The Lean Green Bean

Chicken Pesto Pasta

Lindsay — Thu, 06 Nov 2025 05:00:00 +0000

This Chicken Pesto Pasta is an easy and delicious family-friendly dinner recipe that everyone will love! It comes together quickly and is full of flavor!

*Originally published 6/2017. Updated 11/2025*

Hi friends!

I’m excited to share this updated recipe for Chicken Pesto Pasta with you today! It is so easy and flavorful. Truly a dish the whole family can enjoy and I’ve been making it on repeat lately.

Why You’ll Love This Chicken Pesto Pasta

Just a few things to love about this recipe:

It’s quick enough for a weeknight dinner but can also be fancy enough for date night.
It’s easy to customize – you could easily add more veggies! Try dropping some chopped broccoli or green beans in with the pasta for the last few minutes of cooking.
You can add a seasonal spin – Try adding some fresh sweet corn in the summer or some roasted squash in the Fall.
High protein – You’ll get protein from the chicken and you can add even more protein by choosing a higher protein pasta. My kids love Barilla Plus!

Chicken Pesto Pasta Ingredients

For this recipe you’ll need:

Chicken – I use boneless, skinless chicken breasts
Marinade ingredients – oil, red wine vinegar, garlic powder, paprika and salt
Tomatoes – I use grape or cherry tomatoes cut in half
Garlic and butter – for flavor
Heavy cream – to thicken the sauce slightly
Pesto – feel free to use homemade or store-bought
Parmesan – freshly grated!
Pasta – pick your favorite shape!

How To Make Chicken Pesto Pasta

Making this recipe requires just a few simple steps:

Marinate the chicken.
Pan sear the chicken until cooked through and set aside.
Cook the pasta according to package directions.
In the same pan you cooked the chicken in, saute tomatoes, butter and garlic.
Add the cream, pesto and parmesan.
Stir in the cooked pasta and add chicken before serving!

Pesto Pasta Protein Options

This recipe works great with any type of chicken. Feel free to skip pan-searing the chicken and just mix in some leftover baked or grilled chicken, or use shredded rotisserie chicken to make it come together even more quickly!

If you don’t want chicken, you could sub shrimp in the same marinade!

Chicken Pesto Pasta Variations

Here are some easy variations to consider:

Vegetable variations

Feel free to change up the vegetables in this recipe. You could add asparagus, broccoli, green beans, zucchini or even a couple of handfuls of baby spinach!

Gluten-Free Chicken Pesto Pasta

To make this recipe gluten-free, just sub in a gluten-free pasta of your choice. I like Jovial or Tinkayada. The rest of the recipe is naturally gluten-free. Be sure to double-check the pasta if needed.

Creamy Chicken Pesto Pasta

To make this recipe even creamier, try melting in a few ounces of cream cheese when you add the heavy cream and pesto!

Seasonal variations

Try adding peas or asparagus in the spring, roasted squash in the fall and fresh corn, zucchini and/or green beans in the spring.

Healthy Chicken Pesto Pasta

This recipe is already fairly healthy. To add more nutrients, try:

Swapping in whole wheat pasta or a higher protein pasta option
Add more veggies. You can easily add several more servings of vegetables to this recipe!
Cut back on the pesto a little bit and add some fresh basil and cayenne pepper or red pepper flakes for extra flavor.

Easy Chicken Pesto Pasta

To make this dish as easy as possible, grab a rotisserie chicken and skip cooking the chicken. And grab some store-bought pesto vs making your own!

What To Serve with Chicken Pesto Pasta

This pasta dish could be a complete meal on its own but if you’re looking for something to serve with it, try:

Salad! A simple salad would be great. Or try this Loaded Strawberry Spinach Salad or this Mediterranean Chopped Salad.
Garlic bread – Always goes great with pasta! Try this Homemade Garlic Bread.
Side of veggies – You can never have too many! Try Crispy Green Bean Fries, Maple Glazed Carrots or Cheesy Broccoli!

Chicken Pesto Pasta vs Caprese Pasta

Caprese Pasta Salad typically has a base of noodles and includes tomatoes and fresh basil as well, but it often comes with a balsamic dressing and the addition of fresh mozzarella. Here’s a recipe for Caprese Pasta Salad. Chicken pesto pasta has a pesto-based dressing/sauce. You could definitely add fresh mozzarella pearls to the chicken pesto pasta!

Meal Prep Chicken Pesto Pasta and Storage

Can chicken pesto pasta be made ahead of time? Yes! It holds up well and can be stored in the fridge. Just reheat in the microwave when ready to eat.

You can even enjoy this pasta dish warm or cold which makes it a great option to pack for lunch.

Pesto Chicken Pasta Recipe

Here’s how you make it:

Chicken Pesto Pasta

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This Chicken Pesto Pasta is an easy and delicious family-friendly dinner recipe that everyone will love! It comes together quickly and is full of flavor!

Author: Lindsay
Yield: serves 4

Ingredients

For the chicken:

1 – 1.5 pounds boneless, skinless chicken breast, pounded thin
2 Tbsp oil
2 Tbsp red wine vinegar
1 tsp garlic powder
1 tsp paprika
1 tsp salt

For the pasta

2 cups uncooked pasta (shape of your choice)
2 Tbsp butter
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 pint cherry or grape tomatoes, halved
1/2 cup heavy cream
1/2 cup pesto
1/4 cup freshly grated parmesan, plus more for serving
1/2 tsp cayenne pepper or red pepper flakes, optional

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Instructions

In a large Ziploc bag, combine chicken, oil, vinegar, garlic powder, paprika and salt. Shake to combine and let marinate at least 30 minutes, up to overnight.
In a large pan over medium heat, add 1 Tbsp oil and pan sear chicken breasts 3-4 minutes per side until cooked through to a temperature of 165 degrees F.
Remove from pan and set aside.
Cook pasta according to package directions. Reserve 1/4 cup pasta water before draining.
In the same pan you used for the chicken, add butter, garlic and tomatoes and saute over medium heat for 5 minutes.
Turn heat to low and add cream, pesto, parmesan, red pepper and reserved pasta water and stir gently for 2-3 minutes.
Add drained pasta and stir to coat.
Serve with sliced chicken on top or cut up chicken and mix in with the pasta.
Top with fresh parmesan before serving.

So easy, right?!

Chicken Pesto Pasta FAQs

What is the best pasta to use for chicken pesto pasta?

You can use any kind of shape or type of pasta you want for this recipe! Just cook according to package directions! I typically make it with spirals or elbows.

Can I make creamy chicken pesto pasta without heavy cream?

You could try adding in some plain Greek yogurt or cream cheese to add some creaminess to the pasta without heavy cream.

How do I make chicken pesto pasta healthier?

To make this pasta healthier, try using a whole wheat or high protein pasta. You could also try a chickpea-based pasta like Banza. And add some extra vegetables! Green beans, broccoli, asparagus, corn and zucchini would all work well in this recipe. You could saute the corn or zucchini with the tomatoes or toss the green beans, asparagus or broccoli in to cook with the pasta.

Can I use rotisserie chicken in chicken pesto pasta?

Yes! To help this meal come together even more quickly, swap cooking the chicken breasts for just mixing in some rotiserie chicken at the end.

What vegetables go best in chicken pesto pasta?

Lots of vegetables would work well in this recipe. Things that can cook quickly in boiling water like broccoli, cauliflower, green beans or asparagus are great. You could also roast up a tray of your favorite root vegetables like sweet potatoes and mix those in at that end! In the summer, corn and zucchiini are great choices.

Can I make chicken pesto pasta gluten-free?

Yes! To make this recipe gluten-free, use a gluten-free pasta and check to make sure your pesto is gluten-free.

How do I store and reheat chicken pesto pasta?

Store your pasta dish in a glass container in the fridge for up to 4 days. To reheat, simply put in the microwave!

Can I serve chicken pesto pasta cold as pasta salad?

Yes! This pasta can be eaten warm or cold. Reheat if you want or pack it in a lunchbox and enjoy it cold!

Is homemade pesto better than store-bought for chicken pesto pasta?

Either homemade or storebought pesto will work well in this recipe! If you want to make your own, try this Basil Pesto recipe.

Can I make chicken pesto pasta ahead of time for meal prep?

Yes! This pasta dish holds up well in the fridge making it perfect for meal prep. Make it ahead of time and enjoy it for lunch or dinner all week long!

Want more recipes like this? Try:

Enjoy!
–Lindsay–

30+ Easy Protein Snacks

Lindsay — Wed, 24 Sep 2025 16:09:10 +0000

This list of easy protein snacks is full of lots of 5-minute options for busy families! Everything from make-ahead protein options to quick protein snacks for busy parents!

Hi friends!

As an RD, I frequently get asked for high-protein snack ideas since getting enough protein is curently all the rage! I recently shared some Cottage Cheese Protein Snacks and now I’m back today to share more high-protein ideas!

