My Forking Life

menu icon
search icon
×

Sweet Onion Dressing

by 15 Comments

Add some flavor to your salads with this delicious sweet onion dressing recipe. Made from scratch, this easy recipe takes minutes to make and is the perfect balance of sweet and tangy. I know you are going to love this one!

Sweet onion dressing in a glass bottle next to a fresh salad bowl.

This post contains affiliate links, please read my full disclaimer here.

Full Recipe Ingredients/Instructions are available in the 
recipe card at the bottom of the post. 
You can find important tips/tricks in the
blog post.

My top tip for eating more salads is to make up a delicious salad dressing! This sweet onion sauce has got me eating salads all day long!

My first introduction to this delicious dressing was at a sandwich shop a.k.a Subway, and I had it on a turkey sandwich. Let's just say I've been hooked and this is one of my favorite dressings of all time.

Easy to make with a handful of ingredients, this sweet onion dressing comes together quickly and easily and has a wonderful blend of sweet and tangy flavors. Made from scratch, without mayo, this vegan dressing is seasoned with Dijon mustard for a totally addictive taste.

This salad dressing works great with my Quinoa Avocado Salad and Rotisserie Chicken Salad. Or pour it on greens topped with homemade croutons.

Overhead shot of a bottle of onion salad dressing.

How to make sweet onion dressing

  • Gather your ingredients.
Ingredients to make the recipe.
  • Add sweet onion, brown sugar, apple cider vinegar, dijon mustard, celery salt, black pepper, and poppy seed to the bowl of a food processor. Process until smooth.
The dry ingredients blended together.
The onions processed with the seasonings.
  • With the machine running, slowly pour the olive oil into the feed tube in a steady stream until the dressing is emulsified, about 30 seconds.
  • Use on your favorite salad recipes and Enjoy.
The dressing in the food processor once the oil has been added.
The dressing on a spoon over a food processor.

What's the difference between sweet and yellow onions?

Sweet onions tend to be larger than yellow onions and they have a slightly flatter shape with lighter colored skin. They naturally have a higher sugar content than white onions and they have a less sharp taste. Vidalias, Walla Wallas, and Texas Spring Sweet are the most common varieties of sweet onions.

Can you use another variety of onion in this recipe?

Different types of onions will taste different in this recipe. I don't recommend that you use yellow onions in this recipe. Their flavor is much stronger and it could be quite overwhelming. Milder onions like reds or green onions could be used, but you may need to add a little extra sugar as they don't have the same sweet flavor.

What's the best kind of salad to pair this dressing with?

Since this dressing is sweet, a strong or even bitter green pairs well with it. I love this on a green salad mix, kale, or even spinach.

How long does it keep?

This dressing is ready to use straight away. Once blended, transfer it to a glass jar or air-tight container and keep it sealed and refrigerated. It will keep well for up to about 5 days, just give it a good shake before using as the ingredients may separate when the dressing sits.

Sweet onion dressing being poured over a salad.

Recipe Notes and Tips

  • For a creamier dressing, you could add in a little mayonnaise or sour cream if you like.
  • Brown sugar has a deep and rich complex flavor that works great with the sweet onion. I don't recommend swapping it with white sugar which has a much harsher sweetness.
  • This sweet onion dressing is perfect for salads, but it's also pretty good drizzled in sandwiches and subs!
  • Store in an sealed bottle in the fridge for up to 5 days.
  • This recipe as written makes a lot of dressing. Feel free to cut it in half if you need a smaller batch.

More Sauces

Sweet onion dressing in a glass bottle next to a fresh salad bowl.
Print Recipe
4.91 from 20 votes

Sweet Onion Dressing Recipe

Add some flavor to your salads with this delicious sweet onion dressing recipe. Made from scratch, this easy recipe takes minutes to make and is the perfect balance of sweet and tangy. I know you are going to love this one!
Prep Time10 minutes
Total Time10 minutes
Course: Sauce
Cuisine: American
Keyword: easy onion dressing, how to make sweet onion dressing, onion dressing for salads
Servings: 16 servings (2.5 cups)
Calories: 154kcal
Author: Tanya

Ingredients

  • 1 medium sweet onion 8 ounces
  • ½ cup packed light brown sugar
  • ¼ cup apple cider vinegar
  • 2 Tablespoon Dijon mustard
  • 2 teaspoon celery salt
  • ¼ teaspoon black pepper
  • ¼ teaspoon poppy seed
  • 1 cup olive oil

Instructions

  • Add sweet onion, brown sugar, apple cider vinegar, dijon mustard, celery salt, black pepper, and poppy seed to the bowl of a food processor. Process until smooth.
  • With the machine running, slowly pour the olive oil into the feed tube in a steady stream until the dressing is emulsified, about 30 seconds.
  • Use on your favorite salad recipes and Enjoy.

Notes

  • For a creamier dressing, you could add in a little mayonnaise or sour cream if you like.
  • Brown sugar has a deep and rich complex flavor that works great with the sweet onion. I don't recommend swapping it with white sugar which has a much harsher sweetness.
  • This sweet onion dressing is perfect for salads, but it's also pretty good drizzled in sandwiches and subs!
  • Store in an sealed bottle in the fridge for up to 5 days.

Nutrition

Calories: 154kcal | Carbohydrates: 8g | Protein: 1g | Fat: 14g | Saturated Fat: 2g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 1g | Monounsaturated Fat: 10g | Sodium: 316mg | Potassium: 40mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 8g | Vitamin A: 2IU | Vitamin C: 1mg | Calcium: 12mg | Iron: 1mg

Lemon Pepper Seasoning Recipe

by 2 Comments

Zingy and spicy, this homemade lemon pepper seasoning is the perfect way to add flavor to chicken and seafood dishes. Made with fresh lemon zest, this mix is perfect for adding to your homemade spice blend!

Lamon pepper seasoning in a shite bowl with a spoon.

This post contains affiliate links, please read my full disclaimer here.

Full Recipe Ingredients/Instructions are available in the 
recipe card at the bottom of the post. 
You can find important tips/tricks in the
blog post.

Whenever I can, I love to make my own seasonings. You know exactly what goes into them, they have a great shelf life and they are easy to make, plus it's way cheaper too!

This lemon pepper seasoning is made with just 3 ingredients, fresh lemon zest, salt, and pepper - that's it! It has a great shelf life, and the recipe is easily doubled so you can make up a big batch and have it on hand ready to use.

If you want to add some zesty flavor to your plate, this seasoning is the way to go!

Be sure to try my Caribbean Green Seasoning and Homemade Cajun Seasoning too!

How to make lemon pepper seasoning

  • Gather your ingredients. You will need some lemons and black pepper. That's it!
  • Fresh lemons, salt and pepper.
  • Preheat the oven to 175 degrees Fahrenheit and prepare a sheet pan by lining it with parchment paper.
  • Zest your lemons and place the zest on a sheet pan and place in the oven.
  • A lemon that has been zested.
  • Lemon zest on a baking sheet.
  • Bake until dried, about 20-25 minutes, stirring the zest occasionally.
  • Remove and place dried zest in a grinder with black pepper and kosher salt. Grind until finely ground.
  • Use in your favorite recipes and enjoy.
  • Dried lemon zest, salt and pepper in a spice grinder.
  • The lemon pepper seasoning after grinding.

