This Healthy Banana Bread recipe checks all the right boxes! It’s moist, sweet, and whipped up in a matter of minutes with healthier ingredients. You might just have everything you need in your kitchen right now!

Satisfy your sweet tooth with more recipes like Peanut Butter Streusel Banana Bread, Blueberry Banana Bread and Chocolate Chip Banana Bread.

This Healthy Banana Bread took me a few tries to perfect, but once I did there was no going back!

I believe that a good banana bread is like a good brownie. It needs no frosting, no glaze, no chocolate chips, no nuts, nothing. If it’s perfect banana bread, then that should be enough.

This is the only healthy Banana Bread recipe you need — it’s perfectly moist and needs no adornments (though you won’t see us judging if you add in chocolate chips!).

Why we love it:

• Super Easy: It’s made in one bowl with a whisk and no mixer. Plus, all of the ingredients are basic baking staples.
• Freezer Friendly: Scroll below for more info on how to freeze banana bread. This is one of my favorite treats to keep in my freezer for later!
• Scrumptious: There’s really no better word to describe it. This banana bread always turns out so moist, perfectly sweet and loaded with fresh banana flavor.

Ingredients Needed for Classic Banana Bread

• Bananas – You’ll need 3 bananas for this quick bread recipe. If you have any extras hanging around, use them to make some adorable Banana Split Trifles or see How to Freeze Bananas.
• Salt – Just a pinch of salt enhances the other flavors in the banana bread.
• Baking Soda and Baking Powder – Did you know that both of these ingredients have expiration dates? Use both within 6 months of opening so they’re potent and get the job done.
• Flours – You may notice that I use both whole wheat flour AND regular all-purpose flour. I love the texture that both flours create, and whole wheat flour adds a good amount of fibre. I make this recipe often with 100% whole wheat flour so that’s an option, too!
• Cinnamon – You can add an extra sprinkle to really warm up the flavor.
• Greek Yogurt – Be sure to use plain Greek yogurt with no additional flavors or sweeteners.
• Unsweetened Applesauce – This creates the most incredible moisture and adds natural sweetness in banana bread. And no, it won’t make it taste like apples!
• Eggs – These act as a binder for all of the other ingredients.
• Sugar – Be sure to measure with care! You don’t want to add too much or too little – either error will affect the flavor of the bread.
• Vanilla Extract – This is used to enhance the sweet flavor.

How to make Classic Banana Bread

Here’s a sneak peek at the step-by-step instructions! Scroll to the bottom of this page for more information and ingredient measurements.

• Mash the bananas (I love using a potato masher to do this!)
• Mix in the sugar, Greek yogurt and applesauce.

• Whisk in the eggs and vanilla extract.
• Add in the cinnamon, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Whisk until just combined.

• Add the flour into the batter and mix until combined.
• Bake at 350°F for 50-60 minutes.

Banana Bread Variations and Substitutions

• Make it 100% whole wheat: this healthy banana Bread already has a good amount of fibre, but I often make it with 100% whole wheat flour for extra fibre for my family! It turns out perfectly either way — simple swap the all purpose flour for whole wheat.
• Add chocolate chips: While I like banana bread all by itself, you may be craving some chocolate! Feel free to sprinkle in some dark, milk, or semi-sweet chocolate chips.
• Add a crunch: Stir in some walnuts to give the banana bread a delightful, soft crunch. Check out more info here – Banana Nut Bread.

How to Store Banana Bread:

Let the banana bread cool for 10 minutes before removing from the pan.

Allow to cool to room temperature prior to storing in an airtight container at room temperature. You can store individual slices or the whole loaf. Properly stored, this bread will stay fresh on your kitchen counter for up to 4 days.

Can I freeze healthy banana bread?

YES! This recipe is wonderfully freezer friendly.

Let the banana bread fully adjust to room temperature prior to storing in a freezer-safe container (or zip-top bag). You can freeze individual slices or the whole loaf – keep in mind that slices will defrost much faster.

If you’re freezing slices, use sheets of parchment paper to separate them so they don’t stick together.

You Might Also Like…

Calling all banana lovers! Check out more of my favorite banana recipes:

• Banana Pancakes — we love these for a weekend breakfast!
• Banana Cream Pie — pie is always a good idea.
• Banana Chocolate Chip Baked Oatmeal Cups — another make ahead and freezer friendly breakfast!
• Banana Chocolate Chip Muffins — these never last long here!

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Healthy Banana Bread recipe

This Healthy Banana Bread recipe checks all the right boxes! It's moist, sweet, and whipped up in a matter of minutes with healthier ingredients. You might just have everything you need in your kitchen right now! #banana #baking #recipe | easy recipes | baking recipes | healthy baking | breakfast ideas | banana recipes

Course Bread and Baked Goods

Cuisine American

Diet Vegetarian

Prep Time 15 minutes minutes

Cook Time 50 minutes minutes

Total Time 15 minutes minutes

Servings 12 slices

Calories 155cal

Author Ashley Fehr

Ingredients

• 3 ripe bananas
• ⅔ cup sugar (130g)
• ½ cup 0% plain Greek yogurt (114g)
• ⅓ cup unsweetened applesauce (100g)
• 1 teaspoon vanilla
• 2 large eggs
• 3 teaspoons baking powder
• 1 teaspoon cinnamon
• ¾ teaspoon baking soda
• ½ teaspoon salt
• 1 cup whole wheat flour* (130g)
• 1 cup all purpose flour* (130g)

US Customary – Metric

Instructions

• Preheat oven to 350 degrees F and lightly grease an 8×4" or 9×5" loaf pan (a smaller loaf pan will need a little more time, and a larger pan will bake a little more quickly).
• In a large bowl, mash bananas with a whisk. Add sugar, yogurt and applesauce and whisk until combined and somewhat smooth.
• Add vanilla and eggs and stir until combined.
• Add baking powder, cinnamon, baking soda and salt and whisk until combined. Add flour and stir just until no white remains (don’t overmix)
• Spread in loaf pan and bake for 50-60 minutes, (covering with foil when top is light golden brown), or until toothpick inserted in the middle comes out clean (up to about 1 hour).

Video

Notes

Ingredients and Substitutions:

Yogurt and applesauce: if you are out of either yogurt or applesauce, I have successfully made this banana bread recipe using all yogurt and all applesauce. Simply swap one for the other. 

*Flour: be sure to measure your flour fluffed and levelled, or use a scale to weight it. You will need 260 grams total flour, and you can use half and half as the recipe calls for, or 2 cups all-purpose, or 2 cups whole wheat. 

 

Nutrition

Calories: 155cal | Carbohydrates: 32g | Protein: 4g | Fat: 2g | Saturated Fat: 1g | Cholesterol: 32mg | Sodium: 191mg | Fiber: 2g | Sugar: 15g

The post Healthy Banana Bread recipe appeared first on The Recipe Rebel.

This Chicken Gnocchi Soup is better than Olive Garden! Loaded with tender chicken, chunks of vegetables, and spinach in a creamy, flavorful broth, it’s made in 30 minutes!

See the step by step recipe video down in the recipe card.

Looking for more chicken soup recipes? Try this Ramen Noodle Soup, this Lemon Chicken Orzo Soup or this Chicken Dumpling Soup!

Everyone loves Olive Garden, right?

There is just something so comforting about rich, creamy pastas, fresh-from-the-oven breadsticks (although I think my Homemade Breadsticks are better!) and a cozy bowl of soup!

Now, I love them all: the Zuppa Toscana (see my Slow Cooker Zuppa Toscana here), the Minestrone (see my Minestrone soup here), the Pasta e Fagioli — but a good chunky, creamy Chicken Gnocchi Soup will always have my heart.

The thing is, the last couple times I’ve been there I’ve just been so disappointed in what Olive Garden is calling “Chicken Gnocchi Soup” these days — I feel like a more accurate name would be “Thin Creamy Broth with One Carrot, One Piece of Spinach and Two Gnocchi’.

It doesn’t have the same ring, does it?

Love gnocchi? You might also like this Italian Sausage Gnocchi Soup, this Three Cheese Gnocchi Bake and this Baked Gnocchi with Sausage!

What is Gnocchi?

Gnocchi is a small, oval-shaped potato dumpling that is similar in texture to pasta (maybe a little softer).

Gnocchi is used in many pasta-type recipes, and pairs well in soups and with lots of different sauces due to its neutral flavor. It is comfort food to the max!

Why my Chicken Gnocchi Soup recipe is better than Olive Garden:

Instead of the thin, disappointing Olive Garden Chicken Gnocchi Soup, in this soup you’ll get plenty of:

• flavor! All those veggies add a ton of it
• tender shredded chicken — that cooks right in the soup, making it tender and lending more flavor to the broth! (If you’ve got some of this Crockpot Shredded Chicken or Instant Pot Shredded Chicken kicking around, feel free to use that instead!)
• pillowy soft gnocchi
• and enough creamy broth to soak up with some crusty No Knead Artisan Bread

Chicken Gnocchi Soup Ingredients:

This easy chicken soup requires just a few ingredients and most you probably already have on hand! See my full list below.

• Oil: ay neutral flavored oil with a high smoke point will work.
• Onion, celery and carrot: this trio forms a classic mirepoix which is the base for many soup recipes, adding lots of flavor and nutrients!
• Parsley, garlic, thyme, salt and pepper: simple seasonings that go a long way! For best flavor, mince your own garlic cloves before adding to the soup.
• Boneless, skinless chicken breasts: I use chicken breasts because that’s what we prefer, however boneless skinless chicken thighs also work perfectly! Instead of 2 breasts, use 4 thighs. If you have leftover Perfect Roast Chicken or Baked Chicken Breasts, this is a great time to use them!
• Low sodium chicken broth: I prefer to add salt to our tastes rather than start with a salted broth. For that reason, I recommend tasting the soup before serving and adjusting the seasonings as you desire.
• Heavy cream and corn starch: will give this Chicken Gnocchi Soup a rich and creamy texture without being overly thick.
• Potato gnocchi: I use shelf-stable potato gnocchi found in the pasta aisle — feel free to experiment with different types of gnocchi!
• Fresh spinach: fresh spinach adds color and nutrients! You can omit if needed, or swap in frozen spinach or kale instead.
• Parmesan cheese: adds a bunch of salty, cheesy flavor!