Easy Healthy Snacks To Make

So if you’re looking for some high-protein snacks to make that taste good and require minimal time and effort, scroll down! I’ve got lots of ideas for you.

All of these snacks are quick and easy, selected with busy families in mind and many can be prepped ahead of time so they’re easy to grab during a busy week!

5 Minute Protein Snacks (No Cooking Required)

If you have big protein goals, there are lots of quick and easy 5-minute protein snacks out there that don’t require any cooking! Here are a few ideas

Tuna Salad – Easy to whip up and can easily be customized to include more veggies, your favorite seasonings, etc. If you don’t like mayo, try using hummus or plain yogurt to make it creamy. Enjoy with crackers, put it in a wrap or sandwich, or serve with veggies like mini bell peppers for scooping!
Protein Energy Bites – Can easily be whipped up with a food processor and just a few ingredients like oats, protein powder and nut butter. Add more nuts and seeds like pepitas, hemp hearts, etc for extra protein!
Yogurt Parfait – Start with Greek yogurt and add your favorite toppings like fruit, chopped nuts and seeds, protein granola, etc to boost the protein content
Turkey and Cheese Rollups – Grab some thinly sliced turkey or ham and add to a wrap with sliced veggies and cheese, plus cream cheese, hummus and/or guacamole. Or skip the wrap and wrap the deli meat around the cheese and veggies.
Protein Smoothie – Endless flavor combination are possible. Use Greek yogurt or milk to add protein, plus a scoop or two of protein powder to increase the protein even more, plus your favorite frozen fruit and some hemp or seeds!

Easy Protein Snack Ideas Kids Will Love

It can be tricky to get enough protein into your kids when all they seem to want are carbs and fruit, but here are a simple, kid-friendly ideas:

Chocolate milk – Pair a glass of chocolate milk with a high fiber muffin for a quick snack! If they’re not a fan of chocolate milk, swap for a container of lower sugar yogurt like Chobani or Siggis.
String cheese – String cheese typically has 7g protein per stick. Pair it with a handful of crackers or trail mix!
Protein pasta – Several different brand options out there- Barilla, Banza, etc and many taste just like regular pasta! Just add sauce if desired and serve!
Cereal and milk – Choose a low sugar cereal and top with milk. Add some fresh blueberries for sweetness! Here are some Low Sugar Cereals for Kids.
Frozen waffles – Look for a brand low in added sugar and sodium and high in protein. Top with nut butter! Here are some of the Best Healthy Frozen Waffles. Or make your own and freeze them.

Other ideas include energy bites, Lentil Banana Muffins, ham and cheese pinwheels, and even chicken nuggets! Here’s a great post from my friend and fellow RD Sally on Protein Snacks for Kids.

Simple Make-Ahead Protein Options

The easiest way to make sure you’re eating enough protein during the week is to prep it ahead of time. Lean protein like chicken and steak can be prepped ahead of time in large batches along with pancakes and patties that can be reheated during the week. And things like chia pudding and overnight oats are best made ahead of time as well!

Chia pudding – Make it with milk, add yogurt for more protein, sweeten with fruit and add fun mix-ins! If you’re not a fan of chia, try overnight oats instead!
Egg wraps – Eat these warm or cold, by themselves, or filled with your favorites like turkey, avocado and cheese. If you don’t want wraps, you could also make egg muffins or egg waffles.
Protein Pancakes – Lots of different options out there using oats, almond flour, protein powder, etc so you can find one that fits your needs!
Air fryer steak bites – quick and easy to cook and have on hand for meals and snacks. Or try meatballs if you don’t like steak.
Tuna Patties – An easy way to transform canned tuna into a portable snack.
Greek yogurt bark – Start with Greek yogurt and add whatever mix-ins you like – pepitas, hemp seeds, chopped nuts, fruit, granola, etc. You can also mix in some peanut butter! Spread it on parchment paper to freeze and then break into pieces. If you prefer, you can also spoon the mixture into popsicle molds so kids can eat it that way!

Easy Protein Snacks with 3 Ingredients or Less

Sometimes you just don’t have time for a complicated snack and you need something super simple with minimal ingredients. These ideas can be boiled down to 3 simple ingredients but can also easily be jazzed up with a few simple tweaks!

Cottage Cheese Bowl – Make them sweet or savory, Keep it simple with something like cottage cheese, fruit, pumpkin seeds or add extra ingredients if you want!
Homemade Lunchable – Keep it simple with turkey, cheese and crackers or add extra protein with hard boiled eggs and some fruit or veggies! Don’t like turkey? Use thinly sliced chicken breast! Here are some Healthy Crackers for Kids and Adults.
Avocado toast– Add smoked salmon or egg (or both!) for extra protein and seasonings of your choice!
Ground turkey taco – All you really need is a tortilla or taco shell, turkey taco meat and cheese. But you can easily take it up a level with a spoonful of guacamole or salsa!
Roasted chickpea trail mix – Popcorn, roasted chickpeas and peanuts make a great simple combo. Jazz it up a little more by adding plantain chips or dried fruit like raisins!

Quick Protein Snacks for Busy Parents

If you’re a parent, you know how tough it is to find time to eat healthy snacks on a busy day. Here are some quick ideas that will still pack a protein punch!

Steamed edamame with salt – Cook in a skillet or look for the steamable bag to cook in the microwave!
Greek yogurt bagel with peanut butter – or skip the peanut butter and add a fried egg with a slice of cheese!
High protein dip with veggies – Use cottage cheese as the base and pick your favorite flavor combination!
No-Bake Protein Bars – If you’re not a fan of store-bought protein bars, try making your own!

Grab and Go Easy Protein Ideas

Need more ideas? Here are some Healthy High protein Snack Ideas I recommend. Some of my favorite grab and go options include:

Greek yogurt cups
Cottage cheese cups
Beef Stick
Protein Bar
Roasted Edamame or broad beans

FAQs About Easy Protein Snacks

What are the easiest protein snacks to make?

The easiest protein snacks to make require minimal ingredients and can be prepped in large batches. Simply cooking a big batch of chicken that you can throw in a wrap or taco, mixing up a dip made with Greek yogurt or cottage cheese that you can scoop with some high-protein crackers, or blending a smoothie with milk or yogurt, protein powder and fruit are great options.

What easy protein snacks require no cooking? I need quick 5-minute protein snacks?

You can still get your protein in even if you don’t have time to cook. Try simple, high protein snacks like tuna salad, protein energy bites, yogurt parfaits, turkey and cheese rollups or a simple protein smoothie.

What easy protein snacks to do kids actually eat?

There are lots of easy protein options out there that kids will eat! Try things like string cheese with crackers, a glass of chocolate milk and a high fiber muffin, a bowl of cereal and milk, frozen waffles or protein pasta with sauce!

What are simple 3-ingredient protein snacks?

Many snacks can be pared down to just 3 simple ingredients as a starting point if you’re really in a rush, but then can easily be expanded on or jazzed up if you have a couple extra minutes! Try a cottage cheese or yogurt bowl with fruit and nuts, homemade lunchables, avocado toast with smoked salmon or a fried egg, tacos or trail mix with popcorn, chickpeas and nuts.

How do you make protein snacks ahead of time?

Investing even just an hour of your time doing food prep can make a huge difference in your ability to eat well during the week ahead. Take my Food Prep Masterclass to learn everything you need to know to get started!

What easy protein snacks travel well for work?

Grab and go options like protein bars, beef sticks, trail mix and roasted edamame can be great options to throw in a bag for work and don’t need to be refrigerated.

What are the easiest protein snacks for meal prep?

Some of my favorite high-protein meal prep ideas include egg wraps or egg muffins, smoothies to keep in the freezer, energy bites or protein bars, tuna salad and lean protein in the air fryer like chicken and steak.

What easy protein snacks help with hunger during meals?

While protein is great, if you really want to stay full between meals, try to make sure you snacks include protein, fiber and/or healthy fats. Both fiber and fat will help with satiety. Things like whole grain avocado toast with a fried egg, a smoothie with high fiber muffin and anything made with beans, lentils and other legumes will help increase the fiber content of your snacks. I have lots of healthy muffins and bars made with beans and lentils.

What are budget-friendly easy protein snacks?

Beans and lentils are budget-friendly and can be a good source of both protein and fiber. Also canned tuna and chicken, edamame and plain Greek yogurt can be good options!

Enjoy!
–Lindsay–

Slow Cooker Honey Garlic Chicken Thighs

Lindsay — Fri, 25 Jul 2025 04:00:00 +0000

This recipe for Slow Cooker Honey Garlic Chicken Thighs is an easy, kid-friendly weeknight dinner. Let the crockpot do all the work and serve with rice and steamed veggies for a balanced meal.

