Apricot Barbecue Sauce

Apricot preserves? On…meat? You’ll just have to trust me. You will love this on any kind of chicken and pork. We use it all the time on drumsticks and ribs (our favorite rub to pair it with is in the notes section of the recipe). Once you try this apricot barbecue sauce, you’ll want to keep it on hand all year long.

Here’s a tip from years of making this sauce: always double the batch. Set aside what you’ll be using right away and pour the extras into clean mason jars while it’s still hot. Put it in the fridge once it cools, and you’ll have it ready for dinner over the next few weeks.

Ingredients and Tools You’ll Need

Make sure your apricot preserves are of good quality. They provide the base for the sauce. Peach or mango preserves can work well, too. But at that point, you’re really going rogue. These ingredients are what make the sauce so special. I wouldn’t substitute too much.

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If you’d like to double or triple this recipe, you can make adjustments in the recipe card at the bottom of this post.

• ¾ cup apricot preserves (good quality)
• ¼ cup ketchup
• ¼ cup chili sauce (can substitute extra ketchup with a dash of hot sauce)
• 2 tablespoons honey
• 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar (best for flavor; white vinegar can work in a pinch)
• 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
• 2 teaspoons Worcestershire sauce (there isn’t a perfect substitute, so try to use this if possible)

How to Make Apricot Barbecue Sauce

Step One: Combine All Ingredients. In a medium saucepan, whisk together the apricot preserves, ketchup, chili sauce, honey, apple cider vinegar, Dijon mustard, and Worcestershire sauce.

Step Two: Cook On Low. Cook sauce on low heat, stirring occasionally for 15-20 minutes. Refrigerate for later use or brush on meat before or after grilling or baking.

What to Serve with Apricot Barbecue Sauce

This keeps well in the fridge for up to 2-3 weeks in an airtight container.

It’s delicious on:

• Grilled or baked chicken, barbecue chicken drumsticks, or crockpot barbecue chicken thighs.
• Pork ribs or pork chops
• Grilled shrimp
• Glazing your favorite meatloaf recipe

More Barbecue Sauces To Try

• If you like the fruit sauces, try this cherry barbecue sauce.
• Learn to can and make this classic sweet and smoky barbecue sauce.

Printable Recipe