How to make Chicken Gnocchi Soup:

This soup is so simple to make, and I’ve got a few tricks up my sleeve to make it even easier. Find the complete recipe in the recipe card below!

1. Saute your onion, celery and carrots in a great big dutch oven or soup pot
2. Add your spices and seasonings — cooking them first in the dry pot wakes up their flavor!
3. Add your broth, raw chicken breasts or thighs (you read that right!), and other vegetables — I use a bag of matchstick carrots to make this even easier.
4. Cook it until the chicken and vegetables are tender, then remove the chicken to shread and stir in some cream, gnocchi, spinach and a big sprinkling of Parmesan — let it cook just until the gnocchi is tender. Taste and serve!

How to make Crockpot Chicken and Gnocchi Soup:

This Chicken Gnocchi Soup is also easy to make in the slow cooker if you need to plan ahead!

See my Slow Cooker Chicken Gnocchi Soup recipe here for all the tips and tricks you need.

Chicken Gnocchi Soup storage:

One of the great things about this soup is it makes great leftovers! The flavor continues to develop as it sits so it’s perfect for making ahead.

In the refrigerator:

You can store this soup in the refrigerator up to 4 days in an airtight container.

In the freezer:

You can freeze this soup in freezer safe containers (I prefer to freeze mine in large freezer bags, frozen flat, so that it thaws quickly!), leaving an inch or two of space in the container at the top.

Freeze up to 3 months.

To serve, thaw in the refrigerator overnight or in a pot on the stovetop on low.

Serving Suggestions:

While I don’t actually need to serve anything alongside this Chicken Gnocchi Soup, I sure do love to have some Homemade Dinner Rolls or a piece of Garlic Bread for dunking (bonus points if it’s Cheesy Garlic Bread!).

More hearty soup recipes you’ll love!

• Cheeseburger Soup
• Crockpot Potato Soup
• Beef and Barley Soup
• Chicken Rice Soup: Stove Top or Slow Cooker

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Chicken Gnocchi Soup

This Chicken Gnocchi Soup is better than Olive Garden! Loaded with tender chicken, chunks of vegetables, spinach in a creamy, flavorful broth – don't forget the crusty bread!

Course Main Course, Soup

Cuisine American

Prep Time 10 minutes minutes

Cook Time 20 minutes minutes

Total Time 30 minutes minutes

Servings 6 servings

Calories 444.68cal

Author Ashley Fehr

Ingredients

• 2 tablespoons oil
• ½ medium onion finely chopped
• 2 ribs celery finely chopped
• 1 cup carrot matchsticks (or finely chopped carrots)
• 1 teaspoon dried parsley
• 1 teaspoon minced garlic
• ½ teaspoon dried thyme
• ¾ teaspoon salt
• ¼ teaspoon pepper
• 2 boneless skinless chicken breasts
• 4 cups low sodium chicken broth
• ¾ cup heavy cream
• 1 tablespoon corn starch
• 3 cups small gnocchi (500g)
• 1 ½ cups fresh spinach roughly chopped
• ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese

Instructions

• In a large dutch oven or soup pot, add oil and cook onion, celery and carrots over medium-high heat until slightly softened.
• Add parsley, garlic, thyme, salt and pepper and stir.
• Add broth and chicken breasts and bring to a simmer over medium-high heat. Reduce heat to medium low, cover, and simmer until vegetables are tender and chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165 degrees F, about 12-15 minutes.
• Remove chicken breasts to a cutting board to shred. Whisk together cream and corn starch and stir into the soup with the gnocchi. Let simmer for 4-5 minutes until gnocchi is tender and soup is slightly thickened.
• Stir in shredded chicken, spinach and Parmesan. Adjust seasonings to taste. Serve.

Video

Notes

Ingredients and Substitutions:

Chicken Breasts: I use chicken breasts because that’s what we prefer, however boneless skinless chicken thighs also work perfectly! Instead of 2 breasts, use 4 thighs. If you have leftover Roast Chicken, Baked Chicken Breasts, or Shredded Chicken, this is a great time to use them!

Low sodium chicken broth: I prefer to add salt to our tastes rather than start with a salted broth. For that reason, I recommend tasting the soup before serving and adjusting the seasonings as you desire.

Vegetables: I start most soups with a classic mirepoix (carrots, celery and onion) and I would try not to stray from that, but feel free to add in additional vegetables that you need to get out of the fridge!

Nutrition

Serving: 310grams | Calories: 444.68cal | Carbohydrates: 50.02g | Protein: 18.69g | Fat: 19.83g | Saturated Fat: 8.9g | Cholesterol: 68.53mg | Sodium: 792.79mg | Potassium: 455.15mg | Fiber: 3.86g | Sugar: 1.96g | Vitamin A: 4811.76IU | Vitamin C: 5.35mg | Calcium: 119.29mg | Iron: 5.14mg

The post Chicken Gnocchi Soup appeared first on The Recipe Rebel.

This Easy Lasagna recipe is made with oven ready lasagna noodles, jarred tomato sauce and a couple special ingredients that bring LOADS of flavor! Includes step by step recipe video so you can make this simple lasagna at home.

Do you love lasagna as much as we do? Try these Lasagna Roll Ups, this Crockpot Lasagna Soup or this Chocolate Lasagna for dessert!

Sharing this Easy Lasagna recipe here on The Recipe Rebel, I’ll admit, is mostly for me.

That’s right.

I occasionally have purely selfish motives here (and my motives are almost entirely selfish when cheesy pasta is involved ).

The thing is, I realized one day that lasagna is one of those easy dinner ideas I hadn’t yet mastered, because I never use a recipe.

So I have made some amazing lasagna, and I have made some dry lasagnas, and I have made some soupy lasagnas, and I struggled to get consistent results.

I figured the only thing to do was to come up with The Perfect Easy Lasagna Recipe to share here, and that would force me to actually get in my kitchen and figure out the best ratios of sauce to pasta to cheese and then we would all be making amazing lasagnas forevermore.

Just don’t forget the Cheesy Garlic Bread!

What is authentic lasagna?

All I have to say to this is: who’s to say?

Even in Italy, there are so many variations of a classic lasagna recipe depending on where you live, that I don’t know if we can really claim there’s one right way.

Some Lasagnas have a layer of ricotta, cheese and egg mixture layered with meat sauce.

Some Lasagna recipes have cottage cheese (I feel like this is a Canadian prairies thing, but I could be wrong).

Some Lasagna recipes have a layer of bechamel sauce rather than ricotta or cottage cheese.

So this is my interpretation of the best lasagna recipe, and I think it’s pretty delicious! I’d love to hear which way you prefer it in the comments.

Easy Lasagna Ingredients:

• Ground Beef: I choose to use lean ground beef so there is little fat to drain. If you are using regular ground beef, you may want to drain the fat before continuing. Feel free to swap this out with ground turkey, chicken or pork.
• Italian Sausage: Italian sausage is a must here (in my opinion!) because it adds so much flavor without having to add a bunch of different spices. If you swap it out, you’ll want to make sure to compensate by adding additional seasonings.
• Onion: adds depth of flavor that can’t be missed!
• Garlic: opt for freshly minced garlic for the best flavor, but pre-minced works in a pinch.
• Salt and Italian Seasoning: because the sausage adds so much flavor, I keep the rest of our seasonings pretty basic. If you like extra kick, you can add a ½ teaspoon of red pepper flakes as well.
• Tomato Pasta Sauce: a simple marinara sauce or similar tomato sauce works great here! Keep in mind the more flavor your sauce has, the more it will add to the lasagna.
• Water: a little bit of water added to our sauce ensures that our lasagna doesn’t get dry as our noodles cook.
• Ricotta cheese: I use Ricotta cheese in this lasagna — you don’t notice the texture and it adds a deliciously mild, creamy flavor.
• Frozen Spinach: I prefer to use frozen spinach, thawed and squeezed dry, because it is already shrunk down considerably and it’s easy to mix into the filling. You can substitute with fresh, finely chopped spinach if you prefer.
• Cream: keeps our Ricotta filling from becoming dry.
• Egg: binds our Ricotta filling to keep it in place.
• Parmesan cheese: adds the best salty, cheesy flavor.
• Mozzarella cheese: a must have! In our cheese filling and a solid layer on top.
• Oven Ready Lasagna Noodles: I love using oven ready lasagna noodles because it takes out one step in an admittedly long process. They make this Easy Lasagna recipe much more convenient! You can use regular lasagna noodles, pre-cooked to al dente, and omit the water in the sauce.

How to make Lasagna:

Here is a quick overview of the recipe! Scroll down to the recipe card for all the details you need.

1. Brown your meat and onion: in this recipe I like to use a combination of ground beef and Italian sausage because it adds a ton of flavor without us really having to put in any extra work!
2. Add your spices: adding your spices and garlic before your liquid really brings the flavor to life.

3. Add the tomato sauce and simmer your sauce until the flavors meld together.
4. Make the ricotta cheese mixture: Stir together the ricotta, seasonings, cheese and egg to hold it all together.

5. Layer it up: Start with a little meat sauce in the bottom of the baking dish to ensure your noodles don’t stick to the bottom, then top with noodles, ricotta, and meat sauce and then repeat. Dump allllll of that extra mozzarella on the top for good measure!
6. Cover and bake: Covering the lasagna with aluminum foil to bake ensures that the moisture stays inside and cooks the noodles. We will uncover once we add the cheese and let it sit at room temperature for some time before slicing to help it set well.

Variations on this Easy Lasagna Recipe:

And because there are about 1 million different ways to make lasagna, here are a few tips to get it just the way you like:

• You can swap the ricotta for cottage cheese and change nothing else at all. See how easy that was! Simply mix it up with the cheese just like you would ricotta.
• Can you make lasagna without ricotta or cottage cheese? Absolutely! You can actually skip it altogether or use a Bechamel Sauce instead! (Just don’t tell anyone)
• Want to add extra veggies? Go for it! I often do, but I wanted to keep this lasagna recipe as simple as possible to start. Finely chopped carrots, celery, mushrooms, kale or spinach would be great, and you can add them when you’re cooking the meat.
• Don’t have an Italian sausage? You can use all ground beef or sub for ground turkey or pork, but you will want to increase the seasonings somewhat.

