300+ Easy Chicken Recipes and Ideas - The Cookie Rookie® https://www.thecookierookie.com/category/chicken/ Easy Recipes anyone can make, that everyone will love! Fri, 07 Mar 2025 16:47:45 +0000 en-US hourly 1 https://wordpress.org/?v=6.7.2 https://www.thecookierookie.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/09/cropped-favicon-32x32.png 300+ Easy Chicken Recipes and Ideas - The Cookie Rookie® https://www.thecookierookie.com/category/chicken/ 32 32 174125229 Pesto Chicken https://www.thecookierookie.com/pesto-chicken/ https://www.thecookierookie.com/pesto-chicken/#respond Wed, 19 Mar 2025 13:30:00 +0000 https://www.thecookierookie.com/?p=199267 When I want something quick, easy, and super flavorful for dinner, I make this pesto chicken recipe. Just 6 ingredients and 30 minutes!

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When I want something quick, easy, and super flavorful for dinner, I make this pesto chicken recipe. It’s made with store-bought pesto, cherry tomatoes, and tender chicken breasts. Mixed with a bit of heavy cream, the sauce turns rich and creamy in seconds, and the tomatoes pop with a juicy flavor. I love that this recipe requires only 6 ingredients and takes just 30 minutes from start to finish!

pesto chicken in a skillet.

I love pesto on just about everything, but especially chicken. This easy pesto chicken is so quick to make with jarred pesto, or you can upgrade it with homemade instead. It’s rich, creamy, and fresh– so delicious with pasta, rice, or potatoes. My whole family loves this recipe!

Tips for Beginners

  • To save prep time, I like to grab thin-sliced chicken breasts when they’re available.
  • Bring the cream to room temperature and add it in slowly, stirring constantly, to avoid curdling it.
  • I recommend using boneless, skinless chicken breasts, although thighs will also work.
  • I like to use homemade pesto, but store-bought works in a pinch to save time!
pesto chicken in a skillet.
Print

Pesto Chicken Recipe

When I want something quick, easy, and super flavorful for dinner, I make this pesto chicken recipe. Just 6 ingredients and 30 minutes!
Step-by-step photos can be seen below the recipe card.
Course Dinner, Main Course
Cuisine American, Italian
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Servings 4
Calories 510kcal

Ingredients

For the Chicken

  • 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
  • Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
  • 2 tablespoons pesto
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil

For the Sauce

  • ¼ cup dry white wine
  • ¾ cup heavy cream room temperature
  • ½ cup pesto
  • 1 pint cherry tomatoes halved
  • 2 tablespoons freshly grated Parmesan cheese
  • Chopped fresh basil optional, for serving

Instructions

  • Pat the chicken breasts dry and slice them in half into cutlets. You should have four total. Season both sides with salt and pepper.
    2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts, Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper
  • Place the chicken in a bowl and toss with the 2 tablespoons of pesto until well coated. Set aside.
    2 tablespoons pesto
    chicken breasts coated in pesto in a glass bowl.
  • Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Once hot, sear the chicken on both sides until cooked through, about 4-5 minutes per side. Set the chicken aside.
    1 tablespoon olive oil
    cooked chicken breasts in a skillet.
  • Add the wine to the skillet and scrape off any browned bits from the bottom of the pan.
    ¼ cup dry white wine
  • Stir in the heavy cream and pesto. Bring to a simmer and cook until slightly thickened, about 3-4 minutes.
    ¾ cup heavy cream, ½ cup pesto
  • Add the tomatoes and cook until warmed through, 1-2 minutes.
    1 pint cherry tomatoes
    creamy pesto sauce and tomatoes in a skillet.
  • Return the chicken to the pan and spoon the sauce over to coat.
  • Serve topped with Parmesan cheese and fresh basil.
    Chopped fresh basil, 2 tablespoons freshly grated Parmesan cheese
    pesto chicken in a skillet.

Nutrition

Serving: 1serving | Calories: 510kcal | Carbohydrates: 10g | Protein: 30g | Fat: 38g | Saturated Fat: 14g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 2g | Monounsaturated Fat: 8g | Trans Fat: 0.01g | Cholesterol: 131mg | Sodium: 1148mg | Potassium: 752mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 6g | Vitamin A: 2068IU | Vitamin C: 29mg | Calcium: 134mg | Iron: 2mg

How to Make Pesto Chicken Step by Step

Cut the Chicken: Pat 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts dry and slice them in half into cutlets. You should have four total. Season both sides with salt and pepper.

Marinate the Chicken: Place the chicken in a bowl and toss with the 2 tablespoons of pesto until well coated. Set aside.

chicken breasts coated in pesto in a glass bowl.

Sear the Chicken: Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Once hot, sear the chicken on both sides until cooked through, about 4-5 minutes per side. Set the chicken aside.

cooked chicken breasts in a skillet.

Make the Pesto Sauce: Add ¼ cup of dry white wine to the skillet and scrape off any browned bits from the bottom of the pan. Stir in ¾ cup of room-temperature heavy cream and ½ cup of pesto. Bring to a simmer and cook until slightly thickened, about 3-4 minutes. Add 1 pint of halved cherry tomatoes and cook until warmed through, 1-2 minutes.

creamy pesto sauce and tomatoes in a skillet.

Warm and Serve: Return the chicken to the pan and spoon the sauce over to coat. Serve topped with 2 tablespoons of Parmesan cheese and fresh basil.

a serving of pesto chicken over spaghetti with a fork.

How to Store and Reheat

Store leftover pesto chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days or in the freezer for up to 3 months. Let thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating in a pan set over medium-low heat, stirring in a little extra cream to loosen the sauce.

pesto chicken in a skillet.

Serving Suggestions

This pesto chicken is so saucy, making it perfect for serving over pasta or mashed potatoes. When I want something a little healthier, I like to serve it with garlic mashed cauliflower!

More Chicken Recipes To Try

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https://www.thecookierookie.com/pesto-chicken/feed/ 0 199267 pesto-chicken-recipe-2 pesto chicken in a skillet. chicken breasts coated in pesto in a glass bowl. cooked chicken breasts in a skillet. creamy pesto sauce and tomatoes in a skillet. pesto chicken in a skillet. step by step pesto-chicken-recipe step by step pesto-chicken-recipe-2 step by step pesto-chicken-recipe-3 step by step pesto-chicken-recipe-4 pesto-chicken-recipe-4 step by step pesto-chicken-recipe-5 skillet of lemon chicken This Caesar Chicken Recipe (MELT IN YOUR MOUTH and only 4 Ingredients!) is made with only 3 ingredients (say WHAT?!) and is oh so tender and delicious. Easiest tastiest weeknight dinner ever. Made with just chicken, sour cream, creamy caesar, and grated parmesan. It will knock your socks off for both its flavor and how easy it is! sweet and sour chicken breasts on a platter overhead image of baked Italian chicken breasts in a white baking dish
Nashville Hot Chicken https://www.thecookierookie.com/nashville-hot-chicken/ https://www.thecookierookie.com/nashville-hot-chicken/#respond Fri, 14 Mar 2025 13:30:00 +0000 https://www.thecookierookie.com/?p=199191 This Nashville hot chicken recipe is not for the faint of heart! It's mouth-numbingly spicy, but so crispy and delicious, too!

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When I said I love spicy food, I meant it—this Nashville hot chicken recipe is not for the faint of heart! With hot and spicy flavor packed in at every step of the process, my Nashville hot chicken is mouth-numbingly delicious and super crispy to boot! My tongue was crying by the end of the meal, but man, was it so good!

overhead view of nashville hot chicken on a white serving platter with pickles.

Ever since my first visit to Nashville, I’ve been obsessed with Nashville hot chicken. It’s so crispy, juicy, and spicy! When I learned the secret to keeping the chicken crispy was brushing it with a mix of spices and hot frying oil, my mind was blown! How had I never thought of that before?!

