Copycat Taco Bell Chipotle BBQ Sauce Recipe

Taco Bell fans, brace yourselves. If you’ve dipped into their new Sweet Chipotle BBQ sauce lately, you already know it’s the perfect smoky-sweet flavor bomb. It’s tangy. It’s creamy. It’s got just enough kick to wake up your taste buds without overpowering your chicken strips, burritos, or even loaded fries. But here’s the catch: it’s a limited-time thing. So, if you’re craving that sauce outside of Taco Bell hours (or after it disappears), this copycat Taco Bell Chipotle BBQ Sauce is your answer. It’s bold, bright, and incredibly easy to make at home.

How to make Copycat Taco Bell Chipotle BBQ Sauce

This homemade Chipotle BBQ Sauce comes together in under 15 minutes with ingredients you probably already have. A quick simmer brings everything into harmony. Once it’s cooled, you’ll want to pour it over everything from crispy nuggets to breakfast burritos.

Total Time: 15 minutes
Prep Time: 5 minutes
Cook Time: 10 minutes
Calories per 2 tbsp serving: 60

Ingredients, instructions and tips

Ingredients

• 2 tbsp chipotle peppers in adobo sauce (minced)
• ¼ cup tomato paste
• 2 tbsp molasses
• 1 tbsp brown sugar
• 1 tbsp apple cider vinegar
• 1 tsp orange juice (fresh or concentrate)
• 1 tsp lime juice
• ½ tsp smoked paprika
• ¼ tsp garlic powder
• ¼ tsp onion powder
• Pinch of salt
• 2 tbsp buttermilk powder (or 1 tbsp milk if using fresh)

Tools You’ll Need

• Small saucepan
• Whisk
• Measuring spoons and cups
• Silicone spatula
• Blender (optional for smoother texture)
• Glass jar or airtight container for storage

Instructions

1. In a small saucepan over medium heat, combine tomato paste, chipotle peppers, molasses, brown sugar, and vinegar.
2. Stir in orange juice, lime juice, and all spices (paprika, garlic, onion powder, and salt).
3. Add buttermilk powder and whisk to fully incorporate. If using fresh milk instead, wait until after simmering to mix it in off heat.
4. Bring to a gentle simmer for 5 to 6 minutes, stirring occasionally.
5. Taste and adjust heat or sweetness if needed. Blend if you prefer a smoother finish.
6. Let it cool completely before storing in an airtight jar. Keeps in the fridge for 7 to 10 days.

Tips

• Use gloves when handling chipotle peppers to avoid accidental eye irritation.
• For a milder version, reduce the amount of chipotle and balance with more tomato paste or sugar.
• This sauce thickens as it cools. If it gets too thick, thin with a teaspoon of water or milk.

What to serve with the dish

This copycat Taco Bell Chipotle BBQ Sauce loves company. It’s not picky.

• Chicken Strips or Nuggets: Drizzle or dip. Perfect pairing.
• Loaded Fries: Pour over crinkle fries with cheese, jalapeños, and shredded chicken.
• Quesadillas and Burritos: A few spoonfuls inside a warm tortilla goes a long way.
• Burgers and Sandwiches: Swap it for ketchup or mayo to give your sandwich a smoky edge.
• Roasted Veggies: Cauliflower, sweet potatoes, or brussels sprouts get a smoky lift.

Ingredient substitutes

1. Chipotle Peppers in Adobo
   Original Ingredient: Chipotle peppers in adobo sauce
   Substitutes:
   • Chipotle Powder: Use 1 tsp chipotle powder and 1 tsp extra tomato paste.
   • Smoked Paprika + Cayenne: Mix ¾ tsp smoked paprika with ¼ tsp cayenne.
2. Tomato Paste
   Original Ingredient: Tomato paste
   Substitutes:
   • Ketchup: Use ⅓ cup ketchup and reduce sugar in the recipe.
   • Tomato Sauce: Simmer longer to reduce moisture.
3. Molasses
   Original Ingredient: Molasses
   Substitutes:
   • Maple Syrup: Milder sweetness but works well.
   • Honey: Brings a floral undertone.
4. Buttermilk Powder
   Original Ingredient: Buttermilk powder
   Substitutes:
   • Fresh Milk: Add 1 tbsp milk off heat at the end.
   • Greek Yogurt: Use 1 tbsp for tanginess.
5. Brown Sugar
   Original Ingredient: Brown sugar
   Substitutes:
   • Coconut Sugar: Less refined, caramel flavor.
   • White Sugar + Maple Extract: Sweetness with a twist.
6. Apple Cider Vinegar
   Original Ingredient: Apple cider vinegar
   Substitutes:
   • White Vinegar: Slightly sharper but does the job.
   • Lemon Juice: Adds freshness, not the same depth.

Copycat Taco Bell Chipotle BBQ Sauce Recipe

Serves: 2 Prep Time: 5 mins Cooking Time: 10 mins 10 mins

Nutrition facts: 60 calories 20 grams fat

Rating: 5.0/5

( 1 voted )

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Ingredients

2 tbsp chipotle peppers in adobo sauce (minced)

¼ cup tomato paste

2 tbsp molasses

1 tbsp brown sugar

1 tbsp apple cider vinegar

1 tsp orange juice (fresh or concentrate)

1 tsp lime juice

½ tsp smoked paprika

¼ tsp garlic powder

¼ tsp onion powder

Pinch of salt

2 tbsp buttermilk powder (or 1 tbsp milk if using fresh)

Instructions

In a small saucepan over medium heat, combine tomato paste, chipotle peppers, molasses, brown sugar, and vinegar.

Stir in orange juice, lime juice, and all spices (paprika, garlic, onion powder, and salt).

Add buttermilk powder and whisk to fully incorporate. If using fresh milk instead, wait until after simmering to mix it in off heat.

Bring to a gentle simmer for 5 to 6 minutes, stirring occasionally.

Taste and adjust heat or sweetness if needed. Blend if you prefer a smoother finish.

Let it cool completely before storing in an airtight jar. Keeps in the fridge for 7 to 10 days.