Most Popular Game Day Recipes and Bites – WellPlated.com https://www.wellplated.com/category/recipes-by-occasion/game-day/ Recipes for a Wholesome Life Thu, 22 Jun 2023 14:04:27 +0000 en-US hourly 1 https://wordpress.org/?v=6.2.2 https://www.wellplated.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/10/cropped-favicon-268x268.png Most Popular Game Day Recipes and Bites – WellPlated.com https://www.wellplated.com/category/recipes-by-occasion/game-day/ 32 32 The Secret to Restaurant-Quality Bacon🥓 https://www.wellplated.com/baked-bacon/?adt_ei={{ subscriber.email_address }} https://www.wellplated.com/baked-bacon/#comments Thu, 22 Jun 2023 13:01:00 +0000 https://www.wellplated.com/?p=25189 Baked Bacon in the Oven

bacon baked in oven recipeThe trick to perfect, evenly cooked bacon like what you have in a restaurant? It's BAKED! Cook your bacon in the oven like a pro with this simple method.

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Baked Bacon in the Oven bacon baked in oven recipe

Today, we are mastering a life skill: Baked Bacon in the oven. Here’s how to cook bacon that is impeccably crispy and uniformly cooked with less mess. You’ll call yourself a bacon perfection!

bacon baked in oven recipe

The Oven is the Best Way to Cook Bacon

The secret to perfect fried bacon is that it isn’t fried; it’s baked.

Baked bacon is one of those rare culinary situations where the method that yields a superior result (baked bacon) is actually easier than the conventional method (pan frying).

  • Even Cooking. An oven-safe rack allows the heat to circulate evenly around the bacon, a key component of bacon excellence.
  • Hands-Free. No standing at the stove to babysit your bacon. It cooks in the oven unattended.
  • Safer. Oven bacon won’t splatter you with hot grease while you fry it.
  • Restaurant-Worthy. Ever wonder how your favorite brunch, burger or BLT spot achieves those flat, thick, and magically crisp bacon slices? I’d wager my last piece that the bacon is baked. It’s the method most restaurants use.
  • Bigger Batches. Cooking for a crowd? Bake two sheet pans at once.
  • Easy Clean Up. Let the grease harden on the foil, then discard it. Simple!
  • Healthier than Fried. The grease from the bacon drips off and is collected below the rack, which means it stays off your bacon and out of your body. I also pat the bacon to remove some extra grease and keep it crisp.

Conculsion: Oven baked bacon is easier to make, healthier, and produces better results than fried bacon (Air Fryer Bacon is another great method).

Ready to dive into how to cook perfect baked bacon? Let’s do it!

the best bacon baked in the oven

A Quick Note. While baked bacon is arguably healthier than fried bacon, it is still bacon.

Enjoy it in moderation as one tasty component of a balanced diet.

Whenever we have bacon, I like to serve it with other lean proteins, fruits, whole grains, or vegetables to make a complete meal.

a plate of easy baked bacon

How to Cook Bacon in the Oven

The ONLY Ingredient

  • High-Quality Bacon. This might sound obvious, but I can’t overstate its importance: the better quality of bacon you buy, the better your final baked bacon will taste. I promise it’s worth it!

Tips for Buying Bacon

  • Purchase bacon from the butcher counter at the grocery store. It’s usually only a dollar or two more than the pre-packaged stuff, but the taste is remarkably better.
  • Go for the thick cut bacon (no wimpy bacon here!). It’s easier to layer onto to sandwiches, makes more of an impact when sprinkled on salads, and is extra satisfying when munched on its own.
  • For flavor, focus on the quality of the bacon first. Bacon that is applewood smoked is always good, but any flavor is delicious when it’s well-sourced.
bacon on a wire baking sheet to bake in oven

Tips for Perfect Baked Bacon

  • Bake at 400 Degrees F. Some recipes recommend baking bacon at other temperatures or starting the bacon in a cold oven, but I found that a preheated 400 degrees F is the best temperature for baking bacon. It cooks the bacon evenly no matter its thickness and the bacon won’t splatter.
  • Use a Rack. Not only does the rack make the bacon healthier, but it also helps make it crispy and evenly-cooked.
bacon on baking sheet

How Long to Bake Bacon

How long bacon should be cooked in the oven will vary based upon the thickness of your bacon and your desired crispness.

  • For Thin-Cut Bacon. Regular, thin-cut bacon will typically bake in 12 minutes at 400 degrees F. If you want it extra crispy, you can let it bake a little longer, but keep a close eye on it.
  • For Thick-Cut Bacon. Thicker bacon will take 14 to 20 minutes, depending upon your thickness and how crisp you would like it to be.

The time the bacon takes to cook will also vary by how many slices you are making at once.

If your sheet pan is very crowded, you may need to extend the baking time by a few minutes.

Bacon baked in the oven

Cooked Bacon Storage Tips

  • To Store. Cooked bacon will last in the refrigerator for 3 to 5 days. If it starts to smell funny or change appearance, throw it out.
  • To Reheat. Recrisp your bacon slices on a baking sheet in the oven at 350 degrees F.
  • To Freeze. Store baked bacon slices in an airtight freezer-safe storage container in the freezer for up to 3 months. Remove and thaw slices as desired.

How to Use Baked Bacon

Now that you’ve mastered the life skill of how to make oven baked bacon, it’s time to use it!

Favorite Recipes Using Cooked Bacon

bacon baked in oven recipe
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Baked Bacon

Delicious oven baked bacon recipe. Cooking bacon in an oven results in perfect, evenly cooked, crispy bacon every time. Healthier than fried!
Course Breakfast, Side Dish
Cuisine American
Prep Time 5 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 25 minutes
Servings 1 to 100!
Calories 92kcal

Ingredients

  • 6 slices bacon or any number of strips and thickness you like (see notes for recommendations)
  • Nonstick cooking spray

Instructions

  • If making an amount of bacon that will fit on a single baking sheet without overlapping (about 6 to 8 slices, depending upon the bacon and sheet), place a rack in the center of your oven. If making a larger amount, place the racks in the upper and lower thirds. Preheat your oven to 400 degrees F.
  • Line a large, rimmed baking sheet with foil for easy clean up (if you prefer to bake the bacon without foil, leave the foil off), then place an ovenproof baking rack on top. Spritz the baking rack lightly with nonstick spray. Arrange the bacon in a single layer on the baking rack.
    bacon on a wire baking sheet to bake in oven
  • Bake until you reach your desired level of crispness. This could be as early as 12 minutes if you are using thinner bacon and like it less crisp or 20 minutes or more if you using a thicker cut and like your bacon really crispy. If baking two racks at once, rotate their positions halfway through.
    bacon on baking sheet
  • Once cooked, immediately transfer the bacon to a paper-towel-lined plate and lightly pat dry (this keeps it from getting soggy). Let cool just enough so that you don’t (completely) burn your tongue. Devour immediately or use to top salads, pastas, and sandwiches, or in any of these recipes.
  • To clean up: Let the bacon grease cool and harden, then crumple it up inside the foil and discard. If you’d like to use the bacon grease for another purpose, let it cool for a few minutes, transfer it to a lidded container or jar, and refrigerate.

Video

Notes

  • I like and recommend thick-cut applewood smoked bacon. The applewood smoke flavor is classic, and the thick cut provides maximum bacon crunch and full flavor. I also prefer center cut bacon when possible, as it is more lean and “meaty.” If you can get the bacon from the butcher directly or from a local supplier, that’s even better. With bacon, quality really counts, and it’s worth the splurge. We are making bacon, after all.
  • TO STORE: Cooked bacon will last in the refrigerator for 3 to 5 days. If it starts to smell funny or change appearance, throw it out.
  • TO REHEAT: Rewarm gently in the microwave or use at room temperature.
  • TO FREEZE: Store baked bacon slices in an airtight freezer-safe storage container in the freezer for up to 3 months. Remove and thaw slices as desired.

Nutrition

Serving: 1bacon strip | Calories: 92kcal | Carbohydrates: 1g | Protein: 3g | Fat: 9g | Saturated Fat: 3g | Cholesterol: 15mg | Potassium: 44mg

Frequently Asked Questions

How Do I Know When Bacon is Bad?

If your bacon is in its original sealed package, you can go by the expiration date listed on the package. If you’ve already opened the package, make sure to cook up the bacon within 1 week of opening to be safe. (Confession: I’ve used bacon more than 1 week after it’s been opened, but the comfort level is up to you.)
If at any point your bacon starts to change color or smells off, it’s safest to discard it.

How Do I Bake Bacon Without a Rack?

If you don’t own an oven-safe rack, cook the bacon directly on the aluminum foil.

Can I Freeze Bacon?

Uncooked bacon can be frozen in an airtight package for up to 6 months. Thaw it overnight in the refrigerator. If you don’t think you’ll use a whole package within 1 week of opening, freeze the unused portion right away.

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Rich, Creamy, and Healthy — This Instant Pot Mac and Cheese Has It All! https://www.wellplated.com/instant-pot-mac-and-cheese/?adt_ei={{ subscriber.email_address }} https://www.wellplated.com/instant-pot-mac-and-cheese/#comments Tue, 20 Jun 2023 10:02:00 +0000 https://www.wellplated.com/?p=98661 Instant Pot Mac and Cheese

A bowl of easy Instant Pot mac and cheeseThick and creamy Instant Pot mac and cheese with a healthy twist! This easy, foolproof recipe is great for fast dinners and sides.

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Instant Pot Mac and Cheese A bowl of easy Instant Pot mac and cheese

If you think something sounds too good to be true, you haven’t tried Instant Pot Mac and Cheese yet. (Or rather, you haven’t tried this Instant Pot mac and cheese.)

A bowl of easy Instant Pot mac and cheese

Why You’ll Love This Pressure Cooker Mac and Cheese Recipe

  • It’s Tested, Tried, and True. After having multiple recipe fails on a dish that the internet assured me was foolproof, I can now attest this is the best, creamiest, most (actually) foolproof recipe of them all.
  • You Won’t Believe How Easy It Is. Water, noodles, four minutes of pressure cook time, add the cheese. BOOM. Better-than-the-blue-box bliss is yours!
  • The Silky Sauce. Just like Instant Pot Spaghetti, the starches the pasta releases as it cooks help thicken the sauce and make it extra creamy (you DO need to drain the water for the mac and cheese, heads up!).
  • Whoa, It’s Healthy Too. In Well Plated style, I was determined to come up with a healthy Instant Pot mac and cheese that didn’t skimp on flavor and comfort. (And if you don’t think that is possible, you clearly haven’t tried the Ultimate Creamy Mac and Cheese in The Well Plated Cookbook yet!)
  • It’s Super Customizable. Just like my Cauliflower Mac and Cheese and Gourmet Mac and Cheese, this is a recipe that can be tweaked to your liking by adding mix-ins like steamed broccoli or Sautéed Broccoli, crumbled cooked bacon, and more. Keep reading, because I share some of my favorite ideas below!
A pressure cooker of macaroni and cheese

5 Star Review

“This was delicious and so easy!”

— Amy —

How to Make Instant Pot Mac and Cheese

The Ingredients

  • Pasta. I used whole wheat elbow noodles for an extra boost of nutrition. Whole wheat noodles are better for you thanks to their higher amount of nutrients and fiber, and no one will notice the swap.

Substitution Tip

Whole wheat shells would also work well in this recipe.

  • Cheese. Extra sharp cheddar cheese has the intense, cheesy flavor that mac and cheese needs, and it melts beautifully into the creamy sauce.

Substitution Tip

For mac and cheese, use any flavorful, creamy melty cheese that you enjoy, or try a mix. Cheddar is classic, but feel free to swap or add gouda, fontina, mozzarella cheese, Monterey jack, or gruyere.

