Raspberry Chipotle BBQ Sauce

You’re looking for some BBQ sauce slightly different, right? Something that will make your friends and relatives say, “Wow, what is IN this?” Well, here is the place. The ultimate recipe for Raspberry Chipotle BBQ Sauce will be released right now.
This sauce is a game changer. I had a taste of it in some little bistro a long time ago and fell in love immediately. I spent an entire summer trying to perfect my version, and this is it! It’s that perfect combination of sweet, smoky, and spicy, and surprisingly so easy to whip up. Trust me, you’ve got to have some special cooking skills to make this magic happen.
What is Raspberry Chipotle BBQ Sauce Anyway?
Alright, why do I think my Raspberry Chipotle BBQ Sauce will be special for you? Just think of that sweet and ever so slightly sour tang of fresh raspberries married to the smoked and earthy hotness of chipotle en adobo. Add to that the typical spicy-ketchupy tang of your favorite BBQ. What an explosion of flavours, to be honest! This explosion, for that matter, acts not as simple flavors to introduce onto grilled chicken or pork in 101 ways.
Not your singular, basic one-note BBQ sauce. Rather, it is an umbrella of complexities that elevate them above the rest. The sweetness of the raspberries currently balances out the heat of the chipotles, leaving you with a bold sauce and novel taste.
Everything You’ll Need
Here’s what you’ll need to grab from the store. I’ve broken it down to make it super simple.
For the Raspberry Goodness:
- 12 ounces of fresh or frozen raspberries
- 1/4 cup of seedless raspberry jam or preserves
For the Smoky & Spicy Kick:
- 2-3 chipotle peppers in adobo sauce, minced (use more or less depending on your heat preference)
- 1 tablespoon of the adobo sauce from the can
For the BBQ Base:
- 1 cup of your favorite ketchup
- 1/2 cup of apple cider vinegar
- 1/4 cup of packed brown sugar
- 2 tablespoons of Worcestershire sauce
- 1 tablespoon of soy sauce
- 1 teaspoon of smoked paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon of garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon of onion powder
- Salt and black pepper to taste
Let’s Get Cooking!

Ready to make some deliciousness? Just follow these simple steps.
- Combine and Simmer: It doesn’t sound logical, but throw everything into a saucepan. Yes, everything! And give it the best stir.
- Heat It: Turn the heat to medium, and on occasion, softly stir it until it starts to simmer.
- Long and Slow: Continue simmering the BBQ sauce on low heat for at least 20-25 minutes; maintain stirring after just a few minutes, lest the sauce stick to the bottom of the pot. This is when the sauce thickens considerably; the flavors should meld wonderfully.
- Puree to Smooth: This is perhaps the final step at which you may choose to work with the texture. If you like your sauce chunky, then it is entirely possible to leave it as is; however, pureeing the final beer is highly recommended for a super-smooth texture
- Cool It Down: Allow the sauce to cool completely before use or storage. As time passes, the flavors will only improve!
Storing Your Awesome Sauce
This Raspberry Chipotle BBQ Sauce is good for two weeks in an airtight container in the fridge. I usually store mine in a glass jar.
How to Serve It Up
Oh, the uses are endless! Some of my favorites:
- Grilled Meats: On grilled chicken, pork chops, and ribs, it’s a true champ. Brush as they finish on the grill.
- Tacos and Burgers: Drizzle some over-pulled pork tacos or slather it on a dripping burger.
- As a Dipping Sauce: Wings, meatballs, heck, even French fries all could use a good one.
Pro-Tips for the Best Sauce Ever
- Heat it Up: If you’re heat-shy, start with just one lonely chipotle pepper and a hint of adobo sauce. Never omit!
- Sweetness: Adjust the brown sugar to your liking. If your raspberries are absurdly sweet, you may want to lessen them a tad.
- Seedless: To achieve an ultra-smooth sauce, pass the raspberry puree through a very fine mesh sieve to remove seeds before placing it into the saucepan.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is this Raspberry Chipotle BBQ Sauce really spicy?
Heat remains a subjective experience! It is the chipotle pepper that lends heat. For a mild version, use 1 or 2 peppers and remove the seeds. For more heat, use as many chipotles and adobo as you want.
Can I use other berries?
You can easily make this a gluten-free sauce with gluten-free Worcestershire sauce and soy sauce (or tamari). Always check your labels with your ingredients to be sure.
Is this recipe gluten-free?
To make it gluten-free, simply use a gluten-free Worcestershire sauce and soy sauce (or tamari). Always double-check the labels on your ingredients to be sure.
You’ve Got to Try This!
I hope you’ll try this Raspberry Chipotle BBQ Sauce recipe. This is one of those recipes that will dazzle anyone and have them asking for it. So easy to make and, wow, what a taste! Have fun!
Raspberry Chipotle BBQ Sauce
8
servings20
minutes300
kcalIngredients
For the Raspberry Goodness:
12 ounces of fresh or frozen raspberries
1/4 cup of seedless raspberry jam or preserves
For the Smoky & Spicy Kick:
2-3 chipotle peppers in adobo sauce, minced (use more or less depending on your heat preference)
1 tablespoon of the adobo sauce from the can
For the BBQ Base:
1 cup of your favorite ketchup
1/2 cup of apple cider vinegar
1/4 cup of packed brown sugar
2 tablespoons of Worcestershire sauce
1 tablespoon of soy sauce
1 teaspoon of smoked paprika
1/2 teaspoon of garlic powder
1/2 teaspoon of onion powder
Salt and black pepper to taste
Directions
- Combine and Simmer: It doesn't sound logical, but throw everything into a saucepan. Yes, everything! And give it the best stir.
- Heat It: Turn the heat to medium, and on occasion, softly stir it until it starts to simmer.
- Long and Slow: Continue simmering the BBQ sauce on low heat for at least 20-25 minutes; maintain stirring after just a few minutes, lest the sauce stick to the bottom of the pot. This is when the sauce thickens considerably; the flavors should meld wonderfully.
- Puree to Smooth: This is perhaps the final step at which you may choose to work with the texture. If you like your sauce chunky, then it is entirely possible to leave it as is; however, pureeing the final beer is highly recommended for a super-smooth texture
- Cool It Down: Allow the sauce to cool completely before use or storage. As time passes, the flavors will only improve!
Notes
- Heat it Up: If you're heat-shy, start with just one lonely chipotle pepper and a hint of adobo sauce. Never omit!
Sweetness: Adjust the brown sugar to your liking. If your raspberries are absurdly sweet, you may want to lessen them a tad.
Seedless: To achieve an ultra-smooth sauce, pass the raspberry puree through a very fine mesh sieve to remove seeds before placing it into the saucepan.