*Originally published 4/2016. Updated 7/2025*

This budget-friendly chicken recipe is the perfect healthy meal for busy families. Using a crockpot makes it super quick and easy to get this simple dinner on the table.

Hi friends!

I first shared these Slow Cooker Honey Garlic Chicken Thighs almost 8 years ago and they’re still one of my go-to crockpot meals. When I first made this recipe, it got the seal of approval from hubby and son and then I made it for my parents and my mom asked for the recipe because my dad loved it so much. I passed it on to several friends before I even put it on the blog and continue to share it regularly. My daughter loves it because carrots and sweet potatoes are her favorite.

Why You’ll Love Slow Cooker Honey Garlic Chicken Thighs

Budget-friendly because it uses chicken thighs and other pantry staples
Freezer-friendly – This recipe freezes well!
Perfect for food prep – Prep multiple batches in ziploc bags and freeze some for later.
Easy to customize- Feel free to swap the carrots for other vegetables like sweet potatoes.

This recipe is super easy and affordable – no fancy ingredients required!

Need a slow cooker?? I love this basic Crockpot 8qt with auto warm setting. I also have this Instant Electric Round Dutch Oven which is great because you can brown/sear things right in the pot before switching to slow cooking. And finally, if you have an Instant Pot, you can grab a glass lid to turn it into a slow cooker. (aff links)

Can you freeze this honey garlic chicken thighs crockpot recipe?

This has become my go-to recipe to deliver to new moms or friends who have had surgery, have a sick kid etc. You can easily throw everything in a ziploc bag and deliver it and then they can either dump it in the crockpot to make it immediately or stick it in the freezer for later.

Should I use boneless skinless chicken thighs or breasts?

This recipe uses chicken thighs. You could make it with chicken breasts. I encourage you to try it at least once with thighs. They do so well in the slow cooker, never drying out like chicken breasts are sometimes prone to do.

Could I use boneless breast tenders?

I wouldn’t recommend tenders for this recipe. Because they’re cooking for a while in the slow cooker, thinner/smaller cuts like tenders would likely end up overcooked and rubbery.

How To Prep Honey Garlic Chicken Thighs for the slow cooker

If you want to prep this ahead of time, just put all of the ingredients in a Ziploc bag.

From there, you can freeze and when you’re ready to use, thaw the night before and throw in the crockpot before work. Or stick the bag in the fridge overnight, dump it into the crockpot in the morning and turn it on.

Mom hack: This is one of my favorite recipes for freezer food prep sessions. Triple the recipe but prep in 3 large Ziploc bags. Lay the bags flat to freeze so they take up less space and cook as needed!

How To Make Slow Cooker Honey Garlic Chicken Thighs

Here’s the recipe:

Slow Cooker Honey Garlic Chicken Thighs Recipe

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This recipe for Slow Cooker Honey Garlic Chicken Thighs is an easy, kid-friendly weeknight dinner. Let the crockpot do all the work and serve with rice and steamed veggies for a balanced meal.

Prep Time: 5 minutes
Cook Time: 6 hours
Total Time: 6 hours 5 minutes
Yield: Serves 6

Ingredients

1 large sweet potato, chopped
2–3 large carrots, peeled and chopped
2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken thighs
4 cloves garlic, minced
1 Tbsp fresh ginger (i use the paste)
1/4 cup ketchup
2–3 Tbsp honey or maple syrup
1/4 cup soy sauce
1 cup chicken broth

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Instructions

Chop the sweet potato and carrots to roughly the same size pieces and place in the bottom of the slow cooker.
Add chicken thighs.
In a small bowl, whisk together remaining ingredients.
Pour over chicken and cook in a slow cooker on low for about 6 hours.

Pretty simple right? If you aren’t a fan of carrots or sweet potatoes you could probably swap in another veggie, just be aware that some veggies get a bit mushy in the slow cooker. I like carrots and sweet potatoes because they hold their shape well.

Meal Prep Ideas:

Serve with steamed broccoli and rice for an easy, balanced meal.
Ladle over noodles that were prepped ahead of time.
To transform leftovers, chop the chicken and veggies smaller and use to make fried rice.
Prep double and freeze half for later.

Honey Garlic Chicken Thighs FAQs

Can you make honey garlic chicken thighs in the instant pot? Can you stack chicken thighs in the instant pot?

Yes! You can easily make this recipe in the Instant pot. Just combine all the ingredients in the Instant pot and cook in manual mode for about 15 minutes. The size, thickness and type of chicken used will determine cooking time but you should be able to shred them easily with a fork.

You can stack chicken thighs 2 high in the instant pot but if you have more than that I would cook in two batches.

Or try this recipe for Instant Pot Honey Ginger Chicken.

What type of chicken thighs should I use for instant pot chicken thighs?

I prefer boneless, skinless chicken thighs. You could try bone-in if you wanted to but I tend to prefer boneless/skinless for slow cooker and instant pot recipes and bone-in chicken with skin when cooking in cast iron on the stove or in the oven.

What setting do you cook chicken on in an Instant pot?

I use manual mode. It allows you to set the timer for the exact number of minutes you want to cook something for!

Can I put raw chicken in the slow cooker?

Yes! Slow cookers are designed to cook meat at a low temperature over a period of several hours. In most cases, chicken will cook in the slow cooker on low heat in 4-6 hours but you can leave it in there longer.

You’ll know it’s done if you check the temperature with a thermometer or when you can shred it easily with a fork.

Do you have to brown chicken before putting in slow cooker?

No, you do not have to brown chicken before slow cooking. You can! Browning is an easy way to add extra flavor but it can be an extra step and if your slow cooker doesn’t come with a browning option it often means dirtying another pan.

While it’s important in some recipes, I don’t find it to be a necessary step in this recipe.

Is chicken breast or thigh better for slow cooker?

Both work fine. I most often by chicken breasts so I cook with those most frequently and they work just fine. Chicken thighs have darker meat that’s a bit fattier and in many cases this is an asset in slow cooking.

The fat helps keep the chicken moist as it cooks low and slow and for this reason chicken thighs are great for slow cooking.

Is it better to cook chicken on high or low in the slow cooker?

I choose to cook most things in the slow cooker over low heat. Crockpot recipes are designed for cuts of meat the do well when cooked low and slow whereas other cuts of meat do better cooking quickly over high heat like on a grill.

What makes the honey garlic sauce in this chicken recipe?

The sauce is a mix of ginger, garlic, honey, ketchup, soy sauce and chicken broth.

Is this honey garlic chicken thighs recipe super garlicky?

It uses 4 cloves are garlic but you could easily cut back to 2 cloves if you prefer a milder flavor.

This budget-friendly recipe for honey garlic chicken thighs is sure to be a hit! It’s kid-friendly, affordable, made with simple ingredients and freezes well! Perfect for busy families.

Enjoy!
–Lindsay–

Air Fryer Buffalo Chicken Wings

Lindsay — Wed, 11 Jun 2025 18:04:43 +0000

This air fryer buffalo chicken wings recipe is quick, easy and flavorful. They’re perfect for a weeknight dinner or a party appetizer and can be tossed in any sauce you like!

Hi friends!

I’ve got a super easy recipe to share with you guys today. My husband has always been a fan of buffalo wings and recently he has gotten all 3 of my kids interested in eating them as well!

So instead of just ordering them in restaurants, I’ve set about learning how to make them at home so I can make them for dinner a few times a month. After a few tries, I’ve decided the air fryer is my favorite way to make them.

Just season, cook in the air fryer at 400 degrees, and toss in sauce. Serve with celery and blue cheese or ranch dressing for dipping.

Why Use An Air Fryer For Buffalo Wings

The air fryer is the perfect way to get the wings to crisp up and cook quickly. Once they’re cooked, you can toss them in any flavor of buffalo sauce, or whatever other sauce you prefer. These wings take less than 5 minutes to prep and are ready in less than 20 minutes in the air fryer.

I use store-bought Franks Red Hot Buffalo Wings sauce but if you want to make your own you could try this recipe for Homemade Buffalo Sauce or this Easy Homemade Buffalo Sauce.

Crispy Air Fryer Wings – Minimal Oil Required

The best part is, the air fryer can make the wings juicy and crispy, without having to fry them in oil. The key is to use baking powder. Tossing them in just 2 teaspoons of oil along with some spices and baking powder helps them crisp up in the air fryer.

Air fryer wings marinade

While all I’ve done so far is toss mine in buffalo sauce, you could also easily marinate your wings and then cook them in the air fryer. Here’s the Best Chicken Wing Marinade Recipe that you could try. Or try these Marinated Chicken Wings.

Air Fryer Chicken Wings Flavor Ideas

Not into buffalo sauce? Try one of these:

Garlic parmesan
Honey BBQ
Teriyaki
Honey Mustard
Sweet Chili

Air fryer vs fried wings

Traditional buffalo wings that you’ll get at a restaurant will be deep fried and then tossed in buffalo sauce. In some cases, especially if you get boneless wings, they will be breaded and then deep fried. The air fryer is a method for cooking bone-in chicken wings without needed to deep fry them, making this method a healthier alternative.

