Easy Honey Chipotle Sauce Recipe

This recipe is the ultimate flavor-packed secret weapon in my kitchen arsenal, blending the perfect mix of sweet, tangy, and smoky with just the right amount of spice. I love it because it’s incredibly versatile, easily elevating anything from grilled chicken to roasted veggies, and always gets rave reviews when I pull it out at a BBQ.

My Easy Honey Chipotle Sauce is a wonderful mix of flavors. It starts with 1/2 cup ketchup, 1/4 cup honey, and 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar, which together create a sweet and sour base.

Then you stir in 2 tablespoons adobo sauce for smoky heat. I like it as a dipping sauce, drizzled over roasted vegetables and bold enough to use as a glaze for meat.

Ingredients

• Ketchup: Adds a sweet and tangy base, rich in tomato flavor.
• Honey: Natural sweetener balancing heat with sweetness; provides antioxidants.
• Adobo Sauce: Smoky, spicy depth from chipotle peppers; enhances boldness.
• Apple Cider Vinegar: Adds acidity for balance; may aid digestion.
• Soy Sauce: Umami depth; boosts savory notes and adds saltiness.
• Worcestershire Sauce: Complex flavor with a tangy, savory blend.

Ingredient Quantities

• 1/2 cup ketchup
• 1/4 cup honey
• 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
• 2 tablespoons adobo sauce (from a can of chipotle peppers)
• 1 tablespoon soy sauce
• 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
• 1 tablespoon brown sugar
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
• 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
• 1/4 teaspoon ground cumin
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

1. In a medium-sized bowl, mix together the ketchup and honey. Stir until the mixture is smooth and well combined. You should have about 1 cup of sauce. If you want more sauce, double the amounts. If you want less sauce, halve the amounts.

2. Add the adobo sauce and apple cider vinegar to the mixture. Mix thoroughly until the ingredients are evenly incorporated.

3. Combine the soy sauce and Worcestershire sauce with the other ingredients, and blend them well.

4. Stir the brown sugar into the sauce until it completely dissolves.

5. Add the garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, and ground cumin.

6. Keep whisking the mixture until it’s fully combined with all the spices. By this point, they should be fully incorporated into the sauce.

7. The sauce should be tasted and the seasoning of salt and pepper should be to your preface.

8. In a small saucepan, heat the sauce over medium heat.

9. Gently, and I do mean gently, bring the sauce to a simmer, stirring it frequently to ensure it does not stick to the bottom of the pan or burn. Allow it to simmer for about 5 minutes to let the flavors develop.

10. Take it off the heat and let it cool before you use it. If you have any sauce you are not using right now, store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It should last for a good week.

Equipment Needed

1. Medium-sized bowl
2. Whisk
3. Measuring cups
4. Measuring spoons
5. Small saucepan
6. Stirring spoon or spatula
7. Airtight container for storage

FAQ

• What can I use as a substitute for adobo sauce?You can use smoked paprika or chipotle powder in the same amounts for a similar smoky flavor, or add your favorite hot sauce for some heat.
• Is this sauce spicy?The adobo sauce does pack a moderate heat, but you can dial it back—or up—by using less or more of the sauce. I tend to use it pretty liberally because I love the flavor. But if you want to taste more of the ribs and less of the sauce, then by all means, use the sauce sparingly.
• How long does the sauce keep?An airtight container in the refrigerator allows storage of the sauce for as long as two weeks.
• Can I make this sauce ahead of time?Definitely! It’s a fantastic sauce to prepare in advance. Letting it sit for a bit allows the flavors to come together and makes it taste even better.
• What dishes pair well with this sauce?It’s great as a marinade for chicken on the grill, a glaze for the ribs, or a topping for burgers and sandwiches.
• Can I make this sauce less sweet?Indeed, lessen the honey and brown sugar to dial down the sweetness while retaining the flavor.
• Is there a vegetarian substitute for Worcestershire sauce?A vegetarian Worcestershire sauce can be used, but soy sauce or balsamic vinegar also work well. These ingredients have a similar depth of flavor.

Substitutions and Variations

Use maple syrup or agave nectar instead of honey.
If you lack apple cider vinegar, consider using white vinegar or rice vinegar.
Instead of adobo sauce, use a mix of chipotle chili powder and a touch of tomato paste to achieve similar flavors.
As a gluten-free substitute for soy sauce, use tamari or coconut aminos.
Coconut sugar or white sugar can be used to replace brown sugar in recipes. If you must use a different (non-brown) sugar, do not fret; the flavor of the resulting dish will not change dramatically.

Pro Tips

1. Adjusting Heat Level: If you prefer a spicier kick, add some chopped chipotle peppers from the can along with the adobo sauce. For a milder version, reduce the amount of adobo sauce or use a milder barbecue sauce base.