How do you store it?

This lemon pepper seasoning will keep well for up to 3 months. Keep it in a sealed air-tight container or glass jar and keep it in a cupboard out of direct sunlight and away from damp. It's ready to use straight out of the jar.

What's the best way to zest lemons?

A Microplane grater is the easiest and quickest way of zesting lemons, and it creates a more even zest than a box grater. If you don't have a Microplane or box grater, you can use a vegetable peeler to remove the top layer of skin and slice it into thin strips with a knife. Then grind up as instructed.

How do you use it?

I love to use this zesty and spicy seasoning on chicken and fish dishes. It's wonderful rubbed onto wings, thighs or chicken breasts before cooking, or rub some into salmon or cod fillet. It's also great sprinkled into salads or dressings for an extra boost of flavor.

Lemon pepper seasoning in a bowl next to fresh lemons.

Recipe Notes and Tips

  • Some lemons can be coated with wax to help preserve them. Remove this by pouring boiling water over the lemons and giving them a good scrub before zesting.
  • Be careful not to grate the lemon down too much. The white lemon pith tends to be quite bitter, so you just want the top yellow skin.
  • This homemade lemon pepper seasoning works best if lemon juice is added as well. I like to add at least 1 tablespoon of fresh lemon juice to each teaspoon of seasoning.
  • This can be stored for up to 3 months.

More Homemade Seasonings

Lamon pepper seasoning in a shite bowl with a spoon.
Print Recipe
5 from 1 vote

Lemon Pepper Seasoning Recipe

Zingy and spicy, this homemade lemon pepper seasoning is the perfect way to add flavor to chicken and seafood dishes. Made with fresh lemon zest, this mix is so much more flavorful than store bought!
Prep Time15 minutes
Cook Time20 minutes
Total Time35 minutes
Course: Seasoning
Cuisine: American
Keyword: hoemmade lemon pepper seasoning, how to make lemon pepper seasoning
Servings: 4 servings
Calories: 5kcal
Author: Tanya

Equipment

Ingredients

  • ¼ cup lemon zest from about 4-5 lemons
  • 2 teaspoons black pepper
  • ¼ teaspoon kosher salt or to taste

Instructions

  • Preheat the oven to 175 degrees Fahrenheit and prepare a sheet pan by lining it with parchment paper.
  • Place lemon zest on a sheet pan and place in the oven.
  • Bake until dried, about 20-25 minutes, stirring the zest occasionally.
  • Remove and place dried zest in a grinder with black pepper and kosher salt. Grind until finely ground.
  • Use in your favorite recipes and enjoy.

Notes

  • Some lemons can be coated with wax to help preserve them. Remove this by pouring boiling water over the lemons and giving them a good scrub before zesting.
  • Be careful not to grate the lemon down too much. The white lemon pith tends to be quite bitter, so you just want the top yellow skin.
  • This homemade lemon pepper seasoning works best if lemon juice is added as well. I like to add at least 1 tablespoon of fresh lemon juice to each teaspoon of seasoning.
  • This can be stored for up to 3 months.

Nutrition

Calories: 5kcal | Carbohydrates: 2g | Protein: 1g | Fat: 1g | Saturated Fat: 1g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 1g | Monounsaturated Fat: 1g | Sodium: 146mg | Potassium: 23mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 1g | Vitamin A: 8IU | Vitamin C: 8mg | Calcium: 13mg | Iron: 1mg

Lemon Pepper Chicken Wings

by Leave a Comment

Cook up the most delicious lemon pepper chicken wings! Cooked to perfection in the air fryer, these wings are ready to serve within 40 minutes and are super easy to make. These crowd-pleasing wings are finger-lickin' good!

Lemon pepper chicken wings garnished with fresh parsley.

This post contains affiliate links, please read my full disclaimer here.

Full Recipe Ingredients/Instructions are available in the 
recipe card at the bottom of the post. 
You can find important tips/tricks in the
blog post.

I'm a wing fan and I'm always looking for new recipes to try and share. Whenever I think of wings, lemon pepper comes to mind as it's one of my favorite flavors for chicken.

Similar to my lemon pepper air fryer chicken thighs, these lemon pepper wings are sure to please, fresh and tangy with the right amount of spice, these are a sure-fire winner! Even better, they are cooked in a fraction of the time thanks to our trusty air fryer!

For this wing recipe, I use cornstarch to make the wings extra crispy. However, if you aren't a fan, feel free to skip that step. The wings will still be delicious.

Be sure to try my Cauliflower Wings and Jerk Chicken Wings too!

Close up of air fried wings.

How to make lemon pepper chicken wings

  • Pat dry chicken wings with a paper towel. Place in a large bowl and season with garlic powder, onion powder, and ½ teaspoon salt. Stir to combine.
  • Place cornstarch in a bowl. Then place chicken wings in the cornstarch mixture, coating all sides of the chicken and shaking off any excess cornstarch. Place the chicken pieces in the air fryer basket.
  • Chicken wings mixed with seasonings,
  • Wings tossed in cornstarch.
  • Uncooked chicken wings in the air fryer basket.
  • Close the basket and cook chicken wings at 390 degrees Fahrenheit for 25-30 minutes, turning and rotating chicken about every 10 minutes.
  • Once the chicken is done cooking, place chicken pieces in a bowl.
  • Add butter, lemon pepper seasoning, fresh lemon juice, to a small saucepan over medium-low heat and whisk until combined and butter has melted. Remove from heat and pour over wings. Toss to coat all the wings. Garnish the wings with parsley. Serve and enjoy.
  • Cooked chicken wings in the air fryer basket.
  • Ingredients for the lemon pepper sauce.
  • Lemon pepper wings served on a plate with lemon wedges.

Can you make these wings without an air fryer?

I love using my air fryer to cook wings as they come out so crispy and tender, plus it takes less time which is always a bonus! If you don't have an air fryer though don't fret. You can bake these wings in the oven at 350F for around 45 to 50 minutes instead. The recipe and the method remain the same, they just take a little longer.

Why add cornstarch to the wings?

If you are a fan of crispy crunchy wings, the cornstarch is a must! Because we aren't deep frying them, the cornstarch forms an amazing crust without the need for oil. Baking powder or flour can also be used.

What do you serve them with?

These lemon pepper chicken wings are pretty perfect by themselves. Serve them up with dips like Garlic Aioli or Homemade BBQ Sauce. If you are planning a bigger feast, serve them alongside other favorite apps like:

Air fried chicken wings on a white plate with lemon wedges.