I will caution you, this Nashville hot chicken recipe is authentically spicy. Make it at your own risk!

Tips for Beginners

  • Don’t be afraid to dredge the chicken twice for an extra crispy crust. Simply dip the breaded chicken back into the leftover buttermilk marinade, then back into the breading again.
  • Rest the chicken for 5-10 minutes after dredging to help the breading stick.
  • Don’t try to fry too many pieces at once. Overcrowding the oil will cause the temperature to drop, leading to greasy chicken.
  • Let the oil come back to temperature between batches for even frying.
overhead view of nashville hot chicken on a white serving platter with pickles.
Print

Nashville Hot Chicken Recipe

This Nashville hot chicken recipe is not for the faint of heart! It's mouth-numbingly spicy, but so crispy and delicious, too!
Step-by-step photos can be seen below the recipe card.
Course Dinner, Main Course
Cuisine American
Prep Time 1 hour 20 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Total Time 1 hour 50 minutes
Servings 6
Calories 894kcal

Equipment

  • Cast Iron Skillet
  • Deep Frying Thermometer

Ingredients

For the Marinade and Chicken

  • 2 cups buttermilk
  • ½ cup pickle brine from a jar of pickles
  • ¼ cup hot sauce
  • pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts
  • pounds boneless, skinless chicken thighs

For the Breading

  • 2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 2 tablespoons ground paprika
  • tablespoons seasoned salt such as Lawry's
  • 1 teaspoon ground cayenne pepper
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon onion powder
  • ½ teaspoon ground black pepper
  • 2 quarts canola oil for frying

For the Sauce

  • ½ cup reserved frying oil from frying the chicken
  • ½ cup unsalted butter (1 stick)
  • 2 tablespoons ground cayenne pepper
  • 2 tablespoons brown sugar
  • 1 tablespoon smoked paprika
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon onion powder
  • 1 teaspoon chili powder

Instructions

  • In a large bowl, whisk together the buttermilk, pickle brine, and hot sauce.
    2 cups buttermilk, ½ cup pickle brine, ¼ cup hot sauce
  • Add the chicken to the bowl, fully submerging the pieces in the marinade. Marinate the chicken for at least 1 hour or up to 8 hours.
    1½ pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts, 1½ pounds boneless, skinless chicken thighs
    raw chicken marinating in buttermilk in a glass bowl.
  • Combine the flour and seasonings in a shallow dish.
    2 cups all-purpose flour, 2 tablespoons ground paprika, 1½ tablespoons seasoned salt, 1 teaspoon ground cayenne pepper, 1 teaspoon garlic powder, 1 teaspoon onion powder, ½ teaspoon ground black pepper
  • Dredge the chicken in the flour mixture, pressing it firmly into the dish to ensure the piece is fully coated.
    dreding chicken in flour.
  • Heat about 3-4 inches of oil in a large pot to 350°F.
    2 quarts canola oil
  • Gently drop the chicken pieces, 2-3 at a time, into the oil and fry for 8-10 minutes until golden brown.
    frying chicken in a skillet.
  • Transfer the chicken to a plate or sheet pan lined with paper towel.
    nashville hot chicken pieces on a wire rack set in a baking sheet.
  • Repeat for all of the chicken pieces.
  • Once all of the chicken has been fried, make sure to reserve ½ cup of the hot frying oil for the sauce.
  • In a bowl, whisk together the sauce ingredients. Brush the sauce over the chicken. Serve over bread with your favorite dipping sauce (we like chipotle ranch!) and pickles. Enjoy!
    ½ cup reserved frying oil, ½ cup unsalted butter, 2 tablespoons ground cayenne pepper, 2 tablespoons brown sugar, 1 tablespoon smoked paprika, 1 teaspoon garlic powder, 1 teaspoon onion powder, 1 teaspoon chili powder
    brushing sauce over nashville hot chicken with a pastry brush.

Notes

  • I like canola oil for its neutral flavor and high smoke point. Vegetable or avocado oil also work well.
  • I like to use a mixture of boneless, skinless chicken breasts and thighs but you could use all one type if you prefer.
  • Place the fried chicken on a wire rack set in a rimmed baking sheet in a 200°F oven to keep warm while you finish frying the rest.

Nutrition

Serving: 0.5pound | Calories: 894kcal | Carbohydrates: 46g | Protein: 54g | Fat: 55g | Saturated Fat: 15g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 11g | Monounsaturated Fat: 25g | Trans Fat: 1g | Cholesterol: 230mg | Sodium: 2634mg | Potassium: 1022mg | Fiber: 3g | Sugar: 9g | Vitamin A: 3338IU | Vitamin C: 11mg | Calcium: 140mg | Iron: 4mg

How to Make Nashville Hot Chicken Step by Step

Marinate the Chicken: In a large bowl, whisk together 2 cups of buttermilk, ½ cup of pickle brine (I like to use the leftovers from my favorite refrigerator pickles), and ¼ cup of hot sauce. Add 1½ pounds each of boneless, skinless chicken breasts and boneless, skinless chicken thighs to the bowl, fully submerging the pieces in the marinade. Marinate the chicken for at least 1 hour or up to 8 hours.

raw chicken marinating in buttermilk in a glass bowl.

Bread the Chicken: Combine 2 cups of all-purpose flour, 2 tablespoons of ground paprika, 1½ tablespoons of seasoned salt, 1 teaspoon of ground cayenne pepper, 1 teaspoon of garlic powder, 1 teaspoon of onion powder, and ½ teaspoon of ground black pepper shallow dish. Dredge the chicken in the flour mixture, pressing it firmly into the dish to ensure the piece is fully coated.

dreding chicken in flour.

Fry the Chicken: Heat about 3-4 inches of canola oil in a large pot to 350°F. Gently drop the chicken pieces, 2-3 at a time, into the oil and fry for 8-10 minutes until golden brown.

frying chicken in a skillet.

Drain the Chicken: Transfer the chicken to a plate or sheet pan lined with paper towel. Repeat for all of the chicken pieces. Once all of the chicken has been fried, make sure to reserve ½ cup of the hot frying oil for the sauce.

nashville hot chicken pieces on a wire rack set in a baking sheet.

Sauce the Chicken: In a bowl, whisk together the reserved ½ cup of frying oil, ½ cup of unsalted butter, 2 tablespoons of ground cayenne pepper, 2 tablespoons of brown sugar, 1 tablespoon of smoked paprika, 1 teaspoon of garlic powder, 1 teaspoon of onion powder, and 1 teaspoon of chili powder. Brush the sauce over the chicken.

brushing sauce over nashville hot chicken with a pastry brush.

How to Store and Reheat

Store leftover Nashville hot chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat in a 350°F oven on a wire rack set in a rimmed baking sheet for 15-20 minutes, or until warmed through. Make sure to save some of the Sauce to brush on the hot chicken!

To freeze, I recommend spreading out the chicken pieces on a lined baking sheet and placing them in the freezer for 1-2 hours, or until solid. Transfer to an airtight container or Ziplock bag to store for up to 3 months. Let thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.

a piece of nashville hot chicken on texas toast topped with mayonnaise and pickles.

Serving Suggestions

The classic accompaniments for Nashville hot chicken include soft slices of Texas toast and pickles. However, I’m personally partial to classic french fries and coleslaw to help cool the heat. For more of a Southern spin, some sweet cornbread really balances out all that savory and spicy flavor!

