If you like the classic Chicken n Ribs Barbecue Sauce, you’re not the only one! This Southern favorite has a lot of fans, and for good reason. But it can be hard to find. Don’t worry—I’ve done the research and found where you can still get this tasty sauce.
What Makes Chicken n Ribs BBQ Sauce So Special?
Before we dive into where to buy it, let’s talk about why this sauce deserves a spot in your pantry. Chicken n Ribs Barbecue Sauce is a thick, rich blend of savory spices and sweet BBQ flavor that has been passed down through generations. Made in Kentucky from an original recipe, it’s got that authentic Southern taste that’s hard to replicate.
Fans say that this sauce won “best BBQ sauce in the nation” about 20 to 30 years ago! Unlike some modern sauces that rely heavily on liquid smoke and brown sugar flavors, Chicken n Ribs has a unique tomato base that gives it that classic, well-balanced BBQ profile.
Each serving (about 2 tablespoons) contains just 50 calories, making it a relatively guilt-free addition to your grilling arsenal
Where to Buy Chicken n Ribs BBQ Sauce in 2025
1. Hometown Market
The original Chicken n Ribs Barbecue Sauce is now sold at Hometown Market! You can find it with other sauces and marinades in their condiments section. They even have an online store where you can order it and choose whether to pick it up or have it delivered, depending on where you live.
What you’ll find: The original 18 oz bottle of Chicken n Ribs Barbecue Sauce
Website: Hometown Market
2. Piggly Wiggly
According to discussions on the Michigan Sportsman forum, Piggly Wiggly stores also stock this beloved sauce. They carry the same 18 oz bottle of the original flavor.
What you’ll find: Chicken ‘N’ Ribs Barbecue Sauce, Original 18 oz
Website: Check the Piggly Wiggly website or visit your local store
3. Online Retailers
While specific online retailers weren’t mentioned in the provided content, it’s worth checking major online grocery platforms and specialty food websites. Places like Amazon, Walmart online, and specialty BBQ sauce retailers might carry this product or can special order it for you.
Can’t Find It? Try These Alternatives
If you can’t find the original Chicken n Ribs sauce, people on the Michigan Sportsman forum have suggested the following:
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Make Your Own: There’s a copycat recipe available called “Sweet-And-Spicy Barbecue Sauce” that aims to replicate the Chicken ‘n’ Ribs flavor profile. You can find this on copymethat.com.
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Bone Suckin Sauce: Described as “a bit pricier than most” but worth it. Available at retailers like Meijer.
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Stubbs BBQ Sauce: Highly recommended for chicken specifically by several forum members.
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Rib Rack 100% natural: Another alternative suggested by BBQ enthusiasts.
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Sweet Baby Ray’s: While mentioned, one forum user noted that Sweet Baby Ray’s has “more of a fake liquid smoke and brown sugar flavor” compared to the tomato base of Chicken n Ribs. Still, it’s widely available and affordable when on sale.
How Does It Compare to Other Popular Sauces?
When comparing Chicken n Ribs to other sauces on the market, most enthusiasts note its distinctive tomato-forward profile. As one user on the Michigan Sportsman forum noted, Sweet Baby Ray’s has a different profile with “more of a fake liquid smoke and brown sugar flavor where as chicken n ribs was a tomato base.”
If you’re looking for something in the same family but can’t find Chicken n Ribs, you might want to look for sauces that emphasize a tomato base rather than heavily smoked or overly sweet alternatives.
Perfect Pairings: What to Cook with Chicken n Ribs Sauce
As the name suggests, this sauce pairs wonderfully with:
- Grilled or smoked chicken – brush it on during the last few minutes of cooking
- Pork ribs – use as a finishing sauce or serve on the side
- Pulled pork sandwiches – mix with your pulled pork for extra flavor
- Burgers – as a condiment or mixed into the patty
- Meatloaf – as a glaze on top before baking
The History Behind the Bottle
While specific details weren’t provided in the content, we know that Chicken n Ribs BBQ Sauce comes from a time-honored Kentucky tradition. The sauce is produced by Carriage House Brands (www.carriagehousebrands.com) and represents authentic Southern barbecue heritage.
Many loyal fans have enjoyed this sauce for decades, with some forum members mentioning they’ve been fans for 20-30 years! It’s this kind of loyalty that speaks to the quality and unique flavor profile of the product.
Why It’s Worth the Hunt
In today’s world of mass-produced condiments, finding a BBQ sauce with character and history behind it is increasingly rare. Chicken n Ribs represents a piece of culinary heritage that has stood the test of time.
I’ve personally found that the best BBQ experiences often come from these classic recipes rather than whatever new trendy sauce is being marketed this season. There’s something about a sauce that’s been perfected over generations that just can’t be beat!