What’s the correct layering for lasagna?

To prepare your pan for your lasagna layers, it’s always a good idea to spray with non stick spray and then spread a bit of the red sauce in the bottom to keep the oven ready noodles moist and prevent them from sticking. From there, this is the best way to layer your lasagna:

1. Noodles
2. Ricotta cheese mixture
3. Red sauce
4. Repeat until all layers are done, then add your mozzarella on top!

Make ahead Lasagna method:

Lasagna is the perfect meal prep or make ahead meal! Just follow these steps:

1. Prepare your lasagna up to the point of baking, leaving the mozzarella cheese off for now.
2. Cool for 30-60 minutes at room temperature, then cover with aluminum foil and refrigerate up to 2 days.
3. Continue with the baking instructions, adding a splash of water around the edges if the noodles appear to have soaked up a lot of the sauce.

How to freeze lasagna:

One of the best things about a good homemade lasagna is how easy it is to make ahead, and it still tastes just as amazing when you bake it later!

You can wrap and refrigerate the lasagna for 3-4 days before baking, or you can freeze it to enjoy it even later.

To freeze lasagna before baking, you can add the cheese before freezing or just before baking — I prefer to add it during the last ten minutes so it doesn’t get stuck to my foil!

Wrap tightly in plastic wrap and then foil, or use an airtight, freezer safe lid. Freeze up to 3 months before baking.

To bake, let thaw at room temperature throughout the day – 8 hours – or overnight in the refrigerator. Bake for 1-1.5 hours until heated through. Top with cheese and bake until melted.

What to serve with this Easy Lasagna Recipe:

Lasagna is a favorite here, and we love to serve it with a side of Garlic Bread, a basket of Homemade Breadsticks or some Homemade Dinner Rolls Recipe and Garlic Butter.

Want something green to serve with it? Try these Roasted Green Beans, Broccoli Casserole or Easy Broccoli Salad!

More baked pasta recipes you’ll love!

• Try this Tuscan Chicken Pasta Bake if you love a creamy white sauce.
• Try this Rigatoni Pasta Bake if you love lasagna flavors but don’t feel like layering!
• Go for this Baked Mostaccioli Pasta if you love tomato-based pastas.
• Choose this Cheese Cannelloni Recipe if you want to impress your family!

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Easy Lasagna

This Easy Lasagna recipe is made with oven ready lasagna noodles, jarred tomato sauce and a couple special ingredients that bring LOADS of flavor! Includes step by step recipe video so you can make this simple lasagna at home.

Course Main Course

Cuisine American, Italian

Prep Time 20 minutes minutes

Cook Time 55 minutes minutes

Total Time 1 hour hour 15 minutes minutes

Servings 12 servings

Calories 493cal

Author Ashley Fehr

Ingredients

• 1 lb lean ground beef
• 1 lb Italian sausage loose packed or casings removed (5 sausages)
• 1 onion finely diced
• 1 tablespoon minced garlic
• 1 1/2 teaspoons salt
• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
• 3.5 cups jarred tomato pasta sauce about 1.5 jars
• 1/4 cup water
• 2 cups Ricotta cheese 450g
• 1/2 cup frozen spinach thawed and squeezed dry (100g)
• 1/4 cup cream
• 1 egg
• 1/2 cup shredded Parmesan cheese
• 3 cups shredded Mozzarella cheese divided
• 12 oven ready lasagna noodles

US Customary – Metric

Instructions

• In a large pan, cook ground beef, Italian sausage and onion until browned, stirring often. If there is a lot of liquid in the pan, drain it before continuing.
• Stir in garlic, salt and Italian seasoning and cook 1 minute.
• Stir in pasta sauce and water. Remove from heat to cool slightly. (This can also be made in advance and refrigerated up to 4 days or frozen up to 3 months)
• In a medium bowl, stir together Ricotta, spinach, cream, egg and Parmesan and 1 cup of Mozzarella cheese. Set aside.
• Preheat oven to 350 degrees F (if baking right away) and lightly grease a deep 9×13" pan.
• Spread just enough meat sauce in the bottom of the pan to create a thin layer.
• Top with 3 lasagna noodles. Spread the noodles with ⅓ of the Ricotta mixture, and top that with ¼ of the meat sauce.
• Repeat layers 3 times, and on the last layer of noodles spread only the remaining meat sauce.
• Lightly grease a piece of tin foil or oven safe lid and place over top of the lasagna. Bake for 40-45 minutes until noodles are tender (this can take up to 60 minutes, depending on your brand of pasta) — it will still be juicy at this point and that's okay.
• Remove the foil and sprinkle with remaining 2 cups mozzarella cheese. Bake for 10 minutes until melted and broil for 2 minutes if desired to brown the cheese.
• Remove from the oven and let rest for 10-15 minutes — there should not be any liquid remaining on the edges after this rest. Slice and serve.

Video

Nutrition

Calories: 493cal | Carbohydrates: 29g | Protein: 31g | Fat: 28g | Saturated Fat: 13g | Cholesterol: 100mg | Sodium: 1252mg | Potassium: 636mg | Fiber: 2g | Sugar: 5g | Vitamin A: 1489IU | Vitamin C: 7mg | Calcium: 313mg | Iron: 3mg

The post Easy Lasagna Recipe appeared first on The Recipe Rebel.

French Silk Pie is chocolatey, rich, and as the name suggests – silky! Fluffy chocolate filling is piled high atop a no-bake chocolate pie crust! Sweetened whipped cream and chocolate shavings are the crowning glory on this no bake pie.

If you’re loving this recipe, be sure to also whip up a Chocolate Peanut Butter Pie, Chocolate Cream Pie or my favorite Homemade Dark Chocolate Pudding Pie.

Between the chocolate crust, rich chocolate filling and gorgeous garnishes, there’s a whole lot to love in every bite of this no bake pie recipe.

French Silk Pie is one of my favorite desserts to enjoy a big slice of. I’m a huge chocolate lover! If you are too, then you’ll also fall in love with this classic chocolate pie.

But MY French Silk Pie is the recipe you need, because there are no raw eggs and the method is so much simpler than many other recipes.

Plus it yields a smooth and silky, easily sliceable consistency every time.

See how I do it down below!

Why we love it:

• So much chocolate – The thick, silky chocolatey filling is served on top of a chocolate crust. It’s a chocolate lovers dream come true!
• Classic – You’ll find no unnecessary frills in this classic french silk pie. It’s got all of the timeless elements you know and love!
• Simplified – Don’t let the eggs scare you off. I’ve simplified this process (check out my step-by-step photos) to make sure your French Silk Pie is perfect every time — no raw eggs, no tempering required!
• No bake – Isn’t it always nice to not have to preheat your oven? I love this no bake pie recipe!

French Silk Pie Ingredients

• Sugar – Plain white granulated sugar creates just the right amount of sweetness to balance the bitter dark chocolate.
• Dark Chocolate – It’s imperative to use DARK chocolate only. If you use milk or even semi-sweet chocolate, your end results may be way too sweet. French silk pie is supposed to have that signature rich chocolate flavor that comes from using dark chocolate.
• Vanilla Extract – This helps to create more depth to the sweet flavor.
• Chocolate Baking Crumbs – You should be able to find these in the baking aisle of your local grocery store. If you can’t find any, toss some Oreo cookies (without the cream) into a food processor and pulse until fine crumbs form.
• Butter – Unsalted butter is preferred to avoid a salty flavor from forming. Note that the butter should be melted for the crust.
• Cocoa – This enhances the chocolatey flavor in the very best way.
• Eggs – You’ll need 4 eggs for this french silk pie recipe. The eggs help form the custard which is the base for our pie.
• Heavy cream: Some we use to create our custard, and some we whip and fold into our custard to lighten it. Be sure to grab extra if you are making Whipped Cream for the topping!

How to make French Silk Pie

Here’s a quick look at how to make easy french silk pie! Scroll to the bottom of this page for more detailed ingredient measurements and instructions.

• Stir together the crumbs and butter, then press the mixture into a pie dish.
• Whisk together the eggs, sugar, cocoa and 1 cup of cream in a saucepan until smooth.

• Over medium heat, whisk the mixture until thickened.
• Strain the mixture through a sieve over a mixing bowl.

• Stir in the vanilla, butter, and chocolate. Cool until it reaches room temperature and stir occasionally.
• Whip the cream until fluffy.

• Whip the chocolate mixture, then fold the whipped cream into it.
• Spread the filling into the pie dish, then chill in the fridge for at least 6 hours.

Variations and Substitutions

There are so many ways to make this french silk pie recipe even more special! Check out a few of my favorites:

• Make it less chocolatey – This no-bake pie is incredibly rich and chocolatey, but also light and fluffy. If you prefer, you can opt for a milder chocolate flavor by omitting the cocoa powder.
• Make it minty – Add in a teaspoon of mint extract in place of the vanilla for a minty twist.
• Add peanut butter – Add in a tablespoon or two of peanut butter along with the butter for a chocolate peanut butter twist.
• Make it turtle – Spread a layer of toasted, chopped pecans and thick caramel in the bottom of the crust for a turtle french silk pie!
• Add some berries – Top with fresh raspberries, strawberries or mixed berries for a bit of freshness that will complement the rich chocolate perfectly.

How to store French Silk Pie

You can keep this chocolate pie stored in your fridge, in an airtight container, for up to 4 days.

Can I freeze French Silk Pie?

Yes! And this is one of the best things about this chocolate pie recipe, as it’s amazing frozen and thaws perfectly if you prefer to serve it chilled. My husband even prefers this french silk pie frozen!

What is the difference between chocolate pie and french silk pie?

With most chocolate pie recipes, it’s a simple cooked chocolate pudding poured into a pie crust and chilled. Chocolate pie is less, well, silky than french silk pie, and not as light in texture. French silk pie is a little more mousse-light in texture.

You Might Also Like…

Calling all chocolate fanatics! Get your fix with more of my favorite chocolatey recipes:

• Fudgiest and Best Homemade Brownies!
• No Churn Chocolate Ice Cream (so simple)
• Chocolate Trifle — perfect for a potluck!
• The BEST Chocolate Chip Cookies (Mom’s, of course)

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French Silk Pie (the easy way!)

