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Cherry bbq sauce in a white bowl with grilled sliced chicken on the side.

Cherry Chipotle BBQ Sauce

A rich, sweet, and smoky cherry-based sauce that’s plant-forward—perfect for glazing grilled meats, vegetables, or tofu.
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Author Kori Butler
Prep Time 5 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 25 minutes
Course Dressing, Sauces, and Seasoning
Cuisine American
Servings 6
Calories 82 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • ½ small onion finely chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic minced
  • 1 cup frozen or fresh pitted cherries
  • ¾ cup ketchup
  • 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
  • 2 tablespoons brown sugar
  • 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • ¼ teaspoon chipotle powder or chipotle chili seasoning
  • ¼ teaspoon cayenne pepper optional
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions
 

  • Heat olive oil in a saucepan over medium heat. Sauté onion until softened, about 3–4 minutes. Add garlic and cook 1 more minute.
  • Stir in cherries, ketchup, vinegar, brown sugar, Worcestershire, smoked paprika, and cayenne.
  • Cover and bring to a simmer. Continue simmering for 15–20 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the fruit is very soft and the sauce has thickened. If it is not thick enough to your liking, remove the lid and continue simmering until the reduced and thickened.
  • Blend with an immersion blender or let cool slightly and transfer to a blender, until smooth. Season with salt and pepper.

Kori's Tips

For more helpful hints, substitution ideas, cooking tips, and other delicious recipes, check out my post above.
TIPS
Use sweet or tart cherries depending on your flavor preference. This sauce is rich and smoky—perfect for glazing meats in the last few minutes of grilling or serving as a dip. Store in the fridge for up to a week.
SUBSTITUTIONS
Try balsamic vinegar instead of apple cider vinegar for deeper flavor. Add a spoonful of adobo sauce from canned chipotles for extra smoky heat or use it in place of chipotle powder. 
HOW TO USE IT
Brush on grilled chicken, pork chops, ribs, tofu, or vegetables in the last 5 minutes of cooking. Use as a burger topping, sandwich spread, or dip for meatballs. Stir into baked beans or serve as a side sauce at BBQs.

Nutrition

Calories: 82kcalCarbohydrates: 11gProtein: 0.4gFat: 2gSaturated Fat: 0.3gPolyunsaturated Fat: 0.3gMonounsaturated Fat: 2gSodium: 38mgPotassium: 99mgFiber: 1gSugar: 9gVitamin A: 216IUVitamin C: 3mgCalcium: 10mgIron: 0.4mg
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