  • Butter. For necessary richness to call this a proper mac ‘n’ cheese. Plus, cheese + butter = perfection!
  • Greek Yogurt. Adds tanginess and helps make the sauce creamy without the need for heavy cream. Plus it’s high in calcium and potassium.
  • Spices. Dry or ground mustard adds depth and very subtle tanginess. Cayenne pepper gives the dish a touch of heat. Nutmeg is the secret ingredient that will leave people wondering if you’re a mac and cheese wizard.

The Directions

Noodles in a pressure cooker
  1. Cook the Noodles. Stir the pasta, water, and salt together in an Instant Pot. Cook on HIGH for 4 minutes, then release the pressure.
Noodles in an Instant Pot for mac and cheese
  1. Drain. Pour out all but a thin layer of water.
Butter being stirred into noodles for Instant Pot mac and cheese
  1. Season. Stir in the butter. Add the spices.
Greek yogurt being added to noodles
  1. Add the Yogurt. Don’t use fat free or it will curdle.
Cheese being added to an Instant Pot with noodles
  1. Add the Cheese SLOWLY. If you add it too quickly, it will make your cheese sauce lumpy. ENJOY!
Healthy Instant Pot mac and cheese

Recipe Variations

Creamy Instant Pot mac and cheese

Storage Tips

  • To Store. Refrigerate mac and cheese in an airtight storage container for up to 5 days. 
  • To Reheat. Rewarm leftovers in a pot on the stovetop over medium-low heat or in the microwave. 
  • To Freeze. Freeze mac and cheese in an airtight, freezer-safe storage container for up to 3 months. Let thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating. 

Meal Prep Tip

Up to 1 week in advance, shred the cheese. Refrigerate it in an airtight storage container until you’re ready to finish the recipe.

A bowl of mac and cheese made in an Instant Pot

What to Serve with Instant Pot Mac and Cheese

The best Instant Pot mac and cheese

Recipe Tips and Tricks

  • Shred Your Own Cheese. It truly makes a difference! Pre-shredded cheese is tossed with cellulose, AKA the “powdery white stuff” that coats each shred to keep them from sticking to each other. This also keeps the cheese from melting as smoothly as we’d like.
  • Add the Cheese VERY GRADUALLY. As with Cheese Fondue, if you add too much at once, your sauce will end up lumpy.
  • Skip the Milk. Dairy burns easily in the Instant Pot, so do not use milk when pressure cooking. Instead of making Instant Pot mac and cheese with evaporated milk (or any milk), use water for the liquid, then add the dairy products (including cheese) after the pressure cooking cycle is complete.
  • Vent Quickly. Vent the Instant Pot as soon as the pressure cooker time is up. Called a “quick release” this ensures the pasta remains al dente.
  • Stick With the Winning Formula. I know it’s always tempting to make a recipe your own, but this is the kind of recipe where small tweaks like swapping regular yogurt for Greek yogurt or using milk instead of water can lead to disaster. You can customize your mac and cheese with different add-ins after it’s done cooking, but don’t switch up the main ingredients!
A bowl of easy Instant Pot mac and cheese
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Instant Pot Mac and Cheese

Thick and creamy Instant Pot mac and cheese with a healthy twist! This easy, foolproof recipe is great for fast dinners and sides.
Course Dinner, Main Course, Side Dish
Cuisine American
Prep Time 5 minutes
Cook Time 4 minutes
Total Time 25 minutes
Servings 4 servings
Calories 504kcal

Ingredients

  • 8 ounces uncooked whole wheat elbow macaroni pasta or whole wheat shells
  • 1 3/4 cups water
  • 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt divided
  • 2 tablespoons unsalted butter cut into 2 to 3 pieces
  • 1 (5.3-ounce) container full fat Greek yogurt do not use fat-free, about 1/2 cup
  • 1/2 teaspoons dry mustard
  • 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1/8 teaspoon ground cayenne
  • 1/8 teaspoon ground nutmeg
  • 8 ounces extra-sharp cheddar cheese* shredded (about 2 cups)

Instructions

  • Place the pasta, water, and 1/4 teaspoon salt in a 6-quart or larger Instant Pot or electric pressure cooker. Stir well. Set to cook on high pressure (manual) for 4 minutes (for elbow macaroni noodles) or 5 minutes (for shells). As soon as the timer goes off, release the remaining pressure.
    Noodles in a pressure cooker
  • Carefully open the lid to the Instant Pot. If it still looks very liquidy, drain off all but a thin layer of the pasta water, reserving any water you drain away. (I used an oven mitt to pick up the Instant Pot insert and drain a small amount of excess water into a liquid measuring cup with a spout.)
    Noodles in an Instant Pot for mac and cheese
  • Stir in the butter until it melts. Then, stir in the mustard, black pepper, cayenne, nutmeg, and remaining 1/4 teaspoon salt.
    Butter being stirred into noodles for Instant Pot mac and cheese
  • Next, stir in the Greek yogurt.
    Greek yogurt being added to noodles
  • Add the cheese by small handfuls (a few tablespoons at a time), stirring to completely melt between each addition. Don't rush the process or your mac and cheese will be lumpy (your patience will be rewarded!). If at any point, the pasta cools too much, turn on the Saute function for a minute or two as needed. The mac and cheese should look very creamy and saucy, but if it is thicker than you would like, add a little of the reserved pasta water until your desired consistency is reached. Taste and adjust seasoning as desired. Enjoy!
    Cheese being added to an Instant Pot with noodles

Video

Notes

  • *For the smoothest, creamiest mac and cheese, shred your own cheddar from a block. Pre-shredded cheeses are coated with a powdery substance to keep them from flaking and will not melt smoothly. The fastest way to do this (it takes seconds!) is in a food processor fitted with a grater blade.
  • TO STORE: Refrigerate mac and cheese in an airtight storage container for up to 5 days. 
  • TO REHEAT: Rewarm leftovers in a pot on the stovetop over medium-low heat or in the microwave. 
  • TO FREEZE: Freeze mac and cheese in an airtight, freezer-safe storage container for up to 3 months. Let thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating. 

Nutrition

Serving: 1(of 4) | Calories: 504kcal | Carbohydrates: 46g | Protein: 26g | Fat: 26g | Saturated Fat: 15g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 1g | Monounsaturated Fat: 6g | Trans Fat: 0.2g | Cholesterol: 74mg | Potassium: 225mg | Fiber: 0.1g | Sugar: 1g | Vitamin A: 771IU | Vitamin C: 0.1mg | Calcium: 472mg | Iron: 2mg

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I Make Gluten Free Instant Pot Mac and Cheese?

Yes, you can swap the whole wheat noodles in this recipe for gluten-free noodles. Since the cooking time can vary between these two types of noodles, I recommend checking them early and often to ensure they don’t overcook.

Would Regular Cheddar Cheese Work in this Recipe?

While regular cheddar cheese would work, its flavor is not bold enough to really make the dish taste its best. If you can’t find extra sharp cheddar cheese, the next best option is white cheddar.

Can I Double this Recipe?

I haven’t tried doubling the recipe myself, but I think it would work fine. The most important thing is to make sure you don’t fill the pot past the max fill line. Do not make any changes to the cooktime.

More Mac and Cheese Recipes

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Crockpot Ribs https://www.wellplated.com/crockpot-ribs/?adt_ei={{ subscriber.email_address }} https://www.wellplated.com/crockpot-ribs/#comments Sun, 11 Jun 2023 10:13:00 +0000 https://www.wellplated.com/?p=25496 Crockpot Ribs

pork ribs made in a crockpotMeet the most fall-off-the-bone tender, no oven, I-think-I’m-gonna-need-a-bigger-bib Crockpot Ribs. Do yourself and every rib lover in your life a finger-lickin’ favor: put a batch in your slow cooker. Baby backs, spare ribs, country…this recipe works with any of your favorite cuts. Why You’ll Love Slow Cooker Ribs In addition to being one of the…

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Crockpot Ribs pork ribs made in a crockpot

Meet the most fall-off-the-bone tender, no oven, I-think-I’m-gonna-need-a-bigger-bib Crockpot Ribs. Do yourself and every rib lover in your life a finger-lickin’ favor: put a batch in your slow cooker. Baby backs, spare ribs, country…this recipe works with any of your favorite cuts.

The BEST slow cooker ribs with BBQ sauce

Why You’ll Love Slow Cooker Ribs

In addition to being one of the best crock pot recipes to come out of my kitchen in a long time, these slow cooker ribs have a full rack of winning qualities.

  • Barbecue Paradise. Like my Instant Pot Ribs, these crockpot ribs have the deep, smoky barbecue that you love. When the cooking time has ended, you’ll open your crockpot to find the best slow cooker ribs you’ve ever had.
  • The Prep is Quick and Easy. You’ll need less than 10 minutes to get them sauced and in your slow cooker (perhaps only this Shredded Chicken Sandwich recipe is easier). The slow cooker does the rest of the work while you go about your day.
  • The BBQ Sauce is Homemade. Seriously once you go with homemade BBQ, there’s no going back (this is my favorite from-scratch Barbecue Sauce recipe).
  • Keep the Oven Off. Ribs in the oven at 200 degrees take 3 to 4 hours, which is a looooong time to have my oven running. The slow cooker will keep the house cool and the oven available if you need it for other endeavors (like making a side of this Beer Bread to go with your ribs).
  • Less Risk of Overcooking. While I adore the flavor of meat made on the grill (hello, Grilled Chicken Breast), how long to cook ribs on the grill is challenging even for pit masters. Keep it simple and let the slow cooker do the work.
  • Falling Off the Bone Tender. You can pull them apart with your fingers!

These tender ribs are ideal for game day parties, easy weeknight dinners, or anytime you’re in the mood for something undeniably delicious.

Tasty crockpot barbecue ribs cut into individual pieces

5 Star Review

“We made these yesterday and they came out perfectly! The meat was so tender and was falling off the bone. It was super easy to prep before heading off to work.”

— Lauren —

How to Make Crockpot Ribs

The Ingredients

  • Pork Ribs. This crockpot ribs recipe will work for any style of pork ribs. We did baby back ribs, but country-style ribs or spare ribs could be used too. I haven’t tried crock pot boneless ribs or beef ribs yet, but I see no reason why those wouldn’t work so feel free to experiment. (Just save the pork shoulder or pork butt for Slow Cooker Pulled Pork.)
  • Ketchup. A key ingredient in our BBQ sauce. While I’m not usually a fan (true confession), here it adds thickness and sweetness (so there’s no need for brown sugar).
  • Molasses. Another essential element in our sweet, sticky sauce (also key for this crockpot Pulled Chicken Sandwich recipe).
  • Apple Cider Vinegar. To add tangy flavor and acidity to balance the sauce.
  • Hot Sauce. For a little bit of heat.
  • Spices. Spices are the final component that takes our BBQ sauce to the next level. This recipe uses a combination of chili powder, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.

Substitution Tip

While I will always encourage you to use a from-scratch sauce, you can also make crockpot ribs with a store-bought sauce too. Nobody will ever complain about crock pot bbq ribs with Sweet Baby Rays—trust me!

You can also try other spices such as cayenne pepper, paprika, and onion powder.

A slow cooker full of crockpot ribs in bbq sauce

The Directions

pork ribs in a slow cooker

1. Add the Ribs to a Slow Cooker. It’s OK to stack them if needed.

whisking homemade bbq sauce for crockpot ribs

2. Mix the Sauce Ingredients. You can make it from scratch or swap storebought.

pouring sauce over pork ribs in a crock pot

3. Pour Half Over the Ribs. Save the rest for serving.

4. Slow Cook. Cook on low for 8 hours, until tender. Serve immediately with the reserved sauce, and DIG IN!

fall off the bone tender crockpot ribs being pulled apart easily with fingers

How Do You Know When Ribs are Done in Slow Cooker?

