This Chipotle BBQ Chex Mix is a classic snack mix recipe mixed with a quick BBQ seasoning that is a little sweet, a little spicy, and a little smoky thanks to some chipotle powder. It is the perfect snack mix for your summer BBQ or game day party.

I am bringing back the Chex party mix this year and I am not sorry about it! As a child of the 90’s, homemade chex mix was one of my favorite party/holiday treats. We always had chocolatey puppy chow chex mix at Christmas and for special cousin sleepovers. And there was savory Chex mix during the summer time or as an after school snack.

Today, I love experimenting with new different sweet and savory snack mix combinations including this viral Sweet and Salty Chex Mix recipe that became an instant favorite. So when we were invited to a recent pool party and BBQ I knew it was the perfect opportunity to test out a new BBQ Chex Mix Recipe.

I don’t think my friends minded being my guinea pigs though, because this Chipotle BBQ Chex Mix was a huge hit! Throughout the afternoon and evening, I kept seeing people sneak away to the kitchen and come back with cup after cup of this snack mix. By the end of the evening, only a few lone crumbs remained.

How Do You Make This Sweet and Smoky Chipotle BBQ Chex Mix?

What makes this Chipotle BBQ Chex Mix so good is the homemade BBQ seasoning blend made using a combination of spices including onion powder, garlic powder, paprika, chili powder, salt, and pepper. A couple of teaspoons of chipotle powder add a subtle spicy kick and smokiness that is balanced out with the sweetness from just a bit of brown sugar.

The combination is sweet, smoky, and a little spicy – making this snack mix similar to your favorite BBQ chips. The sweet and smoky combination is so good, you won’t be able to stop eating this.

This Chipotle BBQ Chex mix is not too spicy as the recipe is written, but it does have a good kick to it thanks to the chipotle powder. If you are really sensitive to spice, feel free to cut the chipotle powder by about half (to taste) or substitute smoked paprika instead.

How Can I Customize This Snack Mix Recipe?

Like any Chex mix recipe, you can customize this recipe to your tastes. Here is what I recommend:

Rice Chex: I used rice chex as that is what I had, but you can substitute wheat or corn chex depending on your preference.
Pretzels: I love the way pretzel sticks add a delicate salty pretzel crunch to this snack mix recipe. You could also substitute mini pretzel twists, pretzel crisps, or even fun shapes like pretzel rings or waffles.
Oyster Crackers: Oyster crackers are a favorite snack mix addition of mine (also featured in this Cheesy Ranch Chex Mix) because they get nicely coated in the spices and flavors. If you want to leave these out, you can substitute bagel chips or just use extra of one of the other ingredients (so your total amount of mix ins is still 9 cups).
Cheese Its: I love the toasty, cheesy flavor that these add to the mix. You can also swap in goldfish crackers instead.
Almonds/Pistachios/Pecans: I used a combination of almonds, pistachios, and pecans in this Chipotle BBQ Chex Mix recipe and I loved the variety of flavors. You can use any combination of these nuts you like (or just one variety), but be sure to use raw, unsalted nuts to keep it from being too salty.

Looking for More Chex Mix Recipes?

If you are looking for more snack mix recipes, I have you covered with everything from sweet to savory options. Here are some of my favorites:

Sweet & Salty Chex Mix: One of my most popular Chex mix recipes, this offers a deliciously addicting combination of sweet and salty flavors.
The Best Cheesy Ranch Chex Mix: Take your classic Chex mix recipe to the next level with the addition of bold ranch flavors and cheesy mix ins.
Puppy Chow with Peanut Butter Pretzels: A classic puppy chow recipe coated in a thick layer of peanut butter and chocolate, this snack mix also features extra mix ins like peanut butter pretzels and M&Ms for the ultimate sweet and savory combination.
Easter Chex Mix (Bunny Bait): Made with a combination of rice Chex, lucky charms, pretzels, and colorful spring M&Ms, this is a white chocolate version of everyone’s favorite snack mix that is perfect for spring or any season.

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