She Strengthens

Savor the Flavor of Classic Barbecue

When it comes to backyard barbecues, nothing beats the rich, tangy taste of a Kansas City-style tomato-based sauce. Our twist on this classic recipe combines the sweetness of bourbon and dark brown sugar with the subtle heat of chili powder, all simmered to perfection in under 30 minutes.

The Perfect Blend of Flavors

Our homemade sauce starts with a base of tomato sauce, to which we add a quarter cup of bourbon, cider vinegar, and dark brown sugar. A hint of smokiness comes from the addition of molasses, while Worcestershire sauce and chili powder provide depth and heat. This complex blend of flavors is the perfect accompaniment to grilled chicken, coleslaw, and macaroni salad.

Game Plan: Make Ahead and Store

One of the best things about this recipe is that it can be made ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator for up to two weeks. Simply let it come to room temperature before using. This makes it easy to whip up a batch on the weekend and enjoy it throughout the week.

Yield and Difficulty

This recipe yields 4-6 servings and is rated as easy, making it perfect for beginners and experienced grill masters alike. The total cooking time is approximately 1 hour and 20 minutes.

Ingredients

• 3/4 cup tomato sauce
• 1/4 cup bourbon
• 1/4 cup cider vinegar
• 1/4 cup packed dark brown sugar
• 1/4 cup ketchup
• 2 tablespoons dark molasses
• 2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
• 2 teaspoons chili powder
• 3 pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts or bone-in, skin-on chicken pieces
• 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
• Kosher salt
• Freshly ground black pepper

Grilling to Perfection

To grill the chicken, heat a gas or charcoal grill to medium heat (around 350°F to 450°F). Cut the chicken breasts in half crosswise, pat dry with paper towels, and season with salt and pepper. Grill the chicken for 5 minutes per side, or until grill marks appear. Then, brush with the reserved sauce and continue to flip and brush every 5 minutes until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 160°F to 165°F.

Serve and Enjoy

Remove the chicken from the grill and serve with the remaining bowl of barbecue sauce on the side. Pair with classic fixings like coleslaw and macaroni salad for a truly unforgettable backyard barbecue.