Recipe Notes and Tips

  • Adding the cornstarch to your wings will give them an extra crunchy texture. You can omit the cornstarch if preferred.
  • Pat the wings dry before seasoning them. This will help them to get extra crispy.
  • If using frozen wings, be sure to defrost them fully before use.
  • Rotate the wings every 10 minutes during cooking, this will help them get crispy all over.
  • Air fryer models can run slightly differently so cooking times may vary. The wings should register an internal temperature of 165F when they are cooked.

More Chicken Wing Recipes

Lemon pepper chicken wings garnished with fresh parsley.
Print Recipe
5 from 1 vote

Lemon Pepper Chicken Wings

Cook up the most delicious lemon pepper chicken wings this game day! Cooked to perfection in the air fryer, this wings are ready to serve within 40 minutes and are super easy to make. These crowd pleasing wings are finger lickin' good!
Prep Time10 minutes
Cook Time30 minutes
Total Time40 minutes
Course: Appetizer, Main Course
Cuisine: American
Keyword: air fryer lemon pepper wings, homemade lemon pepper wing recipe, how to make lemon pepper wings
Servings: 5 servings
Calories: 377kcal
Author: Tanya

Ingredients

Wings:

  • 2 pounds chicken wings
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon onion powder
  • ½ teaspoon salt
  • ¾ cup cornstarch

Sauce:

  • 4 Tablespoons butter
  • 2 teaspoons lemon pepper seasoning
  • 2 teaspoons fresh lemon juice
  • 1 teaspoon fresh parsley for topping

Instructions

Chicken Wings

  • Pat dry chicken wings with a paper towel. Place in a large bowl and season with garlic powder, onion powder, and ½ teaspoon salt. Stir to combine.
  • Place cornstarch in a bowl. Place chicken wings in the cornstarch mixture, coating all sides of the chicken and shaking off any excess cornstarch. Place the chicken pieces in the air fryer basket.
  • Close the basket and cook chicken wings at 390 degrees Fahrenheit for 25-30 minutes, turning and rotating chicken about every 10 minutes.
  • Once the chicken is done cooking, place chicken pieces in a bowl. Set aside and make the sauce.

Sauce

  • Add butter, lemon pepper seasoning, fresh lemon juice, to a small saucepan over medium-low heat and whisk until combined and butter has melted. Remove from heat and pour over wings. Toss to coat all the wings. Garnish the wings with parsley. Serve and enjoy.

Notes

  • Adding the cornstarch to your wings will give them an extra crunchy texture. You can omit the cornstarch if preferred.
  • Pat the wings dry before seasoning them. This will help them to get extra crispy.
  • If using frozen wings, be sure to defrost them fully before use.
  • Rotate the wings every 10 minutes during cooking, this will help them get crispy all over.
  • Air fryer models can run slightly differently so cooking times may vary. The wings should register an internal temperature of 165F when they are cooked.

Nutrition

Calories: 377kcal | Carbohydrates: 19g | Protein: 18g | Fat: 25g | Saturated Fat: 10g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 4g | Monounsaturated Fat: 9g | Trans Fat: 1g | Cholesterol: 100mg | Sodium: 387mg | Potassium: 181mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 1g | Vitamin A: 430IU | Vitamin C: 2mg | Calcium: 21mg | Iron: 1mg

How to Bake Turkey Bacon In The Oven

by Leave a Comment

Learn how to bake turkey bacon quickly and easily in the oven. This simple recipe is the perfect accompaniment for breakfast, and it comes out wonderfully crispy! This will be your go-to method!

Turkey bacon served on a plate with scrambled eggs and toast.

This post contains affiliate links, please read my full disclaimer here.

Full Recipe Ingredients/Instructions are available in the 
recipe card at the bottom of the post. 
You can find important tips/tricks in the
blog post.

Deliciously crispy and perfect for breakfast meal prep, turkey bacon is never a bad idea.

Now although I love pork bacon, I love to have some variety when it comes to breakfast meats. Turkey bacon usually gets a bad wrap because it does not taste like traditional bacon, but when made right, turkey bacon is simply delicious.

The key to turkey bacon is making sure you do not overcook it. Overcooking turkey bacon results in dry leathery pieces. This is why my oven-baked method is a total game changer! It's so easy to pop it in the oven, the cooking time is totally hands-off and the clean-up is a breeze. Plus, I never get overcooked turkey bacon with this method.

Oven baking produces perfect results every single time, and I guarantee you won't cook turkey bacon any other way again!

Be sure to check out my Crispy Air Fryer Bacon and Million Dollar Bacon too!

Two oven baked turkey bacon strips.

How to Bake Turkey Bacon In The Oven

  • Preheat the oven to 375 degrees Fahrenheit.
  • Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or foil.
  • Lay bacon flat on the lined sheet pan side-by-side, careful to not overlap the bacon.
Strips of turkey bacon on a lined baking sheet before being cooked.
  • Once the oven is preheated, place bacon in the oven on the middle rack and bake for about 10-12 minutes. Remove and serve.
Eight strips of oven baked turkey bacon on a baking sheet.

Is turkey bacon healthier than regular bacon?

Turkey bacon has fewer calories and fat than regular bacon, so it's a great alternative to pork if you are looking to reduce your consumption. Do keep in mind that it is processed meat though, so it's best to enjoy it in moderation. Use a reduced-sodium brand for the healthiest option.

Oven baking is a healthier option compared to pan-frying as you don't have to add any additional oil.

Can you cook it in advance?

Yes! Cooked turkey bacon will keep well in the fridge for up to 4 days. Once cooked, let it cool completely and store in an airtight container in the fridge. You can reheat it in the oven at 360F for 5 minutes, or in the microwave on full power for about 20 seconds.

You can also freeze it for up to 6 months. Freeze the cooled bacon slices solid on a bacon sheet before placing them in a freezer bag or container. Thaw in the fridge before reheating or reheat from frozen in the oven or microwave.

How long does it take to cook?

For best results, cook the turkey bacon strips at 375F for 10 to 12 minutes. It only takes a couple of extra minutes longer than cooking it on the stovetop, but it's much cleaner and the cooking time is hands-off.

Close up of three bits of cooked turkey bacon.

Recipe Notes and Tips

  • Most turkey bacon brands are seasoned with a smokey taste for flavor. Feel free to season it by sprinkling on fresh cracked black pepper.
  • Place the strips of bacon in a single layer on the baking sheet. If they are overlapping, some parts won't get crispy.
  • Make sure that your oven is fully preheated before placing the turkey bacon in. This will guarantee a crispy texture.