  • Thermometer. Ribs are safe to eat at 145 degrees F, but the temperature should be at 190 degrees F or higher to ensure the most tender meat. You can use an instant read thermometer to check the exact temperature.
  • Color. When done, the meat in the middle should be white, and there shouldn’t be any pink juices.
  • Bones. Check your ribs to see if the meat has drawn back from the bone. When done, the meat will expose some of the bone at the thin end of the ribs.
  • Flexibility. Your ribs should be flexible but not falling apart. When you think your ribs are done, grab one end with a pair of tongs and pick them up. The ribs should bend towards the ground without falling apart.
  • Tenderness. Gently insert a toothpick between two of the bones. If the toothpick goes in easily, then the ribs are done.

Storage Tips

  • To Store. Leftover ribs may be stored, in an airtight container, for up to 3 days in the fridge.
  • To Freeze: Cooked crockpot ribs may be stored in the freezer for up to 3 months. Defrost overnight in the refrigerator before warming.
  • To Reheat. Warm the ribs in a slow cooker on LOW until heated through. You may also warm in a large, covered, saucepan on the stovetop over LOW heat or in the microwave in a covered container until heated through. I suggest adding a bit of water and/or barbecue sauce to the ribs before warming to prevent them from drying out.

What to Serve with Tender Ribs

  • Programmable Slow Cooker. This one switches to warm when done so food doesn’t overcook.
  • Pastry Brush. Perfect for brushing the ribs with plenty of sticky sauce.
  • Mixing Bowl. For stirring together all of that finger-licking good BBQ sauce.
Easy slow cooker ribs recipe cut into individual ribs for a crowd

What was once reserved for weekend summer cookouts, now you can enjoy tender ribs any night of the week thanks to this easy slow cooker ribs recipe.

pork ribs made in a crockpot
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Crockpot Ribs

This easy slow cooker ribs recipe with homemade barbecue sauce makes the BEST fall-off-the-bone tender crockpot ribs. Perfect for a crowd.
Course Main Course
Cuisine American
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 8 hours
Total Time 8 hours
Servings 6 servings
Calories 579kcal

Ingredients

  • 3 1/2 to 4 pounds pork ribs cut into individual ribs (spare ribs, baby back, or country-style will all work with this method; I used baby back)
  • 1 cup ketchup
  • 1/2 cup molasses
  • 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
  • 1/2 teaspoon hot sauce
  • 2 teaspoons chili powder
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon kosher salt
  • 1 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper

Instructions

  • Spray a 6-quart or larger slow cooker with nonstick spray. Add the ribs in an even layer.
    pork ribs in a slow cooker
  • In a small bowl or large measuring cup, stir together the ketchup, molasses, vinegar, hot sauce, chili powder, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
    whisking homemade bbq sauce for crockpot ribs
  • Pour half of the sauce over the ribs, then cover the sauce bowl and save the rest in the refrigerator.
    pouring sauce over pork ribs in a crock pot
  • Cover the ribs and cook on LOW for 8 hours, until they are cooked and ultra-tender. Serve immediately with the reserved sauce (I like to warm up the extra sauce for serving too).
    fall off the bone tender crockpot ribs being pulled apart easily with fingers

Video

Notes

  • STORE-BOUGHT SAUCE: You can also make crockpot ribs with store-bought sauce, like Sweet Baby Rays, if you prefer. Simply swap the homemade bbq sauce ingredients for 1-2 cups of your favorite premade variety and cook as directed in the recipe.
  • TO STORE: Leftover ribs may be stored, in an airtight container, for up to 3 days in the refrigerator.
  • TO FREEZE: Cooked crockpot ribs may be stored in the freezer for up to 3 months. Defrost overnight in the refrigerator before warming.
  • TO REHEAT: Warm the ribs in a slow cooker on LOW until heated through. You may also warm in a large, covered, saucepan on the stovetop over LOW heat or in the microwave in a covered container until heated through. I suggest adding a bit of water and/or barbecue sauce to the ribs before warming to prevent them from drying out. 

Nutrition

Serving: 1(of 6), without additional sauce | Calories: 579kcal | Carbohydrates: 16g | Protein: 29g | Fat: 43g | Saturated Fat: 14g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 7g | Monounsaturated Fat: 16g | Trans Fat: 1g | Cholesterol: 148mg | Potassium: 731mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 15g | Vitamin A: 203IU | Vitamin C: 1mg | Calcium: 62mg | Iron: 3mg

Frequently Asked Questions

Can You Make Crockpot Ribs Without Cutting Them Into Individual Ribs?

I’ve never made slow cooker ribs without cutting them apart, so I can’t say from experience. That said, several readers have reported leaving the racks partially intact, so seems to be an option. I would keep an eye on them as they cook since they may need a bit longer to cook if not cut into individual ribs.

How Do You Thaw Ribs?

If (like me) you forget to thaw your meat ahead of time, don’t worry. Crockpot ribs can still be in your (near) future. Here’s how you can thaw ribs quickly and safely.

Keep your ribs in their packaging or in a sealed ziptop bag. Fill a large bowl with cold water, and submerge your ribs in the water, adding something on top of them to keep them from floating to the top.

Leave the ribs for about 30 minutes, then check to see if they are thawed. If they are still frozen, drain the water and refill with fresh cold water.

Can You Cook Frozen Ribs in a Crockpot?

No, do not place frozen ribs in a crockpot. Frozen meat will begin to thaw in the slow cooker and may spend too long at room temperature, rendering it unsafe to eat.

Can You Stack Ribs in a Slow Cooker?

Yes. While I have not tried the recipe this way, other readers have reported success with a double layer of ribs in a single crockpot.

Can You Slow Cook Ribs Too Long?

Yes. Believe it or not, you can overcook ribs in a slow cooker. That’s why I recommend cooking them low and slow and keeping an eye on them towards the end. You’re looking for meat that’s tender and comes off the bone with light pressure.

How to Remove Membrane?

Rinse the rack of ribs and pat them dry. If your ribs still have the thin, shiny membrane on the back, remove it. (This is easy, don’t worry!) Flip to the back of the ribs over, meat-side down. Wiggle a dull knife (such as a butter knife) between the membrane and the ribs to loosen it. With a paper towel, grip the membrane and pull it away, then discard.

This allows your spice rub or sauces to penetrate the meat and also helps the meat become tender. 

Related Recipes

Ribs in a slow cooker? What’s next? Try one of these other surprising crockpot recipes next:

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Your Next Grill Favorite: Rainbow Chicken Kabobs https://www.wellplated.com/grilled-chicken-kabobs/?adt_ei={{ subscriber.email_address }} https://www.wellplated.com/grilled-chicken-kabobs/#comments Wed, 07 Jun 2023 10:01:00 +0000 https://www.wellplated.com/?p=37985 Chicken Kabob

chicken kabob skewers on a plateThis grilled chicken kabob recipe pairs juicy chicken with a rainbow of vegetables and a Mediterranean-inspired marinade. A reader favorite!

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Chicken Kabob chicken kabob skewers on a plate

Grilling season is upon us, and I’m taking full advantage with easy, breezy Mediterranean grilled Chicken Kabobs.

chicken kabob skewers with chicken and vegetables

Why You’ll Love This Chicken Kabob Recipe

  • Everyday Ingredients. Sometimes I like to play around with different flavor profiles for my grilled chicken skewer recipes (Fajita Chicken Kabobs, Grilled Pesto Chicken Skewers, lemon Chicken Marinade), but I designed this chicken kabob marinade to be made with pantry ingredients.
  • Guaranteed Crowd-Pleaser. Readers love serving up these grilled chicken kabobs for backyard BBQs and cookouts—they’re a step up from Grilled Chicken Breast and always a hit. They can be prepped ahead or assembled at the last minute.
  • Light and Healthy. Some shish kabob recipes feature sugary, sodium-laden soy sauce marinades. This homemade marinade has just a touch of honey for balance, and you can add as much or as little salt as you like. Much better!
  • Juicy and Flavorful. Tender, juicy chicken with smoky veggies and an herbaceous, Greek-inspired marinade. There’s a good reason these grilled chicken kabobs are a reader favorite.
  • COLOR. Just look how gorgeous they are! The colorful veggie and char marks steal the show.
Healthy grilled chicken kabobs with vegetables on a white plate

5 Star Review

These have been my go-to recipe for summer dinners when entertaining guests. So much can be prepared ahead of time. It’s worked perfectly and tastes delicious!

— Danielle —
Easy chicken kabobs made on the grill

How to Make Grilled Chicken Kabobs

The Ingredients

For the Chicken and Chicken Kabob Marinade:

  • Boneless Skinless Chicken Breasts. You can use chicken thighs instead if you prefer.
  • Olive Oil. To keep the chicken from sticking. Also, for healthy fats and flavor.
  • Red Wine Vinegar. For brightness, pop, and to help the chicken tenderize.
  • Honey. To balance the acidity of the vinegar and help the chicken caramelize on the grill.
  • Dried Herbs. To go with the Mediterranean chicken kabobs theme, I selected oregano and rosemary. Feel free to swap thyme or Italian seasoning, or create your own custom kabob mix.
  • Garlic. Four cloves, no less. Go ahead and up the amount if you have a house of serious garlic lovers.
  • Salt and Pepper. Kabob marinade essentials.

For the Vegetables:

  • Zucchini and Yellow Summer Squash. Cut these into 1/2-inch coins. No need to peel them first.
  • Bell Peppers. Red are my favorite. Core them, then cut them into 1-inch pieces.
  • Red Onions. Quarter, then cut into 1-inch pieces.
  • Cherry Tomatoes. A yummy, vibrant addition to almost any chicken skewer. Thread them through the stem end.

Market Swap

You can use any mix of vegetables for this recipe, as long as they all grill in the same amount of time. Pick vegetables that are tender and easy to skewer, like mushrooms and eggplant.

I do recommend that even if you switch things up, you still toss in a red onion, though! Red onions are under-utilized on the grill and create a fantastic, well-rounded element that I know you’ll love.

Garnishes:

  • Lemon Juice. I almost hate to call this one optional because it adds so much brightness. It’s my most recommended addition.
  • Fresh Herbs. That bundle of [parsley/dill/thyme] you bought a few days ago for a different recipe and still have leftover? Chop it up and sprinkle it on your kabobs.
  • Feta Cheese. Our Greek chicken kabobs just became a little more Greek. Salty, creamy, and just plain DELISH, you’ll be glad you added it.

The Directions

Marinade for grilled chicken kabobs
  1. Get Ready. Cut the chicken into bite-sized pieces and whisk the marinade ingredients together.

Pieces of chicken in a bag with marinade

  1. Marinate. Add the marinade to a bowl or ziptop bag with the chicken. Let the chicken marinate, and soak the skewers.

Chicken and vegetables on a skewer

  1. Thread. Place the chicken and vegetables on the skewers.
  2. Cook. Grill the kabobs over medium-high heat (about 375 degrees F), until the chicken is cooked through. ENJOY!

Recipe Variations

  • How to Make Chicken Kabobs in the Oven. Bake the chicken in the oven at 450 degrees F for 25 to 30 minutes, turning them once halfway through. Since the chicken isn’t touching the oven directly like it does on a grill grate, a higher temperature is needed.
  • How to Use Different Types of Grills. If making chicken kabobs on a charcoal grill, propane grill, or natural gas grill, the temperature you should grill chicken kabobs at is about 375 degrees F (medium-high heat).

