Smoky Honey Barbecue Sauce

Name: Smoky Honey Barbecue Sauce
Prep time: 5 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 20 min
Yield: 8 servings
Cuisine: Southern
Ingredients: 1 cup ketchup (preferably organic); ¼ cup apple cider vinegar; ¼ cup clover honey; 2 tbsp brown sugar; 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce; 1 tsp smoked paprika; ½ tsp garlic powder; ½ tsp onion powder; ½ tsp mustard powder; ¼ tsp cayenne (optional, for heat); ½ tsp salt; 1 tbsp unsalted butter (optional, for richness)

Chef-created by Chef Joel

Sticky, sweet, and just enough smoke — this sauce balances Southern charm with finger-lickin' flavor, inspired by Franklin Barbecue's glaze finishes and the complexity of Carolina sauces.

⏱ Prep 5m🔥 Cook 15m🕒 Total 20m🍽 8 servings

#chef joel's premium recipes#chef joel#sauce#bbq

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Ingredients

1 cupketchup (preferably organic)
¼ cupapple cider vinegar
¼ cupclover honey
2 tbspbrown sugar
1 tbspWorcestershire sauce
1 tspsmoked paprika
½ tspgarlic powder
½ tsponion powder
½ tspmustard powder
¼ tspcayenne (optional, for heat)
½ tspsalt
1 tbspunsalted butter (optional, for richness)

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Method

1
In a saucepan, combine all ingredients except butter.
2
Simmer over medium-low heat 12–15 minutes, stirring often, until thickened.
3
Whisk in butter at the end for a silky finish.
4
Toss warm with crispy tenders right before serving, or use as a glaze. Garnish with fresh parsley or chives.