More Kitchen How To's

Eight strips of oven baked turkey bacon on a baking sheet.
Print Recipe
5 from 1 vote

How to Bake Turkey Bacon In The Oven

Learn how to bake turkey bacon quickly and easily in the oven, with a lot less mess. This simple recipe is the perfect accompaniment for breakfast, and it comes out wonderfully crispy! This will be your go to method!
Prep Time5 minutes
Cook Time10 minutes
Total Time15 minutes
Course: Breakfast
Cuisine: American
Keyword: easy turkey bacon recipe, how to cook turkey bacon, oven baked turkey bacon
Servings: 4 servings
Calories: 107kcal
Author: Tanya

Equipment

  • Sheet Pan

Ingredients

  • 12 oz turkey bacon slices

Instructions

  • Preheat the oven to 375 degrees Fahrenheit.
  • Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or foil.
  • Lay bacon flat on the lined sheet pan side-by-side, careful to not overlap the bacon.
  • Once the oven is preheated, place bacon in the oven on the middle rack and bake for about 10-12 minutes. Remove and serve.

Notes

  • Most turkey bacon brands are seasoned with a smokey taste for flavor. Feel free to season it by sprinkling on fresh cracked black pepper.
  • Place the strips of bacon in a single layer on the baking sheet. If they are overlapping, some parts won't get crispy.
  • Make sure that your oven is fully preheated before placing the turkey bacon in. This will guarantee a crispy texture.

Nutrition

Calories: 107kcal | Carbohydrates: 1g | Protein: 8g | Fat: 8g | Saturated Fat: 2g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 2g | Monounsaturated Fat: 3g | Cholesterol: 27mg | Sodium: 640mg | Potassium: 111mg | Calcium: 3mg | Iron: 1mg

Homemade Air Fryer Croutons

by Leave a Comment

Cook up a batch of homemade croutons in a matter of minutes in your air fryer. Perfect for adding to soups and salads, these seasoned croutons are perfectly crispy and full of flavor. I know you are going to love these!

Golden brown croutons in the air fryer basket.

This post contains affiliate links, please read my full disclaimer here.

Full Recipe Ingredients/Instructions are available in the 
recipe card at the bottom of the post. 
You can find important tips/tricks in the
blog post.

Add some texture and crunch to your favorite salads and soups with this quick and easy air fryer croutons recipe.

These homemade croutons are seasoned with garlic and herbs and come together in a matter of minutes for a perfect crispy topping.

These croutons have a great shelf life, I love having them on hand to add some flavor and interest to lunchtime salads and soups, or just grab a few to enjoy as a yummy snack!

Be sure to try my Air Fryer French Toast and Air Fryer Dinner Rolls too!

Croutons served on top of a green salad.

How to make air fryer croutons

  • Gather your ingredients. I've got a loaf of french bread, olive oil, and spices.
Ingredients to make the recipe.
  • Preheat you air fryer to 380 degrees Fahrenheit.
  • Cut your bread into 1 inch pieces. I use an electric bread knife for cutting hard bread. It literally is the best when it comes to cutting clean smooth pieces.
  • Place cut bread pieces into a large bowl. Set aside.
A bread loaf cut into cubes.
  • In a small bowl, whisk olive oil, Italian seasoning, garlic powder, and salt until combined.
  • Pour the olive oil mixture over the bread pieces and stir with a spatula, ensuring all the pieces get covered by the olive oil.
Bread cubes being mixed with oil and seasonings.
  • Place the bread in the preheated air fryer in a single layer and air fry for 6-8 minutes, until golden brown and crispy.
  • Remove and serve
Air fried croutons in an air fryer basket.

What's the best bread to use?

I love to use French bread to make croutons, the crust gets wonderfully crispy and the croutons are light and not dense. Most thickly sliced bread loaves will work great, sourdough is another favorite option, or try making them with some homemade cornbread.

I don't worry about using stale bread when it comes to making these air fryer croutons. However, if using hot fresh baked bread, I would let it rest for at least a day before making these croutons.

How long does it take to make croutons in an air fryer?

These croutons will take between 6 and 8 minutes to air fry at 380F. Cook them in a single layer for the best results. If you are cooking more, you can layer up the bread cubes, but be sure to give them a shake or two during cooking so that they crisp up evenly.

Serving Suggestions

Homemade croutons are a great way to add some interest to everyday soups and salads. Try adding them too...

Close up of air fryer croutons ready to use.

Recipe Notes and Tips

  • Store croutons in an airtight container at room temperature. They will last for up to 2 weeks.
  • I like to make these with olive oil, but vegetable, canola or avocado will all work well. Butter will also work but your croutons will taste a little buttery.
  • Try mixing up the seasonings. Most dried herbs and spices will work great so have fun experimenting!
  • Let cool before storing or enjoy right away.

More Air Fryer Recipes

Golden brown croutons in the air fryer basket.
Print Recipe
5 from 1 vote

Homemade Air Fryer Croutons

Cook up a batch of homemade croutons in a matter of minutes in your air fryer. Perfect for adding to soups and salads, these seasoned croutons are perfectly crispy and full of flavor. I know you are going to love these!
Prep Time10 minutes
Cook Time6 minutes
Total Time16 minutes
Course: Bread
Cuisine: American
Keyword: air fried croutons, how to air fry croutons, seasoned air fryer croutons
Servings: 8 servings
Calories: 192kcal
Author: Tanya

Ingredients

  • 1 small loaf French bread cut into 1 inch cubes, about 4 cups
  • 3 Tablespoons olive oil
  • ½ teaspoon Italian seasoning
  • ¼ teaspoon garlic powder
  • ¼ teaspoon salt

Instructions

  • Preheat air fryer basket to 380 degrees Fahrenheit.
  • Place cut bread pieces into a large bowl. Set aside.
  • In a small bowl, whisk olive oil, Italian seasoning, garlic powder, and salt until combined.
  • Pour the olive oil mixture over the bread pieces and stir with a spatula, ensuring all the pieces get covered by the olive oil.
  • Place the bread in the preheated air fryer in a single layer and air fry for 6-8 minutes, until golden brown and crispy.
  • Remove and serve

Notes

  • Store croutons in an airtight container at room temperature. They will last for up to 2 weeks.
  • I like to make these with olive oil, but vegetable, canola or avocado will all work well.
  • Try mixing up the seasonings. Most dried herbs and spices will work great so have fun experimenting!
  • Let cool before storing or enjoy right away.

Nutrition

Calories: 192kcal | Carbohydrates: 28g | Protein: 6g | Fat: 6g | Saturated Fat: 1g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 1g | Monounsaturated Fat: 4g | Sodium: 329mg | Potassium: 67mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 1g | Vitamin A: 2IU | Vitamin C: 1mg | Calcium: 24mg | Iron: 2mg

Garlic Parmesan Wings

by 5 Comments

Quick and easy to make, these air fryer garlic parmesan wings are loaded with flavor! Perfectly crispy on the outside with juicy and tender meat, these seasoned wings are hard to say no to!

Chicken wings in a garlic parmesan sauce served on a plate.

This post contains affiliate links, please read my full disclaimer here.

Full Recipe Ingredients/Instructions are available in the 
recipe card at the bottom of the post. 
You can find important tips/tricks in the
blog post.

If wings are a must for your game day appetizers, you have got to try this garlic parmesan recipe! Serve them up with your favorite dips for one crowd pleasing dish that everyone will love during the half-time show!