Air Fryer Buffalo Chicken Wings Ingredients

To make air fryer buffalo chicken wings you just need to grab a few ingredients:

Split chicken wings
Neutral oil – I use avocado oil
Salt and garlic powder – or other seasonings
Baking powder – to help crisp up the skin
Butter – unsalted
Frank’s red hot buffalo wing sauce – or sauce of your choice

How To Make Chicken Wings in the Air Fryer

With just a few simple steps, your wings will be ready to eat:

Pat the wings dry.
Place wings in a bowl, drizzle with oil and toss to coat.
Sprinkle with seasonings and toss again.
Add baking powder and toss lightly.
Place wings in a single layer in the air fryer, leaving space between them. Make in multiple batches if needed.
Cook at 400 degrees for about 18 minutes, flipping half way through.
Toss in sauce and enjoy!

Air Fryer Buffalo Chicken Wings Recipe

Here’s the air fryer buffalo chicken wings recipe I use:

Air Fryer Buffalo Chicken Wings

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This air fryer chicken wings recipe is quick, easy and flavorful. They’re perfect for a weeknight dinner or a party appetizer and can be tossed in any sauce you like!

Author: Lindsay
Yield: serves 4-6

Ingredients

1.5 – 2 pounds split chicken wings
2 tsp oil (I use avocado oil)
1/2 tsp salt
1/2 tsp garlic powder
1 tsp paprika
1 tsp baking powder
3 Tbsp butter
1/2 cup Frank’s red hot buffalo wings sauce

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Instructions

Pat wings dry with paper towels and place wings in a bowl.
Drizzle with oil and toss to coat.
Sprinkle with salt, garlic powder and paprika and toss again.
Sprinkle with baking powder and toss lightly.
Place wings in a single layer in the air fryer leaving a little space between wings. Make the wings in multiple batches if needed.
Cook at 400 degrees F for 18-20 minutes, flipping wings halfway through.
Melt butter and mix with buffalo sauce.
Transfer wings from air fryer to a container with a lid, add sauce, cover and shake to coat.
Serve with celery and blue cheese or ranch dressing.

Notes

Feel free to substitute your favorite sauce

Air Fryer Buffalo Chicken Wings FAQs

How long do you cook chicken wings in an air fryer?

I have a Ninja Air Fryer (aff link) with two drawers, so I can do a 2 pound batch of wings in 18 minutes, but if you have a smaller air fryer, you’ll likely need to do 2-3 batches so they have enough space and each batch will take 18-20 minutes.

Can you air fry frozen chicken wings?

Yes. You can use frozen chicken wings and follow the directions in the recipe.

What temperature should you air fry buffalo wings?

I’ve found the best temperature to be 400 degrees Fahrenheit in the air fryer.

Do I need to flip wings halfway through air frying?

Yes! You’ll need to open the air fryer halfway through and flip the wings over so they crisp up nicely on all sides.

How do I make wings crispy in the air fryer?

Adding a teaspoon of baking powder helps the chicken wings get crispy in the air fryer! Don’t use baking soda. It will not have the same affect.

Can I use store-bought buffalo sauce in the air fryer?

Yes you can use store-bought sauce but you don’t need to put it on the wings until after they come out of the air fryer and are done cooking! Alternatively, if you’re using a marinade, you’ll want to put it on first and let the wings sit to absorb the flavor before cooking in the air fryer.

Are air fryer buffalo chicken wings good for meal prep? Can I reheat buffalo wings in the air fryer?

Yes! Wings are a great option to make ahead of time. You can reheat them in the mcirowave or use the air fryer to reheat them. Just pop them in at 400 degrees for 5 minutes or so.

How many wings fit in a standard air fryer?

Depending on the size, you should be able to fit about a pound of wings in a 5-6 quart air fryer.

Are air fryer buffalo chicken wings gluten-free?

This recipe for buffalo chicken wings is gluten-free. If needed, just make sure the buffalo sauce or any other sauce you’re using is gluten-free if needed.

Why aren’t my air fryer buffalo chicken wings crispy?

If you don’t pat the wings dry before adding the oil and spices, or if you don’t use the baking powder, the wings may not get as crispy as they usually would.

Game Day Appetizers

Need more appetizer ideas for your next party or gathering? Try:

Enjoy!
–Lindsay–

Creamy Tomato Chicken Pasta

Lindsay — Fri, 02 May 2025 15:55:24 +0000

This creamy tomato chicken pasta recipe makes the best dinner. Juicy chicken breast paired with a flavorful sauce and your favorite pasta is fancy enough for date night but easy enough for a quick weeknight meal.

Hi friends!

I’ve got a new creamy chicken pasta with tomato sauce recipe for you today. Chicken is definitely the protein we eat most in our house so I almost always have some on hand. Plus we’re coming into tomato season soon so this recipe is the perfect way to use up some of those cherry or grape tomatoes you’ll likely have on hand all summer long.

Why You’ll Love This Creamy Tomato Chicken Pasta

This creamy tomato chicken pasta dish is extremely versatile and ready in under 30 minutes. It’s easy enough for a quick family dinner but also fancy enough that you could serve it for a date night in! It also reheats well – I would store the pasta separate – so you can prep it ahead of time quick weekday lunches.

Easy Chicken Recipes

Looking for more easy chicken recipes? Try one of these:

Creamy Tomato Chicken Pasta Ingredients

To make this creamy tomato chicken pasta recipe you just need a few simple ingredients:

Chicken – I use boneless, skinless chicken breasts. Be sure to cut them in half lengthwise or pound to an even thinness so they cook quickly.
Seasonings – I share my favorite combination but feel free to improvise and use what you have
Chicken broth – Vegetable broth also works
Butter and garlic – For flavor.
Tomato paste – This sauce has a mild tomato flavor thanks to this addition
Heavy cream – You could also use half and half
Parmesan – Freshly grated is best!
Mix-ins – I use baby spinach and cherry tomatoes
Pasta – Use your favorite kind!

How To Make Creamy Tomato Sauce Chicken Pasta

This rich, velvety tomato sauce is easy to make and full of flavor! Here’s how you make it:

Season the chicken breasts and saute them in the pan.
Deglaze the pan with some chicken broth.
Add butter, garlic and tomato paste, then sprinkle in some flour.
Slowly add the broth and let the sauce thicken.
Stir in some heavy cream and parmesan, then add several handfuls of baby spinach and some halved tomatoes.
Return the chicken to the pan to coat with sauce and serve over your favorite pasta!

Want to try a different cream sauce? Try this Super Easy Creamy Tomato Pasta or this Easy 10-Minute Tomato Cream Sauce.

Best Pasta to Pair with Creamy Tomato Sauce

This creamy tomato chicken pasta recipe is flexible in that you can definitely choose your favorite pasta! If you prefer longer noodles, try fettuccine. If you like bite-sized pasta, try penne, rigatoni, fuseli etc.

Want more pasta recipes? Try:

Optional Mix-ins

I’ve added cherry tomatoes and spinach to this recipe but you’re welcome to add additional mix-ins as well based on preferences or what you have on hand. Try:

Roasted red peppers
Sun-dried tomatoes
Artichoke hearts
Green beans

Protein variations

Don’t want to sear your chicken in the pan? No problem! You could cook it in the air fryer, throw it on the grill or you could even try switching up the protein and try making this with shrimp or pork.

What To Serve with Creamy Tomato Chicken Pasta

Pretty much any vegetable from roasted veggies to salad would make a great side dish. So would garlic bread!

Try one of these:

Creamy Tomato Chicken Pasta Recipe

Creamy Tomato Chicken Pasta

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Author: Lindsay

Ingredients

For the chicken:

1.5 pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts (cut in half lengthwise to make thinner)
2 Tbsp oil
2 tsp Italian seasoning
2 tsp paprika
2 tsp garlic powder
1 tsp salt

For the sauce:

1.75 cups chicken broth (divided)
3 cloves garlic, minced
2 Tbsp butter
2 Tbsp flour
3 Tbsp tomato paste
3/4 cup heavy cream
1/2 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
1 pint cherry or grape tomatoes, halved
2–3 cups fresh baby spinach

4 servings of pasta to serve with chicken and sauce

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Instructions

Cook pasta according to package directions.
Place Italian seasoning, paprika, garlic powder and salt in a small bowl and mix.
Rub seasoning mixture into both sides of the chicken breasts.
Heat oil in a large saute pan over medium heat.
Add seasoned chicken breasts and cook on each side for 5 minutes or until internal temperature reaches 165 degrees F.
Remove chicken from the pan and set aside.
Add 1/4 cup chicken broth and scrape the bottom of the pan with silicone or wooden spatula to deglaze.
Add garlic, butter and tomato paste and stir to combine until butter is melted.
Sprinkle with flour.
Slowly add remaining chicken broth, whisking constantly and let sauce thicken.
Reduce heat to low and add heavy cream and Parmesan stirring constantly.
Stir in tomatoes and spinach and let sauce simmer 4-5 minutes.
Return chicken to your pan and cover with sauce.
Serve over pasta!

