sauce is perfect for basting juicy chicken or tender ribs, and it can be customized with optional cayenne pepper for those who crave extra spice. Whether you're hosting a backyard cookout or looking to add gourmet flair to weeknight dinners, this barbecue sauce will quickly become your go-to recipe for unforgettable flavor.

Nutriscore Rating: 57/100

Prep Time:10 mins

Cook Time:30 mins

Total Time:40 mins

Servings: 10

Ingredients

• 2 cups Ketchup
• 1 cup Brown sugar
• 1 cup Apple cider vinegar
• 0.25 cup Molasses
• 2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
• 1 tablespoon Yellow mustard
• 1 teaspoon Liquid smoke
• 1 teaspoon Garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon Onion powder
• 1 teaspoon Smoked paprika
• 0.5 teaspoon Ground black pepper
• 0.25 teaspoon Cayenne pepper (optional, for heat)
• 0.33 cup Water

Directions

Step 1

In a medium-sized saucepan, combine the ketchup, brown sugar, apple cider vinegar, molasses, Worcestershire sauce, yellow mustard, and liquid smoke.

Step 2

Whisk the ingredients together over medium heat until the mixture is smooth and the sugar has dissolved, about 5 minutes.

Step 3

Stir in the garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, ground black pepper, and cayenne pepper (if using) for added spice.

Step 4

Gradually add water to achieve your desired sauce consistency. Start with 1/3 cup and adjust as needed.

Step 5

Bring the sauce to a gentle simmer, then reduce the heat to low and let it cook, uncovered, for 20-30 minutes. Stir the sauce occasionally to prevent sticking.

Step 6

Taste and adjust seasonings if needed. You can add a pinch more sugar for sweetness, vinegar for tang, or cayenne for heat.

Step 7

Once the sauce has thickened to your liking, remove it from the heat and let it cool slightly.

Step 8

Use immediately to glaze grilled chicken or ribs, or store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to one week.

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	(1083.8g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	1321.4

Total Fat 1.1g	0%
Saturated Fat 0.1g	0%
Polyunsaturated Fat 0.0g
Cholesterol 0mg	0%
Sodium 2657.6mg	0%
Total Carbohydrate 331.0g	0%
Dietary Fiber 2.2g	0%
Total Sugars 289.6g
Protein 1.8g	0%

Vitamin D 0IU	0%
Calcium 373.8mg	0%
Iron 8.3mg	0%
Potassium 1947.6mg	0%

*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.

Source of Calories

Fat: 0.7%

Protein: 0.5%

Carbs: 98.7%