I'm not sure when I became such a fan of garlic parmesan wings but if I see them on a menu, I'm ordering them. I mean who doesn't love that delicious taste of garlic and butter? Add parmesan cheese to the mix and you have got a winner.

For this recipe, I use my air fryer to cook the chicken wings. I coated the wings in cornstarch for an extra crunchy flavor, but feel free to skip that step if you are short on time.

Simple to prep, these wings are bursting with savory flavor, they really couldn't be simpler to make!

Be sure to try my Cauliflower Wings and Seasoned Air Fryer Turkey Wings too!

Garlic parm wings served on a white plate.

How to make garlic parmesan chicken wings

  • Pat dry chicken wings with a paper towel. Place in a large bowl and season with garlic powder, onion powder, and salt. Stir to combine.
  • Place cornstarch in a bowl. Then place chicken wings in the cornstarch mixture, coating all sides of the chicken and shaking off any excess cornstarch. Place the chicken wings in the air fryer basket.
  • Chicken wings being seasoned.
  • Wings tossed in cornstarch.
  • Uncooked wings in the air fryer basket.
  • Close the basket and cook chicken wings at 390 degrees Fahrenheit for 25-30 minutes, turning and rotating chicken about every 10 minutes.
  • Once the chicken is done cooking, place chicken pieces in a bowl. Set aside and make the sauce.
  • Add the sauce ingredients into a small saucepan over medium-low heat and whisk until combined and butter has melted. Remove from heat and pour over wings. Toss to coat all the wings. Remove and serve.
  • Cooked wings in the air fryer basket.
  • Garrlic parmesan sauce mixed together.
  • Chicken wings tossed in the garlic parmesan sauce.

Can you make wings ahead of time?

Wings are always best when served hot and fresh, this will be when the meat is most juicy and the skins are perfectly crispy. The great thing about the air fryer is that it does reheat food really well, so if you do have leftovers, reheat them at 390F for 3 to 5 minutes till heated back through. Air frying them at a high heat will get them nice and crispy again.

I would also suggest making the wings without the sauce if making ahead. When ready to serve, reheat the wings and then add the sauce.

Can you use frozen wings?

You can cook wings from frozen in the air fryer, it just takes a little longer, but for best results. Check out my frozen air fryer wings blog post for the best tips.

Can you oven bake wings?

I love using my air fryer to cook up wings, it takes less time and they always come out perfectly crispy. If you don't have an air fryer, you can cook the wings on a lined baking sheet in the oven at 425F for about 45 to 50 minutes, until the wings are heated through. Both methods are healthier than deep frying for sure.

Close up of garlic parmesan chicken wings.

Recipe Notes and Tips

  • Adding the cornstarch to your wings will give them an extra crunchy texture. You can omit the cornstarch if preferred, or use flour or baking powder.
  • Pat the wings dry before seasoning, this will help them crisp up nicely.
  • Turn the wings every 10 minutes during cooking so that they get browned all over.
  • It's best to cook these garlic parmesan wings in a single layer, so cook in batches if you are serving more.

More Chicken Wing Recipes

Chicken wings in a garlic parmesan sauce served on a plate.
Print Recipe
5 from 1 vote

Garlic Parmesan Wings

Quick and easy to make, these air fryer garlic parmesan wings are loaded with flavor! Perfectly crispy on the outside with juicy and tender meat, these seasoned wings are hard to say no to!
Prep Time10 minutes
Cook Time25 minutes
Total Time35 minutes
Course: Appetizer, Main Course
Cuisine: American
Keyword: air fried garlic parm wings, chicken wings with parmesan, crispy parmesan wings
Servings: 4 servings
Calories: 498kcal
Author: Tanya

Ingredients

Wings

  • 2 pounds chicken wings
  • ¾ cup cornstarch
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon onion powder
  • ½ teaspoon salt

Sauce

  • ¼ cup unsalted butter
  • 6 garlic cloves minced
  • 4 Tablespoons grated parmesan
  • 1 Tablespoon chopped parsley

Instructions

Chicken Wings

  • Pat dry chicken wings with a paper towel. Place in a large bowl and season with garlic powder, onion powder, and salt. Stir to combine.
  • Place cornstarch in a bowl. Place chicken wings in the cornstarch mixture, coating all sides of the chicken and shaking off any excess cornstarch. Place the chicken wings in the air fryer basket.
  • Close the basket and cook chicken wings at 390 degrees Fahrenheit for 25-30 minutes, turning and rotating chicken about every 10 minutes.
  • Once the chicken is done cooking, place chicken pieces in a bowl. Set aside and make the sauce.

Sauce

  • Add the sauce ingredients into a small saucepan over medium-low heat and whisk until combined and butter has melted. Remove from heat and pour over wings. Toss to coat all the wings. Remove and serve.

Notes

Adding the cornstarch to your wings will give them an extra crunchy texture. You can omit the cornstarch if preferred.

Nutrition

Calories: 498kcal | Carbohydrates: 25g | Protein: 25g | Fat: 33g | Saturated Fat: 14g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 5g | Monounsaturated Fat: 11g | Trans Fat: 1g | Cholesterol: 129mg | Sodium: 462mg | Potassium: 239mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 1g | Vitamin A: 662IU | Vitamin C: 4mg | Calcium: 86mg | Iron: 2mg

Easy Oven Baked Salmon

by 2 Comments

Get a tasty and healthy family dinner on the table quickly with this easy oven-baked salmon recipe. Simply seasoned, this salmon is quick to prep and cook and is ready to serve in 20 minutes. This is a great go-to recipe after a long day!

Overhead shot of salmon fillets served on a white plate with green beans.

This post contains affiliate links, please read my full disclaimer here.

Full Recipe Ingredients/Instructions are available in the 
recipe card at the bottom of the post. 
You can find important tips/tricks in the
blog post.

When I'm in need of a quick and easy weeknight dinner, fish is often my go-to because it cooks so quickly. This easy oven-baked salmon recipe is no different!

Salmon takes minutes to prep and the short cooking time is hands-off, so it's a great option when you want to spend minimal time in the kitchen! Cooking salmon in the oven results in delicious and flaky fish.

This is also a great healthy option for the whole family, high in protein and omega-3s, but low in saturated fat and carbs, this is a tasty way to get the goodness in.

What are you waiting for?!

Be sure to try my Oven-Baked Fish and my Air Fryer Salmon Patties too!

A fork cutting a baked salmon fillet.

How to oven bake salmon

  • Preheat the oven to 425 Fahrenheit and prepare a sheet pan by lining it with foil paper.
  • Pat the salmon dry and rub the oil over the flesh side of the salmon. Season the salmon with salt and pepper.
  • Patting salmon fillets dry.
  • Seasoning salmon fillets.
  • Place salmon, skin-side down, on the prepared baking sheet and bake in the preheated oven for about 12-15 minutes. (4-6 minutes per ½ inch salmon).
  • Bake until salmon is cooked through.
  • Salmon fillets on a lined baking sheet with slices of lemon.
  • Oven baked salmon fillets on a lined baking tray.