This easy French Silk Pie is made with a fluffy, rich chocolate filling and easy homemade pie crust, topped with sweetened whipped cream and chocolate shavings. Easier than most, and no raw eggs!

Course Dessert

Cuisine American

Diet Vegetarian

Prep Time 20 minutes minutes

Cook Time 10 minutes minutes

Total Time 30 minutes minutes

Servings 12 servings

Calories 525.03cal

Author Ashley Fehr

Ingredients

Crust

• 2½ cups chocolate baking crumbs (340g)
• ½ cup melted butter

Filling

• 1 ½ cups granulated sugar (300g)
• 4 large eggs (room temperature)
• 2 tablespoons cocoa
• 2 cups heavy cream (30-35% fat, divided)
• 200 grams chopped dark chocolate (I use 2 100 grams dark chocolate bars — about 1 ¼ cup)
• ¼ cup unsalted butter
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

US Customary – Metric

Instructions

• To make the crust, stir together chocolate crumbs and butter. Press into a 9" pie plate and up the sides. Set aside.
• In a large saucepan, whisk together sugar, eggs, cocoa and 1 cup cream until smooth.
• Place saucepan over medium heat, stirring constantly, and cook until thickened (you will know when it's thick!).
• Strain through a fine mesh sieve into a large bowl and stir in chocolate, butter and vanilla until smooth.
• Set aside or refrigerate until cooled to room temperature — 1-2 hours on the counter or 30-40 minutes in the refrigerator — stirring occasionally.
• Whip chocolate mixture on high speed until slightly lightened in color — about 5 minutes.
• Whip remaining 1 cup cream until stiff peaks form, and gently fold into chocolate mixture in two batches.
• Spread into prepared pie crust and refrigerate 6 hours or overnight, until set. Garnish with additional sweetened whipped cream before serving if desired.

Video

Notes

This pie is super rich and chocolatey, but still pretty light! If you would like to make it less rich, you have a few options:

• Add an extra ½ cup cream when whipping (for a total of 1.5 cups)
• Reduce the added chocolate to 100-150 grams
• Reduce the granulated sugar to 1 ¼ cup.

I don’t recommend doing all of these things as they will affect the outcome of the pie. The more you change, the less predictable the outcome will be.

Nutrition

Calories: 525.03cal | Carbohydrates: 49.37g | Protein: 4.83g | Fat: 36.3g | Saturated Fat: 20.85g | Cholesterol: 139.41mg | Sodium: 169.55mg | Potassium: 111.02mg | Fiber: 1.19g | Sugar: 38.33g | Vitamin A: 1016.85IU | Vitamin C: 0.24mg | Calcium: 42.47mg | Iron: 0.83mg

The post French Silk Pie (easy method) appeared first on The Recipe Rebel.

Taco Soup is bold, comforting, easy to customize and always a family favorite! Ground beef and black beans fill every serving with plenty of protein while veggies offer some nutrients. This one pot soup recipe checks all the right boxes!

Stay warm with more of the best soup recipes like Chicken Dumpling Soup, Tuscan White Bean Soup and Sausage Orzo Soup.

Taco soup is one of those recipes that’s great for cleaning out your fridge/pantry! Some of my most favorite recipes are the ones where you can just toss a bunch of stuff into a pot and call it dinner.

It also helps that my family is obsessed with this taco soup recipe. I love serving it, because it’s a great way to sneak protein and nutrients into the mouths of even the most selective eaters!

Flavorful, easy, versatile, family friendly… This beef taco soup seriously satisfies.

Why we love it:

• Filling – This easy taco soup can stand on its own without a side dish. The black beans and ground beef pack it with protein and make it so filling!
• Flavorful – You may be full from just one serving of taco soup — however, it’s so flavorful you’ll go back for seconds anyways!
• One pot – Less clean-up is always a HUGE win in my kitchen. This soup recipe is easily prepared in just one pot.
• Budget-friendly – You won’t be breaking the bank to make this taco soup! Check out the ingredients below and you’ll see that they’re all nice and inexpensive.

Taco Soup Ingredients

• Ground Beef – I like to use lean ground beef since it doesn’t render as much fat when cooking. If you use higher fat beef, you may want to drain excess fat after browning.
• Black Beans – Make sure they’re thoroughly drained and rinsed before adding to the pot. Any kind of beans will work here!
• Beef Broth – Low-sodium beef broth is preferred. If you use regular beef broth, you may want to omit the additional sprinkle of salt.
• Salsa – Use your favorite brand of salsa (feel free to make it spicy)! Or, go the extra mile by using Homemade Salsa.
• Veggies – I love using a medley of onions, corn, and bell peppers in this recipe, but feel free to experiment and add some extras from the fridge.
• Seasonings – All you need is a sprinkle of salt and some taco seasoning to create the very best flavor!

How to make Taco Soup

Take a quick look at how I make the BEST taco soup recipe! Scroll to the bottom of this page for more detailed instructions and ingredients.

• Add the beef, onions, and peppers to a pot over medium heat.
• Once the beef is cooked, stir in the remaining ingredients and cook over medium heat for about 15 minutes. Stir often.

Taco Soup Variations and Substitutions

• Make it creamy: When I’m serving this to my kids, I stir in some heavy cream to cool it off and reduce the spice.
• Thicken it: You can stir in some tomato sauce or crushed tomatoes for a thicker soup.
• Add in additional veggies: Mushrooms, peppers, spinach, or whatever you think you’d like to eat in your taco soup!
• Add rice: Add in some quick rice and simmer for 5-10 minutes, or long grain rice and simmer 20-30 minutes until tender for a thicker soup.
• Top it up: For me, this soup is all about the toppings, but toppings are optional and additional ingredients. Try cheddar cheese, sour cream, avocado, fresh tomato and lime wedges.
• Make it with chicken instead: Add all of the ingredients to a large pot and throw in two whole, raw chicken breasts. Simmer over medium-low heat until chicken is tender. Remove chicken breasts, shred, and add back into the soup to serve.

How to store this easy Taco Soup

Once it’s cooled to room temperature, transfer taco soup to an airtight container and store it in the fridge for 3-4 days. Reheat for 30 seconds at a time in the microwave, stirring each time it stops, until warmed all the way through.

Can I freeze Taco Soup?

Sure thing! Allow the soup to fully cool before storing it in a freezer-safe container. I recommend pouring it into a zip-lock bag and laying it flat on a baking sheet to freeze, that way it optimizes how much room you have in your freezer.

Freeze for up to 3 months and let it slowly defrost in the fridge prior to reheating.

Can I make Crockpot Taco Soup?

Yes! This easy Taco Soup is also a perfect Crockpot soup recipe!

1. Brown your ground beef in a skillet, then add to a 3-4 quart slow cooker.
2. Add the remaining ingredients, and cook on low for 3-4 hours (you can leave it longer and it won’t hurt anything, or on high for 1.5-2 hours.
3. Serve.

Can I make it in the Instant Pot?

You sure can.

1. Brown your ground beef in the Instant Pot on sauté.
2. Add your broth and scrape the bottom to remove any bits.
3. Add the remaining ingredients and select pressure cook on high for 2 minutes.
4. When the cook time is over, let the pressure release naturally for at least 5-10 minutes (just because soup can be very steamy), then open the valve and remove the lid to serve.

More soup recipes you’ll love!

When the weather cools off, all I want is soup, stews and chilis! If you’re the same, you’ll love these cozy dinner ideas:

• Crockpot Chicken Noodle Soup — a classic made easier.
• Classic Beef Stew — don’t forget the crusty bread!
• Easy Vegetarian Chili — big on flavor, you won’t even miss the meat!
• Chicken Rice Soup — make it in the slow cooker or on the stove top
• The BEST Sausage Tortellini Soup — so cozy and full of flavor!

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Easy Taco Soup recipe

This easy Taco Soup is made with just 8 ingredients and minimal prep! It's hearty and comes together in 30 minutes or less.

Course Main Course, Soup

Cuisine American, Mexican

Diet Gluten Free

Prep Time 5 minutes minutes

Cook Time 15 minutes minutes

Total Time 20 minutes minutes

Servings 6 servings

Calories 217cal

Author Ashley Fehr

Ingredients

• 1 lb lean ground beef
• 1 red bell pepper (finely chopped)
• ½ onion (finely chopped)
• 2 ½ cups low sodium beef broth
• 540 ml canned black beans drained and rinsed (19oz)
• 341 ml canned sweet corn with juice (12oz)
• 1 cup mild tomato salsa
• 1 teaspoon low sodium taco seasoning
• 1 teaspoon salt

US Customary – Metric

Instructions

• In a large soup pot, brown ground beef with red pepper and onion over medium heat. Drain any excess fat if desired.
• Add broth, beans, corn, salsa, taco seasoning and salt. Simmer over medium heat, stirring occasionally, for 15 minutes. until vegetables are tender.
• Serve with optional toppings: tortilla chips, shredded cheese, avocado, lime wedges, or sour cream.

Video

Nutrition

Serving: 313grams | Calories: 217cal | Carbohydrates: 21g | Protein: 24g | Fat: 5g | Saturated Fat: 2g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 1g | Monounsaturated Fat: 2g | Trans Fat: 0.3g | Cholesterol: 47mg | Sodium: 1046mg | Potassium: 882mg | Fiber: 7g | Sugar: 5g | Vitamin A: 851IU | Vitamin C: 29mg | Calcium: 47mg | Iron: 3mg

The post Easy Taco Soup recipe appeared first on The Recipe Rebel.

Crockpot Pulled Pork is tender, flavorful as can be, and SO easy to make! This is a true set it and forget it recipe that always hits the spot. Apple juice, a mixture of bold seasonings and barbecue sauce make this fall-apart pulled pork irresistible.

Enjoy more easy slow cooker recipes like Crockpot Chicken Noodle Soup, Crockpot Meatloaf and Slow Cooker Pork Tenderloin with Glaze.

Crockpot pulled pork is about as easy as it gets! Simple ingredients, hassle-free steps, and amazing results every single time. This is the definition of foolproof!

