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    Eat Fresh Glow » Recipes » Sauces and Dressings

    Homemade Smoky Chipotle BBQ Sauce (Date-Sweetened)

    Published: Jun 8, 2022 · Modified: Feb 6, 2023 by Jacqui Wilson · This post may contain affiliate links

    Jump to Recipe
    chipotle bbq sauce in mason jar with spoon on marble board.
    chipotle bbq sauce in mason jar with spoon on marble board.

    An easy recipe of homemade smoky chipotle bbq sauce, date-sweetened. A healthy version of bbq sauce that has no refined sugar. Paleo and whole30 friendly.

    homemade smoky chipotle bbq sauce in mason jar with wooden spoon.
    Jump to:
    • Why you'll love this chipotle bbq sauce
    • Noteworthy ingredients and substitutions
    • How to make the best chipotle bbq sauce
    • Tips, tricks and variations
    • FAQs
    • Equipment
    • Recipe

    Why you'll love this chipotle bbq sauce

    • Sugar free - sweetness comes from caramel-like dates instead of high fructose corn syrup found in many commercial bbq sauces. The chipotle bbq sauce also has no molasses, maple syrup, brown sugar or honey.
    • Healthy - fiber-rich dates are packed with potassium, magnesium and antioxidants to give a healthy boost to this homemade chipotle bbq sauce. Tangy, smoky, sweet, vegan, thick texture. Paleo and whole30 friendly.
    • Easy recipe - just a quick simmer and your homemade sauce is ready to blend and enjoy!
    • Perfect condiment - keep on hand to pair with chicken or your favorite protein. Or, simply swipe onto your favorite wrap or sandwich.

    With the smoky flavor of chipotles, this homemade condiments is perfect on Homemade Gluten-Free Sloppy Joes, Balsamic Baked Stuffed Portobello Mushrooms (vegan), or Vegan Chickpea Veggie Burgers. If you like sauces then one of my favorite recipes is my Easy Sticky Teriyaki Sauce and Marinade that I make with my Simple Teriyaki Chicken (easy 20 minute recipe). Enjoy!

    Noteworthy ingredients and substitutions

    labeled ingredients for chipotle bbq sauce.
    • Onion - I like to use sweet onions since the bbq sauce will get its deep flavor from the tomatoes and chipotle peppers. Feel free to use whatever onion you have on hand.
    • Puréed tomatoes - jarred puréed tomatoes (or passata) are available is jars or bottles. They contain only tomatoes, without additives like onions, garlic or spices. They add a nice base to the bbq sauce that compliments the dates and chipotle peppers.
    • Dates - I like to use medjool dates because they are widely available in the grocery store and have a perfect natural sweetness to them. If your dates have dried, you can soak in hot water for 10 minutes before adding to the saucepan.
    • Sun-dried tomatoes - you can use oil packed or substitute for dried. Sun dried tomatoes add a deep tomato flavor with no tomato paste.
    • Apple cider vinegar - this adds tartness. You can also substitute for white wine vinegar, rice vinegar, or white vinegar. This will slightly alter the finished taste but will still taste great.
    • Chipotle chilis in adobe - these chipotle pepper with adobe sauce add a slightly spicy and sweet smokiness to the bbq sauce.

    See recipe card for all ingredients and quantities.

    How to make the best chipotle bbq sauce

    process shot of sweating onions in grey saucepan.
    1. In small saucepan over medium heat, add onions and garlic and allow to sweat for 3-5 minutes to draw out their natural sweetness.
    process shot of ingredients added to onions in grey saucepan.
    1. Add tomatoes, dates, sun-dried tomatoes, apple cider vinegar, chipotle chilis, adobe sauce and ginger.
    process shot of cooked bbq sauce in grey saucepan.
    1. Raise heat to medium-high and bring to a slight boil, stirring constantly. Reduce heat to low, cover and simmer for 25-30 minutes.
    process shot of chipotle bbq sauce in high speed blender, blended.
    1. Add bbq sauce to a high powered blender and blend until smooth. About 1 minute.

    Tips, tricks and variations

    Chunky bbq sauce - If you prefer your bbq sauce to be chunky, chop your onions, dates and sun-dried tomatoes evenly sized and skip the blending.