Storage Tips

  • To Store. Refrigerate leftover chicken and veggies (removed from the skewers) in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
  • To Reheat. Rewarm leftovers on a baking sheet in the oven at 350 degrees F until hot. You can also reheat the chicken and vegetables in the microwave.
  • To Freeze. Remove the skewers, then freeze leftover chicken and vegetables in an airtight freezer-safe storage container for up to 3 months. Let thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating. The vegetables may become watery and soggy once thawed, but they will still be tasty.

Leftover Ideas

Leftovers make a perfect pizza topping, especially with a healthy Whole Wheat Pizza Dough. I also like to roll the veggies and chicken into tortillas with cooked quinoa for protein-packed lunch wraps.

What to Serve with Grilled Chicken Kabobs

  • Grains. A bed of Lemon Rice is a delicious complement to this dish. White rice, brown rice, farro, or cauliflower rice would also work well.
  • Bread and Hummus. Serve the kabobs with some warm pita bread and hummus for dipping. For something a little different, try my Edamame Hummus.
  • Salad. Top a bed of chopped romaine, arugula, or spinach with a drizzle of a creamy dressing or vinaigrette and the chicken kabobs. I like ranch or a simple vinaigrette like the one in my Italian Farro Salad. Green Goddess Dressing would be delicious too. Or, add the chicken to my Greek Salad.
  • Garlic Yogurt Sauce. Check out the Greek Yogurt Tzatziki Sauce in my cookbook!
A plate of colorful grilled chicken kabobs

How Long to Marinate Chicken for Kabobs

One of the biggest challenges I run into when making kabobs (or any grilled meat) is building in time for the meat to marinate.

These grilled chicken kabobs need just 30 minutes! This amount of time is easy to accomplish while you are prepping other elements of the meal.

  • Start with the chicken marinade, then set it aside to let it do its tasty thang.
  • Move on to chopping the vegetables.
  • Tidy up your kitchen and check Instagram. Before you know it, the chicken and vegetable kabobs are ready to grill.

The chicken can rest in the marinade for as little as 30 minutes and for a maximum of three hours. After three hours, the meat will start to break down.

If you are trying to get ahead on the recipe, chop and prep the ingredients but wait to add the marinade to the chicken until closer to the time when you plan to grill.

Tips for Skewering with Success

You can make this grilled chicken kabob recipe with metal skewers or wooden skewers.

  • If using metal skewers like these or these, be sure not to touch the skewer ends after the kabobs are cooked, as they will be HOT. Use a hot pad or tongs to hold the skewer end while you remove the chicken and vegetables from them prior to eating.
  • If using wooden skewers like these, soak the skewers in water for 20 minutes prior to grilling to prevent them from catching on fire. (Trust me, they will catch if you skip this step.)
  • My other big skewer tip is do not crowd the vegetables and chicken together too tightly when threading. The chicken and vegetable pieces can lightly touch, but you want to make sure the heat can circulate so that the chicken cooks through.

How Long to Grill Chicken Kabobs

The length of time needed to grill this chicken kabob recipe will vary depending upon the size of your chicken pieces and how much the temperature of your grill fluctuates.

  • Plan on about 10 to 15 minutes total, turning the skewers a few times throughout so that they brown nicely on all sides.
  • The chicken is cooked when it reaches an internal temperature of 165 degrees F on an instant read thermometer and the juices run clear when a piece of chicken is cut.
chicken kabob skewers with chicken and vegetables
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Chicken Kabobs

This grilled chicken kabob recipe pairs juicy chicken with a rainbow of vegetables and a Mediterranean-inspired marinade. A summer favorite!
Course Main Course
Cuisine American, Greek, Mediterranean
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 1 hour
Servings 4 servings, 8 kabobs
Calories 276kcal

Ingredients

  • 1 pound boneless skinless chicken breasts about 2 large breasts
  • 3 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
  • 3 tablespoons red wine vinegar
  • 2 teaspoons honey
  • 4 cloves garlic minced
  • 1 tablespoon dried oregano
  • 2 teaspoons dried thyme or dried rosemary
  • 1 teaspoon kosher salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
  • 1 small red onion quartered into 1-inch pieces
  • 1 small zucchini ends trimmed and sliced into 1/2-inch coins
  • 1 small summer squash ends trimmed and sliced into 1/2-inch coins
  • 1 red bell pepper seeded and cut into 1-inch pieces
  • Canola oil for grilling
  • 1 large lemon cut into wedges (optional but way better if it’s included)

For Serving:

  • Chopped fresh herbs of choice (parsley and dill are two of our favorites)
  • Crumbled feta cheese

Instructions

  • Cut the chicken breasts into 1-inch pieces and place in a large ziptop bag, shallow baking dish, or bowl.
    Chicken being sliced on a cutting board
  • In a separate bowl or liquid measuring cup, whisk together the olive oil, vinegar, honey, garlic, oregano, thyme, salt, and pepper.
    Marinade for grilled chicken kabobs
  • Pour over the chicken and stir to coat (or seal the bag, removing as much air as possible, and “squish” to coat). Place in the refrigerator to marinate for 30 minutes or up to 3 hours (do not let the chicken sit for longer or the vinegar will cause it to break down). If using wooden skewers, place the skewers in water to soak for at least 20 minutes.
    Pieces of chicken in a bag with marinade
  • When ready to grill, preheat the grill to medium-high heat (about 375℉). Brush the grill grates with canola oil or coat with nonstick grill spray.
  • Thread the kabobs: Thread a piece of chicken onto the skewer (shake off the excess marinade when removing it from the bag. Add alternating pieces of the red onion, zucchini, yellow squash, and red bell pepper until you've reached the end of the skewer, ending with chicken. Repeat with the remaining skewers, then discard the excess chicken marinade.
    Chicken and vegetables on a skewer
  • Grill the chicken until fully cooked through and the juices run clear, about 10 to 15 minutes, turning the skewers every few minutes so that each side has grill marks. Transfer to a serving plate and squeeze the lemon over the top. Sprinkle with fresh herbs and feta. Serve warm.

Video

Notes

  • TO STORE: Refrigerate leftovers for up to 3 days. I love to use them to top salads for lunch throughout the week.
  • TO MAKE IN THE OVEN: To make chicken kabobs in the oven, see the blog post above for suggestions.

Nutrition

Serving: 2 skewers | Calories: 276kcal | Carbohydrates: 11g | Protein: 26g | Fat: 14g | Saturated Fat: 2g | Cholesterol: 73mg | Fiber: 2g | Sugar: 8g

Frequently Asked Questions

How Do You Know When Chicken Kabobs Are Done?

The best way to know when grilled chicken kabobs are done is to use an instant read thermometer; once the temperature reaches 165 degrees F, the chicken is safe to eat. Alternatively, you can cut into a piece of chicken to test it; if the juices run clear, it’s done cooking.

Can Chicken Kabobs Be Made Ahead of Time?

You can make this chicken kabob recipe up to 3 hours ahead of time; any longer than that and the vinegar in the marinade will begin to break down the chicken.

Do You Put Kabobs Directly on the Grill?

Yes, grilled chicken kabobs are cooked via direct heat, which means you put them right onto the grill grates. That’s how they get that nice char on them!

Is It Chicken Kabob or Chicken Kebob?

“Kabob” is the US spelling, while “kebob” is the British spelling. Both refer to marinated meat, fish, and/or vegetables threaded onto a skewer and grilled or roasted to tasty perfection.

Related Recipes

Grilling makes everything taste better! Here are some more recipes you can throw on the grill for easy summer dinners:

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Taste the Rainbow: Next-Level Fruit Salad https://www.wellplated.com/fruit-salad/?adt_ei={{ subscriber.email_address }} https://www.wellplated.com/fruit-salad/#comments Tue, 06 Jun 2023 17:00:00 +0000 https://www.wellplated.com/?p=67878 Fruit Salad

easy fruit salad bowlHow to make the BEST fruit salad recipe with fresh fruit and a secret honey-lime dressing that takes everyday to extraordinary.

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Fruit Salad easy fruit salad bowl

Meet the Fruit Salad recipe we all need. A rainbow of sweet blueberries, strawberries, pineapple, and kiwi tossed in a bright, citrusy honey poppy seed dressing, this is a big bowl of beautiful!

easy fruit salad recipe in a bowl

Why You’ll Love This Healthy Fruit Salad Recipe

  • Colorful. This is my absolute favorite fruit salad, ever. With just about every color in the rainbow, you’ll be hard-pressed to find another side dish that looks this vibrant on your table. The combination of fruits is striking (so many colors!).
  • Texture On Point. A mix of softer and firmer fruits give it a perfect array of textures. Not too mushy, not too crunchy.
  • Crowd-Pleasing. Who doesn’t love fruit? While some might be more skeptical of a Spinach Strawberry Salad, Kids, adults, and everyone in between can find something they like in a pure fruit salad. The fruit itself is delicious, and the dressing makes the fruit pop and taste like an even better, fresher version of itself.
  • Versatile. While the recipe I’m sharing is my favorite go-to blend of fruit, by all means, feel empowered to wing it and change up the fruit based on what’s in season and what your friends and family enjoy most.
  • Good for You. Packed with oodles of nutritious fruits and a vitamin C-packed dressing, this fruit salad is healthy! This recipe relies on the natural sweetness of the fruit instead of added sugars. A touch of honey is all this salad needs to taste its absolute best!
the best fruit salad recipe with honey poppyseed dressing

5 Star Review

“Absolute crowd pleaser!! Everyone wanted the recipe.”

— Melissa —

How to Make Fresh Fruit Salad

The Ingredients

For the Fruit

  • Berries. Since I primarily make summer fruit salad, strawberries and blueberries are my two favorite fruits to add to it. Both are high in vitamin C, and blueberries especially pack antioxidants.
  • Pineapple. Tropical flair! Its bright taste makes the salad more dynamic. Pineapple is also high in nutrients like vitamin C and manganese and contains antioxidants.
  • Grapes. Seedless red grapes add crunch and are short on prep time. Simply rinse and dry them, and they are ready to add (no need to halve grapes for fruit salad—unless you are feeling very fancy). Check out this Grape Salad too.
  • Kiwi. This little green powerhouse is PACKED with vitamin C, and it makes the fruit salad (and this Strawberry Kiwi Smoothie) taste sunny.

How to Cut Kiwi

  • Slice off the ends of the kiwi.
  • With a small spoon scoop out the flesh in as large a piece as possible, working your way around the edge of the peel. Alternatively, you can peel it with a vegetable peeler.
  • Cut into coins, then quarters. Discard the peel.
  • Banana. An extra layer of vacation vibes and natural sweetness. Its creamy texture is a nice contrast with the other fruit. Plus, they’re packed with potassium.
  • Mint. Add chopped fresh mint just before serving for a special final touch and freshness (I love it on Watermelon Salad too).

For the Honey Lime Dressing

  • Orange Juice + Zest. Sweet, citrusy orange juice and zest add scrumptious, refreshing flavor to the dressing.
  • Lime Juice + Zest. For this recipe, lime juice is what you put on fruit salad to keep it from turning brown. It also adds a wonderful hint of acidity.
  • Honey. Makes the fruit taste as sunny as a summer day.
  • Vanilla Extract. The secret fruit salad dressing ingredient that will have your guests asking for the recipe.
  • Poppy Seeds. A fun addition that makes this salad extra special.