I love tossing a serving of this slow cooker pulled pork on top of a homemade hamburger bun with coleslaw and some Homemade BBQ Sauce for a seriously good sandwich. However, it’s great a number of different ways – scroll down to the serving suggestions for more ideas.

No matter how you choose to enjoy this bbq pulled pork recipe, you’re going to be obsessed!

Why we love it:

• Family friendly – Everyone from great grandparents to little picky eaters loves this classic pulled pork recipe! It’s a great way to make sure everyone gets their fill of protein.
• Low stress – Dinner doesn’t need to stress you out, especially when you can just plug in the Crockpot and let it do all the work for you.
• Inexpensive – Yes! We love a good budget friendly recipe, especially when it’s as filling as this one. Spend a little and serve a lot – the best of both worlds.
• So tender and flavorful – It’s melt-in-your-mouth tender and shreds so easily! It’s got great flavor, thanks to a garlic herb rub that I use on my slow cooker pork loin recipe as well.

Crockpot Pulled Pork Ingredients:

• Pork loin: I always use a boneless pork loin or pork shoulder for pulled pork. A shoulder will have more fat, but I find that the leaner pork loin stays nice and juicy with this slow cooker preparation!
• Apple juice: Soda (like Dr. Pepper) also works if preferred.
• Bbq sauce: Feel free to go the extra mile with Homemade Dr Pepper BBQ Sauce!
• Seasonings: A medley of Italian seasoning, ground mustard, onion powder, garlic powder and black pepper is all you need to make this pulled pork recipe incredibly flavorful.

How to make Crockpot Pulled Pork

Ready, set it, forget it! This easy Crock pot pulled pork recipe is great for those busy days when you just don’t have time to fuss over dinner. Scroll to the bottom of this page for more detailed instructions.

• Place the pork loin in the Crockpot and cover with apple juice and seasonings.
• Cover and cook on low for 8-10 hours. Shred with two forks.

• Toss the bbq sauce and pork together.
• Keep the pulled pork warm in the Crockpot.

Variations and Substitutions

• Mix up the liquid: Try a can of soda — try Cranberry Ginger Ale, Sprite, Coca-Cola, Dr. Pepper or go totally in your own direction and try something new!
• Add buffalo: Try tossing it in buffalo sauce for a pork-y twist on buffalo chicken — great for game day sandwiches!
• Add honey garlic: Stir in some honey garlic sauce and serve with rice or noodles.

How to store Crock Pot Pulled Pork

Once it cools to room temperature, you can store leftover bbq pulled pork in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.

Add a splash of moisture (water, broth, juice, or sauce) and reheat for 30 seconds at a time in the microwave, stirring each time it stops, until warmed all the way through.

Can I freeze Crockpot pulled pork?

Yes! It freezes perfectly for up to 3-4 months in a heavy duty freezer bag or freezer container. Don’t forget to date and label! It’s one of our favorite freezer meals!

What is the best cut of meat for crock pot pulled pork?

I always recommend using either boneless pork loin or pork shoulder for pulled pork! See my reasons for each down below.

The best meat for pulled pork really depends on your preferences: sometimes I prefer leaner, boneless cuts of meat (if I don’t want my pulled pork too fatty), and other times I reach for higher fat cuts for more juiciness.

Either way this slow cooker pulled pork recipe is going to be tender, juicy and delicious after a long, slow cooker!

Using Pork Loin for pulled pork:

It’s an easy-to-cook, fairly lean cut of meat so you don’t have to deal with any bones. This way, I get the most bang for my buck, I don’t have to do a lot of trimming, and it’s just plain delicious.

Pork loin also tends to go on sale often for a great price, and I will pick up a few to store in the freezer until a craving for this slow cooker pulled pork hits.

Since we are slow cooking our shredded pork, the loin stays moist during the long cook time.

Using Pork Shoulder for Crockpot Pulled Pork:

Pork shoulder also gives great results! The pork shoulder is high in fat which will make a very juicy pulled pork and it is another great option.

Pork shoulder is a great option for the slow cooker as well as oven and smoked preparations as the fat ensures it doesn’t dry out.

Serving suggestions:

Honestly, we usually eat this alone with some Brioche Buns and maybe some pickles and chips, but here are a few great side options that go well with pulled pork:

• Easy Potato Salad Recipe — a summer must have!
• Creamy Ranch Bowtie Pasta Salad Recipe — easy to prep ahead!
• No Mayo Garlic Herb Potato Salad — simple and delicious.

Don’t forget to serve with a tall glass of Easy Homemade Pink Lemonade or Strawberry Lemonade!

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The BEST Crock Pot Pulled Pork

This Crock Pot Pulled Pork recipe is so easy and so flavorful! It starts with a garlic herb rub and hangs out in the slow cooker until it’s fall apart tender. 

Course Main Course

Cuisine American

Prep Time 10 minutes minutes

Cook Time 8 hours hours

Total Time 8 hours hours 10 minutes minutes

Servings 16 servings

Calories 222cal

Author Ashley Fehr

Ingredients

• 4 lb boneless pork loin or pork shoulder (trimmed if desired)
• 1 cup apple juice (or soda)
• 1 tablespoon seasoning salt
• 1 tablespoon garlic powder
• 1 tablespoon Italian seasoning
• 1 teaspoon dried mustard
• 1 teaspoon onion powder
• ½ teaspoon black pepper
• 2 cups barbecue sauce as desired

US Customary – Metric

Instructions

• Place pork loin in a 4-6 quart crock pot and pour in apple juice.
• Combine seasoning salt, garlic powder, Italian seasoning, mustard, onion powder and black pepper and sprinkle half over pork loin. Turn and sprinkle on the remaining half.
• Cover and cook on low until fall apart tender — 8 to 10 hours. 
• Shred with two forks, discarding excess fat. Toss in remaining juices and coat with barbecue sauce as desired. Serve on hamburger buns.

Video

Notes

Ingredients and Substitutions:

Pork: I often use pork loin but it is leaner and will result in a leaner pulled pork. I don’t find that this is a problem because the slow cooker and juices keep the pork so moist that we don’t miss the extra fat. Pork shoulder is typically the best cut of meat for pulled pork because it is fatty, which makes it very tender when cooked. You choose which you prefer!

Apple juice: I love apples and pork, so this is my favorite liquid, but you can use broth, water or soda (Dr. Pepper or Root Beer are both delicious!).

Barbecue sauce: Choose your favorite barbecue sauce, or try my Homemade BBQ Sauce, this Easy Homemade Dr Pepper BBQ Sauce or this Homemade Dr Pepper BBQ Sauce.

Nutrition

Calories: 222cal | Carbohydrates: 17g | Protein: 25g | Fat: 4g | Saturated Fat: 1g | Cholesterol: 71mg | Sodium: 859mg | Potassium: 532mg | Sugar: 13g | Vitamin A: 85IU | Vitamin C: 0.3mg | Calcium: 24mg | Iron: 1mg

The post The BEST Crock Pot Pulled Pork appeared first on The Recipe Rebel.

These Shredded Chicken Recipes are easy dinner ideas that are perfect for meal prep because they all start with easy shredded chicken (Instant Pot and Crockpot recipes included).

Looking for more easy meal inspiration? Check out my collection of Dinner Recipes or my collection of Chicken Recipes here!

I’ll admit, when I was young, newly married, and childless, I hated leftovers.

Cooking was something I loved, and if I made a huge batch of something and was then forced to eat it for days on end? Not something I looked forward to!

But as life gets busier, the more I value having something prepped and ready in the fridge.

That’s where these Shredded Chicken Recipes come in.

Why shredded chicken is the perfect meal prep:

Shredded Chicken is such a great thing to have prepped ahead because of how versatile (and delicious!) it is!

It really goes with anything, and you can add more or less seasoning or other sauces depending on what you want to do with it.

It’s lean, it’s healthy and high in protein — basically, it checks all of my boxes!

I’ve included two different ways to make chicken for these shredded chicken recipes — in the Crockpot and in the Instant Pot. These are my favorite ways to make tender, juicy shredded chicken without babysitting it on the stove.

From there, the options are endless!

How to make Shredded Chicken (3 ways):

If you’re looking to make a big batch of cooked chicken for these pulled chicken recipes, here are 3 of my favorite ways to do it.

1. Try this stovetop Shredded Chicken Recipe when you need it quickly and your chicken is thawed and ready to cook.
2. Try this Crockpot Shredded Chicken recipe when you’ve got a few hours to let it cook and you want something hands off.
3. Try this Instant Pot Shredded Chicken recipe if you’ve got an instant pot, have fresh or frozen chicken, and want something quick and hands off.

See more of my shredded chicken recipe tips down below! Now here are some of our favorite ways to use that pulled chicken to make dinner time easier.

The Best Easy Shredded Chicken Recipes

Tap the heading or the image to go to each recipe.

Chicken Bacon Ranch Pasta

This Chicken Bacon Ranch Pasta is made with penne pasta, crispy bacon, and juicy chicken pieces tossed in a flavorful ranch cream sauce. It’s ready in 40 minutes!

Chicken Rice Soup

This Chicken Rice Soup is a hearty, healthy soup recipe that’s perfect for fall! Loaded with vegetables, lean chicken and brown rice it can be made stove top or slow cooker.

Chicken Tortellini Soup

This Chicken Tortellini Soup is loaded with vegetables, tender shredded chicken and cheese tortellini! Easily made stove top or crockpot, with fresh or frozen chicken!

Crockpot Chicken and Dumplings

This Crockpot Chicken and Dumplings recipe is a slow cooker version of a classic comfort food! Tender chicken, loads of veggies, and fluffy homemade dumplings are simmered in a thick and flavorful gravy.

Chicken Broccoli Alfredo

This Chicken Broccoli Alfredo is the perfect easy pasta dinner! Tender Cavatappi pasta and cooked broccoli are tossed in a rich and cheesy cream sauce, then topped with juicy slices of chicken.

Tuscan Chicken Pasta Bake

This Tuscan Chicken Pasta Bake is cheesy, creamy, and so flavorful! Penne pasta is baked in the best homemade sauce and made hearty with bites of chicken spread throughout. Perfect for those crazy weeknights when you need something comforting and easy!