Creamy Tomato Chicken Pasta FAQs

How do I store and reheat creamy tomato chicken pasta?

Store in a glass tupperware container. You can store it all together or store the pasta separately. Reheat in the microwave.

Can I make creamy tomato chicken pasta without heavy cream?

If you want to lighten this up slightly, you could use half and half or whole milk. I would not recommend leaving the cream out of this recipe.

What’s the difference between tomato cream sauce and vodka sauce?

Vodka sauce uses vodka to help emulsify the tomatoes and cream which can lead to a sauce that its a bit creamier and smoother. Tomato cream sauce is just a mixture of broth, heavy cream and tomatoes. If you’re looking for a vodka sauce recipe, try Penne Alla Vodka.

How do I keep the sauce from curdling when adding cream to tomatoes?

Start with cream that is room temperature and add slowly to the pan over low heat, stirring constantly to help it mix in and adjust to the temperature of the tomatoes.

Can I use leftover grilled chicken in this pasta recipe?

Yes! The sauce in this recipe is a great way to transform leftover grilled chicken into something new and delicious!

How do I adjust the spice level in tomato cream pasta?

You can add some cayenne pepper to the spice mixture you put on the chicken before searing or add some to the sauce when tasting the seasonings at the end!

How do I thicken creamy tomato pasta sauce without flour?

You can use a cornstarch slurry to thicken the sauce at the end instead of starting with a roux using butter and flour.

What herbs or seasonings go best with creamy tomato and chicken pasta?

I the combination of Italian seasoning, garlic powder and paprika but feel free to use a combination of basil and parsley or even a general chicken seasoning.

Enjoy!
–Lindsay–

Avocado Chicken Burgers

Lindsay — Sun, 20 Apr 2025 04:00:00 +0000

These Chicken Avocado Burgers are an easy weeknight dinner in the oven or on the grill. This avocado chicken burgers recipe is gluten-free, paleo and can easily be made ahead of time during food prep.

*Originally published 4/2016. Updated 4/2025*

Hi friends!

Let’s talk about these chicken burgers with avocado shall we? While my husband and daughter could eat them multiple times a week, I’m not a huge fan of traditional beef burgers.

But these chicken burgers are an option I can get behind! They are perfect for a quick summer dinner and also great for food prep because they hold up well if made ahead of time and the flavors develop more, making them even more delicious!

Ground chicken is a great source of lean protein with a mild flavor, making it a great choice for things like burgers and meatballs. It holds things together but really lets the other flavors shine. These burgers are a great high protein, low carb option.

If you’re looking for other ground chicken recipes, try:

Health Benefits of Avocado

One of the key ingredients to these burgers is avocado. There are tons of health benefits of avocado and they are often added as a burger topping but this recipe takes things up a notch and actually mixes them right into the burger itself!

This helps keep the burgers moist, adds some healthy fats which can boost satiety as well as adding some vitamins and nutrients that other burgers lack.

For other ways to add avocado to your recipes, try: Cowboy Caviar, Avocado Cucumber Salsa with Pineapple or Spicy Shrimp Tacos with Avocado Slaw.

Ingredients for Avocado Chicken Burgers

For these burgers, you just need a few simple ingredients:

Ground chicken – You could substitute ground turkey if needed
Avocado – you’ll want one that’s slightly firm so it’ll hold its shape when diced
Fresh ginger- either grated fresh ginger or ginger paste works well too
Cilantro- adds tons of flavor
Green onions – A mild onion flavor that pairs well with the other ingredients
Serrano pepper – or jalapeno, optional to add spice!
All-purpose seasoning – use your favorite blend. I like McCormick’s chicken seasoning

How To Make Chicken Avocado Burgers

To make these burgers, simply combine all the ingredients in a bowl and mix gently to combine. Then form into patties and either bake in the oven or grill!

Best Toppings For Avocado Chicken Burgers

As with most burgers, the potential for toppings is limitless. Feel free to add:

Your favorite cheese
Red onion
Pickles
Guacamole
Bacon

To make spicy avocado chicken burgers, mix a pepper into the burgers or top with some jalapenos!

Avocado Chicken Burgers in the Oven or On The Grill

Here’s how you make them:

Avocado Chicken Burgers

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These Avocado Chicken Burgers are an easy weeknight dinner in the oven or on the grill. This recipe is gluten-free, paleo and can easily be made ahead of time during food prep.

Prep Time: 5 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 25 minutes
Yield: 6 burgers

Ingredients

1 pound ground chicken
1 medium avocado, diced
2 tsp fresh ginger (or Garden Gourmet Ginger Paste)
2 Tbsp cilantro, minced
1/2 cup chopped green onions
1 serrano pepper, minced (optional)
1.5 tsp McCormick’s Chicken Seasoning (or seasoning of choice)

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Instructions

Combine all ingredients in a large bowl.
Mix well with your hands and form into 6 burgers.
Place on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
Bake at 375 degrees for 18-20 minutes, flipping once.
Option 2 – Cook on the grill over medium heat!

Notes

You can sub turkey for chicken if you want to!

Avocado Chicken Burgers FAQs

How long do you cook chicken burgers in the oven?

They should take about 18 minutes in the oven. Don’t overcook them to avoid drying out. The internal temperature needs to reach 165 degrees F but keep in mind the burgers will continue to cook a bit after you remove them from the oven.

Can I grill these avocado chicken burgers instead of baking?

Absolutely. As long as you don’t cut your avocado chunks too big, these burgers are sturdy and hold up great on the grill!

Can I freeze avocado chicken burgers after cooking?

While most burgers freeze well, this probably isn’t the best recipe to freeze because the avocado may start to brown and look less appetizing.

Are chicken avocado burgers healthy?

Yes! The burgers themselves are high in protein, a great source of healthy fats, naturally gluten-free and low-carb.

What kind of buns go best with chicken burgers?

Use any bun you’d like! To keep these gluten-free, grab a gluten-free bun like Schar. You can also skip the bun altogether and use a lettuce wrap or serve on top of a salad.

Can I use ground turkey instead of chicken in this recipe?

Yes! Ground turkey makes a great substitute in this recipe.

Do I need breadcrumbs in ground chicken burgers?

No, you don’t need any breadcrumbs in most burger recipes, including this one!

Can you meal prep these burgers?

Absolutely. These burgers taste great when made fresh but also hold up well in the fridge, making them perfect for meal prep. You can make a whole batch and grab one for a quick lunch or dinner during the week.

Easy Grilling Recipes

Here are more easy recipes you could throw on the grill:

Enjoy!
–Lindsay–

Mediterranean Chopped Salad

Lindsay — Thu, 30 Jan 2025 19:25:07 +0000

This Mediterranean Chopped Salad is perfect for lunch or dinner and a great way to repurpose leftover chicken! Let the veggies marinate and toss with lettuce just before serving!

Hi friend!

I’ve got an easy new salad recipe for you this week. This Mediterranean Chopped Salad is perfect for food prep and full of flavor. You can chop and mix the vegetables with the chickpeas, chicken and dressing to let the flavors develop and then toss with lettuce right before serving to keep it from getting soggy!

It’s a light, flavorful, Mediterranean-inspired meal that’s perfect for everything from a busy weeknight dinner to a holiday gathering.

Mediterranean Chopped Salad with Chickpeas

While I include chicken in this recipe, you could easily keep this vegetarian by omitting the chickpeas and doubling the chickpeas in the recipe.

Chickpeas are an affordable pantry staple and a great source of plant-based protein and fiber. They’re also a great source of many nutrients including magnesium and potassium. In addition, they’re a great source of iron!

If you’re looking for other recipes using chickpeas, try:

Chopped Mediterranean Salad Recipe Ingredients

This salad comes to life with just a few basic ingredients. You’ll need:

Tomatoes – grape or cherry tomatoes that can be easily quartered work well for this recipe
English cucumber – different than a traditional cucumber because it’s less watery. If you can only find regular cucumbers, slice in half lengthwise and scoop out the seeds before dicing.
Chickpeas – if you don’t like them, try swapping in great northern beans
Red onion – you can slice and soak in water for a few minutes before dicing to help make the flavor more mild
Bell pepper – red is my favorite but you could use yellow or orange as well
Feta – crumbled feta adds great flavor
Olives- optional. Feel free to leave them out if you don’t like them
Chicken- any kind of cooked chicken will do. Use up leftovers, grab a rotisserie chicken or cook some in the air fryer and dice it up!
Romaine lettuce – take the time to chop it up into small pieces so it mixes will with all the chopped veggies
Avocado – save this to add just before serving!