More Fried Chicken Recipes To Try

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https://www.thecookierookie.com/nashville-hot-chicken/feed/ 0 199191 nashville-hot-chicken-recipe-2 overhead view of nashville hot chicken on a white serving platter with pickles. raw chicken marinating in buttermilk in a glass bowl. dreding chicken in flour. frying chicken in a skillet. nashville hot chicken pieces on a wire rack set in a baking sheet. brushing sauce over nashville hot chicken with a pastry brush. step by step nashville-hot-chicken-recipe step by step nashville-hot-chicken-recipe-2 step by step nashville-hot-chicken-recipe-4 step by step nashville-hot-chicken-recipe-5 step by step nashville-hot-chicken-recipe-6 nashville-hot-chicken-recipe-3 four pieces of oven fried chicken on a tray overhead view of a piece of kentucky fried chicken on a white plate with corn and mashed potatoes. featured copycat raising canes chicken fingers. overhead view of fried chicken wings on a white platter with buffalo sauce and ranch.
Sesame Chicken https://www.thecookierookie.com/sesame-chicken/ https://www.thecookierookie.com/sesame-chicken/#comments Mon, 10 Mar 2025 13:30:00 +0000 https://www.thecookierookie.com/?p=198182 This homemade sesame chicken is crunchy, sticky, sweet, and just the right amount of spicy. It's so much better than takeout!

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I love Chinese takeout, but it doesn’t love me! I always end up feeling bloated and heavy afterward. But with this homemade sesame chicken recipe, I feel much better knowing every ingredient that goes into it. It’s still fried but much less heavy than my favorite takeout dish, and the sauce is still so sticky, sweet, and just the right amount of spicy.

overhead view of sesame chicken over white rice in a bowl.

It’s so much easier than I thought to make restaurant-style sesame chicken right at home. Sure, frying can be intimidating, but with the simple batter method, it’s not too messy, and it only takes a few minutes. The sauce is even easier—just mix, heat, and go! I love how flavorful this recipe is and that I know every ingredient that goes into it. I feel so much better serving this homemade sesame chicken to my family.

Tips for Beginners

  • Fry the chicken in batches so you don’t overload the oil and reduce the oil temperature. If the oil gets too cold, the chicken will turn out soggy and greasy.
  • After dredging, let the chicken pieces rest for about 10 minutes to help the batter bind to the chicken better.
overhead view of sesame chicken over white rice in a bowl.
Print

Sesame Chicken Recipe

This homemade sesame chicken is crunchy, sticky, sweet, and just the right amount of spicy. It's so much better than takeout!
Step-by-step photos can be seen below the recipe card.
Course Dinner, Main Course
Cuisine asian
Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Total Time 50 minutes
Servings 4
Calories 692kcal

Ingredients

For the Chicken

  • cup cornstarch
  • ½ cup all-purpose flour
  • ¾ teaspoon kosher salt
  • 1 pinch ground black pepper
  • 2 large eggs
  • pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts cut into bite-size pieces
  • 1-2 cups vegetable oil for frying

For the Sauce

  • ½ cup honey
  • cup low-sodium soy sauce
  • 2 tablespoons sesame seeds
  • 1 tablespoon brown sugar
  • 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
  • 2 teaspoons sesame oil
  • 2 teaspoons sriracha
  • 2 teaspoons cornstarch
  • 2 tablespoons minced onion
  • 2 cloves garlic minced
  • 1 (1-inch piece) fresh ginger minced
  • Chopped green onion for serving

Instructions

  • In a large shallow bowl, whisk together the cornstarch, flour, salt, and pepper.
    ⅔ cup cornstarch, ½ cup all-purpose flour, ¾ teaspoon kosher salt, 1 pinch ground black pepper
  • In a separate shallow bowl, whisk the eggs together.
    2 large eggs
  • Dredge the chicken pieces in the dry mixture. Then, add the pieces to the eggs. Let the excess egg drip off the chicken before dredging once again in flour mixture. Transfer the pieces to a large plate or sheet pan.
    1½ pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts
    dredged chicken pieces in a glass bowl.
  • Heat the oil in a large skillet set over medium heat.
    1-2 cups vegetable oil
  • Once heated, use a tongs to transfer the chicken to the skillet. Turn off heat.
  • Working in batches, fry the chicken for 3-4 minutes per side until golden brown and crispy. Transfer the chicken to a sheet pan lined with paper towel.
    frying chicken pieces in a pot.
  • In a small bowl, whisk together the honey, soy sauce, sesame seeds, brown sugar, rice vinegar, sesame oil, sriracha, and cornstarch.
    ½ cup honey, ⅓ cup low-sodium soy sauce, 2 tablespoons sesame seeds, 1 tablespoon brown sugar, 1 tablespoon rice vinegar, 2 teaspoons sesame oil, 2 teaspoons sriracha, 2 teaspoons cornstarch
    sauce with sesame seeds in a bowl.
  • Drain or wipe the excess oil from the skillet, leaving 1 tablespoon over medium heat.
  • Add in the onion, garlic, and ginger, and stir, cooking for about 1 minute.
    2 tablespoons minced onion, 2 cloves garlic, 1 (1-inch piece) fresh ginger
  • Stir in the sauce and let it sizzle for a minute until thickened.
  • Turn off the heat, stir in the chicken pieces, and toss to coat them in the sauce.
    fried chicken pieces tossed in sauce in a pot with a wooden spoon.
  • Serve the chicken over rice and sprinkled with chopped green onion, and sesame seeds.
    Chopped green onion

Video

Notes

  • I prefer to use boneless, skinless chicken breasts but thighs will also work.
  • I like to fry in vegetable oil since it has a neutral flavor and a high smoke point.

Nutrition

Serving: 1serving | Calories: 692kcal | Carbohydrates: 74g | Protein: 44g | Fat: 25g | Saturated Fat: 4g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 11g | Monounsaturated Fat: 7g | Trans Fat: 0.1g | Cholesterol: 202mg | Sodium: 1493mg | Potassium: 825mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 38g | Vitamin A: 190IU | Vitamin C: 5mg | Calcium: 81mg | Iron: 3mg

How to Make Sesame Chicken Step-by-Step

Dredge the Chicken: In a large shallow bowl, whisk together ⅔ cup of cornstarch, ½ cup of all-purpose flour, ¾ teaspoon of kosher salt, and 1 pinch of ground black pepper. In a separate shallow bowl, whisk 2 large eggs together. Dredge 1½ pounds of boneless, skinless chicken breast cut into bite-sized pieces in the dry mixture. Then, add the pieces to the eggs. Let the excess egg drip off the chicken before dredging once again in the flour mixture. Transfer the pieces to a large plate or sheet pan.

dredged chicken pieces in a glass bowl.

Fry the Chicken: Heat 1-2 cups of vegetable oil in a large skillet set over medium heat. Once heated, use tongs to transfer the chicken to the skillet. Turn off the heat. Working in batches, fry the chicken for 3-4 minutes per side until golden brown and crispy. Transfer the chicken to a sheet pan lined with paper towel.

frying chicken pieces in a pot.

Make the Sauce: In a small bowl, whisk together ½ cup of honey, ⅓ cup of low-sodium soy sauce, 2 tablespoons of sesame seeds, 1 tablespoon of brown sugar, 1 tablespoon of rice vinegar, 2 teaspoons of sesame oil, 2 teaspoons of sriracha, and 2 teaspoons of cornstarch.

sauce with sesame seeds in a bowl.

Sauce the Chicken: Drain or wipe the excess oil from the skillet, leaving 1 tablespoon over medium heat. Add 2 tablespoons of minced onion, 2 minced cloves of garlic, and 1 (1-inch piece) of minced fresh ginger, and stir, cooking for about 1 minute. Stir in the sauce and let it sizzle for a minute until thickened. Turn off the heat, stir in the chicken pieces, and toss to coat them in the sauce. Serve the chicken over rice and sprinkled with chopped green onion, and sesame seeds.

fried chicken pieces tossed in sauce in a pot with a wooden spoon.

How to Store and Reheat

Store leftover sesame chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days or in the freezer for up to 3 months. Let thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating in the microwave until warmed through. Note that the chicken will not be as crisp this way.

overhead view of sesame chicken over white rice in bowls.

Serving Suggestions

This crispy sesame chicken is perfect served simply with some white rice, vegetable fried rice, or vegetable lo mein for that takeout at-home feel. I like to make some egg rolls when I have the extra time!

