By Grocery List Plus Editorial Staff | Published on June 11, 2026
Serves 4
494 cal · 45 min
Cilantro Chipotle Barbecue Sauce
Recipe GLPR00655b98505679
A vibrant, smoky barbecue sauce with the warmth of chipotle chiles balanced by fresh cilantro and apple butter. This versatile condiment features layers of flavor from smoked paprika, garlic powder, and Dijon mustard. Perfect for grilling chicken, glazing ribs, or dipping appetizers. Makes a generous batch that keeps refrigerated for up to three weeks.
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Ingredients
28 oz Apple butter
¼ cup Brown sugar
¼ cup Chipotle chiles in adobo sauce, finely chopped
¼ cup Dijon mustard
¼ cup Fresh cilantro, chopped
1½ teaspoon Garlic powder
1 teaspoon Ground black pepper
2 tablespoon Olive oil
1 Large onion, diced
1½ teaspoon Salt
3 teaspoon Smoked paprika
1 cup Water
Directions
Heat the olive oil in a large saucepan over medium heat until it shimmers.
Add the diced onion and sauté, stirring occasionally, until softened and translucent, about 5 minutes.
Stir in the apple butter, brown sugar, chipotle chiles, Dijon mustard, garlic powder, black pepper, salt, smoked paprika, and water. Mix well to combine all ingredients.
Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer over medium heat, then reduce heat to low and continue simmering for 10 to 15 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the sauce thickens slightly and flavors meld together.
Remove from heat and let cool for a few minutes. Stir in the fresh chopped cilantro until evenly distributed.
Use the sauce immediately for grilling or serving. Alternatively, transfer to a clean container, cover, and refrigerate for up to 3 weeks.
Comments
Every ingredient—apple butter, chipotle, cilantro, smoked paprika—is stocked at Harris Teeter, Food Lion, or Walmart without a special trip, and the blend costs under $2 per serving. The 45-minute stated time is honest for caramelizing onions and melding flavors, though you're mostly simmering rather than hands-on. This makes a thick, complex sauce that stores brilliantly for a week in the fridge and works equally well brushed on ribs, chicken, or pulled pork the same night or as a grilling staple for the next week.
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