For the dressing you just need to combine a few pantry staples like oil, red wine vinegar, lemon juice, dijon mustard and a few spices, plus a little honey or maple syrup for sweetness.

How To Make Chopped Mediterranean Chicken Salad

Making this salad requires just a few simple steps and a lot of the work can be done ahead of time!

It tastes best when the chopped veggies, chickpeas and chicken have time to marinate in the dressing so feel free to chop and combine these ingredients a day ahead of time and let them sit in the fridge.

Chop the veggies and mix with drained chickpeas, cooked chicken, feta and olives.

Combine all of the dressing ingredients and shake well. Pour over the veggie mixture.

When ready to serve, toss in a large bowl with the finely chopped lettuce and add avocado.

Chopped Mediterranean Chickpea Salad Variations

Mediterranean Chopped Salad Sandwich Pitas

The finely diced parts of this salad might make it difficult to eat as a traditional sandwich but it would work really well in a wrap or pita pocket!

Mediterranean Chopped Salad with Roasted Red Pepper Dressing

If you’re looking for a change from the oil and vinegar dressing for this salad, it would be great with a red pepper dressing as well. Try one of these:

Thin out this Spicy Red Pepper Feta Dip to use as a dressing
Roasted Red Pepper Vinaigrette
Mediterranean Chopped Salad with Roasted Red Pepper Dressing

Chopped Mediterranean Chickpea Salad Bowl

If you want to make this more of a grain bowl, skip the lettuce and serve over rice, quinoa or farro! Or keep the lettuce and simply add your favorite grain to the mix!

Vegan Chopped Mediterranean Salad

To make this recipe vegan, leave out the chicken. You could add extra chickpeas or even toss in some crispy marinated tofu. Try this recipe for The Best Vegan Greek Tofu.

Easy Mediterranean Chopped Salad Recipe

Here’s how to make it:

Mediterranean Chopped Salad

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This Mediterranean Chopped Salad is perfect for lunch or dinner and a great way to repurpose leftover chicken! Let the veggies marinate and toss with lettuce just before serving!

Author: Lindsay

Ingredients

For the salad:

1 pint cherry or grape tomatoes, quartered
half an English cucumber (more if desired)
1/2 a medium red onion, diced (approx 1 cup)
1 red bell pepper, diced
1 (14.5) oz can chickpeas, drained
1/2 cup crumbled feta
1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
2 oz can sliced black olives, optional
1 pound cooked chicken, diced
6 cups Romaine lettuce, finely chopped
1 medium avocado, diced

For the dressing:

1/4 cup oil (I use avocado oil)
1/4 cup red wine vinegar
juice from half a lemon
2– 3 tsp dijon mustard
1/2 tsp oregano
1/4 tsp salt
1/4 tsp garlic powder
1 – 2 tsp maple syrup or honey (to taste)

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Instructions

Place diced tomatoes, cucumber, red onion, bell pepper, chickpeas, feta, fresh parsley, olives and chicken in a large bowl or container.
Combine all dressing ingredients in a glass jar with a lid and shake until well combined.
Pour over the veggie and chicken mixture and let marinate at least an hour, up to overnight.
When ready to serve, pour the mixture over the lettuce and toss well. Top with avocado and serve.

Chopped Salad Mediterranean FAQs

Is this Chopped Mediterranean Salad gluten-free?

Yes! Just leave off the crusty bread it is served with. This salad recipe is gluten-free as written.

How to store this chopped Mediterranean salad?

If you think you’ll have leftovers, I would not mix all the veggies and chicken mixture with the lettuce. Storing them together with cause the lettuce to get soggy.

However the veggies, chicken and chickpeas can be mixed ahead of time so feel free to prepare in advance and just store separately from the lettuce until ready to serve.

Is this better than an organic Mediterranean chopped salad kit?

I think so When you make it homemade you have total control over the ingredients, freshness, dressing type etc. But if you’re in a pinch and craving something similar, try this Mediterranean Crunch Chopped Salad Kit from Taylor Farms.

How can I make this a more Mediterranean crunch chopped salad?

To up the crunch factor, try adding chopped walnuts or slivered almonds. You could also mix in some coleslaw or chopped cabbage for additional crunch! You could also add pepperoncini and extra olives for more flavor.

More Mediterranean Recipes

Want more Mediterranean-inspired recipes? Try one of these:

Enjoy!
–Lindsay–

Best Frozen Chicken Nuggets

Lindsay — Wed, 15 Jan 2025 09:33:00 +0000

Looking for the best frozen chicken nuggets to choose for your family? Here are some healthy chicken nugget brands recommended by a Registered Dietitian.

*Originally published 9/2022. Updated 1/2025*

Hi friends!

It’s time for the next post in our best store-bought options series. So far we’ve covered:

Best Frozen Chicken Nuggets

Today we’re talking about the healthiest chicken nuggets available right now. Because who doesn’t have a bag of frozen chicken nuggets in their freezer for a quick dinner every couple of weeks? I know I do. Even with all of my food prep, there are still nights that get busy during the week with 3 kids and freezer staples like this have saved my sanity more than once!

Healthy Frozen Chicken Nuggets

Are frozen chicken nuggets healthy?

I get this question a lot as a dietitian so let’s talk about it. Are chicken nuggets something I recommend giving to your kids every single night? No. Because variety is important and ideally we don’t want nuggets to be the only kind of chicken your kids will eat. But they can be a good starting point for introducing meat to a lot of kids, especially more selective eaters. They can contain some unnecessary fillers and be high in sodium so it is something I suggest spending some time on to find a brand that’s a good fit for your family.

Protein in Chicken Nuggets

In most cases, depending on the serving size of the nuggets, a serving of chicken nuggets will typically have 12 -15 grams of protein per serving which makes them a good source of protein

However, sodium levels vary a lot brand to brand so that’s one of the first things I look at when choosing the best brands to buy. The lower the better!

How To Make Frozen Chicken Nuggets Better?

The best way to make the most of frozen chicken nuggets is to include them as part of a balanced meal. Use them as a protein source on a veggie-packed salad. Pair them with a side of fruit and steamed veggies. Enjoy them with a smoothie packed with fruit, milk and healthy fats.

Since chicken nuggets can be high in sodium, make a conscious effort to pair them with lower sodium options and aim to include a source of healthy fats and fiber for satiety and fruits and veggies for added nutrients.

Best Chicken Nuggets for Toddlers

How to make chicken nuggets healthy for toddlers?

Remember to think about the meal as a whole when you’re serving chicken nuggets. Instead of serving with a side of fries, which can also be high in sodium, can you add some sliced fruit to the plate or a side smoothie made with frozen fruit? What about a side of roasted sweet potatoes or carrots? By adding things like fruits and vegetables you can definitely make frozen chicken nuggets part of a balanced meal!

How to choose the best frozen chicken nuggets

Here are a few things to look for:

Look for chicken BREAST as the first ingredient. These varieties tend to be less processed that brands that say “white chicken meat”.
Veggie-filled isn’t always better. It might sound good to have veggies added but a lot of times the amount added isn’t even a full serving of vegetables so it doesn’t need to be your deciding factor.
Watch sodium levels. I tell people to aim for 450mg or less per serving but we also need to consider the frequency. If you’re eating frozen chicken nuggets once a month I’m less concerned with the amount of sodium than if you’re eating them twice a week.
Look for protein. Try to find brands that have at least 12 grams of protein per serving.
Look for light breading if possible. Sometimes nuggets are mostly breading with very little meat which makes them higher in carbs and lower in protein.
Consider the amount of fat but especially saturated fat. If i’m not serving nuggets all the time, I don’t worry a ton about the amount of fat, but I do look for brands low in saturated fat.
Note the serving size. Know how many nuggets are in a serving and serve that, along with some fruits and veggies for a balanced meal!

I’m going to share some of the brands i liked best IN STORES AROUND ME. I recognize that there are other brands available and also that the brands listed below might not be available to you. My hope is you can use some of the things I pointed out above to look at what’s available to you and make the best choice for you and your family.

Best Tasting Frozen Chicken Nuggets

If you’d prefer to see this content in video form, along with a taste test I did with my kids of 5 of the brands I recommend, check out the video below!

Best Chicken Nugget Brands

So here are some of my favorite chicken nugget brands that are available in stores around me. This is not a comprehensive list. I’m sure there are other options out there

Just Bare Chicken Chunks

Nutritional Value of Chicken Nuggets

Serving size: 3 ounces
Nutrition info: 6g fat, 1g saturated fat, 16g protein, 540mg sodium
Ingredients: Boneless skinless chicken breast, water, seasoning (sugar, salt, spices including paprika and celery, chicken fat, spice extractive, canola oil, soybean oil), rice starch. Breaded with: wheat flour, sugar, salt, nonfat dry milk, dried egg whites, baking powder (sodium acid pyrophosphate, sodium bicarbonate, corn starch, monocalcium phosphate), spice, paprika. Breading set in vegetable oil.