More Chicken Recipes To Try

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https://www.thecookierookie.com/sesame-chicken/feed/ 2 198182 sesame-chicken-recipe-3 overhead view of sesame chicken over white rice in a bowl. dredged chicken pieces in a glass bowl. frying chicken pieces in a pot. sauce with sesame seeds in a bowl. fried chicken pieces tossed in sauce in a pot with a wooden spoon. how to sesame-chicken-recipe how to sesame-chicken-recipe-3 how to sesame-chicken-recipe-2 how to sesame-chicken-recipe-4 sesame-chicken-recipe-2 baked honey garlic chicken thighs in casserole dish overhead image of hot honey chicken wings and celery slices on a serving tray with ranch dip in a small bowl with a spoon sweet and sour chicken breasts on a platter Sweet and Sour Chicken is a typical dish you'll find at Chinese-American restaurants. I love the crispy, tangy flavor of this sweet and sour chicken recipe! It's best served with white rice, vegetables, and my homemade sweet and sour chicken sauce.
Instant Pot Tuscan Chicken https://www.thecookierookie.com/instant-pot-tuscan-chicken/ https://www.thecookierookie.com/instant-pot-tuscan-chicken/#respond Wed, 05 Mar 2025 14:30:00 +0000 https://www.thecookierookie.com/?p=147484 This Instant Pot Tuscan Chicken is an easy way to make a classic Italian dish. That delectable creamy sauce is sure to delight!

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Instant Pot Tuscan chicken is one of my favorite quick and easy weeknight dinners that’s bursting with bold Italian flavor! Chicken breasts are golden brown on the outside, juicy on the inside, and served with the most incredible creamy sauce that features spinach, garlic, and sun-dried tomatoes. I love that this recipe comes together in under an hour and is mostly hands-off! It’s perfect for those days when I just don’t have time to babysit dinner.

instant pot tuscan chicken on a white plate.

I love taking my favorite recipes and learning how to make them in the Instant Pot. Tuscan chicken is one of my absolute favorite recipes, so I knew it was due for an Instant Pot upgrade. Although the OG recipe is super quick, this one is much more hands-off, giving me extra time in the kitchen to attend to other things.

featured instant pot tuscan chicken.
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Instant Pot Tuscan Chicken Recipe

Instant Pot Tuscan Chicken features golden brown chicken breasts that are perfectly juicy and served with the best creamy sauce that's speckled with sun-dried tomatoes!
Step-by-step photos can be seen below the recipe card.
Course Dinner
Cuisine Italian
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Total Time 40 minutes
Servings 4 people
Calories 607kcal

Equipment

  • Instant Pot (click for my favorite)

Ingredients

  • 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
  • 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
  • Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
  • 1 tablespoon unsalted butter (⅛ stick)
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 4 cloves garlic minced
  • ½ cup low-sodium chicken broth
  • 1 cup heavy cream
  • 8.5 ounces sun-dried tomatoes drained and chopped (1 jar)
  • ½ cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
  • 1 cup baby spinach chopped
  • Fresh parsley or basil optional, for garnish

Instructions

  • Pat the chicken dry and season both sides with Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper.
    4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts, 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning, Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper
    3 seasoned raw chicken breasts on a wooden cutting board.
  • Set your Instant Pot to Sauté. Once hot, add in the butter and olive oil. Add in the chicken, in batches if needed, and cook until both sides are browned, about 2-3 minutes per side. Remove from the Instant Pot and set aside.
    1 tablespoon unsalted butter, 1 tablespoon olive oil
    2 seared seasoned chicken breasts in an instant pot.
  • Add in the garlic and sauté for 30 seconds until fragrant. Pour in the chicken stock and scrape up any browned bits from the bottom of the pot. Turn off the Sauté function.
    4 cloves garlic, ½ cup low-sodium chicken broth
  • Return the chicken to the pot, secure the lid and pressure cook for 4 minutes. Let natural release for 10 minutes before releasing any remaining pressure.
    2 chicken breasts cooked in chicken broth in an instant pot.
  • Set the chicken aside and set the Instant Pot to Sauté. Stir in the heavy cream, sun dried tomatoes, Parmesan, and spinach. Cook, stirring, until the spinach is wilted and the parmesan is melted.
    1 cup heavy cream, 8.5 ounces sun-dried tomatoes, 1 cup baby spinach, ½ cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
    instant pot tuscan chicken in an instant pot.
  • Turn off the Instant Pot, return the chicken to the pot, and spoon over the sauce. Garnish with herbs and serve.
    Fresh parsley or basil
    instant pot tuscan chicken in an instant pot.

Notes

  • Use an equal amount of half-and-half for a lighter, thinner sauce.
  • For extra flavor, use the oil the sun-dried tomatoes are packed in instead of the olive oil.
  • You can use boneless, skinless chicken thighs instead of breasts without any changes to the recipe. If using bone-in chicken thighs, increase the pressure cooking time to 7 minutes.
  • For a crockpot version, try my crockpot Tuscan chicken recipe.

Nutrition

Serving: 1breast | Calories: 607kcal | Carbohydrates: 39g | Protein: 39g | Fat: 36g | Saturated Fat: 19g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 3g | Monounsaturated Fat: 11g | Trans Fat: 0.1g | Cholesterol: 158mg | Sodium: 1028mg | Potassium: 2650mg | Fiber: 8g | Sugar: 25g | Vitamin A: 2343IU | Vitamin C: 28mg | Calcium: 245mg | Iron: 7mg

How to Make Instant Pot Tuscan Chicken Step by Step

Prep the Chicken: Pat 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts dry and season both sides with 1 teaspoon of Italian seasoning, plus salt and pepper to taste.

3 seasoned raw chicken breasts on a wooden cutting board.

Sear the Chicken: Set your Instant Pot to Sauté. Once hot, add in 1 tablespoon of unsalted butter and 1 tablespoon of olive oil. Add in the chicken, in batches if needed, and cook until both sides are browned, about 2-3 minutes per side. Remove from the Instant Pot and set aside.

2 seared seasoned chicken breasts in an instant pot.

Cook the Chicken: Add in 4 minced cloves of garlic and sauté for 30 seconds until fragrant. Pour in ½ cup of low-sodium chicken broth and scrape up any browned bits from the bottom of the pot. Turn off the Sauté function. Return the chicken to the pot, secure the lid, and pressure cook for 4 minutes. Let natural release for 10 minutes before releasing any remaining pressure.

2 chicken breasts cooked in chicken broth in an instant pot.

Make the Sauce: Set the chicken aside and set the Instant Pot to Sauté. Stir in 1 cup of heavy cream, 8.5 ounces of sun dried tomatoes, ½ cup of grated Parmesan, and 1 cup of baby spinach. Cook, stirring, until the spinach is wilted and the parmesan is melted.

instant pot tuscan chicken in an instant pot.

Garnish and Serve: Turn off the Instant Pot, return the chicken to the pot, and spoon over the sauce. Garnish with herbs and serve.

a forkful of chicken resting on a plate of instant pot tuscan chicken in a creamy garlic sauce

How to Store and Reheat

Store leftover instant pot Tuscan chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. I do not recommend freezing this dish, because the heavy cream in the sauce will change in texture.

creamy tuscan chicken in an instant pot

Serving Suggestions

You’ll want to serve this creamy Tuscan chicken with something like pasta to make sure not a single drop of that sauce goes to waste! Plain pasta noodles of any variety work well with this recipe. Some veggie sides that I love with this chicken include crispy garlic roasted asparagus and lemon parmesan roasted broccoli.

