Savory Oven Barbecue Sauce for Chicken and Ribs
This unique, thin barbecue sauce is perfectly crafted to enhance the natural flavors of your meats without drying them out. Brightened by zesty lemon juice and a hint of cayenne pepper, this sauce provides a delightful balance of acidity and sweetness. The addition of fresh garlic and diced onion lends a depth of flavor, making it an ideal accompaniment for chicken and ribs. Simply pour it over your choice of meat and let the oven do the work; the result is a tender, juicy dish that's packed with flavor, perfect for any family gathering or barbecue night.
6
Servings
N/A
Calories
12
Ingredients
Ingredients
tomato juice
1 cup (none)
vinegar
1/3 cup (none)
salt
1 dash (none)
cayenne pepper
1/2 teaspoon (none)
Dijon mustard
1 tablespoon (none)
lemon juice
2 tablespoons (none)
brown sugar
2 tablespoons (none)
Worcestershire sauce
2 tablespoons (none)
catsup
1/2 cup (none)
onion
1 large (diced)
garlic cloves
6 (minced)
bay leaves
2 (optional)
Instructions
1
In a large bowl, combine tomato juice, vinegar, salt, cayenne pepper, Dijon mustard, lemon juice, brown sugar, Worcestershire sauce, catsup, diced onion, minced garlic, and bay leaves (if using). Mix the ingredients thoroughly until well combined.
2
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
3
Line a 9x13-inch baking pan with your choice of meat (chicken or ribs).
4
Pour the prepared barbecue sauce evenly over the meat, ensuring that it is well-coated.
5
Cover the baking pan with aluminum foil to retain moisture during cooking.
6
Bake in the preheated oven for 1 to 2 hours, depending on the thickness and type of meat used. Chicken should reach an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C), while ribs should be tender and easily pulling away from the bone.
7
Turn the meat halfway through the cooking time to ensure even baking and sauce coverage.
8
Remove the foil during the last 30 minutes for a more caramelized finish, if desired.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Savory Oven Barbecue Sauce?
It is a unique, thin barbecue sauce perfectly crafted to enhance the natural flavors of chicken and ribs without drying them out.
What are the primary flavor profiles of this sauce?
This sauce provides a delightful balance of acidity from lemon juice and vinegar, sweetness from brown sugar, and a hint of heat from cayenne pepper.
Which meats are best suited for this recipe?
This sauce is specifically designed as an ideal accompaniment for chicken and ribs.
How do I prepare the sauce?
Combine tomato juice, vinegar, salt, cayenne, mustard, lemon juice, sugar, Worcestershire sauce, catsup, onion, garlic, and bay leaves in a large bowl and mix thoroughly.
What is the recommended oven temperature?
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) before baking the meat.
How long should I bake the meat?
Bake for 1 to 2 hours, depending on the thickness and type of meat used.
How do I know when the chicken is done?
The chicken is ready when it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C).
How can I tell if the ribs are finished?
Ribs should be tender and easily pulling away from the bone when fully cooked.
Should I cover the meat while it cooks?
Yes, cover the baking pan with aluminum foil to help retain moisture during the cooking process.
How do I get a caramelized finish on the meat?
Remove the aluminum foil during the last 30 minutes of baking to allow the sauce to caramelize.
Do I need to turn the meat while baking?
Yes, you should turn the meat halfway through the cooking time to ensure even baking and sauce coverage.
What size baking pan is recommended?
A 9x13-inch baking pan is ideal for lining the meat and holding the sauce.
How many servings does this recipe make?
This recipe is designed to yield approximately 6 servings.
What type of mustard is used in the sauce?
The recipe calls for 1 tablespoon of Dijon mustard.
How much garlic is included in the recipe?
The sauce uses 6 minced garlic cloves for a deep depth of flavor.
Is the onion used in the sauce cooked beforehand?
No, one large diced onion is mixed raw into the sauce ingredients before baking.
What provides the base for the sauce?
The liquid base consists of 1 cup of tomato juice, 1/3 cup of vinegar, and 1/2 cup of catsup.
Are bay leaves required for this recipe?
No, the 2 bay leaves are listed as optional ingredients.
How much brown sugar is in the sauce?
The recipe requires 2 tablespoons of brown sugar.
Does this sauce contain Worcestershire sauce?
Yes, it includes 2 tablespoons of Worcestershire sauce.
Is this a thick or thin barbecue sauce?
This is described as a unique, thin barbecue sauce.
How much cayenne pepper should I add?
Use 1/2 teaspoon of cayenne pepper for a hint of spice.
Can this sauce be used for grilling?
While optimized for the oven, it is tagged for grilling and perfect for barbecue nights.
What is the preparation for the onion?
The onion should be diced before being added to the sauce mixture.
How much lemon juice is needed?
The recipe calls for 2 tablespoons of lemon juice.
What is the category of this recipe?
This recipe is categorized under Sauces.
How many ingredients are in the sauce?
The recipe contains 12 total ingredients, including the optional bay leaves.
Is this recipe suitable for a family gathering?
Yes, it is described as a perfect dish for any family gathering or barbecue night.
How much salt is required?
The recipe calls for just 1 dash of salt.
What ensures the meat stays tender and juicy?
Covering the pan with foil and letting the meat bake in the thin sauce ensures a tender, juicy result.