This recipe for homemade Balsamic Barbecue Sauce is not only fast and easy– it’s loaded with fabulous flavor. Make the sauce ahead of time, and don’t hesitate to use it on ribs or even steak. This is a family favorite for grilling.
Today, was a beautiful and warm California spring day. I decided it was a good day to grill with our Weber. I bought a whole chicken and some fresh asparagus in the fridge. I remembered a recipe from Food Network for a Balsamic BBQ sauce, that I’ve made many times. It’s super easy to make and since it was grilling weather I whipped up a batch in a flash.
The ingredients are simple– and, as you can see, I have a huge bottle of Trader Joe’s Balsamic Vinegar that I want to use. The sauce needs ketchup, brown sugar, garlic, balsamic, Dijon, Worcestershire, salt & pepper. Simple. Literally, you throw all the ingredients into a pot and simmer for about 15-20 minutes.
While shopping, today, I could not resist a fresh loaf of French bread. I made Garlic Cheese Bread again…. (wickedly, good…. but my family loves it):
The spread isn’t low-cal– cheese, mayo and green onion. This is sinfully good.
I grilled the chicken for about 8 minutes per side, lightly basting as I went along.
We love asparagus, and can never eat too much of this. I season with salt, pepper and olive oil for about five minutes on the grill.
Dinner’s ready! This smells so good!
The chicken was so moist. My boys like dark meat and I’m strictly a chicken breast kinda gal. It was cooked perfectly. We have leftovers for a picnic that hubby and I plan to have tomorrow– we need some time at the ocean, to enjoy each other and to de-stress, after a busy day at the office.
Balsamic BBQ Sauce for Chicken, Steak or Pork
Ingredients
For the sauce
- 1 cup balsamic vinegar
- 3/4 cup ketchup
- 1/3 cup brown sugar
- 1 garlic clove minced
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
Instructions
- Combine all the ingredients in a small saucepan and stir until all the ingredients are incorporated and the mixture is smooth.
- Simmer over medium heat until reduced by 1/3, about 15 to 20 minutes.
For the chicken or steak:
- Place a grill pan over medium heat or preheat a gas or charcoal grill. Season the meat with salt and pepper. Lightly coat with some of the BBQ sauce using a pastry brush.
- Place the meat on the grill.
- Place the remaining BBQ sauce, still in the small saucepan, over low heat or on the edge of a gas or charcoal grill and allow to gently simmer while the meat cooks.
- Cook the chicken about 8 minutes per side.
- Cook the steaks starting at about 4 minutes per side until a meat thermometer reads the desired temperature, 120°F for medium rare, 135°F for medium (about 6 minutes per side), 155°F for well done (about 9 minutes per side).
- Continually brush the meat with BBQ sauce every few minutes. Remove the meat from the grill and let rest for at least 5 minutes. Serve with the heated BBQ sauce alongside.
- Alternately, the chicken can be baked in the oven. Preheat the oven to 375°F. Place the chicken skin side up in a baking dish and bake for 25 minutes.
- Remove the baking dish from the oven and spoon the BBQ sauce all over the top of the chicken. Return the baking dish to the oven and bake for another 15 minutes.
Elyse says
What a fabulous-looking feast! It was a beautiful day in California today–my only complaint about the Bay Area is the chilly wind. Other than that, it was just gorgeous. I’m so glad you took advantage and had a BBQ! That chicken looks totally delicious, and man, that cheesy bread looks amazing. (And can we talk about how I love asparagus on the grill? Delicious!)
mamakd says
That looks delish! Have fun snuggling!
Donna-FFW says
OK when am I invited over??? I want to come to your home, chat, visit, and eat. It all looks fantastic.As Usual!
Wyn says
Oh this looks so good. We still have snow and the BBQ would have to be dug out. Sigh, jealous! I’m not a fan of balsamic vinegar. I’ve only had it at Italian restaurants in the olive/vinegar dip for bread and it has turned my tummy so I’ve never tried it in anything else.
A Feast for the Eyes says
Wyn, balsamic vinegar is so versatile. I love the sweetness of it– on strawberries, as a vinaigrette and in this sauce. Give it a try, and I think you’ll like it.
It’s another beautiful day, so I’m going to grill pork tenderloin and use the leftover BBQ sauce from yesterday. Yippee!!
Stacey Snacks says
Deb,
I made Giada’s bbq chicken a while back, but never posted it. It was pretty good.
That cheese bread looks too good!
I am staying away!
Ginger says
Your chicken looks beyond good. What can I say about the cheese garlic bread but can I have a piece please? Really wonderful photos! Thanks for sharing….
Monica H says
WOW! This looks so good. All of it! I’m hungry all over again!
Judy says
I love BBQ chicken. Balsamic vinegar rocks, I use it all the time. BTW, please visit my blog to pick up an award.
Sara says
Wow, that BBQ sauce looks amazing! I'm going to have to try it soon. That cheese bread looks incredible too! Both of these are going on my to-do list.
Maven says
I found this recipe tonight and am grilling it as I type! That PW garlic bread recipe looks to die for!!
Nice meeting you 🙂