More Tuscan Chicken Recipes To Try

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https://www.thecookierookie.com/instant-pot-tuscan-chicken/feed/ 0 147484 Instant Pot Tuscan Chicken-8 featured instant pot tuscan chicken. 3 seasoned raw chicken breasts on a wooden cutting board. 2 seared seasoned chicken breasts in an instant pot. 2 chicken breasts cooked in chicken broth in an instant pot. instant pot tuscan chicken in an instant pot. instant pot tuscan chicken in an instant pot. How To Instant Pot Tuscan Chicken-1 How To Instant Pot Tuscan Chicken-3 How To Instant Pot Tuscan Chicken-4 How To Instant Pot Tuscan Chicken-6 Instant Pot Tuscan Chicken-12 Instant Pot Tuscan Chicken-7 up close image of tuscan chicken in parmesan cream sauce up close platter of crockpot tuscan chicken tuscan chicken soup overhead view of a serving of tuscan chicken soup in a white bowl.
Chicken Bacon Ranch Sandwich https://www.thecookierookie.com/chicken-bacon-ranch-sandwich/ https://www.thecookierookie.com/chicken-bacon-ranch-sandwich/#comments Wed, 26 Feb 2025 14:30:00 +0000 https://www.thecookierookie.com/?p=195341 This flavorful chicken bacon ranch sandwich is chock full of juicy chicken, crispy bacon, creamy cheese, and tangy ranch dressing!

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Chicken bacon ranch is one of my favorite flavor combinations, so you know I had to make a chicken bacon ranch sandwich! This flavorful sandwich is chock full of juicy chicken, crispy bacon, creamy cheese, and tangy ranch dressing. It tastes just like my favorite fast food sandwich, but is homemade, and my kids love it!

side view of a chicken bacon ranch sandwich on parchment.

This creamy, cheesy, bacon sandwich is made with simple ingredients that I almost always keep on hand. Ranch seasoning and ranch dressing are must-have staples in my kitchen!

side view of a chicken bacon ranch sandwich on parchment.
Print

Chicken Bacon Ranch Sandwich Recipe

This flavorful chicken bacon ranch sandwich is chock full of juicy chicken, crispy bacon, creamy cheese, and tangy ranch dressing!
Step-by-step photos can be seen below the recipe card.
Course Dinner, Lunch, Main Course, Sandwiches
Cuisine American
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Servings 4 sandwiches
Calories 674kcal

Ingredients

  • 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • tablespoons ranch seasoning
  • 8 slices bacon
  • 4 hamburger buns or your favorite sandwich buns
  • ½ cup ranch dressing
  • 1 cup shredded lettuce
  • 4 slices cheddar cheese

Instructions

  • Pat the chicken breasts dry and pound them to an even thickness. In a small bowl, combine the olive oil and ranch seasoning, then rub this mixture over the chicken breasts. Set them aside.
    4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts, 2 tablespoons olive oil, 1½ tablespoons ranch seasoning
    seasoned raw chicken breasts.
  • Heat a skillet over medium heat and fry the bacon until crispy, approximately 3 minutes per side. Transfer the cooked bacon to a plate lined with paper towels, retaining the bacon fat in the skillet.
    8 slices bacon
    cooking bacon in a pan.
  • In the same skillet, cook the chicken over medium heat for 6-7 minutes per side, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F. Remove from heat and let rest for a few minutes before slicing.
    cooked chicken breasts in a pan.
  • Carefully wipe the pan clean using paper towels, then toast the burger buns in it for 1 minute or until they are golden brown.
    4 hamburger buns
    toasting hamburger buns in a pan.
  • Spread ranch dressing on the bottom halves of the toasted buns, and then top them with lettuce.
    ½ cup ranch dressing, 1 cup shredded lettuce
    open hamburger buns topped with ranch dressing and shredded lettuce.
  • Slice the chicken and place the slices on top of the lettuce. Then, add the cheese and bacon on top. Spread additional ranch dressing on the inside of the top half of the burger bun, and then close the sandwich.
    4 slices cheddar cheese
    open chicken bacon ranch sandwiches.

Notes

  • For meal prep, I like to make the chicken ahead (you can do this up to 2 days ahead) and store it in the refrigerator so it’s ready to go. 
    If you’re not keen on the ranch flavor, you can substitute it with your favorite spread, like honey mustard, garlic aioli, or mayo.
  • In the summer, I like to grill the chicken instead of pan-searing it, too.

Nutrition

Serving: 1sandwich | Calories: 674kcal | Carbohydrates: 27g | Protein: 60g | Fat: 34g | Saturated Fat: 7g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 11g | Monounsaturated Fat: 13g | Trans Fat: 0.1g | Cholesterol: 176mg | Sodium: 1451mg | Potassium: 1050mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 5g | Vitamin A: 189IU | Vitamin C: 4mg | Calcium: 93mg | Iron: 3mg

How to Make Chicken Bacon Ranch Sandwiches Step-by-Step

Season the Chicken: Pat 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts dry and pound them to an even thickness. In a small bowl, combine 2 tablespoons of olive oil and 1½ tablespoons of ranch seasoning, then rub this mixture over the chicken breasts. Set them aside.

seasoned raw chicken breasts.

Fry the Bacon: Heat a skillet over medium heat and fry 8 slices of bacon until crispy, approximately 3 minutes per side. Transfer the cooked bacon to a plate lined with paper towels, retaining the bacon fat in the skillet.

cooking bacon in a pan.

Cook the Chicken: In the same skillet, cook the chicken over medium heat for 6-7 minutes per side, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F. Remove from heat and let rest for a few minutes before slicing.

cooked chicken breasts in a pan.

Toast the Buns: Buns: I like to use homemade hamburger buns, but any sandwich bun will work, so use whatever you have on hand. Carefully wipe the pan clean using paper towels, then toast 4 hamburger buns in it for 1 minute or until they are golden brown.

toasting hamburger buns in a pan.

Spread with Ranch: Spread ½ cup of ranch dressing on the bottom halves of the toasted buns, and then top them with 1 cup of shredded lettuce.

open hamburger buns topped with ranch dressing and shredded lettuce.

Assemble the Sandwiches: Slice the chicken and place the slices on top of the lettuce. Then, add 4 slices of cheddar cheese and 8 slices of cooked bacon on top. Spread additional ranch dressing on the inside of the top half of the burger bun, and then close the sandwich.

open chicken bacon ranch sandwiches.

How to Store and Reheat

To prep for lunch, wrap the sandwich tightly in parchment paper or aluminum foil, or place it in a sandwich container for up to 24 hours. If possible, keep the ranch dressing and other wet components separate until ready to eat to prevent the bread from becoming soggy. Assemble and reheat when ready to eat.

side view of chicken bacon ranch sandwiches on parchment.

Serving Suggestions

This chicken bacon ranch sandwich is great with a green goddess salad, some creamy coleslaw, or a light bowl of cabbage soup. For a heartier meal, serve with fries or my favorite ranch potato salad.

More Chicken Sandwich Recipes To Try

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https://www.thecookierookie.com/chicken-bacon-ranch-sandwich/feed/ 1 195341 chicken-bacon-ranch-sandwich-recipe-2 side view of a chicken bacon ranch sandwich on parchment. seasoned raw chicken breasts. cooking bacon in a pan. cooked chicken breasts in a pan. toasting hamburger buns in a pan. open hamburger buns topped with ranch dressing and shredded lettuce. open chicken bacon ranch sandwiches. step by step chicken-bacon-ranch-sandwich-recipe-10 step by step chicken-bacon-ranch-sandwich-recipe step by step chicken-bacon-ranch-sandwich-recipe-3 step by step chicken-bacon-ranch-sandwich-recipe-5 step by step chicken-bacon-ranch-sandwich-recipe-7 step by step chicken-bacon-ranch-sandwich-recipe-9 chicken-bacon-ranch-sandwich-recipe chicken salad on a croissant on a white plate side view of a crispy chicken sandwich on a wooden cutting board. This GRILLED CHICKEN CORDON BLEU SANDWICH is so easy and so full of flavor! Kick your sandwich game up a notch with layers of grilled chicken, creamy swiss, honey ham, and buttered bread. side view of 2 chicken alfredo sandwiches on parchment paper.
Chicken Enchilada Soup https://www.thecookierookie.com/chicken-enchilada-soup/ https://www.thecookierookie.com/chicken-enchilada-soup/#respond Mon, 24 Feb 2025 14:30:00 +0000 https://www.thecookierookie.com/?p=201743 This chicken enchilada soup is smoky, a little bit spicy, and super rich and creamy thanks to my secret ingredient-- cream cheese!