Costco Frozen Chicken Tenders

These are available at Costco and this is what I buy for my kids. It’s a little higher in sodium but still a good option for occasional dinners.

KidFresh White Meat Chicken Nuggets

Serving size: 5 nuggets
Nutrition info: 4g fat, 0.5g saturated fat, 12g protein, 250mg sodium
Ingredients: Chicken Breast Meat, Whole Wheat Flour, Water, Pureed Cauliflower, Pureed Onions, Unbleached Wheat Flour, Salt, Corn Starch, Yellow Corn Flour, Rice Starch, Yeast, Flavors, Molasses, Leavening (Cream of Tartar, Baking Soda), Whole Grain Millet Flour, Sea Salt. Browned in expeller pressed Canola Oil.

Perdue Lightly Breaded Chicken Chunks

Serving size: 3 ounces
Nutrition info: 6g fat, 1g saturated fat, 15g protein, 400mg sodium
Ingredients: Boneless skinless chicken breast with rib meat, water, wheat flour. Contains 2% or less of salt, dried garlic, sugar, wheat gluten, brown sugar, yeast, yeast extract, spice, paprika extract, onion powder, garlic powder.

Perdue has a lot of options. I like their lightly breaded options best.

Earth’s Best Chicken Nuggets for Kids

Serving size: 4 nuggets
Nutrition info: 9g fat, 1g saturated fat, 6g protein, 160mg sodium
Ingredients: Chicken Breast Meat, Breading (Whole Wheat Flour, Corn Starch, Evaporated Cane Sugar, Sea Salt, Garlic Powder, Leavening [Baking Soda, Cream of Tartar], Yeast, Onion Powder, Spices, Sunflower Oil), Canola Oil, Batter (Whole Wheat Flour, Yellow Corn Flour, Sea Salt, Corn Starch, Leavening [Baking Soda, Cream of Tartar], Garlic Powder, Evaporated Cane Sugar, Onion Powder, Spice, Sunflower Oil, Extractives of Turmeric), Wheat Flour, Rice Starch, Water, Garlic and Onion Powders, Sea Salt, Spice.

Because of the small serving size, these might be better for/geared more towards toddlers and younger kids.

Applegate Chicken Nuggets

Serving size: 6 nuggets
Nutrition Info: 9g fat, 1 gram saturated fat, 12g protein, 350mg sodium
Ingredients: White Meat Chicken, Wheat Flour, Water, Rice Flour. Contains Less Than 2% Of The Following: Sea Salt, Corn Starch, Rice Starch, Cane Sugar, Leavening (Cream of Tartar, Sodium Bicarbonate), Garlic Powder, Onion Powder, Yeast, Expeller-Pressed Sunflower Oil, Expeller Pressed Canola Oil, Breading Set in Expeller Pressed Canola Oil

They also have gluten-free and organic varieties that are good options if that’s what you’re looking for. I’ve personally eaten the gluten-free version and they taste just like the regular ones!

If you’re looking for gluten-free options, here are a few:

Best Store-Bought Gluten-Free Chicken Nuggets

In addition, there are a lot of gluten-free options out there. In many cases, the gluten-free versions taste just like regular and the main swap is just rice flour for wheat flour in the breading so I still recommend focusing on the nutrition info I pointed out at the beginning of this post. And you don’t need to follow a gluten-free diet to enjoy these brands. My youngest prefers the Golden Platter brand shown below over many other options out there and he does not follow a gluten-free diet.

Caulipower Gluten-Free Chicken Tenders

Serving size: 3oz (approx 2 tenders)
Nutrition info: 1.5g fat, 14g protein, 370mg sodium
Ingredients: Chicken Breast, Water, Rice Flour, Dried Cauliflower, Brown Rice Flour. Contains 2% Or Less of The Following: Tapioca Starch, Salt, Seasoning (Chicken Broth, Natural Flavor), Organic Corn Starch, Rice Starch, Organic Yellow Corn Flour, Sea Salt, Garlic Powder, Leavening (Cream of Tartar, Sodium Bicarbonate), Onion Powder, Spices, Paprika, Lactic Acid Powder, Calcium Lactate, Torula Yeast, Extractives Of Paprika.

Golden Platter Gluten-Free Chicken Nuggets

Serving size: 4 nuggets
Nutrition info: 8g fat, 1.5g saturated fat, 15g protein, 350mg sodium
Ingredients: Chicken breast meat, water, rice starch, sea salt. Breaded with: Yellow corn flour, rice flour, water, yellow corn meal, rice starch, corn starch, sea salt, dextrose, garlic powder, onion powder, spice, yeast extract, breading set in non-hydrogenated soybean oil.

These are also available at Costco.

Plant-Based Chicken Nuggets

What are the best frozen vegan chicken nuggets?

I’m not going to dive into plant-based options in this post but there are certainly a lot of them out there. Based on reading a few reviews, you could try:

Impossible Foods Chicken Nuggets Made From Plants – you can find these at Walmart
Beyond Chicken Plant-Based Chicken Tenders
Gardein Ultimate Plant-Based Chick’n Nuggets

Best Store-Bought Chicken Nuggets FAQs

Which Chicken Nuggets Are The Healthiest? (Healthiest Chicken Nuggets Frozen)

So which are the healthiest chicken nuggets? There’s not one brand that I would recommend 100% over others because I think there are several good options out there. All in all, I think the biggest things to consider are frequency of eating, amount of sodium and saturated fat and paying attention to the serving size so that you can be aware of whether you’re actually eating more than one serving. More than one serving is fine but it also means you’d be consuming more than what’s listed in one serving on the label for sodium, fat etc. so it’s important to be aware of.

Are chicken breasts healthier than chicken nuggets?

Yes. Plain chicken breasts are less processed and typically have less added ingredients, are lower in fat and sodium, etc. But both can have a place in a healthy diet.

How do I reheat chicken nuggets?

You can reheat nuggets a variety of ways. Stick them in the air fryer or toaster oven for a few minutes, pop them in the microwave, or even put them in a pan with a little bit of oil over medium heat to crisp them back up again!

How long are chicken nuggets good for in the fridge?

Once you’ve cooked frozen chicken nuggets, you can store extras in the fridge for up to 4 days.

Which is healthier chicken nuggets or pizza?

Both are fine to eat occasionally. Chicken nuggets are typically higher in protein. Both can be high in sodium and fat, especially if the chicken is fried vs baked. Both can be paired with fruits and vegetables for a more balanced meal.

How To Make Healthy Baked Chicken Nuggets/ Healthy Homemade Chicken Nuggets

If you’re looking for some homemade chicken nugget recipes to try, here are a few:

Can homemade chicken nuggets be frozen?

Yes! You can actually freeze them before or after baking. When I make my Freezer Chicken Tenders, I like to prep the tenders and freeze them before baking. Then all I have to do when I want them is pull them out and bake them straight from frozen.

Best Frozen Chicken Nuggets for Air Fryer

Healthy air fryer chicken nuggets

Want to try making nuggets at home in the air fryer? Here are some recipe ideas:

Do frozen chicken nuggets work in the air fryer?

Yep. I set the temperature to 400 and air fry for about 8 minutes, shaking half way through. Be sure to not crowd the basket. If feeding several people you may need to do two batches.

How To Cook Frozen Chicken Nuggets in the Oven

The oven is an easy way to cook a large amount of frozen chicken nuggets all at once. Using one or two baking sheets, spread chicken nuggets in a single layer and bake according to package directions. To ensure even cooking, you can rotate the pans and flip the nuggets halfway through.

If you’re cooking multiple trays, consider using the convection bake option if you have one.

How much time do chicken nuggets need in the oven?

Cooking time will vary by brand as well as by oven but typically you can place frozen chicken nuggets on a baking sheet and bake at 400 degrees F for 12 minutes or so.

Best Healthy Chicken Nuggets for Kids

Enjoy!

–Lindsay–

Instant Pot Sweet Potato Chicken Soup (with slow cooker option)

Lindsay — Tue, 14 Jan 2025 05:00:00 +0000

This Instant Pot Sweet Potato Chicken Soup is the perfect dinner for a cold winter night. Made with simple ingredients, it’s easy to throw together and can also be made in the slow cooker.

*Originally published 2/2019. Updated 1/2025*

Hi friends!

This Instant Pot Sweet Potato Chicken Soup is perfect for the cold winter weather here in Ohio. If you’re looking for even more soup options, check out:

Creamy Sweet Potato Chicken Soup

One of my favorite instant pot tricks is that if you cook sweet potatoes chunks long enough, they basically fall apart when you stir them.