Why oven bake salmon?

Oven baking is a great hands-off method for cooking salmon, just pop it in the oven, set a timer and it's ready to serve. The clean-up is a breeze too, as you just have to throw the foil away - what more do you need from a weeknight dinner?!

I do also love to cook it in the air fryer, be sure to check out my air fryer salmon recipe for another quick and easy method.

Can you bake salmon from frozen?

I always prefer to use fresh, rather than frozen, fish. When fish freezes it tends to hold on to a lot of water which can make the fish mushy rather than flakey, however, it is more convenient.

If using frozen salmon, thaw the fillets fully in the fridge overnight. As with fresh, pat them dry with kitchen paper before seasoning, this is especially important when using frozen as you don't want it to be waterlogged.

How to know salmon is done?

Salmon is done when it flakes easily with a fork. You could also check the doneness of the salmon by using a quick read thermometer. I prefer to cook my salmon to medium doneness, which is about 120 - 125 degrees Fahrenheit and results in moist, tender, and flaky salmon.

Take note of carry-over cooking when baking salmon. Once your salmon is removed from the oven, allow it to rest for about 5 minutes. The temperature will continue to rise a few degrees.

What is the best Salmon to Bake?

There are many types of salmon you could buy, but farmed Atlantic, Alaskan, or sockeye salmon is what I usually have access to. All cuts of salmon can be roasted following the method below.

If using sockeye salmon, lower the cooking time as sockeye salmon is leaner and thinner and tends to dry out quickly.

What do you serve it with?

This easy oven-baked salmon is great to serve with salads, vegetables, grains, and potato sides for a filling meal. Try it with:

Two salmon fillets served with green beans and a lemon wedge.

Recipe Variations

This easy oven baked salmon is simply seasoned with a little salt and pepper. You can easily add other seasonings to suit your tastes. My homemade fish seasoning is perfect to use or rub on a little paprika or some fresh herbs. This oven baking method is also great for other types of fish like cod or tilapia. Cooking times may vary slightly.

Recipe Notes and Tips

  • You can use skin on or skin off fillets for this recipe. I prefer to use skin on as it tends to be cheaper and the flesh easily seprates from the skin after cooking.
  • Line you baking sheet with foil or parchment. This will mean your fish won't stick to the baking sheet and the clean up will be extra easy.
  • Pat the salmon dry before seasoning. This helps to remove excess water that can cause the fish to be soft and mushy.
  • The salmon is cooked when it is pink and opaque in color. It should easily flake with a fork.
Close up of a fork cutting a piece of salmon.

More Fish Recipes

Two salmon fillets on a plate with green beans. One fillet cut in half.
Print Recipe
5 from 1 vote

Easy Oven Baked Salmon

Get a tasty and healthy family dinner on the table quickly with this easy oven baked salmon recipe. Simply seasoned, this salmon is quick to prep and cook and is ready to serve in less than 20 minutes. This is a great go to recipe after a long day!
Prep Time10 minutes
Cook Time12 minutes
Total Time22 minutes
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: American
Keyword: baked salmon fillet, how to bake salmon, simple salmon recipe
Servings: 6 servings
Calories: 167kcal
Author: Tanya

Ingredients

  • 1.5 lbs salmon
  • 1-2 teaspoons olive oil
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

  • Preheat the oven to 425F and prepare a sheet pan by lining it with foil paper.
  • Pat the salmon dry and rub the oil over the flesh side of the salmon. Season the salmon with salt and pepper.
  • Place salmon, skin-side down, on the prepared baking sheet and bake in the preheated oven for about 12-15 minutes. (4-6 minutes per ½ inch salmon).
  • Bake until salmon is cooked through.

Notes

  • You can use skin on or skin off fillets for this recipe.
  • Line you baking sheet with foil or parchment. This will mean your fish won't stick to the baking sheet and the clean up will be extra easy.
  • Pat the salmon dry before seasoning. This helps to remove excess water that can cause the fish to be soft and mushy.
  • The salmon is cooked when it is pink and opaque in color. It should easily flake with a fork.

Nutrition

Calories: 167kcal | Protein: 22g | Fat: 8g | Saturated Fat: 1g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 3g | Monounsaturated Fat: 3g | Cholesterol: 62mg | Sodium: 55mg | Potassium: 556mg | Vitamin A: 45IU | Calcium: 14mg | Iron: 1mg

Caribbean Green Seasoning

by Leave a Comment

Green Seasoning is a delicious herb blend that is used for marinating meats, fish, or stirred into stews and is used widely among the Caribbean islands. 

green seasoning in glass jar with herbs surrounding it

The Caribbean is known for its delicious and bright flavorful combinations. The use of fresh herbs, bold peppers, and lots of spice tends to stand out. When I think of authentic green seasoning, I think of Trinidad and Tobago, where this seasoning originated from. Many Caribbean recipes will have a dollop or two of green seasonings added to the dish to enhance the flavors.  

The formula for green seasoning is to have herbs, a pepper or two, and some lime, vinegar, or water to blend the seasoning with. Once made, it’s either stored in the refrigerator or frozen for later and added to many delicious recipes throughout the week. 

Traditionally, this seasoning is used a marinade for meats, fish, and vegetables. I like to use it as a marinade as well as a finishing herb. I like to add it to rice, poultry, and other meats before serving.

green seasoning in glass jar with herbs surrounding it

How to make Green Seasoning

First, gather all your ingredients and wash all your herbs. I like to also roughly chop my peppers, celery, and onions before adding them to a food processor.

fresh herbs washed and prepped

Add all the ingredients to a food processor and process until smooth.

green seasoning ingredients in a food processor

If you like your green seasoning a little chunky, just pulse to your desired consistency. For a wetter more pureed seasoning, process until well blended. I like to keep mine a little chunky so I can also use it as a herb salsa.

  • ingredients for green seasoning in a food processor
  • overhead photo of green seasoning in food processor

Use the seasoning as a marinade for your favorite fish, meat, or vegetables.

green seasonong in white plate with herbs surrounding it

How to use green seasoning as a marinade?

This seasoning is usually used as a marinade. I suggest using about 2 Tablespoons for every pound of meat. Add the seasoning to meat, fish, or vegetables and rub it all over. Cover and allow it to marinate in the refrigerator until ready to cook.

I also like to add about 1 Tablespoon of oil to the seasoning when using as a marinade.

How to store green seasoning?

Green seasoning should be refrigerated. It will last in the fridge for about a week. It can also be frozen and will last in the fridge for up to 3 months.

To freeze, place green seasoning into small ice cube trays and freeze until solid. Once solid, place in a freezer-friendly bag.

Notes

  • This will last in the fridge for up to a week. You can also freeze small portions of it. It will last in your freezer for up to 3 months. 
  • Use about 1 Tablespoon green seasoning for 1 lb of meat. 
  • I suggest adding a little oil to meat or fish when using it as a marinade.
  • For a wetter more pureed seasoning, process until well blended. I like to keep mine a little chunky so I can also use it as a herb salsa.