The Instructions

grapes, strawberries, pineapple, kiwi and blueberries in a bowl
  1. Chop the Fruit. Skip the banana for now.
citrus fruit salad poppy seed dressing mixture
  1. Whisk the Dressing. A liquid measuring cup works well for this.
Dressing being poured over a bowl of ingredients
  1. Add the Dressing. You’re almost there!
The final photo of how to make fruit salad-step by step with pictures
  1. Toss and Refrigerate. Tossing very gently is how you keep fruit salad from getting soggy.
mix fruit salad in a bowl
  1. Add the Banana. ENJOY!

Recipe Variations

  • Fruit Salad with Lemon. Swap the lime zest and juice for lemon.
  • Crunchy Fruit Salad. For some added texture and crunch, toss in some nuts (my recommendation would be almonds or pecans), cucumber, or toasted coconut. Dried fruits can also be a nice way to add some textural dimension to fruit salad recipes too.
  • Summer Fruit Salad. In the summertime, this salad is wonderful with stone fruit (such as cherries, nectarines, peaches, apricots, and plums). Honeydew, cantaloupe, or watermelon are also nice choices. As for berries, grab a handful of raspberries, blackberries, and/or blueberries. If adding raspberries, wait to add them just before serving, as they are quite delicate.
  • Fall Fruit Salad. Try using pears, apples, and dried cranberries (this variation is a great side dish for Christmas and Thanksgiving).
  • Winter Fruit Salad. A selection of fresh oranges (e.g., blood orange or care cara), canned mandarin oranges, or pomegranate arils is a scrumptious cold-weather combination.
healthy fruit salad recipe with citrus dressing in a bowl

Storage Tips

  • To Store. Fruit salad tastes best the day it is made, if you truly must it can be made before as long as none of the fruits are ones that will turn brown (like apples or bananas). About 3 days is how long fruit salad will last in the refrigerator. Serve with a slotted spoon to avoid collecting too much excess juice.
  • To Freeze. Perfect for smoothies! Spread your leftover fruit onto a parchment-lined baking sheet. Freeze until firm, then transfer the fruit to a ziptop bag and freeze for up to 3 months.

Meal Prep Tip

Wait to wash your fruit until just before you slice it. This will extend its shelf life in your refrigerator.

Fruit salad can be made up to 6 hours in advance. Store it in the refrigerator and wait to add the banana until just before serving. If you plan to add other fruits that will turn brown, such as apples, also wait to add these until just before serving. Restir prior to serving. I do not recommend making fruit salad a day ahead or refrigerating fruit salad overnight if it can be avoided, since the fruit will become somewhat mushy.

tropical fruit salad in a bowl with poppyseeds

Leftover Ideas

Leftover fruit salad with yogurt or oatmeal is yummy for breakfast. Topping fruit salad with whipped cream turns it into dessert. You can even use leftover fruit for healthy smoothie recipes.

Toss your leftover fruit salad with greens and a side of Grilled Chicken Breast for a healthy, hearty meal. You could also make a variation of this Summer Farro Salad too.

What to Serve with Fruit Salad

mixed fruit salad with kiwi, strawberries, and blueberries

Recipe Tips and Tricks

  • Better Fruit Means Better Salad. When selecting fruits, keep in mind that at the end of the day, the quality of the fruit is the most important part of a great-tasting fresh fruit salad. Therefore, my top tip for the best fruit salad recipe is to choose ripe, in-season fruit. This salad is all about the fruit. The better your fruit tastes, the better your salad will be.
  • Use Pre-Cut Fruit. Don’t be afraid to purchase the pre-cut fruit for this fruit salad. For example, coring, peeling, and cutting a pineapple can be time-consuming. Save time by purchasing fresh pineapple chunks or rings, which are typically available in the grocery store produce section.
  • Proper Prep. This is an easy fruit salad recipe, so the little things make a big difference. Try and chop all the fruit to roughly the same size to give the salad a nice presentation and makes it easier to eat. It is also imperative that you allow any washed fruit to dry completely before using it in the salad. Even a little extra liquid can make your salad soggy.
mixed fruit salad
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Fruit Salad

The BEST fruit salad recipe! Tossed in honey-lime poppyseed dressing, this easy fruit salad tastes bright, refreshing, and is always popular.
Course Salad
Cuisine American
Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 3 minutes
Total Time 25 minutes
Servings 12 (about 13 cups)
Calories 126kcal

Ingredients

FOR THE FRUIT SALAD:

  • 1 pound fresh strawberries sliced and halved (about 3 cups)
  • 1 pound diced fresh pineapple about 3 cups
  • 1 pint fresh blueberries about 2 cups
  • 5 kiwi fruit peeled and cut into bite-sized pieces (about 2 cups)
  • 2 cups seedless red grapes
  • 1 large banana* peeled and cut into bite sized pieces (about 1 cup)
  • Chopped fresh mint optional

FOR THE DRESSING:

  • zest of 1/2 medium orange
  • juice of 1/2 the same medium orange about 3 tablespoons
  • zest of 1 small lime or 1/2 small lemon
  • juice of the same 1 small lime or 1/2 small lemon
  • 3 tablespoons honey
  • 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
  • 1 tablespoon poppy seeds

Instructions

  • If you will not be serving the fruit salad right away, place all of the fruit except the banana in a large serving bowl: strawberries, pineapple, blueberries, kiwi, and grapes.
    fruit salad with grapes, strawberries, pineapple, kiwi and blueberries
  • In a small bowl or large measuring cup, whisk together the dressing: orange zest and juice, lemon zest and juice, honey, vanilla extract, and poppy seeds.
    citrus fruit salad dressing mixture
  • Pour the dressing over the fruit and with a large spoon.
    fruit salad dressing
  • Toss gently to combine. Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to allow the juices to marry (1 hour is even better).
    homemade fruit salad
  • Just before serving, stir in the banana. Sprinkle with fresh mint. Enjoy!
    how to mix fruit salad in a bowl

Video

Notes

  • *The banana will turn a little brown as it sits and its flavor will become more pronounced, which is why I suggest to add it just before serving. If this doesn’t bother you, feel free to add it right away.
  • TO STORE: Fruit salad tastes best the day it is made, but can be refrigerated for up to 3 days. Serve with a slotted spoon to avoid collecting too many of the excesses juices.
  • TO FREEZE: My favorite for smoothies! Spread your leftover fruit onto a parchment-lined baking sheet. Freeze until firm, then transfer the fruit to a ziptop bag and freeze for up to 3 months.

Nutrition

Serving: 1of 12 (about 1 heaping cup) | Calories: 126kcal | Carbohydrates: 31g | Protein: 2g | Fat: 1g | Saturated Fat: 1g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 1g | Monounsaturated Fat: 1g | Potassium: 347mg | Fiber: 4g | Sugar: 23g | Vitamin A: 111IU | Vitamin C: 83mg | Calcium: 41mg | Iron: 1mg

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I Use Frozen Fruit in This Recipe?

I do not recommend frozen fruit for this recipe, as it will be too wet and mushy once thawed. For a great fruit salad, fresh is best.

Why Wait to Add Banana to Fruit Salad?

This recipe covers how to make fruit salad step-by-step with pictures, so you may have noticed that banana isn’t added until the very end. Banana’s flavor gets stronger as it sits, and it also tends to turn brown. Adding it last is how you keep banana slices from turning brown in fruit salad and keep its flavor in balance with the other fruits.

How to Choose Fruit for Fruit Salad?

When you think of mixing and matching fruit, stick with fruits that share a common season or with an overall vibe. As a general rule, strawberries and blueberries go well with tropical fruits like pineapple, papaya, and kiwi.
Fall fruits like apples and pears pair nicely with grapes.

Is This Fruit Salad Dietary-Friendly?

This fruit salad is gluten free, vegetarian, and dairy-free. If you swap maple syrup or agave for the honey in the dressing, this is a vegan fruit salad recipe too.

When Is the Best Time to Serve Fruit Salad?

Fruit salad is typically served as a side at the same time as the rest of the meal, but there is truly no bad time to enjoy it! Have fruit salad for breakfast with yogurt, bring it to a brunch or afternoon barbecue, or enjoy it with your dinner.

Can I Use Canned Pineapple?

When it comes to what fruits don’t go together in fruit salad, it’s canned pineapple and any other fresh fruit. I do not recommend canned pineapple for fruit salad, because its flavor is more lackluster, and it can be mushy.

More Healthy Salads with Fruit

The options for using fruit in delicious salads are endless. Here are some of my other favorites:

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My Tried-and-True (Never Dry!) Grilled Chicken Recipe https://www.wellplated.com/grilled-chicken-breast/?adt_ei={{ subscriber.email_address }} https://www.wellplated.com/grilled-chicken-breast/#comments Tue, 23 May 2023 10:04:00 +0000 https://www.wellplated.com/?p=67877 Grilled Chicken Breast

The best grilled chicken breast on a plateThe BEST grilled chicken breast and marinade recipe! An easy method for making tender, moist grilled chicken breasts every time. So Juicy!

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Grilled Chicken Breast The best grilled chicken breast on a plate

Whether you keep them on hand for quick lunches or serve them for dinner tonight, a juicy Grilled Chicken Breast is the perfect way to upgrade any meal. Here’s how to grill perfect ones at home!

The best grilled chicken breast on a plate

Why You’ll Love Juicy Grilled Chicken Breast

  • You Can Use Them In So Many Ways. Lean, healthy, and versatile, grilled chicken breasts are full of potential (hello, Grilled Chicken Salad, BBQ Chicken Salad and Balsamic Chicken Salad!).
  • This Method Is Fail-Proof. Grilled chicken often turns out dry, bland, and rubbery. (Boneless chicken breasts are tricky, right?) With a few easy tips and techniques, you can cook flavorful, tender grilled chicken breasts that are fit for adding to other recipes (like Greek Yogurt Chicken Salad or Chicken Tortilla Casserole) AND worthy of enjoyment as a stand-alone main.
  • It’s Simple and Delicious. As with any method of chicken breast preparation (such as this Air Fryer Chicken Breast or Baked Chicken Breast), a few simple but critical steps will ensure your grilled chicken breast turns out juicy, moist, and well-seasoned all the way through.
Grilled chicken breast on a plate

5 Star Review

“I loved the hint of using a fork to poke some holes in the chicken breast and massaging the marinade into it when in the bag. Nice and juicy!”

— Larry —

How to Make a Grilled Chicken Breast

The Ingredients

  • Boneless Skinless Chicken Breasts. I prefer boneless skinless chicken breasts to bone-in chicken and skin-on chicken for grilling because they minimize prep, they’re easy to eat, and they become deliciously tender and smoky on the grill. Plus, they’re rich in protein, vitamins, and iron. For tips on grilling thighs, see Grilled Chicken Thighs.
  • Chicken Marinade. No matter which marinade you choose, it’s critical to create the juiciest and most flavorful chicken breast. You can also simply combine olive oil, lemon juice, kosher salt, and any of your favorite spices and herbs. Paprika, garlic powder, cumin, onion powder, oregano, thyme, and rosemary are all excellent choices.

Topping Ideas

Finish your grilled chicken breast with any of your favorite toppings.

Tip!

You can use this method to grill chicken breast on a gas grill or charcoal grill.

  • If you do not have a grill, you can use a grill pan like this to cook an indoor grilled chicken breast on the stovetop.

The Directions

Meat being pounded in a bag
  1. Pound the Chicken Breasts. Make sure the middle is fairly even with the ends.
A fork poking holes in raw meat
  1. Poke Holes in the Chicken. This will help the marinade soak in more quickly.
Meat and marinade in a bag
  1. Marinate. Add the chicken to a ziptop bag with the marinade. Seal and marinate at room temperature for at least 30 minutes, or in the refrigerator for up to 12 hours.
Three chicken breasts on the grill
  1. Grill Chicken. Let the chicken come to room temperature (if refrigerated). Grill chicken directly on the grill grates at 475 degrees F for 8 to 13 minutes, flipping halfway through (that’s 4 to 5 minutes on the first side and 4 to 8 minutes on the other side).
Three grilled chicken breasts on a plate
  1. Let Chicken Rest. Let it rest for a few minutes, add toppings, and DIG IN!