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I’m a big fan of creamy soups, but this chicken enchilada soup really takes the cake! It’s smoky, a little spicy, and super rich and creamy thanks to melted cream cheese. I like to top mine with some crunchy tortilla strips for an easy weeknight meal!

scooping chicken enchilada soup from a dutch oven with a ladle.

This soup is everything I love about chicken enchiladas in an easy one-pot meal! I raided my pantry for all the best Mexican spices, plus canned tomatoes and beans, to create a delicious soup base. Tender chicken and rich, tangy cream cheese really bring this soup together. So yummy!

scooping chicken enchilada soup from a dutch oven with a ladle.
Print

Chicken Enchilada Soup Recipe

This chicken enchilada soup is smoky, a little spicy, and super rich and creamy thanks to my secret ingredient—cream cheese!
Step-by-step photos can be seen below the recipe card.
Course Dinner, Lunch, Main Course, Soup
Cuisine Mexican
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 40 minutes
Total Time 50 minutes
Servings 6 bowls
Calories 381kcal

Equipment

  • Dutch Oven

Ingredients

  • 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
  • 1 yellow onion diced
  • 1 jalapeño pepper seeded and diced
  • 2 cloves garlic minced
  • 1 tablespoon ground cumin
  • 1 tablespoon chili powder
  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • ½ teaspoon garlic powder
  • teaspoons kosher salt
  • 2 cups low-sodium chicken broth
  • 15 ounces canned fire-roasted diced tomatoes (1 can)
  • 15 ounces canned black beans drained and rinsed (1 can)
  • 1 cup frozen corn
  • 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
  • 8 ounces cream cheese cut into cubes (1 brick)

Optional Toppings

  • Tortilla strips
  • Fresh cilantro
  • Lime wedges

Instructions

  • Heat the oil in a large Dutch oven set over medium heat. Once hot, add in the onion and jalapeño. Cook, stirring occasionally, until the onion is softened, about 5-7 minutes.
    1 tablespoon vegetable oil, 1 yellow onion, 1 jalapeño pepper
    sauteeing onion and jalapeno in a dutch oven.
  • Add in spices: the garlic, cumin, chili powder, smoked paprika, garlic powder, salt, and cook until fragrant, about 1-2 minutes.
    2 cloves garlic, 1 tablespoon ground cumin, 1 tablespoon chili powder, 1 teaspoon smoked paprika, ½ teaspoon garlic powder, 1½ teaspoons kosher salt
    sauteed seasoned onions in a dutch oven.
  • Stir in the chicken broth, fire roasted tomatoes, black beans and corn.
    2 cups low-sodium chicken broth, 15 ounces canned fire-roasted diced tomatoes, 15 ounces canned black beans, 1 cup frozen corn
    chunky tomato soup in a dutch oven.
  • Nestle the chicken breasts down into the soup. Bring the soup to a boil, cover and reduce to a simmer. Cook for 20 minutes or until the chicken is cooked through.
    2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
    chunky tomato soup with chicken in a dutch oven.
  • Remove the chicken and set aside until cool enough to handle. Shred it into bite sized pieces with two forks.
    shredded chicken in a glass bowl.
  • Return the chicken to the pot and add the cream cheese. Stir, cover the pot, and simmer for 5 minutes, then stir again until the cream cheese is melted.
    8 ounces cream cheese
    creamy chicken enchilada soup in a dutch oven.
  • Serve with your favorite garnishes.
    Tortilla strips, Fresh cilantro, Lime wedges

Video

Notes

  • Nutritional information does not include optional ingredients.
  • I like to use vegetable oil because it has a neutral flavor and a high smoke point.
  • To save time, I grab a rotisserie chicken from the store and stir it in at step 6.
  • To cook in a crockpot, add everything to the pot except the cream cheese, corn, and black beans. Cook on low for 6 hours. Turn off the heat, shred the chicken, and add the corn, black beans, and cream cheese.

Nutrition

Serving: 1bowl | Calories: 381kcal | Carbohydrates: 28g | Protein: 27g | Fat: 19g | Saturated Fat: 9g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 3g | Monounsaturated Fat: 5g | Trans Fat: 0.02g | Cholesterol: 89mg | Sodium: 1223mg | Potassium: 801mg | Fiber: 7g | Sugar: 4g | Vitamin A: 1414IU | Vitamin C: 11mg | Calcium: 112mg | Iron: 3mg

How to Make Chicken Enchilada Soup Step by Step

sauteeing onion and jalapeno in a dutch oven.

Sauté the Veggies: Heat 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil in a large Dutch oven set over medium heat. Once hot, add in the 1 diced yellow onion and 1 seeded and diced jalapeño. Cook, stirring occasionally, until the onion is softened, about 5-7 minutes.

sauteed seasoned onions in a dutch oven.

Season the Veggies: Add in 2 minced cloves of garlic, 1 tablespoon of ground cumin, 1 tablespoon of chili powder, 1 teaspoon of smoked paprika, ½ teaspoon of garlic powder, and 1½ teaspoons of kosher salt, and cook until fragrant, about 1-2 minutes.

chunky tomato soup in a dutch oven.

Stir in the Broth: Stir in 2 cups of low-sodium chicken broth, 15 ounces (1 can) of fire-roasted diced tomatoes, 15 ounces (1 can) of drained and rinsed black beans, and 1 cup of frozen corn.

chunky tomato soup with chicken in a dutch oven.

Simmer the Soup: Nestle 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts down into the soup. Bring the soup to a boil, cover, and reduce to a simmer. Cook for 20 minutes or until the chicken is cooked through.

shredded chicken in a glass bowl.

Shred the Chicken: Remove the chicken and set aside until cool enough to handle. Shred it into bite-sized pieces with two forks.

creamy chicken enchilada soup in a dutch oven.

Thicken the Soup: Return the chicken to the pot and add 8 ounces (1 brick) of cubed cream cheese. Stir, cover the pot, and simmer for 5 minutes, then stir again until the cream cheese is melted. Serve with your favorite garnishes.

How to Store and Reheat

Store leftover chicken enchilada soup in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in a pot set over medium-low heat, stirring often, until warmed through, or microwave individual bowls until warmed through. I do not recommend freezing this soup, as the cream cheese tends to turn grainy once thawed.

a dutch oven filled with chicken enchilada soup.

Serving Suggestions

I like to serve my chicken enchilada soup with tortilla strips, fresh cilantro, and lime wedges. It’s a great meal in a bowl, or you can serve smaller portions alongside a vegetarian main, like this stuffed pepper casserole. I also love adding it to my street corn nachos as a side dish!

More Creamy Chicken Soup Recipes to Try!

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https://www.thecookierookie.com/chicken-enchilada-soup/feed/ 0 201743 chicken-enchilada-soup-recipe-2 scooping chicken enchilada soup from a dutch oven with a ladle. sauteeing onion and jalapeno in a dutch oven. sauteed seasoned onions in a dutch oven. chunky tomato soup in a dutch oven. chunky tomato soup with chicken in a dutch oven. shredded chicken in a glass bowl. creamy chicken enchilada soup in a dutch oven. how to make chicken-enchilada-soup-recipe how to make chicken-enchilada-soup-recipe-2 how to make chicken-enchilada-soup-recipe-3 how to make chicken-enchilada-soup-recipe-4 how to make chicken-enchilada-soup-recipe-5 how to make chicken-enchilada-soup-recipe-6 chicken-enchilada-soup-recipe featured creamy chicken soup overhead view of a bowl of creamy chicken tortilla soup topped with avocado, tortilla strips, cheese, and sour cream. overhead bowl of white chicken lasagna soup Macaroni Soup is about to be your new favorite comfort food! I've combined delicious, creamy soup with cheeeesy macaroni and cheese to create the perfect dish: Chicken Mac and Cheese Soup. You're going to want to eat a bowl of this every day!
Buffalo Chicken Pizza https://www.thecookierookie.com/buffalo-chicken-pizza/ https://www.thecookierookie.com/buffalo-chicken-pizza/#respond Fri, 07 Feb 2025 14:30:00 +0000 https://www.thecookierookie.com/?p=200973 Buffalo chicken pizza is creamy, tangy, and spicy-- all of my favorite things. Topped with crunchy celery, this pizza is so craveable!