Looking for other seasonings/sauce recipes, try these out:

green seasoning in glass jar with herbs surrounding it
Print Recipe
5 from 2 votes

Caribbean Green Seasoning

Green Seasoning is a delicious herb blend that is used for marinating meats, fish, or stirred into stews and is used widely among the Caribbean islands. 
Prep Time5 minutes
Total Time5 minutes
Course: Seasoning
Cuisine: Caribbean
Keyword: green seasoning
Servings: 2 cups
Author: Tanya

Ingredients

  • 1 bunch of cilantro leaves and stems, about 3oz
  • ½ bunch italian parsley about 2 oz
  • 8 whole pimento seeds crushed
  • 1 scotch bonett pepper seeds and stem removed
  • 1 celery stalk leaves included, and roughly chopped
  • 1 bunch thyme leaves removed from stems
  • ½ red bell pepper roughly chopped
  • ¾ cup lime juice from about 5 limes
  • 1 inch ginger peeled and chopped
  • 8 whole peeled garlic cloves
  • 6 green onions stems removed and roughly chopped
  • 1 teaspoon salt or to taste

Instructions

  • Add ingredients to a food processor. Pulse until finely chopped or pureed.
  • Use as a marinade for your favorite meats, vegetables, and fish. You may also use it as a fresh topping.

Notes

  • This seasoning will last in the fridge for up to a week. You can also freeze small portions of it. It will last in your freezer for up to 3 months. 
  • Use about 1 Tablespoon green seasoning for 1 lb of meat. 
  • I suggest adding a little oil to meat or fish when using it as a marinade.
  • For a wetter more pureed seasoning, process until well blended. I like to keep mine a little chunky so I can also use it as a herb salsa.

How to Bake Bacon In The Oven

by 7 Comments

Learn how to bake bacon in the oven for an easy and mess free breakfast. This oven method is hassle-free and the clean up is a breeze! Get the most perfect crispy bacon with zero effort!

Oven baked bacon served with scrambled eggs and toast.

This post contains affiliate links, please read my full disclaimer here.

Full Recipe Ingredients/Instructions are available in the 
recipe card at the bottom of the post. 
You can find important tips/tricks in the
blog post.

I mean, who doesn't love some crispy bacon for a delicious breakfast, I know I do! However, I'm not totally in love with cooking it on the stovetop with fat splashing everywhere!

I have been baking bacon in the oven for years now, and it is absolutely my go to method. The cooking time is totally hands off and cleaning up afterwards is a breeze as well.

Oven baked bacon is so full proof too, I get perfect results every single time and it's easy to cook to your exact liking. Seriously, once you do this you will never go back!

Be sure to try my Million Dollar Bacon and Crispy Air Fryer Bacon too!

Eight strips of bacon on a baking sheet ready to serve.

How to Bake Bacon In The Oven

  • You can make this recipe with thick cut bacon or regular.
Thick cut and regular cut bacon.
  • Preheat the oven to 375 degrees Fahrenheit.
  • Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or foil.
  • Lay bacon flat on the lined sheet pan side-by-side, careful to not overlap the bacon. You can also choose to use a sheet pan with a rack.
Strips of bacon on a lined baking sheet before being cooked.
  • Once the oven is preheated, place bacon in the oven on the middle rack until the bacon is desired doneness. This will take anywhere from 10-25 minutes. (Regular/thinner cut bacon - 10-15 minutes. Thick cut bacon - 20-25 minutes).
  • Once done, remove bacon from the oven and remove to a wire rack or plate. Remove excess grease by blotting the bacon with a paper towel. The bacon will be crispy after this step.
Strips of oven baked crispy bacon on a baking sheet.

Is oven baking bacon healthier than frying?

Yes, it can be. If you choose to bake the bacon on a rack, excess grease will drain off the elevated bacon onto the baking sheet below.

I choose to bake my bacon directly on a lined sheet pan and blot any excess grease. I also love that the clean-up is so straightforward, just line your sheet with parchment and foil to catch the fat, then throw it away. It couldn't be easier!

🥓 Rack or No Rack? Which Method is Better?

It’s totally up to you! Cooking bacon on a rack allows the fat to drip away, giving you crispier, evenly-cooked bacon. But if you prefer a bit of chewiness, cooking it directly on a foil-lined baking sheet works just fine — and cleanup’s a breeze!

How long should bacon be cooked in the oven?

Depending on what thickness of bacon you use, it takes anywhere between 10 and 25 minutes to get perfectly cooked bacon. Make sure that the oven is fully preheated so that it crisps up nicely.

Can you cook bacon ahead of time?

Cooked bacon is great for breakfast meal prep! Once cooked and crispy, let it cool fully before transferring to an airtight container. It will keep well in the fridge for up to 4 days. You can east it straight out of the fridge or reheat in the oven at 360F for a few minutes to warm it back up.

Can you freeze cooked bacon?

Freezing is a great option if you can't get through all of the bacon! Freeze the cooked strips individually on a baking sheet till solid, then transfer to a bag or container. It will keep frozen for up to 6 months. Thaw it in the fridge before reheating or cook from frozen in the microwave for 15 seconds.

Strips of bacon in a storage conatiner.

Recipe Notes and Tips

  • The length of cooking time will depend on the cut of the bacon and the size. Make sure to start checking your bacon before the time allotted.
  • Place the strips of bacon in a single layer on the baking sheet, it shouldn't be overlapping, if it is, it won't get crispy all over.
  • Do line your baking sheet with parchment or foil. This will make the clean up really quick and easy.

More Cooking Guides

Eight strips of bacon on a baking sheet ready to serve.
Print Recipe
4.25 from 4 votes

How to Bake Bacon In The Oven

Learn how to bake bacon in the oven for an easy and mess free breakfast. This oven method is hassle-free and the clean up is a breeze! Get the most perfect crispy bacon with zero effort!
Prep Time10 minutes
Cook Time20 minutes
Total Time30 minutes
Course: Breakfast
Cuisine: American
Keyword: easy oven bacon, how long to cook bacon in the oven, oven baked bacon
Servings: 4 servings
Calories: 183kcal
Author: Tanya

Ingredients

  • 8 strips of bacon

Instructions

  • Preheat the oven to 375 degrees Fahrenheit.
  • Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or foil.
  • Lay bacon flat on the lined sheet pan side-by-side, careful to not overlap the bacon.
  • Once the oven is preheated, place bacon in the oven on the middle rack until the bacon is desired doneness. This will take anywhere from 10-25 minutes.
    - Regular/thinner cut bacon - 10-15 minutes.
    - Thick cut bacon - 20-25 minutes
  • Once done, remove bacon from the oven and remove to a wire rack or plate. Remove excess grease by blotting the bacon with a paper towel. The bacon will be crispy after this step.