Chicken Pot Pie Soup

This Chicken Pot Pie Soup is thick and creamy, loaded with vegetables and tender pieces of chicken! It is made in one pot and topped with biscuits or pastry, making it the perfect cold weather comfort food. 

Lemon Chicken Orzo Soup

Lemon Chicken Orzo Soup is made with chicken broth, savory vegetables, tender chicken, Orzo pasta, herbs and fresh lemon for a zesty kick! It’s a healthy soup recipe that is comforting and flavorful!

White Chicken Chili

This Chicken Pot Pie Casserole is a completely made-from-scratch comfort food classic! It’s packed with veggies and tender bites of chicken then layered with a fluffy homemade biscuit topping.

Chicken Pot Pie Casserole

This Chicken Pot Pie Casserole is a completely made-from-scratch comfort food classic! It’s packed with veggies and tender bites of chicken then layered with a fluffy homemade biscuit topping.

One Pot BBQ Chicken Pasta

This One Pot BBQ Chicken Pasta is full of smoky and savory flavors, with tender chicken breast, crispy bacon, and your favorite BBQ sauce – it’s an easy one-pan meal the whole family will love!

Chicken Dumpling Soup

This Chicken Dumpling Soup recipe is made with sautéed vegetables, creamy potatoes, and tender chicken in a rich and flavorful broth. Homemade dumplings are simmered on top for the ultimate comfort food!

One Pan Chicken Fettuccine Alfredo

This Chicken Fettuccine Alfredo is made in ONE pot with just SIX ingredients and in 30 minutes! It really doesn’t get easier or more flavorful than this. 

Chicken Gnocchi Soup

This Chicken Gnocchi Soup is better than Olive Garden! Loaded with tender chicken, chunks of vegetables, and spinach in a creamy, flavorful broth, it’s made in 30 minutes!

Chicken Alfredo Pasta Bake

This Chicken Alfredo Bake is an easy meal-prep and freezer friendly dinner option! Tender pasta and chicken are tossed in homemade Alfredo sauce, topped with cheese, then baked until hot and gooey.

Instant Pot White Chicken Chili

This Instant Pot White Chicken Chili is creamy and hearty with just the right amount of spice! Loaded with lean chicken, white beans, green chiles, and corn, it’s sure to be a crowd-pleaser!

Chicken Bacon Rice Soup

This Chicken Bacon Rice Soup is easy to make and comes together in just 25 minutes using only one pot! It’s thick and creamy and full of flavor!

Chicken Noodle Casserole

This Chicken Noodle Casserole is classic comfort food ready with just 15 minutes of prep! Tender egg noodles, veggies, and juicy bites of chicken baked in a rich cream sauce.

Creamy Italian Slow Cooker Chicken Noodle Soup

This Creamy Italian Slow Cooker Chicken Noodle Soup is hearty, healthy, and flavorful. It’s packed with tender chicken, garlic, roasted red pepper, a touch of cream, parmesan, and more.

Crockpot Chicken Taco Soup

Crockpot Chicken Taco Soup is a comforting soup that’s easy to make with just six bold ingredients! With tender chicken, beans and corn in a flavorful broth, this slow cooker soup is sure to be a hit!

Italian Chicken Tortellini

This Italian Chicken Tortellini is an easy meal made in just one pot! It’s loaded with cheese tortellini, roasted red peppers, spinach, tomatoes, herbs, and cheese!

One Pan Chicken Chow Mein

This One Pot Chicken Chow Mein is a fast and healthy dinner the whole family will love! Loaded with juicy chicken, bell peppers, cabbage, peas and carrots, it’s ready in about 30 minutes!

Chicken Spaghetti

This Chicken Spaghetti is the perfect quick, easy, family-friendly dinner! It has spaghetti noodles, tender bites of chicken, and veggies all smothered in a chili-spiced cheddar cheese cream sauce.

Chicken Caesar Pasta Salad

This Chicken Caesar Pasta Salad is made with seasoned chicken breast, rotini pasta, Caesar dressing, Parmesan and garlic bread croutons. It’s a light but still hearty summer meal, perfect for picnics!

Crockpot Chicken Noodle Soup

This easy Crockpot Chicken Noodle Soup recipe is one of my favorite meals to warm up with on a cold winter day! With juicy chicken, vegetables, and an aromatic mix of seasonings, it’s a family favorite!

Chicken Enchiladas

This Easy Chicken Enchiladas recipe is one we’ve used time and time again to make the BEST chicken enchiladas. Made with tender chicken cooked in enchilada sauce with onions and peppers, corn or flour tortillas and plenty of cheese.

Chicken Quesadilla

This Chicken Quesadilla is an easy dinner idea! Tortillas layered with juicy bites of chicken, melty cheese, and veggies — kids and adults love them!

White Lasagna Soup

This White Lasagna Soup is your favorite pasta bake in soup form! It’s rich, creamy, and packed with tender chicken, veggies, and cheese!

Chicken Enchilada Casserole

This delicious Chicken Enchilada Casserole is made by layering juicy shredded chicken, homemade red enchilada sauce, corn tortillas, and loads of melty cheese!

How to shred chicken:

I guess I’m a little old school this way, but I prefer to just use two forks and pull it apart.

There are lots of people who use a hand mixer or stand mixer, and just get in there and it’s shredded in a minute or less, but I find the chicken turns to mush and is super fine.

I like to shred my chicken with forks because I can make the chunks as big or small as I want, and keep some of the texture of the chicken (so you can see it actually is chicken!).

You do you

And now what to do with all of that delicious chicken! Here’s your dinner inspiration for the week ahead:

How to store shredded chicken:

Cooked, shredded chicken can be stored in an airtight container for 3-4 days, or in the freezer for 3-6 months.

This makes it a great dinner component to make ahead for busy days!

How to swap shredded chicken for uncooked chicken in recipes:

Some of these recipes call for cooked cubed or shredded chicken, and some call for raw chicken.

Swapping pre-cooked shredded chicken for the raw chicken in any of these recipes is a great way to cut down on prep and cook time and make life easier!

Since the chicken doesn’t require any cooking, you can simply stir it in to soups and pastas in the last few minutes of cook time to reheat.

For casseroles, you will want to add in the chicken before it goes into the oven.

The post 30+ Shredded Chicken Recipes for easy weeknight dinners appeared first on The Recipe Rebel.

Chicken Bacon Alfredo Potato Skins are the ultimate game day appetizer! Russet potatoes are loaded with alfredo sauce, chicken, bacon, shredded cheese and a sprinkling of green onions. They’re addictive – serve them on SuperBowl Sunday and watch them disappear!

Enjoy more of the best party foods like Bacon Wrapped Smokies, Air Fryer Chicken Wings, Cranberry and Bacon Cream Cheese Appetizer and veggies with Easy Homemade Cheese Sauce.

I know that sometimes it’s good to try to add some variety into your diet, but man, there is nothing like meat and potatoes. Or meat and cheese on potatoes. With Alfredo sauce!

While these loaded potato skins are technically a party appetizer… I’ve totally made a meal of them more than once. They’re just too good to confine to parties! Luckily, they’re so easy to make that I can whip them up with ease whenever the craving strikes (especially if I’ve got leftover Instant Pot Shredded Chicken!).

Why we love it:

• Kid Friendly: There’s just something plain fun about potato skins topped with cheese and bacon! Kids gobble these things up like crazy.
• Game Day: Nothing says game day like loaded potato skins, right? While we love finger food for dinner any night of the week, there’s just something special about game day food.
• Versatile: You can change so many ingredients in this recipe and still have great results. Scroll down to check out some of my favorite variations to try.
• Prep ahead: most of the components can be made several days in advance so they are easy to throw together! You can cook the chicken, the bacon, the potatoes, make the sauce and shred the cheese up to 3 days in advance!

Ingredients Needed for Chicken Bacon Alfredo Potato Skins

• Potatoes – I like to use small russet potatoes. There’s no mess and you get all of that incredible flavor in your mouth at once — there are no toppings sliding off and depriving you of the cheese or bacon.
• Cheese – Use any cheese you like best! Mozzarella, cheddar, or whatever else floats your boat.
• Chicken – I like to use a cooked, chopped up baked chicken breast or Pan Fried Chicken Breasts. Feel free to use thigh meat if preferred.
• Bacon – Crispy cooked bacon is my favorite part of this whole recipe (and this Air Fryer Bacon is the crispiest!). Make sure it’s patted dry and not greasy when you use it.
• Green Onions – Chives also work well.
• Heavy Cream – You just can’t make alfredo sauce without it!
• Parmesan Cheese – For the best flavor and consistency, use freshly grated parmesan in your sauce.
• Garlic – Fresh garlic will create the very best flavor. In a pinch, garlic powder can be used instead.
• Butter – Unsalted is preferred. If you do use salted butter, you may want to skip adding any more salt to your sauce.
• Flour – This is used to thicken the alfredo sauce.
• Seasonings – A simple sprinkle of salt and Italian seasoning is all you need.

How to make Chicken Bacon Alfredo Potato Skins

Here’s a quick look at how to make your new favorite appetizer recipe! Keep scrolling down to the bottom of this page for more detailed info about ingredients and steps.

• Melt the butter in a pan over medium heat. Whisk in the garlic, seasonings and flour.
• Whisk in the cream and parmesan cheese. Remove from heat and set aside.

• Bake the potatoes and let them cool. Slice them in half and scoop out the middles of each potato.
• Spread a little bit of alfredo sauce in each potato.

• Add the chicken and bacon on top of the alfredo sauce.
• Sprinkle with cheese and bake!

Variations and Substitutions

• Change the bacon. Feel free to cook up some turkey bacon or even use bacon bits from the grocery store to save some time. Personally, I like to cook bacon in the oven.
• Add some spice. If you like your snacks on the spicier side, serve these potato skins with a drizzle of your favorite hot sauce on top!
• You can use store-bought alfredo. No time to make your own homemade sauce? Not a problem! Your favorite store-bought jar of sauce should get the job done just fine.
• Swap the potatoes. This recipe will work with just about any potato you like best. I like russets because of how crispy the skin gets. No matter what potato you choose to use, I recommend picking some on the smaller side.