Recipe Variations

Use this recipe as a jumping-off point for your favorite spice rub and seasonings. In addition to the go-to chicken marinade I’ve suggested in the recipe below, here are a few more ideas to get you started.

  • Lemon Grilled Chicken Breast. Zest 1 additional lemon into your marinade. Finish the grilled chicken with an extra squeeze of lemon juice and additional lemon zest, if desired.
  • Italian Grilled Chicken Breast. Season the chicken with Italian seasoning. Serve topped with a handful of grated Mozzarella or Parmesan cheese.
  • BBQ Grilled Chicken Breast. Instead of marinating, brine the chicken by sprinkling it with kosher salt. Let sit in the refrigerator for 30 minutes. Brush off the excess salt. Baste the chicken with Barbecue Sauce before and halfway through grilling; it glazes the chicken and caramelizes, giving it lots of flavor. Serve with extra sauce for dipping.
  • Buffalo Grilled Chicken Breast. Instead of brushing the chicken with BBQ sauce per the above, brush it with Buffalo sauce. Then use it to top this Buffalo Chicken Pizza.
  • Teriyaki Chicken Breast. Create a marinade using 1/4 cup soy sauce, 3 tablespoons honey, 1 tablespoon rice vinegar, and 1/4 teaspoon sesame oil. Reserve 1/4 cup of the marinade to brush over the finished grilled chicken.
  • Cilantro Lime Chicken Breast. Swap the lemon juice in the marinade with lime juice, then finish with fresh cilantro. Cut the chicken into bite-sized pieces for chicken tacos.
Easy grilled chicken breasts on a plate

How Long to Grill Chicken Breast

The amount of time you need to grill juicy chicken breasts without them drying out will vary based on the size of the breast and how thinly you pound it.

  • Small Chicken Breasts (6- to 8 ounces each): 7 to 8 minutes
  • Medium Chicken Breasts (8- to 10 ounces each): 8 to 12 minutes
  • Large Chicken Breasts (10 ounces or more): 14 minutes or longer

No time for cooking chicken breasts on the grill? Try making Grilled Chicken Tenders, which cook in about 6 minutes.

Grilled chicken breast and salad on a plate

Storage Tips

  • To Store. Refrigerate chicken in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
  • To Reheat. Gently rewarm leftovers in a skillet on the stovetop over medium-low heat or in the microwave.
  • To Freeze. Freeze chicken in an airtight, freezer-safe storage container for up to 3 months. Let thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.

Meal Prep Tip

If you’re planning to make grilled chicken breasts for a crowd, they can be marinaded up to 12 hours in advance. Grilled chicken is easy to make in bulk and freeze.

Leftover Ideas

Whether on pizza, pasta, salads, or sandwiches, you really can’t go wrong with having leftover grilled chicken breasts in your fridge.

Healthy grilled chicken breast and salad on a plate

What to Serve With Grilled Chicken Breasts

  • Tongs. The ultimate grill tool!
  • Instant-read Meat Thermometer. The most accurate way to ensure chicken is cooked through.
  • Grill Pan. Perfect for making an indoor grilled chicken breast with grill marks and other grilled chicken recipes.

Tips for Grilling Chicken Breast Without Drying It Out

  • Marinate. Marinades tenderize meat by changing its protein structure which helps it stay juicier for longer. Even 15 minutes can make a major difference in results. (Check out my go-to Chicken Marinade or Chicken Thigh Marinade!)
  • Pound. Pounding the chicken to an even thickness helps it cook more evenly on the grill so the ends don’t dry out before the center cooks through.
  • Poke. While not strictly required, I like to poke holes all over my chicken breast with a fork to help the marinade absorb more quickly.
  • Temp It. Whether you’re making this grilled chicken breast recipe, chicken wings, skewers, or even a whole chicken, the best way to ensure your chicken is not dry is to use an instant-read thermometer to test the internal temperature. Chicken and other poultry are considered safe to eat at an internal temp of 165 degrees F in the thickest part. I typically remove my chicken around the 155 to 160-degree F mark. The carryover cooking, while the chicken rests, will bring it to temperature and ensure it is juicy, not dry.
  • Rest. No matter what kind of meat you are grilling (e.g., Grilled Pork Chops or Grilled Pork Tenderloin), allowing it to rest is mandatory. Resting allows the juices to reincorporate into the protein. If you cut it right away, those yummy juices will
The best grilled chicken breast on a plate
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Grilled Chicken Breast

The BEST grilled chicken breast and marinade recipe! An easy method for making tender, moist grilled chicken breasts every time. So Juicy!
Course Main Course
Cuisine American
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 10 minutes
Marinating Time 30 minutes
Total Time 1 hour
Servings 4 servings
Calories 226kcal

Ingredients

  • 1 3/4 pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts about 3 medium breasts
  • 1 batch best Chicken Marinade* see notes
  • Chopped fresh herbs crumbled feta cheese, a squeeze of lemon juice, optional for serving
  • Oil for grilling

Instructions

  • Place the chicken breasts on a cutting board (leave several inches between them and work in batches as needed). Cover with plastic wrap to keep things tidy, and with a meat mallet, rolling pin, or your fist, pound the chicken to an even thickness. It doesn't need to be ultra thin—just make sure the middle is fairly even with the ends (the chicken should be about 1/2-inch thick).
  • With a fork, poke holes all over the chicken (this will allow the marinade to absorb).
    A fork poking holes in raw meat
  • In a large ziptop bag, combine the marinade ingredients, then add the chicken.
    Meat and marinade in a plastic bag
  • Seal the bag to evenly coat the chicken with the marinade. Place in a pan or bowl to catch any drips. Let the chicken marinate at room temperature for at least 30 minutes, or refrigerate it to marinate for up to 12 hours (5 to 6 hours is ideal). Even 15 minutes is better than nothing!
    Meat and marinade in a bag
  • When ready to grill, preheat the grill to high (475 degrees F). If your chicken has been in the refrigerator, remove it and allow it to come to room temperature for at least 10 minutes. Clean and oil the grates.
  • Place the chicken on the grill presentation (smooth) side down, shaking off any excess marinade. Cover the grill and let cook for 4 to 5 minutes on the first side, then flip. The chicken should lift easily off the grill; if it sticks, allow it to cook another minute or two.
    Three chicken breasts on the grill
  • Recover the grill and cook for an additional 4 to 8 minutes. Chicken is considered done at 165 degrees F. I like to remove chicken from the grill around the 155-160 degree F mark and allow it to finish cooking while resting. DO NOT OVERCOOK, or your chicken will be dry.
  • Place the chicken on a plate and let rest for at least 5 minutes (resting is mandatory!). Add any desired toppings or sauces. Enjoy!

Video

Notes

  • *INGREDIENT NOTE: You can use any of your favorite chicken marinades for this recipe. See the blog post above for suggestions. At a minimum, marinate the chicken in a mixture of 3 tablespoons olive oil, 2 to 4 cloves garlic, 1 1/4 teaspoons kosher salt, 1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper, and 2 to 3 tablespoons of your acid of choice (lemon juice, lime juice, red wine or balsamic vinegar, etc.). You also can toss in a few teaspoons of your favorite dried herbs (I like Italian seasoning).
  • TO STORE: Refrigerate chicken in an airtight storage container for up to 3 days.
  • TO REHEAT: Gently rewarm leftovers in a skillet on the stovetop over medium-low heat or in the microwave.
  • TO FREEZE: Freeze chicken in an airtight, freezer-safe storage container for up to 3 months. Let thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.

Nutrition

Serving: 1(of 4); about 7 ounces | Calories: 226kcal | Protein: 42g | Fat: 5g | Saturated Fat: 1g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 1g | Monounsaturated Fat: 2g | Trans Fat: 0.03g | Cholesterol: 127mg | Potassium: 734mg | Vitamin A: 60IU | Vitamin C: 2mg | Calcium: 10mg | Iron: 1mg

Frequently Asked Questions

Can You Grill Chicken on the Stovetop?

Yes, you can make grilled chicken breasts on the stovetop using a grill pan. Your level of heat should at least be set to medium-high. This will vary depending on your stove. The cook time will remain the same. Keep an eye on the temperature of the chicken and on your heat as well. 

Can an Analog Thermometer Be Used to Test Chicken for Doneness?

If you only have an analog thermometer, you can also use it to test the chicken for doneness in a pinch. However, an inexpensive digital instant-read thermometer is game-changing tool for grilling. If you cook meat often, I highly recommend this lightening fast, dead accurate one.

How Long Do You Cook a Chicken Breast on the Grill?

The time a chicken breast takes to cook through on the grill will depend on its weight and thickness. A small chicken breast can cook in 7 to 8 minutes, where a large one may need 14 minutes. I’ve outlined more general guidelines above.

Can You Grill Chicken Breast From Frozen?

Yes. It is possible to prepare grilled frozen chicken breasts, but it is tricky. You will need to utilize both direct and indirect heat to prevent the chicken from drying out and ensure the middle reaches the proper internal temperature for doneness. For best results, thaw the chicken first, either overnight in the refrigerator, or in an airtight bag in a bowl of cold water. Change the water every 30 minutes to ensure the chicken does not get too warm.

What Temperature Is Best for Grilling Chicken?

I prefer grilling chicken on high, or about 475 degrees F. This cooks the chicken faster, keeping it from drying out.

Should I Grill Chicken With the Lid Open or Closed?

If your grill has a lid, I recommend closing it when cooking. This gives you the best of both worlds—an oven-like atmosphere that circulates hot air around the chicken for even cooking, and the direct heat from the grill for that nice sear.

How Long Before You Flip Chicken on the Grill?

Flip chicken breasts after 4 to 5 minutes, or as soon as you’re able to easily lift them from the grates without them sticking.

More Healthy Chicken Recipes

Lean and loaded with protein, here are some of my favorite healthy chicken recipes:

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Baked Chicken Tenders - A Reader-Favorite https://www.wellplated.com/honey-mustard-chicken-tenders/?adt_ei={{ subscriber.email_address }} https://www.wellplated.com/honey-mustard-chicken-tenders/#comments Fri, 19 May 2023 10:04:00 +0000 http://thelawstudentswife.com/2012/07/03/honey-mustard-chicken-strips-bacon-green-bean-salad-and-raspberry-peach-frozen-yogurt-sundaes/ Chicken Tenders Recipe

a plate of breaded chicken tendersCrispy, juicy, and oh-so-flavorful, this homemade baked chicken tenders recipe leaves fast food chicken tenders in the dust!

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Chicken Tenders Recipe a plate of breaded chicken tenders

Crispy, juicy, and super flavorful, this homemade Chicken Tenders Recipe leaves fast food chicken tenders in the dust! Best of all, you don’t even need to fry them—just pop them in the oven for an easy weeknight dinner.

a plate of breaded chicken tenders

Why You’ll Love these Crispy Chicken Tenders

  • Family Friendly. Kids LOVE this recipe (my 4 nieces can attest, they eat them every week), but it’s wholesome and elevated enough to be enjoyed by adults.
  • Nostalgic. When I was a kid, my default fast food order was chicken tenders with honey for dipping. Now that I’m a respectable adult, I make this chicken tenders recipe at home—and instead of straight-up honey, I whip up a creamy honey mustard dipping sauce.
  • Healthy. Unlike heavy drive-through fare, homemade chicken tenders are healthy and something you can feel good enjoying on a regular basis (like these Grilled Chicken Tenders and Air Fryer Chicken Tenders!).
  • Freezer-Friendly. Make a big batch in bulk, then pop them into the oven straight from frozen. Who needs the kind in the box?!
oven fried chicken tenders recipe

5 Star Review

“I made these for probably the 10th time last night. Family favorite.”