Notes

  • The length of cooking time will depend on the cut of the bacon and the size. Make sure to start checking your bacon before the time allotted.
  • Place the strips of bacon in a single layer on the baking sheet, it shouldn't be overlapping, if it is, it won't get crispy all over.
  • Do line your baking sheet with parchment or foil. This will make the clean up really quick and easy.

Nutrition

Calories: 183kcal | Carbohydrates: 1g | Protein: 6g | Fat: 17g | Saturated Fat: 6g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 3g | Monounsaturated Fat: 8g | Trans Fat: 1g | Cholesterol: 29mg | Sodium: 291mg | Potassium: 87mg | Vitamin A: 16IU | Calcium: 2mg | Iron: 1mg

Easy Chicken Chili

by 6 Comments

This Chicken Chili Recipe is full of flavor and the perfect bowl of comfort! Made with flavorful spices and broth, this easy chili recipe is perfect for busy weeknights or lazy weekends. 

overhead photo of chicken chili recipe

Full Recipe Ingredients/Instructions are available in the 
recipe card at the bottom of the post. 
You can find important tips/tricks in the
blog post.

It’s gotten a little chilly outside so it’s time for all things chili. Well, truth be told, I can have chili all times of the year, but when it’s getting a little chilly, it’s time for some chili. Ha!

I’ve shared a few chili recipes here, like this Instant Pot turkey chili and my traditional chili made with ground beef. But this Chicken chili is on another level. Made with fresh peppers and onions and a delicious spice combination, it’s a dish your whole family will love. 

I opted for the stovetop for this recipe and use leftover shredded chicken breast to make this recipe quicker and easier. It’s ready from start to finish in less than 40 minutes. The most work you’ll need to do is chop up some peppers, onions, and garlic. 

How to make Chicken Chili

First, you will want to mis en place all your ingredients. Doing this makes the recipe come together so quickly. 

ingredients for chicken chili on sheetpan

Next, place 1 can of the navy beans (with the liquid from the can) in a food processor and process until smooth. Set aside.

whole navy beans in food processor
processed beans inside of food processor

Heat oil in a large heavy-bottom pot over medium-high heat. Add chopped onions, poblano peppers, and jalapeño peppers and sauté for about 5 minutes, until softened. Then add the chopped garlic and sauté for an additional minute. 

sauteéing onions and peppers in large pot

Add chili powder, cumin, and dried oregano, and sauté for an additional 30 seconds to toast the spices. 

satueéd peppers and onions inside of large pot

Pour in the chicken broth, lime juice, beans (the whole ones and the processed ones), and bring to simmer for about 20 minutes. 

Add shredded chicken and continue to simmer for an additional 3-4 minutes until heated through. 

simmering chili in pot
chicken added to the simmering chili

Serve with desired toppings. Enjoy. 

avocado and cilantro on top of chili

How to thicken chicken chili?

This chili as written is loaded with peppers, onions, and chicken, but there is still a good amount of broth to balance it out. If you still want it thicker, you can use certain thickeners, like cornstarch, to thicken the chili. 

To drain the beans or not drain the beans?

You’ll notice for this recipe, I do not drain the beans. The main purpose of draining beans before adding to chili is to reduce the amount of salt and sodium. For this recipe and its use of Navy beans, I chose to use the liquid in the can. If you would like to reduce the amount of sodium, you can purchase low sodium beans or drain the beans and an additional ½ cup of chicken broth. 

What can I top this chicken chili with?

Cilantro and sour cream are my favorites! Stirring in a spoonful of sour cream in this chili will lighten up the color, making it white chicken chili. You could also try adding chopped avocado, tortilla strips or chips, and cheddar cheese. 

hand holding bowl of chicken chili to eat

Where to find Leftover Chicken

I like to make a batch of chicken breast to use throughout the week in recipes just like this. I like to boil my chicken breast or make my chicken breast in the air fryer or oven. You could also use the chicken from a rotisserie chicken. 

Notes

  • This chicken chili will last in your fridge for 3-4 days and can be frozen for up to 4 months. Leftovers are absolutely delicious. 
  • If you aren’t a fan of any spice, feel free to leave the jalapeño peppers out. 
  • Navy beans can be subbed with other beans like pinto, Cannellini, and Great Northern beans. 
  • If you don’t have a food processor, simply mash the beans before adding them to the soup. 

I hope you love this chicken chili as much as we do. Looking similar bowls of comfort? Try these out:

overhead photo of chicken chili recipe
Print Recipe
4.75 from 8 votes

Easy Chicken Chili

This Chicken Chili Recipe is full of flavor and the perfect bowl of comfort! Made with flavorful spices and broth, this easy chili recipe is perfect for busy weeknights or lazy weekends.
Prep Time10 minutes
Cook Time30 minutes
Total Time40 minutes
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: American
Keyword: chicken chili, white chicken chili
Servings: 4 people
Calories: 284kcal
Author: Tanya

Ingredients

  • 2 15.5 oz canned navy beans undrained and separated
  • 2 Tablespoons olive oil
  • 1 yellow onion chopped
  • 2 poblano peppers chopped
  • 2 jalapeño peppers seeds and membrane removed, chopped
  • 4 garlic cloves chopped
  • 2 teaspoons chili powder
  • 1 teaspoon cumin powder
  • 1 teaspoon dried oregano
  • 3 cups chicken broth
  • 2 Tablespoons lime juice
  • 3 cups cooked shredded chicken
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • Cilantro and sour cream for serving or other desired toppings

Instructions

  • Place 1 can of the navy beans in a food processor and process until smooth. Set aside.
  • Heat oil in a large heavy-bottom pot over medium-high. Add onions, poblano peppers, and jalapeño peppers and saute for about 5 minutes, until softened. Add garlic and saute for an additional minute.
  • Add chili powder, cumin, dried oregano, and saute for an additional 30 seconds to toast the spices.
  • Pour in chicken broth, lime juice, beans (the whole ones and the processed ones), and bring to simmer for about 20 minutes.
  • Add shredded chicken and continue to simmer for an additional 3-4 minutes until heated through. Salt and pepper to taste.
  • Serve with desired toppings. Enjoy.

Notes

  • This chicken chili will last in your fridge for 3-4 days and can be frozen for up to 4 months.
  • Leftovers are absolutely delicious.
  • If you aren’t a fan of any spice, feel free to leave the jalapeño peppers out. Navy beans can be subbed with other beans like pinto, Cannellini, and Great Northern beans.
  • If you don’t have a food processor, simply mash the beans before adding them to the soup.

Nutrition

Calories: 284kcal | Carbohydrates: 9g | Protein: 28g | Fat: 15g | Saturated Fat: 3g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 3g | Monounsaturated Fat: 8g | Cholesterol: 79mg | Sodium: 755mg | Potassium: 600mg | Fiber: 2g | Sugar: 3g | Vitamin A: 658IU | Vitamin C: 74mg | Calcium: 59mg | Iron: 3mg