How to store Chicken Bacon Alfredo Potato Skins

Once they’ve cooled off, you can transfer the potato skins to an airtight container and keep them stored in the fridge for 3-4 days. I recommend reheating in the air fryer or back in the oven so the skins stay crispy.

Can I freeze Chicken Bacon Alfredo Potato Skins?

Yes! Let them fully cool to room temperature before transferring the loaded potato skins to an airtight freezer-safe container. Properly stored, they should freeze nicely for up to 3 months. Don’t forget to date and label! Let them defrost in the fridge before reheating in the oven or air fryer.

Note: the texture of the potato won’t be quite the same after freezing — if this is a problem, it’s best to make these fresh!

Serving suggestions:

Serve these bacon and cheese potato skins at your next party! They’re great for game days, birthday parties and everything in between.

We love to serve them with other appetizers for a finger food dinner. Check out some of our favorites!

• Baked Brie Bites
• Jalapeno Poppers
• Pigs in a Blanket
• Ham and Cheese Sliders

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Chicken Bacon Alfredo Potato Skins

Chicken Bacon Alfredo Potato Skins are the ultimate game day appetizer! Russet potatoes are loaded with alfredo sauce, chicken, bacon, shredded cheese and a sprinkling of green onions. They're addictive – serve them at a party and watch them disappear!

Course Appetizer

Cuisine American

Diet Gluten Free

Prep Time 20 minutes minutes

Cook Time 45 minutes minutes

Total Time 1 hour hour 5 minutes minutes

Servings 16 potato skins

Calories 86cal

Author Ashley Fehr

Ingredients

• 8 small russet potatoe (washed and dried)
• 1 tablespoon oil
• salt

Alfredo Sauce (or use store bought)

• 1 tablespoon salted butter
• 1 clove garlic (minced)
• ¼ teaspoon Italian seasoning
• ¼ teaspoon salt
• pepper to taste
• 1 tablespoon flour
• 1 cup half and half
• 2 tablespoons grated Parmesan cheese (divided)

Toppings

• 1 cup chopped, cooked chicken (about 1 breast)
• 2 slices bacon (cooked and chopped)
• 1 cup shredded cheese (mozza or marble)
• green onion for garnish

US Customary – Metric

Instructions

• Line a baking sheet with tin foil or parchment and preheat the oven to 400 degrees F. Rub potatoes with oil and salt and place on baking sheet. Roast for 40-45 minutes or until tender. Set aside to cool for 10-15 minutes.
• Slice open potatoes carefully using a serrated knife (so the skin doesn’t peel off). Using a small spoon, scoop out the middle of each potato half, leaving the outside of the potato intact (you shouldn’t see the potato skin on the inside).
• Place back on the baking sheet.

Alfredo Sauce

• Meanwhile, make the Alfredo sauce.
• Heat butter in a medium skillet. Add garlic, Italian seasoning, salt and pepper and cook 1 minute.
• Add flour and stir until combined. Whisk in half and half and cook slightly until thickened.
• Stir in 1 tablespoon Parmesan and remove from heat.

Potato Skins

• Spread a small amount of sauce in each potato half.
• Sprinkle with chopped chicken, chopped bacon, shredded cheese and 1 tablespoon Parmesan.
• Return to the oven for 10-15 minutes until hot and cheese is melted. Sprinkle with chopped green onion. Serve.

Notes

Ingredients and Substitutions:

Potatoes: you can use any kind of potato you like for these, but I love using russets because the thick skin gets ultra crispy!

Sauce: feel free to swap the homemade sauce for a store bought jar to save yourself some time.

Toppings: You can add to or omit any of the toppings as you like — feel free to experiment!

Nutrition

Calories: 86cal | Carbohydrates: 1g | Protein: 4g | Fat: 7g | Saturated Fat: 3g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 1g | Monounsaturated Fat: 3g | Trans Fat: 0.04g | Cholesterol: 20mg | Sodium: 111mg | Potassium: 47mg | Fiber: 0.03g | Sugar: 1g | Vitamin A: 140IU | Vitamin C: 0.3mg | Calcium: 59mg | Iron: 0.2mg

The post Chicken Bacon Alfredo Potato Skins appeared first on The Recipe Rebel.

Can’t get enough meatloaf? Try my Crockpot Meatloaf Recipe, my Easy Turkey Meatloaf or this Air Fryer Meatloaf next!

One pan dinner recipes are always my favorite! Why? Easier clean up, of course!

When these Mini Meatloaves and Vegetables are all said and done here, all you need to do is toss out the foil or parchment paper that lined the pan. (If you’re also a fan of sheet pan dinners, you’ll love my recipe for Sheet Pan Sausage and Potatoes!)

It also definitely helps that my family can’t seem to get enough of this easy dinner recipe.

The glazed mini meatloaves are perfectly portioned, the roasted potatoes are oh so tender, and the veggies (you can use green beans or broccoli) always turn out amazing as well. It’s a well-rounded dinner that’s all on just one pan!

What really sends the homemade meatloaves over the top is the tangy glaze. It’s a simple combination of ketchup, brown sugar and apple cider vinegar and it really hits the spot.

The way it compliments the ingredients in the actual meatloaf is so satisfying! 

Ingredients Needed:

• Potatoes: It’s best to use creamer potatoes (young yukon gold or red potatoes) since they’re so tender. The skin is delicate, so no need to peel!
• Veggies: Feel free to use green beans or broccoli florets. Both work very well in this recipe – just make sure that they’re fresh. 
• Oil: Olive oil or canola oil both get the job done. 
• Salt and Pepper: Try not to be too heavy-handed with the salt! As for the black pepper, freshly cracked is always best. 
• Ground Beef: I like to use lean ground beef, but you can use whichever kind you like best.
• Onion: Not a fan of bits of onion in your meatloaf? Swap it with onion powder. 
• Sauce: You can use either ketchup or barbecue sauce.
• Breadcrumbs: Fine breadcrumbs are what you’ll want! That way you don’t have larger pieces of breadcrumbs in your meatloaf. 
• Egg: This will work with the breadcrumbs to bind all of the ingredients together. 
• Italian Seasoning: This adds a subtle herbaceous note that really makes the meatloaf mixture so good!
• Brown Sugar: All out? No worries! Make your own by combining one cup of granulated white sugar with one tablespoon of molasses. 
• Apple Cider Vinegar: This makes the glaze on top of the meatloaves deliciously sweet and tangy. 

How to Make Sheet Pan Mini Meatloaf and Roasted Potatoes

Making this sheet pan dinner is easy, and cleaning up afterwards is even easier. That’s a huge win in my house!

1. Get the veggies ready. Place the halved potatoes and green beans (or broccoli) in a bowl. Drizzle with a little oil and season with salt and pepper. Spread them in an even layer on the prepared baking sheet. 
2. Make the meatloaf mixture. Combine the beef, onion, ketchup, breadcrumbs, egg, and seasonings in a bowl until combined. 

3. Form the mini meatloaves. Use your hands to shape 4 evenly sized mini meatloves. Line them up on the foil, across from the vegetables.
4. Bake and glaze. Place the pan in the oven and bake for 25-30 minutes. Just before serving, stir the glaze ingredients together and brush it all over the meatloaves. 

How do I know when mini meatloaves are done cooking?

If you’re unsure, I highly recommend using a meat thermometer to check! Once inserted into the thickest part of the meatloaf, the thermometer should read 160°F. 

What can I do with leftover meatloaf?

Besides just reheating it and enjoying it as-is, there are plenty of ways you can get creative with leftover meatloaf! Here are just a few of my favorite ways to enjoy this reheated entree:

• Make a meatloaf sandwich (you can use either cold or hot meatloaf).
• Crumble up meatloaf and use it as an easy base for shepherd’s pie.
• Add slabs of meatloaf to BBQ-inspired tacos.
• Add a touch of sweetness to canned or homemade chilli by mixing in crumbled or cubed leftover meatloaf.

Should I use ketchup or BBQ sauce for my meatloaf glaze?

The choice is entirely yours! Personally, I like to use ketchup in both the meatloaf mixture and in the glaze. However, BBQ sauce is also pretty delicious! It just depends on which condiment is your personal favorite. 

How to Freeze Sheet Pan Mini Meatloaves

These sheet pan mini meatloaves are ideal for prepping and freezing! You can even make a double batch and freeze half of them to save time. 

Follow the meatloaf instructions as written, but don’t bake them. Wrap the uncooked meatloaves tightly in two layers of plastic wrap. Write the date on the plastic or a piece of tape and store in the freezer for up to 3 months.

When you’re ready to enjoy the mini meatloaves, simply let them thaw in the fridge overnight and cook according to recipe directions.

How to Store Mini Meatloaves

Have any leftovers? You’re in luck because this recipe reheats wonderfully! 

Store your leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for 2-3 days. While you can always just zap your leftovers in the microwave, I have an oven method that’s pretty great at not drying out the meatloaf!

Simply place the meatloaves in a casserole dish with a couple tablespoons of beef broth or water. Cover the meatloaves with foil and reheat in a 250°F oven for 20 minutes or until warmed through.

Variations to Try

• Swap the veggies: Try using vegetables like broccoli, cauliflower, sweet peppers, zucchini, and halved baby carrots. Make sure the veggies are cut into small, even shapes so they’ll be tender by the time the meatloaf is fully cooked.
• Experiment with different sauces: Ketchup and BBQ sauce are my go-to sauces for these mini meatloaves, but you can experiment with any sweet and tangy sauce. Hoisin sauce and teriyaki sauce are perfect for making Asian-inspired mini meatloaves!
• Change the meat. You can swap the ground beef for ground pork, turkey, chicken or sausage. We’re adding lots of moisture so I don’t find that leaner cuts get dry with this preparation.

Serving Suggestions

This one pan dinner really has it all! It has an entree and two sides all on the same pan, so there’s not really a need to pair it with any other side dishes. 

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Sheet Pan Mini Meatloaf and Roasted Potatoes

Sheet Pan Mini Meatloaf and Roasted Potatoes is a quick and easy dinner recipe for those hectic weeknights! Homemade mini meatloaves bake to perfection alongside potatoes and veggies all on one pan. I think my favorite part might be the tangy meatloaf glaze!