— Elizabeth —

About This Homemade Chicken Tenders Recipe

Today’s baked chicken tenders recipe combines delightfully crispy chicken with a honey mustard sauce that’s creamy, tangy, and juuuust sweet enough to make things interesting.

Don’t be mistaken, though—there’s more to these chicken tenders than that crispy baked coating. There’s also a sweet and tangy buttermilk honey marinade, along with mustard beaten into the egg that you’ll use for dredging.

The marinade locks in the moisture and gives the chicken tenders a lightly sweet, zippy flavor, while the crunchy Panko bakes into a crispy, golden crust. It’s like a down-sized version of my Baked Fried Chicken!

After you make this baked chicken tenders recipe, you will never want to eat fast food nuggets ever again.

crispy chicken tenders recipe

How to Make Chicken Tenders

Lucky for me (and you), making your own baked chicken tenders from scratch is quick and easy.

The Ingredients

For the Chicken Tenders:

  • Kosher Salt. Kosher salt crystals are larger than table salt, so if you substitute table salt, you’ll need to use about 1/4 less.
  • Smoked Paprika. Smoked paprika is one of those magical ingredients that belongs in every kitchen pantry. You can use regular sweet paprika, but it doesn’t have that nice, smoky flavor.
  • Onion Powder and Garlic Powder. The classics help season these tenders!
  • Honey. Use a runny honey—an everyday kind of honey, not the fancy spreadable stuff.
  • Low-Fat Buttermilk. For the marinade of our dreams.
  • Chicken Tenderloins or Boneless Skinless Chicken Breasts. If you use chicken breasts, cut them into 3/4-inch strips.
  • Whole Wheat Panko Bread Crumbs. Regular Panko is fine too if you can’t find whole wheat.
  • Extra-Virgin Olive Oil. For our breading.
  • Egg Whites. Or simply use one large egg.
  • Dijon Mustard. Whisked together with the eggs for the dredging.

For the Creamy Honey Mustard Dipping Sauce:

  • Non-Fat Plain Greek Yogurt. Gives us that tang!
  • Dijon Mustard and Honey. Making sauce is creamy, tangy, and perfectly sweet.

Substitution Tip

No buttermilk? Whisk 1 cup of dairy milk with 1 tablespoon of white vinegar or lemon juice. Let the mixture sit 5 minutes to thicken and curdle.

The Directions

dredging chicken for chicken tenders recipe
  1. Marinade. The chicken tenders should sit in the buttermilk marinade for 30 minutes.
breading for oven baked chicken tenders recipe
  1. Make the Breading. Do this in a wide, shallow dish.
dredging easy chicken tenders recipe
  1. Make the Wet “Dip”. This will help the breadcrumbs stick.
how to make chicken tenders recipe
  1. Get Ready for Dredging. This process is easier if everything is in a line.
breading oven baked chicken tenders recipe
  1. Dredge. Dip each chicken tender into the egg mixture, followed by the breadcrumbs, then place the chicken tender on a wire rack set on a baking sheet.
baked chicken tenders recipe on a baking sheet
  1. Bake. 350 degrees F for 15 to 20 minutes, or until the chicken tenders golden brown and the juices run clear.
sauce for crispy chicken tenders recipe
  1. Make the Dipping Sauce. Serve the baked chicken tenders with the sauce and ENJOY!

Dietary Note

Unlike a lot of other tender recipes, there’s no all-purpose flour in these baked chicken tenders, so making it gluten-free is easy! Just swap the Panko breadcrumbs for gluten-free Panko.

Seasoning Ideas

  • Cajun Baked Chicken Tenders. Skip the smoked paprika, garlic powder, and onion powder and use Cajun seasoning instead. You’ll also want to skip the mustard in the egg whites.
  • Herbed Chicken Tenders. Use Italian-style panko breadcrumbs, or add Italian seasoning to the breadcrumb mixture instead of paprika. You can also add Parmesan cheese to the breadcrumbs if you’d like. (Skip the mustard in the egg whites here, too.)
  • Spicy Chicken Tenders. Instead of mustard, whisk your favorite hot sauce into the egg white mixture, then add cayenne pepper to the breading. Pair your fiery chicken tenders with cool ranch dressing.
  • Crispy Asian Chicken Tenders. Perfect for pairing with sweet-and-sour sauce!
a plate of the best chicken tenders recipe

Storage Tips

  • To Store. Refrigerate baked chicken tenders in an airtight storage container for up to 3 days.
  • To Reheat. Reheat leftovers in the oven at 350 degrees F or in the air fryer. In a pinch, you can use the microwave, but the exterior won’t be as crispy.
  • To Freeze. Arrange the chicken tenders in a single layer on a parchment-lined baking sheet. Freeze just until solid, then transfer the frozen tenders to an airtight container or freezer bag and freeze for up to 3 months. Reheat directly from frozen.

Leftover Ideas

Give your work lunch salad a protein boost by adding leftover baked chicken tenders! They’re great with Spinach Strawberry Salad and Kale and Brussels Sprouts Salad. Or, add them to Cobb Salad or Chicken Caesar Wrap for a fun variation.

What to Serve With This Chicken Tenders Recipe

  • Tongs. While you can use your hands (or a single hand, as described below) for this chicken tenders recipe, tongs will keep your fingers from getting coated in panko.
  • Stainless Steel Breading Set. This ingenious little set has connected shallow dishes to minimize the mess when you’re breading chicken and veggies.
  • Wire Baking Rack. For crispy chicken tenders in the oven, a wire rack is key. Like an air fryer basket, it allows the hot air to circulate all around the tenders so the bottoms don’t steam and get soggy.
a plate of chicken tenders recipe dipped in sauce

a plate of breaded chicken tenders
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Chicken Tenders Recipe

Crispy, juicy and oh-so-flavorful, this homemade baked chicken tenders recipe leaves fast food versions in the dust. A true family favorite!
Course Main Course
Cuisine American
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 55 minutes
Servings 12 chicken tenders
Calories 412kcal

Ingredients

For the Honey Mustard Chicken Tenders:

For the Creamy Honey Mustard Dipping Sauce:

  • 1/2 cup non-fat plain Greek yogurt
  • 2 tablespoons Dijon mustard
  • 1 tablespoon honey plus 1 teaspoon, plus additional to taste
  • Pinch salt

Instructions

  • For the Honey Mustard Chicken Tenders: In a large bowl, combine 1 tablespoon salt, 1 teaspoon smoked paprika, 1/2 teaspoon onion powder, and 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder in a large bowl. Add the buttermilk and honey and whisk until well combined. Add the chicken tenders, toss to coat, then let stand at room temperature for 30 minutes. (Do not allow to sit longer, or the chicken will become too salty.)
    dredging chicken for chicken tenders recipe
  • In a large, shallow dish (a 9×13-inch pan works well), combine the Panko breadcrumbs and remaining 1/2 teaspoon salt, 1 teaspoon smoked paprika, 1/2 teaspoon onion powder, 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder. Drizzle the oil over the top, then toss to moisten.
    breading for oven baked chicken tenders recipe
  • In a second shallow dish, whisk together the egg whites and mustard.
    dredging easy chicken tenders recipe
  • Preheat oven to 350ºF. Line a rimmed baking sheet with foil, then place an ovenproof wire rack on top of it. Coat the rack with cooking spray.
    how to make chicken tenders recipe
  • Arrange the bowls in a line from left to right as follows: egg white dish; Panko breadcrumbs; baking sheet. Working with a few pieces of chicken at a time, with your left hand, remove the chicken from the marinade and shake off any excess (this is the “wet” hand). Still with your left hand, dip the chicken into egg mixture, turning to coat all sides, then place in breadcrumb mixture. With your right hand (the “dry” hand), pat the chicken on all sides with the breadcrumbs, pressing them on lightly so that the chicken is well coated. Still with your dry hand, place the chicken on the baking sheet, leaving a little space between each. Repeat for remaining tenders.
    breading oven baked chicken tenders recipe
  • Bake the chicken until golden brown and the juices run clear, 15-20 minutes.
    baked chicken tenders recipe on a baking sheet
  • While the chicken bakes, stir the dip ingredients together in a small bowl: Greek yogurt, Dijon, honey, and salt. Taste and add additional honey as desired. Serve chicken hot or at room temperature with the dip.
    sauce for crispy chicken tenders recipe

Notes

  • No buttermilk? Stir 1 cup regular milk (1% or 2% is preferable) together with 1 tablespoon white vinegar or lemon juice and let sit 5 minutes. Stir once more then use in the recipe as directed.
  • You can also use regular, unseasoned breadcrumbs in place of Panko, but the chicken tenders will not be as crispy.
  • Nutritional information for this recipe is a rough estimate, because much of the marinade is discarded. Use this information as a guide only. You can also calculate it yourself and tweak ingredient amounts at myfitnesspal.com
  • TO STORE: Refrigerate baked chicken tenders in an airtight storage container for up to 3 days.
  • TO REHEAT: Reheat leftovers in the oven at 350 degrees F or in the air fryer. In a pinch, you can use the microwave, but the exterior won’t be as crispy.
  • TO FREEZE: Arrange the chicken tenders in a single layer on a parchment-lined baking sheet. Freeze just until solid, then transfer the frozen tenders to an airtight container or freezer bag and freeze for up to 3 months. Reheat directly from frozen.

Nutrition

Serving: 3chicken strips with 3 tablespoons sauce | Calories: 412kcal | Carbohydrates: 35g | Protein: 46g | Fat: 1g | Saturated Fat: 2g | Cholesterol: 107mg | Fiber: 4g | Sugar: 6g

Frequently Asked Questions

What Is the Difference Between Chicken Strips and Chicken Tenders?

Chicken strips and chicken tenders—not to mention chicken fingers—are terms that are often used interchangeably, but they’re not quite the same. Chicken strips and fingers are made by slicing chicken breasts into strips; chicken tenders are an actual cut of chicken called the tenderloin or inner filet.

How Do You Get Breading to Stick to Chicken Tenders?

There are a few tips for making sure the breading sticks to chicken tenders. First, shake off the excess marinade; let the excess egg drip off too, then press the chicken into the breadcrumb mixture. 

If your fingers start to get gunky (yes, that’s a technical term), wipe them off—I’ve found that breadcrumbs from the chicken are more likely to come off on my fingers if I already have a layer of breadcrumbs and egg on them.

Finally, be sure to thoroughly coat the wire rack with cooking spray to keep the breadcrumbs from sticking to the rack and pulling off when the chicken is done baking.

How Long Should Chicken Tenders Be Cooked For?

For best results, chicken tenders should be cooked for at least 15 to 20 minutes. The exact cooking time will depend on the size and thickness of the pieces, but a good way to check if the tenders are cooked is to pierce them with a fork or knife—if the juices run clear, then they’re ready. 

Are Chicken Tenders Real Chicken?

Yes, chicken tenders are real chicken. They’re made from the tenderloin, which is a small strip of muscle located on either side of the breastbone. 

How Do You Keep Chicken Moist and Juicy?

One of the best ways to keep chicken moist and juicy is by using a marinade; this chicken tenders recipe uses a simple buttermilk marinade for perfect, succulent chicken. It’s also important not to overcook your chicken—check for doneness after 15 minutes or check the internal temperature of the chicken and remove it from the oven when it reaches 165 degrees F.

