Chicken Barbecue Sauce (Low Calorie)
A flavorful, low-calorie chicken barbecue sauce with bold spices, perfect for grilling or topping chicken dishes, offering a tangy and spicy kick for barbecue lovers.
Ingredients
- 5 cups water ⓘ
- 5 tablespoons pepper ⓘ
- 5 teaspoons salt ⓘ
- 1 teaspoon red pepper ⓘ
- 1 teaspoon Tabasco sauce ⓘ
- 4 tablespoons butter ⓘ
- 4 tablespoons vinegar ⓘ
- 4 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce ⓘ
- 4 tablespoons mustard ⓘ
- 1/4 teaspoon onion powder ⓘ
- 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder ⓘ
- 5 tablespoons chili powder ⓘ
Instructions
- Combine all ingredients in a saucepan.
- Cook over medium heat until the sauce thickens, about 20 minutes.
Tips & Substitutions
For a spicier kick, consider increasing the Tabasco sauce or adding a bit more red pepper. If you're looking for a lower sodium option, substitute the salt with a salt-free seasoning blend. You can also replace butter with olive oil to keep it lighter. Adjust the chili powder to suit your taste; it can vary in heat. This sauce is great for marinating chicken or as a dipping sauce.
Serving Suggestions
This Chicken Barbecue Sauce pairs beautifully with grilled chicken, making it perfect for summer cookouts. Serve it alongside sides like Baked Scalloped Corn or Onion Rings (Low Fat Recipe) for a complete meal. You can also use it as a flavor booster for burgers or pulled chicken sandwiches. It's versatile enough to enhance many American recipes, so feel free to experiment!
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to one week. When reheating, use a saucepan over low heat to gently warm the sauce, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking. If it thickens too much, add a splash of water to reach your desired consistency. This barbecue sauce can also be frozen for up to three months.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Chicken Barbecue Sauce (Low Calorie) contains roughly 381 calories, with 6g protein, 76g carbohydrates, and 1g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (28% of the Daily Value) and iron (23% of the Daily Value), and a good source of dietary fiber and potassium. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1942mg per serving (84% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I adjust the spice level of the barbecue sauce?
Absolutely! You can easily modify the spice level by increasing or decreasing the amount of red pepper, chili powder, or Tabasco sauce. For a milder version, reduce these ingredients or omit the Tabasco altogether. Taste the sauce as you go to find the perfect balance for your palate.
What can I use this sauce for besides chicken?
This barbecue sauce is incredibly versatile! While it’s perfect for chicken, you can also use it on ribs, pork chops, or even grilled vegetables. It works well as a marinade or dipping sauce for appetizers. Try it on burgers or as part of a pulled pork sandwich for a delicious twist.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).