Chicken Basque(Microwave)
A hearty microwave chicken dish with mushrooms, tomatoes, and herbs, offering rich flavors and tender meat, perfect for quick, satisfying meals for family or friends.
Ingredients
- 2 1/2 to 3 lb. frying chicken, cut up
- 3/4 cup chopped onion ⓘ
- 1 clove garlic, crushed or 1/8 teaspoon garlic powder ⓘ
- 1 1/3 cups undrained mushrooms (two 4 oz. cans) or 1 lb. fresh mushrooms ⓘ
- 3 cups undrained tomatoes, broken up ⓘ
- 1 cup vermouth or dry white wine ⓘ
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon pepper ⓘ
- 1/2 teaspoon powdered basil ⓘ
- 1/2 teaspoon powdered thyme ⓘ
- 1 bay leaf, crumbled ⓘ
Instructions
- Cut larger pieces of chicken in half for uniform size.
- Combine all ingredients in a 4-quart casserole.
- Cover and microwave for 30 minutes or until the chicken is done, stirring once halfway through.
- If desired, thicken the sauce with 1 tablespoon of cornstarch.
Tips & Substitutions
For best results, use fresh mushrooms for a more vibrant flavor, but canned mushrooms work well too. If you don't have vermouth, any dry white wine or even chicken broth can be a suitable substitute. To enhance the dish, consider adding a splash of lemon juice before serving for brightness. Stirring halfway through cooking ensures even heating and prevents the chicken from drying out.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this Chicken Basque over a bed of fluffy Rice Pilaf With Peas for a complementary dish. A side of crusty bread works well to soak up the flavorful sauce. For a complete meal, consider a green salad or steamed vegetables. This dish is also perfect for meal prep or a cozy family dinner.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. To reheat, microwave on medium power in short intervals, stirring in between, until warmed through. Alternatively, heat gently on the stovetop, adding a splash of broth or water if the sauce thickens too much.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Chicken Basque(Microwave) contains roughly 772 calories, with 16g protein, 125g carbohydrates, and 33g fat. It is an excellent source of iron (207% of the Daily Value), dietary fiber (93% of the Daily Value), and vitamin D (79% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 2464mg per serving (107% 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 use frozen chicken for this recipe?
It's best to use thawed chicken for even cooking and flavor absorption in this microwave recipe. If using frozen chicken, ensure it is fully thawed and cut into pieces before starting to cook.
What can I substitute for vermouth?
If you don't have vermouth, dry white wine is an excellent alternative. Alternatively, you can use chicken broth for a non-alcoholic version, which will still add depth to the dish.
How do I know when the chicken is fully cooked?
The chicken is fully cooked when it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C). You can also check that the juices run clear when pierced with a fork. If the chicken is still pink, continue microwaving in short intervals until fully cooked.
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).