Related Recipes

A chicken dinner is always a winner! Here are some of my favorites:

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Get the Crispiest Sweet Potato Fries in Your Air Fryer https://www.wellplated.com/air-fryer-sweet-potato-fries/?adt_ei={{ subscriber.email_address }} https://www.wellplated.com/air-fryer-sweet-potato-fries/#comments Tue, 09 May 2023 21:00:00 +0000 https://www.wellplated.com/?p=72038 Air Fryer Sweet Potato Fries

crispy sweet potato air fryer friesThese crispy air fryer sweet potato fries use only 2 teaspoons of oil. Seasoned to perfection, they're a healthy way to enjoy fries at home!

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Air Fryer Sweet Potato Fries crispy sweet potato air fryer fries

Delightfully crispy, surprisingly healthy, and incredibly easy—these Air Fryer Sweet Potato Fries have it all! Pair them with your favorite dipping sauce and just try not to eat them all.

crispy sweet potato air fryer fries

A dead ringer for their deep-fried counterparts, these air fryer sweet potato fries have the irresistibility of your restaurant favorites but with a fraction of the oil (you can even make air fryer sweet potato fries with NO oil if you prefer).

As with these baked Sweet Potato Fries and Sweet Potato Wedges, there’s ZERO deep frying, but the fries are still golden and crisp.

They’re a guilt-free, healthy side dish you can enjoy as often as you please.

As a bonus, these air fryer sweet potato fries are easy and weeknight-friendly too, especially when paired with Air Fryer Hamburgers.

crispy air fryer sweet potato fries on a plate with small bowl of ketchup

5 Star Review

UH-MAZE-ING. We ate the whole batch!

— Anita —

How to Make Crispy Air Fryer Sweet Potato Fries

This recipe has all the tips you need to make sure your sweet potato fries don’t get soggy. (Nope, you don’t need to soak your sweet potato fries in water!)

Season these healthy fries however you please, and dip to your heart’s content.


The Ingredients

  • Sweet Potatoes. An excellent source of fiber, beta carotene, potassium, and more, sweet potatoes are a nutritional powerhouse. (Love ‘em? Be sure to check out these yummy oven Roasted Sweet Potatoes. Or try this Air Fryer Sweet Potato recipe if you don’t want fries.)

Market Swap

For healthy fries made with regular potatoes, check out my classic Air Fryer French Fries. Or for a different style of potato in the air fryer, try Air Fryer Baked Potato.

  • Olive Oil. 2 teaspoons per pound of sweet potato is all the oil you need to air fry them with success.

Substitution Tip!

  • For air fryer sweet potato fries no oil style, you can omit the oil. The fries will taste dryer—which is why I find using a little heart-healthy olive oil completely worth it—but you can still cook them with success.
  • You can also make these fries with canola oil, avocado oil, or peanut oil.
  • Seasonings. Keep it simple with salt and pepper or switch it up with your favorite seasoning blends. Garlic and paprika are our go-to’s; see below for more ideas.

TIP!

To help the flavor pop, sprinkle the fries with a pinch of additional kosher salt immediately after removing them from the air fryer.

The Directions

sweet potato sticks sliced for air fryer
  1. Peel and cut the sweet potatoes lengthwise into strips. Then, preheat the air fryer.
sweet potato fries in a bowl
  1. Drizzle with oil and sprinkle with seasoning.
sweet potato fries in the air fryer
  1. For extra crispiness, place in the air fryer in one layer.
sweet potato fries in the air fry with little oil
  1. Air fry sweet potato fries for 4 minutes, flip, then continue for 4 to 8 additional minutes, until they’re as crispy as you’d like. Sprinkle with a bit more salt. Enjoy!
Overhead view of crispy air fryer sweet potato fries on plate with ketchup

Keeping Sweet Potato Fries from Getting Soggy

If your air fryer fries are soggy, it is likely because you over-crowded them in the basket. The sweet potatoes steam when crowded together, instead of air frying.

  • For the best, most crispy results, cook the fries in a single layer so that the air has room to circulate.
  • For decent results, you can cook up to two layers of sweet potato fries at once. Be sure the layers are not tightly packed and toss the fries in the basket often to promote even cooking.

Some recipes call for soaking the sweet potatoes in water prior to cooking them to help remove some of the starch and make the fries more crispy.

When making fries with sweet potatoes, I found this step didn’t make enough of a difference to be worth the effort. (Save soaking for Baked French Fries and Air Fryer Potato Wedges; regular potatoes have more starch than sweet potatoes, so soaking does make an important difference!)

Sweet Potato Seasoning Ideas

  • Cajun Sweet Potato Fries. Toss the fries in your favorite Cajun seasoning. Wait to season with salt to taste at the end, since Cajun seasoning blends typically already contain salt.
  • Spicy Sweet Potato Fries. Add 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper.
  • Parmesan Sweet Potato Fries. Top your air fried sweet potato fries with 1 to 2 tablespoons of freshly grated Parmesan.
  • Sweet Sweet Potato Fries. Toss the sweet potatoes with salt, a pinch of cinnamon, and a pinch of brown sugar.

Storage Tips

  • To Store. Refrigerate leftover sweet potato fries in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
  • To Reheat. For the best results, reheat leftover fries in the air fryer at 375 degrees F or in a 400 degrees F oven (I like to preheat the pan in the oven while it warms up); spread the fries in a single layer on the hot pan and recrisp. Air fryer fries reheat better than regular fries, since the lesser amount of oil prevents them from getting soggy.
  • To Freeze. Freeze fries in a single layer on a baking sheet until solid. Transfer to an airtight container or ziptop bag and freeze for up to 3 months. Reheat directly from frozen.

Meal Prep Tip

  • You also can use this recipe for frozen air fryer sweet potato fries. Keep a bag of your favorite brand in the freezer, then cook them in the air fryer instead of the oven. Or better yet, make a double or triple batch of these healthy homemade air fryer sweet potato fries and freeze them yourself.
  • To cook air fryer sweet potato fries from frozen. Coat your air fryer basket with nonstick spray and preheat the air fryer to 400 degrees F. Arrange the frozen sweet potato fries in a single layer in the basket (no need to toss them in oil). Bake for 10 to 15 minutes, turning the fries once about 6 minutes into the cook time.
air fryer sweet potato fries on a plate with small bowl of ketchup

What to Serve With Air Fryer Sweet Potato Fries

  • Chef Knife. This 8-inch chef knife is made from a single piece of steel and stays sharper for longer.
  • Cutting Board. A durable, non porous, polypropylene cutting board that doesn’t dull knives.
  • Air Fryer. This 5.5-quart Ninja air fryer preheats fast, thoroughly circulates air for prime crispiness, and cleans in a breeze.

I hope you fight over these sweet potato fries as much as we do. And I mean that in the best possible way!

Frequently Asked Questions

Are Sweet Potato Fries Actually Healthy?

Traditional sweet potato fries kind of negate all of the health benefits of sweet potatoes with the deep frying and salt. Air fryer sweet potato fries are made with only a small amount of oil for fewer calories and you control the amount of sodium, which means: yes, they are actually healthy! You can read more about the benefits of sweet potatoes here.

Why Are My Sweet Potato Fries Burning in the Air Fryer?

If you cut your sweet potato fries in uneven sizes (i.e., some much thinner than others), the smaller fries may start to burn while the thicker fries are still cooking. If all of the fries are burning, the temperature of your air fryer is too high or the fries have been cooking for too long.

How Do You Fix Mushy Sweet Potato Fries?

Unfortunately, once your fries are mushy, there’s not much you can do to crisp them up. If the fries are packed into the basket too tightly, they will steam and soften.

crispy sweet potato air fryer fries
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Air Fryer Sweet Potato Fries

These crispy air fryer sweet potato fries use only 2 teaspoons of oil. Seasoned to perfection, they're a healthy way to enjoy fries at home!
Course Side Dish
Cuisine American
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Total Time 40 minutes
Servings 3 to 4 people
Calories 91kcal

Ingredients

Instructions

  • Scrub the sweet potatoes and peel if desired (I leave the peels on). Cut the sweet potatoes in half lengthwise. Turn the halves cut-side down onto your cutting board, the slice each half lengthwise into 1/4-inch-wide strips (a mandoline is the best way to get even fries; watch your fingers!).
    sweet potato sticks sliced for air fryer
  • Turn the strips on their sides and cut each into 1/4-inch sticks. If the sticks are long, slice them in half crosswise so that your fries are about 3 to 4 inches. Transfer the fries to a large mixing bowl.
  • To keep the fries warm between batches, preheat the oven to 200°F and keep a baking sheet handy.
  • Drizzle the sweet potato fries with the oil and sprinkle with salt, garlic powder, paprika, and black pepper. Toss to coat, making sure the spices and oil are well distributed.
    sweet potato fries in a bowl
  • Preheat the air fryer to 375°F according to the manufacturer’s instructions. (For my air fryer, that is 3 minutes of preheat time).

FOR SOMEWHAT CRISPY, HIGHLY SATISFYING SWEET POTATO FRIES IN FEWER BATCHES:

  • Place the potatoes in the air fryer basket, doing no more than two layers (my air fryer is 5 1/2 quarts and I can add about 1/3 of the fries). Make sure the fries have plenty of room so that the air can circulate. Cook the sweet potato fries for 5 minutes.
  • Slide the basket out and use tongs to toss. Return to the air fryer and continue cooking for 5 to 7 additional minutes, until browned at the edges and crispy. The time can vary by several minutes based on your air fryer model and how done you like your fries. Check often during the last few minutes to make sure the fries don’t burn.

FOR SUPER CRISPY SWEET POTATO FRIES IN MORE BATCHES:

  • Place the sweet potatoes in just one layer in the basket, being careful that they do not overlap. Cook for 4 minutes, slide the basket out and flip, then continue cooking for 4 to 8 additional minutes, until the fries are as crispy as you would like (again, the time will vary based on your model, so check them several times and adjust as needed).
    sweet potato fries in the air fryer
  • Remove the sweet potato fries to a baking sheet or a serving plate and immediately sprinkle with an additional pinch of kosher salt. Repeat with remaining sweet potatoes, keeping the cooked fries warm in the oven between batches as desired. Top with chives and enjoy!
    sweet poertato fries in the air fry with little oil

Video

Notes

  • *You can make the sweet potato fries with no oil if you prefer, but they will not be as crisp. Be sure to coat the fryer basket very well with nonstick spray.
  • In the recipe video, I am making a curry variation with salt, black pepper, and 1 tablespoon curry powder.
  • TO STORE: Refrigerate leftover sweet potato fries in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
  • TO REHEAT: For the best results, rewarm leftover fries in the air fryer at 375°F or in a 400°F oven (I like to preheat the pan in the oven while it warms up); spread the fries in a single layer on the hot pan and recrisp. Air fryer fries reheat better than regular fries, since the lesser amount of oil inherently prevents them from getting soggy.
  • TO FREEZE: Freeze fries in a single layer on a baking sheet until solid. Transfer to an airtight container or ziptop bag and freeze for up to 3 months. Reheat directly from frozen.
 
 

Nutrition

Serving: 1of 3 | Calories: 91kcal | Carbohydrates: 16g | Protein: 1g | Fat: 3g | Saturated Fat: 1g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 1g | Monounsaturated Fat: 2g | Potassium: 270mg | Fiber: 2g | Sugar: 3g | Vitamin A: 10853IU | Vitamin C: 2mg | Calcium: 25mg | Iron: 1mg

Related Recipes

It’s always good to have some back-pocket sides to round out your dinner. Here are some of my favorite side dish recipes:

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