Is It Still Being Produced?
There was some confusion on the Michigan Sportsman forum about whether Chicken n Ribs sauce is still being manufactured. One user stated, “I really liked that sauce and I don’t believe they make it anymore,” prompting the discussion about where to find it.
However, based on its availability at Hometown Market and potentially other retailers, it appears the sauce is indeed still in production as of 2025, though perhaps with more limited distribution than in its heyday.
Final Thoughts: Is the Hunt Worth It?
After researching where to buy Chicken n Ribs BBQ sauce, I think any serious BBQ enthusiast would agree – yes, it’s worth tracking down! Whether you find it at Hometown Market, Piggly Wiggly, or need to resort to a copycat recipe, this sauce represents a piece of authentic Southern BBQ culture that deserves a place at your table.
Note: Availability of products may vary by location. This information was last updated in September 2025. I recommend calling your local store to confirm availability before making a special trip.
What You’ll Need To Make Homemade BBQ Sauce
- Oil from plants, yellow onion
- Add water, light brown sugar, molasses, and apple cider vinegar to the ketchup.
- Smoked paprika and chili powder
- Jump to the printable recipe for precise measurements
Step 1: Sauté the aromatics. In a medium saucepan, heat the oil over medium-low heat. Add the onion and cook until soft—about 4 minutes. Stir in the garlic and cook for 1 minute more.
Step 2: Simmer the sauce. Add the ketchup, water, brown sugar, molasses, cider vinegar, Worcestershire sauce, chili powder, smoked paprika, and cumin. Stir to combine, bring to a simmer, and cook for about 15 minutes until slightly thickened. The sauce is ready as is, but if you want it smooth, carefully put it in a blender and blend it until it’s smooth.
Step 4: Serve or store. Let the sauce cool, then serve or transfer to an airtight container and refrigerate for up to a week. (This sauce tastes better after being in the fridge for a day or two. If you have time, make it ahead of time and let the flavors blend.) ).
Variations & Serving Suggestions
- Change the heat: If you want a spicier BBQ sauce, add a pinch of cayenne pepper or a few dashes of hot sauce.
- You can make it your own by adding a spoonful of bourbon, coffee, or chipotle in adobo. Depending on what you’re drinking, it tastes great.
- It’s great for more than just meat. Dip fries or chicken tenders in it, brush it on roasted vegetables, use it as a burger or sandwich spread, or stir it into baked beans to give them more flavor.
Ribs BBQ Sauce Showdown | Kosmo’s Q vs Sweet Baby Ray’s | 100 BBQs 2025 #20 #bbqribs #100bbqs
FAQ
How to make homemade BBQ sauce for ribs?
Add orange juice, liquid smoke, molasses, brown sugar, and Coca-Cola to the garlic and cook for two minutes. This will make your own BBQ sauce for ribs. Finally, whisk in garlic salt until all ingredients are blended and bring the sauce to a boil. Serve ribs with the BBQ sauce on a long platter.
What is the best BBQ sauce for spare ribs?
According to Red’s True Barbecue, once cooked, spare ribs should be smothered in Red’s Unholy BBQ sauce for a truly authentic flavour. It was made to taste like the BBQ pits in Memphis, Tennessee. This rub will always make racks taste great, whether you like meaty baby backs or tender spare ribs. Once marinated, either roast in the oven or smoke in your BBQ.
What is the Best Grocery Store BBQ sauce?
While one sauce got a higher score, Sweet Baby Ray’s really shines and is a great choice all around. The absolute best grocery store barbecue sauce I tried was Traeger ‘Que Classic BBQ Sauce. It blows many of the previous options out of the water, certainly anything in the bottom five.
Does barbecue sauce really taste good?
Barbecue sauce has the power to be lip-smackingly delicious. It tastes fantastic slathered on ribs, chicken, tempeh, and so much more. In fact, it can even be the star of an entire meal, but not if you choose the wrong store-bought brand. As you probably know, there are a few that simply can’t compare to the real winning recipes.
How much does Sweet Baby Ray’s barbecue sauce cost?
Sweet Baby Ray’s Barbecue Sauce only costs about $2.50 a bottle, and it goes on sale quite frequently. So, not only does it taste delicious, but it’s a great budget pick, too. It also has a fantastic, thick texture. What more could you want?
How much does Kroger BBQ sauce cost?
Kroger This Is the Original BBQ Sauce is significantly better than the two lower-ranking options. Even so, it only earned a 10th-place position. One of the best things about this sauce is that it only costs about $1.49 if you get it from a Kroger-brand grocery store. That makes it the least expensive option I found!