I often use this method to make a creamy type soup without the cream. Similarly, you can blend in a can of beans to add extra fiber and protein as well as a creamy texture.

If you decide to make this on the stove top and your sweet potatoes don’t fall apart on their own, feel free to remove the chicken and use a blender or immersion blender to blend up part of the broth to achieve a creamy texture.

The sweet potatoes in this recipe make it creamy while still keeping this recipe dairy-free and gluten-free. If the sweet potatoes falling apart make it too thick, add a little more broth!

Ingredients in Instant Pot Sweet Potato Chicken Soup

Here are a few of the ingredients you need to make this soup:

Sweet potatoes – if you don’t have them on hand, try butternut squash, acorn squash or carrots
Chicken thighs – feel free to swap in chicken breasts if you prefer.
Spinach – this is optional, but fresh baby spinach wilts easily into soups and is a great option for adding more veggies
Corn – Feel free to use fresh, frozen or canned corn
Seasoning – this is a basic soup recipe and there are tons of great seasoning combinations you can use – try Old Bay, McCormick’s chicken seasoning or a combination of cumin, paprika and cayenne pepper.

How To Make Sweet Potato Chicken Soup

To make this soup, pull out your Instant Pot and follow a few simple steps:

Combine all ingredients except the spinach and corn in the Instant Pot.
Cook as directed.
Remove the chicken and shred it and return to the pot along with the spinach and corn.
Serve and enjoy!

Chicken and Sweet Potato Soup Recipe

Here’s the recipe:

Instant Pot Sweet Potato Chicken Soup (with slow cooker option)

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This Instant Pot Sweet Potato Chicken Soup is the perfect dinner for a cold winter night. Made with simple ingredients, it’s easy to throw together and can also be made in the slow cooker.

Author: Lindsay

Ingredients

1.5 pounds sweet potatoes (approx 2 large or 4 cups roughly chopped)
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 red bell pepper, diced
1.5 pounds boneless, skinless chicken thighs (or breasts)
1.5 cups chicken broth (more if desired)
1 cup corn kernels (frozen, canned or fresh)
3 giant handfuls fresh baby spinach
2 tsp Old Bay**
1 tsp salt
Avocado to garnish (optional)

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Instructions

Peel and roughly chop sweet potatoes. You can also leave the skin on if you want to!
Place sweet potatoes, garlic, peppers, chicken thighs, seasoning and broth in the instant pot.
Seal and manually set the timer for 12 minutes.
Quick release. Remove chicken to shred. Use a fork or potato masher to gently break apart sweet potato chunks as you stir. Switch to saute, return chicken to pot and stir in corn and spinach.
Let simmer 2-3 minutes, taste, adjust seasonings and serve. If you want to thin it out a little, add an additional half cup of broth.

Notes

**If you don’t have Old Bay, try swapping in Montreal Chicken Seasoning or 1 tsp cumin, 1 tsp paprika and 1/2 tsp curry powder.

To make it in the slow cooker, increase broth to 2 cups, cook in low for 6-8 hours until sweet potatoes break apart easily. Add spinach and corn for last 15 minutes.

See what I mean by easy?! Be sure to let me know if you try this one. Want more instant pot recipes? You can browse my instant pot archives here.

Instant Pot Chicken and Sweet Potatoes Soup FAQs

What can I substitute for sweet potato in chicken soup?

If you don’t have sweet potato, squash is a great option. Butternut squash, acorn squash or other similar squash with the peel removed will act similarly to sweet potato in this recipe. You could also use carrots but they don’t fall apart as easily and you’ll likely need to blend them by hand to make it creamy.

Is soup with chicken and sweet potatoes healthy?

Yes! This soup is packed with protein and vegetables and makes a great complete meal on a cold day. Sweet potatoes are a great source of Vitamin A and C. You can leave the skin on to add fiber. The spinach adds more Vitamin A and iron and the chicken adds protein.

Can you freeze Instant Pot chicken and sweet potatoes?

Yes! Let cool and then portion into containers like Souper Cubes (aff link) to freeze for later. This soup can be reheated in the microwave or on the stove top.

You could easily double this recipe and freeze half!

What to serve with chicken sweet potato soup?

This soup is fine on its own, but would be great alongside crusty bread and a side salad for a healthy, balanced meal!

What is the sweet potato chicken soup crockpot version of this recipe?

To make this recipe in the slow cooker, start with 2 cups of broth. Cook on low for 6-8 hours. Remove the chicken to shred and use a blender or immersion blender to blend the sweet potatoes. Add more broth as needed to achieve your desired consistency. Stir shredded chicken, spinach and corn into soup and let cook for 15 minutes more.

Can I turn this into chicken noodle soup with sweet potatoes?

To make this recipe more kid-friendly, increase the broth to 3 cups. The sweet potatoes will still dissolve right into the broth but it will be thinner and more soup-like. You can also reduce the amount of seasonings and skip the spinach if you want.

Do I have to garnish with avocado?

No! I love to use avocado as a soup garnish because it blends right in with its mild flavor and adds some healthy fats but feel free to skip it. You could add some fresh herbs or cheese on top if you want to!

Enjoy!
–Lindsay–

Crockpot Chicken Taco Soup

Lindsay — Sat, 23 Nov 2024 15:00:00 +0000

This Crockpot Chicken Taco Soup is easy to make, hearty and filling. It’s freezer-friendly and tastes even better as leftovers.

Hi friends!

If the cold weather is here to stay where you are, you have to try this Crockpot Chicken Taco Soup.

Chicken is my protein of choice for this recipe because you don’t have to cook it ahead of time like you do with ground meats. This recipe is also a great way to repurpose chicken that you’ve already cooked when you’re looking for a new meal idea mid-week.

Ingredients For Chicken Taco Soup

Most of the ingredients you need for this soup can probably be found in your pantry! Gather up:

Onion and bell pepper
Fire-roasted tomatoes – these add extra flavor but if you don’t have them, regular diced tomatoes or even Rotel is fine!
Black beans
Green chilis – Mild works fine but feel free to use hot to add a little extra spice
Corn
Chicken – I use boneless, skinless chicken breast
Broth- Chicken or vegetable broth are both great
Spices- Be generous with your seasonings – we use a mix of cumin, paprika, chili powder, garlic powder and salt but you could also use taco seasoning in a pinch
Toppings – tons of options including things like fresh jalapenos, shredded cheese, tortilla chips, fresh cilantro, sour cream and more!

How To Make Chicken Taco Soup in Slow Cooker

Making this soup couldn’t be easier:

Chop pepper and onion.
Add to slow cooker along with remaining ingredients.
Cook on low 6-8 hours.
Shred the chicken and return to the soup.
Serve with your favorite toppings

Easy Chicken Taco Soup Recipe

Here’s the exact recipe I use:

Crockpot Chicken Taco Soup

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This Crockpot Chicken Taco Soup is easy to make, hearty and filling. It’s freezer-friendly and tastes even better as leftovers.

Author: Lindsay
Yield: serves 4 – 6

Ingredients

3/4 cup diced onion
1 red bell pepper, diced
1 (14.5 oz) can fire roasted tomatoes, drained
1 (14.5 oz) can black beans, drained and rinsed
1 (14.5 oz) can corn, drained and rinsed
2 (4 oz) cans green chilis
1.5 pounds boneless, skinless chicken breast
1 quart chicken broth
1 Tbsp cumin
2 tsp paprika
2 tsp chili powder
1 tsp salt
1 tsp garlic powder
Optional toppings: shredded cheese, fresh squeezed lime juice, fresh cilantro, diced avcoado, tortilla chips

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Instructions

Combine all ingredients except optional toppings in the slow cooker.
Cook on low 6-8 hours.
Shred chicken and mix well.
Serve with your favorite toppings!

Easy Crockpot Chicken Taco Soup FAQs

Can I make this instant pot chicken taco soup?

Yes! To make this in the instant pot, use the same ingredients. Cook using manual mode for 15 minutes, let it release naturally, then shred the chicken and serve.

Is this a 7-can chicken taco soup recipe?

This particular recipe only uses 5 cans but you could always add an extra can of beans or tomatoes if you wanted to!

Can I make this creamy chicken taco soup?

To make this creamy, I would add 4 oz of cream cheese! Just toss it in with all the other ingredients, or try this recipe: Slow Cooker Creamy Mexican Chicken.

What if I don’t have all of those spices?

You can sub 2 -3 Tbsp of taco seasoning. Start with 2, then taste at the end and add more if desired! You could also add some jalapenos or cayenne pepper for spice.

What if I want more taco soup ideas? Can I use ground beef or turkey?

If you’re looking for more options, try one of these recipes:

Simple Crockpot Chicken Taco Soup

Easy Crockpot Chicken Recipes

Want more chicken recipes for the crockpot and instant pot? Try:

And if you’re a beef-lover, try this Crockpot French Dip.

Enjoy!
–Lindsay–