Chicken Baste

Prep: 5 min Cook: 5 min Cuisine: American

A tangy, savory chicken baste with butter, vinegar, ketchup, and mustard that adds flavor and moisture, perfect for family dinners and casual gatherings.

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Ingredients

  • 1/2 cup butter
  • 1/4 cup vinegar
  • 1/4 cup ketchup
  • 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
  • 1/4 cup water
  • 2 tablespoons prepared mustard
  • 1/4 cup sugar
  • salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

  1. Mix all ingredients together in a saucepan.
  2. Bring to a boil and cook for about 5 minutes.
  3. Baste chicken every 15 minutes during cooking.

Tips & Substitutions

For a richer flavor, consider using unsalted butter and adding fresh herbs like thyme or rosemary to the mix. If you're out of Worcestershire sauce, soy sauce can be a good substitute. Adjust the sugar based on your taste preference; honey or maple syrup can also work well. This baste is versatile and can be used with pork or vegetables for a delicious twist.

Serving Suggestions

This Chicken Baste pairs beautifully with sides like Creamy Hash Brown Potatoes or a fresh garden salad. Serve alongside grilled vegetables or over rice to soak up the flavorful juices. For a complete meal, consider adding a light dessert like Don'S Saturday Night Muffins to round out the experience.

Storage & Reheating

Store any leftover baste in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to a week. When reheating, warm it gently on the stove over low heat to maintain its consistency. If it thickens too much, add a splash of water to loosen it. Always ensure it's heated thoroughly before using it again.

Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)

Each serving of Chicken Baste contains roughly 127 calories, with 1g protein, 13g carbohydrates, and 8g fat. It is a good source of vitamin C (13% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 760mg per serving (33% of the Daily Value).

127 kcal 6% DV
Protein Fat Carbs

Macronutrients

Protein 0.9g 2% DV
Total Fat 7.6g 10% DV
Carbs 13.2g 5% DV
Fiber 1g 3% DV
Sugar 7g 14% DV

Electrolytes

Sodium 759.8mg 33% DV
Potassium 225.6mg 5% DV
Cholesterol 22.5mg 8% DV

Vitamins & Minerals

Vitamin A 80.8mcg 9% DV
Vitamin C 11.3mg 13% DV
Calcium 47.8mg 4% DV
Iron 1.3mg 7% DV
Diet fit Low-carb Under 400 cal
Contains Milk

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 this baste on other meats?

Absolutely! This baste works wonderfully with pork, turkey, or even grilled vegetables. Just adjust the cooking times based on the meat you choose, ensuring that everything is cooked to the appropriate internal temperature.

How do I know when the chicken is done cooking?

Chicken is safe to eat when it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C). Use a meat thermometer in the thickest part of the chicken to check. Juices should run clear, and the meat should not be pink inside.

Can I make this recipe ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the baste ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator. Just remember to let it come to room temperature before using it on your chicken. This allows the flavors to meld and makes it easier to apply.

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).

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