    Adaptable - use as a marinade, dipping sauce, bbq mop sauce or swipe onto your favorite sandwich. You can also top your pizza, zest up you taco or add a rich and thick layer to your baked potato.

    Spicy - want more zing? Add some finely chopped green jalapeños to the pot when simmering.

    Storage - the homemade chipotle bbq sauce can be stored in a sealed jar in the fridge for up to 2 weeks, and can be frozen for up to a month. Make sure to leave at least a half-inch air space between the sauce and the lid when freezing.

    FAQs

    How long will homemade bbq sauce last?

    This homemade chipotle sauce will last in the fridge for up to two weeks. Cool the sauce first, and place in an airtight jar. A mason jar works perfectly. You can also freeze the sauce for a month. Make sure to leave a half-inch space between the sauce and the jar lid before placing in the freezer.

    How can I thicken my bbq sauce?

    Your bbq sauce should be plenty thick after simmering, but if it's still a little on the thin side then continue to simmer with the lid slightly open to allow moisture to escape. Make sure to keep an eye on it and mix often so the sauce doesn't stick. It will also thicken slightly when the sauce cools.

    Equipment

    • Small saucepan
    • High-speed blender

    Did you make this recipe? Leave a review and a ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ rating below!

    Recipe

    chipotle bbq sauce in mason jar.

    Homemade Smoky Chipotle BBQ Sauce (Date-Sweetened)

    5 from 1 vote
    An easy recipe of homemade smoky chipotle bbq sauce sweetened with dates. A healthy version of bbq sauce that has no refined sugar. Paleo and whole30 friendly.
    Print Recipe Pin Recipe Rate Recipe
    Prep Time10 minutes mins
    Cook Time30 minutes mins
    Total Time40 minutes mins
    Servings: 12 servings
    Calories: 64kcal

    Equipment

    • 1 small saucepan
    • 1 food processor or high-powered blender

    Ingredients

    • 1 tablespoon olive oil
    • ½ large onion, diced
    • 3-4 garlic cloves, chopped
    • 1 23- ounce jar of puréed tomatoes (I use passata tomatoes)
    • 5 pitted dates, chopped (I use medjool dates)
    • 4 sun-dried tomatoes, chopped
    • 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
    • 2 chipotle chilis in adobe, chopped + 1 tablespoon adobe sauce
    • 1 teaspoon ground ginger

    Instructions

    • In small saucepan over medium heat, add onions and garlic and allow to sweat for 3-5 minutes to draw out their natural sweetness. 
    • Add tomatoes, dates, sun-dried tomatoes, apple cider vinegar, chipotle chilis, adobe sauce and ginger. Raise heat to medium-high and bring to a slight boil, stirring constantly. Reduce heat to low, cover and simmer for 25-30 minutes. The sauce will sweeten and thicken. Remove from heat and allow to cool for 10 minutes.
    • Add bbq sauce to a high powered blender and blend until smooth. About 1 minute.
    • Add blended sauce to a jar and enjoy. 

    Notes

    For a chunky bbq sauce, chop onions, dates and sun-dried tomatoes evenly and skip the blending.
    Store in a sealed jar in the fridge for up to 2 weeks, and freeze for up to a month. Leave at least a half-inch air space between the sauce and the lid when freezing.

    Nutrition

    Serving: 1dollop | Calories: 64kcal | Carbohydrates: 13g | Protein: 1g | Fat: 1g | Saturated Fat: 0.2g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 0.2g | Monounsaturated Fat: 1g | Sodium: 76mg | Potassium: 272mg | Fiber: 2g | Sugar: 10g | Calcium: 29mg | Iron: 1mg
    Author: Jacqui Wilson
    Course: sauce
    Cuisine: American
    Diet: Gluten Free, Vegan

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    WELCOME !

    I'm so happy you're here! My name is Jacqui - I'm a recipe developer, registered holistic nutritionist and culinary nutrition expert. I love all things healthy, and my goal is to inspire you to lead a healthy life through wholesome food that leaves you nourished, satisfied and energized! You'll find simple, easy-to-make naturally gluten-free, refined sugar-free and mostly dairy-free recipes your family will love!

    Learn more about me →

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