Classic Kansas City Barbecue Sauce For Chicken

By PAUL KIRK, KC Baron of Barbecue
Posted January 22, 2002

KANSAS CITY, Missouri -- This is the Classic Kansas City barbecue sauce for chicken.

Ingredients

• 1 quart ketchup
• 1 cup brown sugar, packed
• 1/2 cup white vinegar
• 1/4 cup prepared mustard
• 2 tablespoon onion salt
• 1-tablespoon celery seeds
• 1 tablespoon granulated garlic
• 1 tablespoon chili powder
• 2 teaspoons fine ground black pepper
• 2 teaspoons ground cumin
• 2 teaspoons lemon juice
• 1 teaspoon cayenne
• 1/4 pound butter, cubed and chilled

Preparation

In a small bowl, mix together the sugar, salt, celery seed, garlic, pepper, cumin and cayenne.  Blend the ingredients well and set aside

In a saucepan, add the ketchup, vinegar, mustard, and lemon juice.  Blend in the spices and bring to a boil.  When it reaches a low boil, reduce heat and simmer slowly for 30 minutes.  

NOTE:  To flavor the sauce with authentic smoke flavor, place the heated sauce into a barbecue pit which is burning real wood and coals, and allow it to steep in the smoke for 2 hours.

When cooked, whip in the butter cubes with a wire whisk, until incorporated.

Makes about 6 cups.

Related information

• Paul Kirk's championship chicken barbecue