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Pizza night is a weekly occurrence at my house, so I like to get creative. When I’m craving something a little out of the box, I make this Buffalo chicken pizza. Made with Buffalo sauce, blue cheese dressing, and a blend of mozzarella and blue cheese, it’s creamy, tangy, and spicy—all of my favorite things. Topped with crunchy celery, this pizza is so delicious, I could eat the whole thing myself!

overhead view of a sliced buffalo chicken pizza on a wood pizza peel.

Buffalo wings are one of my favorite foods, so turning them into pizza felt like a no-brainer. I like my wings with blue cheese dressing, so I used that as the creamy sauce base. Topped with homemade buffalo sauce, shredded chicken, and a blend of creamy mozzarella and tangy blue cheese, this pizza is ridiculously good.

I usually use store-bought dough, but if I’m feeling adventurous, I’ll make homemade pizza dough!

overhead view of a sliced buffalo chicken pizza on a wood pizza peel.
Print

Buffalo Chicken Pizza Recipe

Buffalo chicken pizza is creamy, tangy, and spicy–all of my favorite things. Topped with crunchy celery, this pizza is so craveable!
Step-by-step photos can be seen below the recipe card.
Course Dinner, Main Course
Cuisine American
Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 10 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Servings 4
Calories 545kcal

Equipment

  • Pizza Stone OR
  • Baking Sheet
  • Pizza Peel

Ingredients

  • 2 cups shredded cooked chicken
  • cup Buffalo sauce (click for recipe!)
  • 2 tablespoons cornmeal for dusting the pizza peel
  • 1 pound pizza dough (click for recipe!)
  • ¼ cup blue cheese dressing
  • 1 cup freshly shredded mozzarella cheese
  • ¼ cup crumbled blue cheese
  • 1 rib celery diced small
  • Hot sauce optional, for drizzling

Instructions

  • Toss shredded cooked chicken with the Buffalo sauce and set aside.
    2 cups shredded cooked chicken, ⅓ cup Buffalo sauce
    shredded chicken tossed in buffalo sauce in a glass bowl.
  • Arrange a pizza stone or upside-down baking sheet on the middle rack of your oven. Preheat the oven to 500°F, or as hot as it will go.
  • Dust a pizza peel or piece of parchment paper heavily with cornmeal. Stretch or roll the pizza dough into a 12-inch circle or larger. Larger will give you a crispier crust; smaller, a thicker crust.
    2 tablespoons cornmeal, 1 pound pizza dough
    pizza dough spread in a circle.
  • Place the dough on your prepared pizza peel or parchment paper.
  • Working quickly to prevent the pizza dough from sticking to the peel, spread the blue cheese dressing on the bottom of the pizza, leaving a 1 inch border around the edge.
    ¼ cup blue cheese dressing
    blue cheese dressing spread over pizza dough on a wood pizza peel.
  • Top with chicken, mozzarella cheese, and blue cheese crumbles.
    1 cup freshly shredded mozzarella cheese, ¼ cup crumbled blue cheese
    buffalo chicken pizza on a pizza peel.
  • Using your pizza peel or parchment, slide the pizza into the oven with a quick motion.
  • Bake for 9-13 minutes or until the cheese is melted and the crust is golden brown. Remove from the oven and let cool for 2-3 minutes.
  • Top with celery and hot sauce if desired, slice, and serve.
    1 rib celery, Hot sauce
    baked buffalo chicken pizza on a pizza peel.

Video

Notes

  • If you don’t have a pizza peel, a cutting board will also work. Place parchment on top and use gloved hands to gently shift the pizza onto the stone or baking sheet.
  • If your dough won’t slide off the pizza peel or parchment paper, gently lift up the sides and spread some more cornmeal under the pizza. The quicker you top and get your pizza in the oven, the less likely it is to stick.
  • I like to use leftover shredded cooked chicken, but store-bought rotisserie chicken also works.

Nutrition

Serving: 2slices | Calories: 545kcal | Carbohydrates: 59g | Protein: 36g | Fat: 18g | Saturated Fat: 8g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 3g | Monounsaturated Fat: 5g | Cholesterol: 81mg | Sodium: 1910mg | Potassium: 246mg | Fiber: 2g | Sugar: 8g | Vitamin A: 328IU | Vitamin C: 0.4mg | Calcium: 212mg | Iron: 4mg

How to Make Buffalo Chicken Pizza Step by Step

Sauce the Chicken: Toss 2 cups of shredded cooked chicken with ⅓ cup of Buffalo sauce and set aside.

shredded chicken tossed in buffalo sauce in a glass bowl.

Prep the Dough: Arrange a pizza stone or upside-down baking sheet on the middle rack of your oven. Preheat the oven to 500°F, or as hot as it will go. Dust a pizza peel or piece of parchment paper heavily with 2 tablespoons of cornmeal. Stretch or roll 1 pound of pizza dough into a 12-inch circle or larger. Larger will give you a crispier crust; smaller, a thicker crust.

pizza dough spread in a circle.

Sauce the Dough: Place the dough on your prepared pizza peel or parchment paper. Working quickly to prevent the pizza dough from sticking to the peel, spread ¼ cup of blue cheese dressing on the bottom of the pizza, leaving a 1-inch border around the edge.

blue cheese dressing spread over pizza dough on a wood pizza peel.

Top the Pizza: Top with the chicken, 1 cup of shredded mozzarella cheese, and ¼ cup of blue cheese crumbles.

buffalo chicken pizza on a pizza peel.

Bake and Serve: Using your pizza peel or parchment, slide the pizza into the oven with a quick motion. Bake for 9-13 minutes or until the cheese is melted and the crust is golden brown. Remove from the oven and let cool for 2-3 minutes. Top with 1 rib of diced celery and hot sauce if desired. Slice and serve.

baked buffalo chicken pizza on a pizza peel.

How to Store and Reheat

Store leftover Buffalo chicken pizza in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days or freeze individual slices with parchment between them in a Ziplock bag for up to 3 months. Let thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating slices in a 350°F oven for 5-7 minutes or in a covered dry skillet with 1 teaspoon of water until warmed through.

close-up of sliced buffalo chicken pizza on a wood pizza peel.

Serving Suggestions

I like to serve Buffalo chicken pizza with extra Buffalo sauce or ranch dressing for dipping. Some garlic knots or mozzarella sticks would be the perfect accompaniment. When I want something a little healthier, I’ll make a spinach salad, too.

More Pizza Recipes To Try

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https://www.thecookierookie.com/buffalo-chicken-pizza/feed/ 0 200973 buffalo-chicken-pizza-3 overhead view of a sliced buffalo chicken pizza on a wood pizza peel. shredded chicken tossed in buffalo sauce in a glass bowl. pizza dough spread in a circle. blue cheese dressing spread over pizza dough on a wood pizza peel. buffalo chicken pizza on a pizza peel. baked buffalo chicken pizza on a pizza peel. how to make buffalo-chicken-pizza-2 how to make buffalo-chicken-pizza-3 how to make buffalo-chicken-pizza-4 how to make buffalo-chicken-pizza-6 how to make buffalo-chicken-pizza-7 buffalo-chicken-pizza-2 Sheet Pan Breakfast Pizza | The Cookie Rookie S'mores Dessert Pizza is a sweet, chocolaty dessert made just like a pizza! It's got the classic s'mores flavor of melted chocolate, graham crackers, and fluffy marshmallows, all melted together into the most amazing s'mores pizza. This easy dessert pizza recipe is fun to make and even more fun to eat! overhead view of a cut white pizza on a round wooden cutting board. slices of pizza made with cauliflower pizza crust
Hot Honey Chicken Sandwich https://www.thecookierookie.com/hot-honey-chicken-sandwich/ https://www.thecookierookie.com/hot-honey-chicken-sandwich/#respond Thu, 06 Feb 2025 14:30:00 +0000 https://www.thecookierookie.com/?p=197190 This hot honey chicken sandwich is topped with hot honey sauce and garlic mayo for a spicy chicken sandwich that is packed with flavor!

