Cherry BBQ Sauce for Ribs or Chicken

I love experimenting with new ways to elevate everyday BBQ, and this Cherry BBQ Sauce for Ribs or Chicken has officially earned its place as a summer staple in my kitchen.

It all started when I had a bowl of sweet cherries and decided to throw them into a batch of homemade BBQ sauce.

The result? A bold, tangy, slightly sweet sauce that brings smoky meat to life. Whether you’re brushing it on ribs or using it as a dip for grilled chicken, this sauce adds a vibrant, juicy twist that’ll have everyone asking for seconds.

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Recipe Highlights

This Cherry BBQ Sauce is a beautiful balance of smoky, tangy, and sweet, thanks to the rich flavor of cherries combined with classic BBQ ingredients like tomato paste, vinegar, and spices.

It’s incredibly easy to make, stores well, and adds instant flair to grilled meats. Think Kansas City-style sauce meets summer fruit stand!

• Sweet and tangy sauce with real cherries
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• Perfect for ribs, chicken, pork, or burgers
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• Ready in under 30 minutes
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• Easy to store or freeze for later
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• Customizable heat level

Ingredients That Shine

The foundation of this Cherry BBQ Sauce lies in its vibrant ingredients.

Starting with olive oil, it serves as the perfect base to sauté the finely chopped yellow onion, releasing its sweet aroma and flavor.

Next, the star of the show, pitted fresh cherries, adds a burst of color and sweetness, making this sauce truly special.

Tomato paste contributes depth, while apple cider vinegar introduces a tangy note that balances the sweetness of honey or brown sugar.

Worcestershire sauce, smoked paprika, and garlic powder round out the flavor profile, creating a rich and complex sauce that elevates any grilled dish.

Finally, a touch of salt and pepper enhances all the flavors, ensuring a well-rounded taste experience.

• Fresh or Frozen Cherries: Cherries provide a naturally sweet, juicy base. Use sweet cherries (like Bing) for balance, or sour for extra tang.
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• Tomato Paste: Creates a thick, rich body that blends well with the cherries and gives the sauce structure.
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• Apple Cider Vinegar: Adds bright acidity to balance the sweetness of the cherries and honey.
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• Honey or Brown Sugar: Both add sweetness and help caramelize the sauce when grilling. Use either depending on your flavor preference.
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• Smoked Paprika & Garlic Powder: Bring the smoky BBQ vibe to the sauce without needing a smoker.
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• Onion: Provides savory backbone—cooked down for smoothness and subtle flavor.
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• Worcestershire Sauce: Adds a deep umami note that makes the sauce taste complex and meaty.

Preparation Steps

Creating this Cherry BBQ Sauce is a straightforward process that can be accomplished in just 30 minutes.

Begin by heating olive oil in a saucepan over medium heat.

Once hot, add the finely chopped yellow onion and sauté until it becomes translucent, which should take about five minutes.

Next, stir in the chopped fresh cherries, cooking them for a few minutes until they soften and release their juices.

At this point, mix in the remaining ingredients: tomato paste, apple cider vinegar, honey or brown sugar, Worcestershire sauce, smoked paprika, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.

Stir well to combine everything, then bring the mixture to a simmer.

Reduce the heat and let it cook for 15-20 minutes, stirring occasionally until the sauce thickens to your desired consistency.

Texture and Consistency

The texture of your Cherry BBQ Sauce can be adjusted based on your preference.

If you enjoy a smoother sauce, consider blending it after cooking.

You can use an immersion blender directly in the saucepan or transfer the mixture to a regular blender for a silky finish.

This step is optional, as the chunky version with visible pieces of cherry can add a rustic charm to your dish.

Regardless of the texture, the glossy appearance of the sauce will make it an appealing addition to your table.

How to Make My Cherry BBQ Sauce for Ribs or Chicken

1. Sauté the Base
   
   In a medium saucepan over medium heat, sauté chopped onion in olive oil until translucent, about 4–5 minutes.
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2. Add the Cherries & Simmer
   
   Stir in the pitted cherries and cook until they begin to soften and release juices, about 5 minutes.
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3. Build the Sauce
   
   Add tomato paste, vinegar, honey, Worcestershire, smoked paprika, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Stir well.
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4. Simmer Until Thick
   
   Reduce heat and let the sauce simmer gently for 10–15 minutes, stirring occasionally.
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5. Blend Until Smooth
   
   Use an immersion blender (or transfer carefully to a blender) to puree until smooth. Return to the pan and simmer for a few more minutes if needed.
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6. Cool and Store
   
   Let the sauce cool before transferring to jars or containers. Use immediately or refrigerate.

Serving Suggestions

This Cherry BBQ Sauce is incredibly versatile and pairs wonderfully with a variety of grilled meats.

Brush it generously over ribs or chicken during the last few minutes of grilling for a glossy, flavorful glaze.

It also works well as a dipping sauce, perfect for chicken tenders or even roasted vegetables.

For those looking to impress at a summer barbecue, serving this sauce alongside fresh cherries will enhance the presentation and flavor experience.

This Cherry BBQ Sauce shines with:

• Baby back ribs or spare ribs (slathered and grilled)
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• Grilled or baked chicken breasts, thighs, or wings
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• Pulled pork sandwiches
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• Burgers or grilled sausages
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• BBQ tofu or veggie kabobs for a vegetarian twist

Storage Tips

After preparing your Cherry BBQ Sauce, you may find yourself with leftovers.

Allow the sauce to cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container.

Stored in the refrigerator, it can last for up to a week, making it a great make-ahead option for your grilling needs.

For longer storage, consider freezing the sauce in small portions, allowing you to enjoy this delightful flavor whenever you desire.

Tips for the Best Cherry BBQ Sauce for Ribs or Chicken

Use ripe, sweet cherries for maximum flavor, or balance sour cherries with a bit more honey.

Simmer the sauce long enough to let the flavors meld and reduce slightly for a thicker texture.

Blending is key to creating a smooth, glossy sauce—don’t skip this step! You can also double the batch and freeze half for future cookouts.

Storage and Warming of Leftovers

Store leftover sauce in a sealed jar or an airtight container in the fridge for up to 1 week. For longer storage, freeze in small containers or ice cube trays for up to 3 months.

To reheat, warm gently in a saucepan over low heat until smooth and hot—add a splash of water if it thickens too much in the fridge.