Course Main Course

Cuisine American

Prep Time 15 minutes minutes

Cook Time 25 minutes minutes

Total Time 40 minutes minutes

Servings 4 people

Calories 364cal

Author Ashley Fehr

Ingredients

• 1 lb Creamer potatoes (halved)
• 2 cups green beans or broccoli florets
• 1 tablespoon oil
• salt and pepper
• 1 lb lean ground beef
• ½ medium onion (finely diced or grated)
• ¼ cup ketchup or barbecue sauce
• ¼ cup fine bread crumbs
• 1 egg
• ½ teaspoon Italian seasoning
• ½ teaspoon salt
• ⅛ teaspoon black pepper

Meatloaf Glaze

• ¼ cup ketchup
• 1 tablespoon brown sugar
• 1 teaspoon cider vinegar

US Customary – Metric

Instructions

• Preheat oven to 400 degrees F and line a rimmed baking sheet with tin foil. Grease with non-stick spray.
• Place potatoes and green beans or broccoli each in a medium glass bowl. Drizzle both with oil and season with salt and pepper.
• Place all vegetables in a single layer on one end of the prepared baking sheet.
• Fold the edge of a piece of foil to create a ledge and place it on the empty side of the pan.
• In a medium bowl, stir together beef, onion, ketchup, bread crumbs, egg, Italian seasoning, salt and pepper.
• Shape into 4 mini rectangular meatloaves and line up on the foil on one side of the baking sheet.
• Bake for 25-30 minutes or until potatoes are tender and the meatloaf reaches an internal temperature of at least 160 degrees F.
• Stir together glaze ingredients and brush over meatloaves before serving.

Video

Notes

I have updated this recipe since creating the original, which was a simple 6 ingredient dinner. If you prefer to use the original recipe, you can find it here.

Ingredients and Substitutions:

Vegetables: originally I used green beans in this recipe instead of broccoli — both work equally as well and cook in about the same amount of time! Feel free to swap the vegetables for those your family enjoys, just keep in mind that cook times can vary.

Beef: you can swap the ground beef for ground pork, turkey, chicken or sausage. We’re adding lots of moisture so I don’t find that leaner cuts get dry with this preparation.

Onion: if you prefer not to have pieces of onion in your meatloaf, you can swap the diced onion for ½ teaspoon of onion powder. 

Nutrition

Calories: 364cal | Carbohydrates: 37g | Protein: 29g | Fat: 11g | Saturated Fat: 3g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 2g | Monounsaturated Fat: 5g | Trans Fat: 0.4g | Cholesterol: 111mg | Sodium: 711mg | Potassium: 1011mg | Fiber: 3g | Sugar: 11g | Vitamin A: 220IU | Vitamin C: 25mg | Calcium: 57mg | Iron: 4mg

The post Sheet Pan Mini Meatloaf and Roasted Potatoes appeared first on The Recipe Rebel.

This Slow Cooker Creamy Tomato Basil Chicken Breast is SO easy and flavorful, you wouldn’t believe it only has just a few ingredients! The perfect easy crockpot chicken recipe for busy weeknights!

If you’re looking for more crockpot chicken breast recipes, check out this Crockpot Creamy Garlic Chicken or this Crockpot Tuscan Chicken!

Life is busy and I’m busting out all the easy slow cooker, one pot and Instant Pot recipes to keep us sane! This Crockpot Creamy Tomato Basil Chicken is well-loved here around the dinner table.

Chicken is such a versatile protein so we always have a stash in the freezer!

This slow cooker chicken recipe comes together in no time with just a handful of ingredients that we usually have on hand — which makes it a win in my books!

The creamy tomato flavor combo is always a hit, and we love this chicken over a plate of spaghetti but it can really be a stand alone meal with a side salad if that’s your thing!

If you love this recipe, you might enjoy this Slow Cooker Chicken Breast or this Crockpot Chicken and Dumplings — they are both easy Crockpot meals!

Why we love this Slow Cooker Chicken Breast recipe:

• it’s a Real Life recipe: it’s easy to prep, mostly hands off and the family loves. We all need more of that!

• it’s a slow cooker win: with a lot of slow cooker recipes, I find you sacrifice either flavor or texture or both. With this chicken you dump and go, and the sauce is the perfect consistency when it’s done and the flavor is awesome!
• it’s quick to prep: being a dump and go slow cooker, you don’t need to spend hours in the kitchen, which is a plus on busy weeknights!

Slow Cooker Tomato Basil Chicken Ingredients:

• Chicken breasts: we always use chicken breasts for this recipe but boneless, skinless chicken thighs would also work well. If you choose bone-in chicken the cook time will increase significantly.
• Tomato pasta sauce: this is simply a tomato sauce that you would use on pasta with herbs and seasonings, i.e., a marinara or something similar. This is not tomato paste. Choose your favorite well-seasoned brand!
• Diced tomatoes: If you don’t like the chunks of tomato you can sub this out with an additional cup of tomato pasta sauce.
• Garlic and seasonings: I’ve kept things simple, but feel free to experiment if you prefer. Add some red pepper flakes if you like things spicy!
• Cream: I recommend heavy cream or evaporated milk in this recipe. I find that they have the lowest chance of curdling when cooked with the acidic tomatoes. I do not recommend low fat cream or milk, but you are always welcome to try!
• Corn starch: A little corn starch helps to thicken our sauce. You can swap this out with flour if you don’t have any.
• Fresh basil: fresh basil can be hard to find in the cooler months. Basil pesto is my favorite swap because it adds more of that fresh flavor than dried basil.

How to make Creamy Tomato Basil Crockpot Chicken Breast:

This is a simple overview to help guide you! Scroll down to find the detailed recipe in the pink recipe card.

• Stir together sauce, tomatoes and herbs.
• Whisk the corn starch into the cream.

• Add the cream to the slow cooker and stir.
• Add the uncooked chicken and cook until the internal temperature reaches 165 degrees F.

How long to cook chicken breasts in the crockpot?

Not overcooking slow cooker chicken breasts is the key to having juicy and flavorful chicken.

I usually recommend 3 hours on low — this might be a little less if your chicken breasts are small or a little more if your chicken breasts are large.

If you’re cooking on high, check the internal temperature at 2-2.5 hours and add time as needed.

Can I use half and half or milk?

Low fat dairy has more of a tendency to curdle.

For that reason, the addition of the tomatoes and the long cook time, I prefer not to take the chance. My exception is low fat evaporated milk, which I find works really well in slow cooker recipes.

You are always welcome to try it!

What kind of tomato pasta sauce do I need?

Choose your favorite brand of tomato-based pasta sauce, i.e., marinara sauce or something similar.

You’re looking for a relatively smooth and well-seasoned tomato sauce, rather than a can of plan crushed tomatoes.

Tips for making this slow cooker chicken recipe:

• Don’t overcook it — I find 3 hours is plenty for the usual size of my chicken breasts. I recommend checking the temperature at 2.5 hours for smaller breasts, and 3 hours for larger breasts, and adding time as needed.
• I made this recipe in a 4 quart slow cooker — if you want to double it, I suggest a 6 quart slow cooker (I have both, and use them for different things!).
• I really, really love using slow cooker liners. I will gladly pay the 50 cents or whatever they cost to not have to wash that beast!
• Please always, always check the temperature of your chicken with a meat thermometer before serving just to be safe! All slow cookers cook differently.

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Slow Cooker Creamy Tomato Basil Chicken

This Slow Cooker Creamy Tomato Basil Chicken is SO easy and flavorful, you wouldn't believe it only has a few ingredients! The perfect easy dinner recipe!

Course Main Course

Cuisine American

Diet Gluten Free

Prep Time 5 minutes minutes

Cook Time 4 hours hours

Total Time 4 hours hours 5 minutes minutes

Servings 4

Calories 210cal

Author Ashley Fehr

Ingredients

• 14 oz can diced tomatoes with Italian herbs (398 ml)
• 1 cup tomato pasta sauce
• 2 teaspoons minced garlic
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
• ½ teaspoon dried basil
• ¼ teaspoon black pepper
• ½ cup evaporated milk or heavy cream
• 2 tablespoons corn starch
• 4 boneless skinless chicken breasts
• 2 tablespoons finely chopped fresh basil

US Customary – Metric

Instructions

• Add tomatoes, pasta sauce, garlic, salt, Italian seasoning, basil and pepper to a 3-6 quart slow cooker. Stir.
• Whisk together cream and corn starch and add to the slow cooker.
• Add chicken breasts and press down into the sauce.
• Cook on low for 3-5 hours, until a meat thermometer reads 165 degrees F. The exact cook time will depend on your slow cooker — a fuller slow cooker will take longer to cook, so a larger one will cook faster.
• Stir in fresh basil and serve over pasta, rice, or with a salad and veggies!

Video

Notes

*Some sauce was removed from the pictures in the slow cooker to show detail. The recipe makes plenty of sauce for pasta!

Ingredients and Substitutions:

Chicken: this recipe will also work with boneless, skinless chicken thighs, or try it with chicken meatballs, sausages, or another cut for something unique!

Tomato pasta sauce: choose any tomato marinara-style sauce you like. The more flavor in the pasta sauce, the more flavor your chicken will have. 

Diced tomatoes: if you don’t like the chunks of diced tomatoes, I recommend just swapping with additional tomato sauce.

Cream or evaporated milk: Heavy cream or evaporated milk will work best because they do not curdle. Please do not use regular milk or a light cream. 

Herbs & seasonings: feel free to adjust the herbs and seasonings to your tastes. Like it spicy? Add some cayenne or red pepper flakes!

Fresh basil: we make this recipe all year round but fresh basil can be impossible to find. I like to swap with basil pesto for that fresh basil flavor.

 

Nutrition

Calories: 210cal | Carbohydrates: 16g | Protein: 29g | Fat: 3g | Saturated Fat: 1g | Cholesterol: 74mg | Sodium: 1099mg | Potassium: 977mg | Fiber: 2g | Sugar: 10g | Vitamin A: 657IU | Vitamin C: 16mg | Calcium: 191mg | Iron: 2mg

The post Slow Cooker Creamy Tomato Basil Chicken Breast appeared first on The Recipe Rebel.