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I love a good spicy chicken sandwich, and this hot honey chicken sandwich has everything I could ever want. Crispy, spicy fried chicken with creamy garlic mayo and hot honey sauce?! Yum! Put it all on a brioche bun, and I’m one happy camper. This sandwich is my absolute favorite spicy chicken sandwich of all time!

a hot honey chicken sandwich on a black plate.

Buttermilk fried chicken has a special place in my heart, but I wanted to make it spicy and turn it into a sandwich all in one go. I just love the sweet-and-spicy flavor of hot honey, and it’s so perfect on this spicy chicken sandwich! My homemade mayonnaise forms the creamy base of the garlic mayo while my homemade pickles add a tanginess that balance out the sweet and spicy flavors.

a hot honey chicken sandwich on a black plate.
Print

Hot Honey Chicken Sandwich Recipe

This hot honey chicken sandwich is topped with hot honey sauce and garlic mayo for a spicy chicken sandwich that is packed with flavor!
Step-by-step photos can be seen below the recipe card.
Course Dinner, Main Course, Sandwiches
Cuisine American
Prep Time 30 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Marinade Time 30 minutes
Total Time 1 hour 15 minutes
Servings 4 sandwiches
Calories 921kcal

Equipment

  • Deep Fryer OR
  • Dutch Oven

Ingredients

For the Chicken

  • 1 cup buttermilk
  • 1 tablespoon hot sauce
  • 1 teaspoon ground paprika
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon kosher salt
  • 1 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
  • 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts cut in half horizontally to have 4 fillets

For the Hot Honey Sauce

  • ½ cup honey
  • 3 tablespoons hot sauce
  • 1 tablespoon crushed red pepper flakes
  • 1 teaspoon ground cayenne pepper
  • ¼ teaspoon garlic powder

For the Garlic Mayo

  • ½ cup mayonnaise
  • 1 clove garlic pressed or finely minced
  • 1 teaspoon fresh lemon juice

For the Breading

  • 1 cup all-purpose flour
  • ½ cup cornstarch
  • 1 teaspoon ground cayenne pepper
  • 1 teaspoon kosher salt
  • ½ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper

For Frying and Assembly

  • 4-6 cups vegetable oil for frying
  • 4 brioche buns toasted
  • Lettuce leaves
  • Pickles

Instructions

  • In a bowl, mix buttermilk with hot sauce, paprika, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Add the chicken and let marinate for at least 30 minutes, or overnight in the fridge.
    1 cup buttermilk, 1 tablespoon hot sauce, 1 teaspoon ground paprika, 1 teaspoon garlic powder, 1 teaspoon kosher salt, 1 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper, 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
    chicken breasts marinating in seasoned buttermilk.
  • While the chicken is marinating, combine honey, hot sauce, red pepper flakes, cayenne pepper, and garlic powder in a saucepan. Heat over low heat and simmer for 3-4 minutes. Then set aside to let cool.
    ½ cup honey, 3 tablespoons hot sauce, 1 tablespoon crushed red pepper flakes, 1 teaspoon ground cayenne pepper, ¼ teaspoon garlic powder
    hot honey in a saucepan.
  • In a small bowl, add the mayonnaise, garlic, and lemon juice and stir to combine. Set aside.
    ½ cup mayonnaise, 1 clove garlic, 1 teaspoon fresh lemon juice
    garlic mayonnaise in a white bowl.
  • Mix the flour, cornstarch, cayenne pepper, salt, and pepper in a separate bowl for the breading. Set aside.
    1 cup all-purpose flour, ½ cup cornstarch, 1 teaspoon ground cayenne pepper, 1 teaspoon kosher salt, ½ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
    flour in a glass dish.
  • Heat the vegetable oil in a deep fryer or Dutch oven to 340°F.
    4-6 cups vegetable oil
  • Remove the chicken from the buttermilk and dredge each piece in the seasoned flour mixture.
    chicken coated in flour in a glass dish.
  • Fry the chicken until golden brown and the internal temperature reaches 165°F, about 7-8 minutes per side. Drain on paper towels.
    frying chicken breasts in oil.
  • To assemble, spread mayonnaise on the bottom part of each toasted bun (brioche buns are my favorite because they have a great buttery flavor) and add lettuce. Place the fried chicken on the lettuce, and generously drizzle with hot honey sauce. Top with pickles and the other half of the bun.
    4 brioche buns, Lettuce leaves, Pickles
    an open hot honey chicken sandwich on a cutting board.

Video

Notes

  • Let the buttermilk drip off before adding the chicken to the flour mixture. If it is too wet, the flour will not stick properly.
  • If you’re not using a deep fryer, make sure to check the temperature of the oil often with an instant-read thermometer. If the oil is too hot, it will burn the breading and leave the chicken raw. If too cold, the chicken will be greasy.
  • Don’t overcrowd the fryer. This will drop the temperature of the oil, leading to soggy, greasy chicken.
  • Place the fried chicken pieces on a wire rack set in a rimmed baking sheet in a 200°F oven to keep warm while you finish frying the rest.

Nutrition

Serving: 1sandwich | Calories: 921kcal | Carbohydrates: 101g | Protein: 36g | Fat: 42g | Saturated Fat: 8g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 22g | Monounsaturated Fat: 10g | Trans Fat: 0.2g | Cholesterol: 94mg | Sodium: 2130mg | Potassium: 745mg | Fiber: 3g | Sugar: 42g | Vitamin A: 1434IU | Vitamin C: 13mg | Calcium: 162mg | Iron: 4mg

How to Make a Hot Honey Chicken Sandwich Step-by-Step

Marinate the Chicken: In a bowl, mix 1 cup of buttermilk with 1 tablespoon of hot sauce, 1 teaspoon of ground paprika, 1 teaspoon of garlic powder, 1 teaspoon of kosher salt, and 1 teaspoon of ground black pepper. Add 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts cut in half to form 4 fillets and let marinate for at least 30 minutes, or overnight in the fridge.

chicken breasts marinating in seasoned buttermilk.

Make the Hot Honey Sauce: While the chicken is marinating, combine ½ cup of honey, 3 tablespoons of hot sauce, 1 tablespoon of crushed red pepper flakes, 1 teaspoon of ground cayenne pepper, and ¼ teaspoon of garlic powder in a saucepan. Heat over low heat and simmer for 3-4 minutes. Then set aside to let cool.

hot honey in a saucepan.

Make the Garlic Mayo: In a small bowl, add ½ cup of mayonnaise, 1 minced clove of garlic, and 1 teaspoon of fresh lemon juice and stir to combine. Set aside.

garlic mayonnaise in a white bowl.

Make the Breading: Mix 1 cup of all-purpose flour, ½ cup of cornstarch, 1 teaspoon of ground cayenne pepper, 1 teaspoon of kosher salt, and ½ teaspoon of freshly ground black pepper in a separate bowl for the breading. Set aside.

flour in a glass dish.

Bread the Chicken: Heat 4-6 cups of vegetable oil in a deep fryer or Dutch oven to 340°F. Remove the chicken from the buttermilk and dredge each piece in the seasoned flour mixture.

chicken coated in flour in a glass dish.

Fry the Chicken: Fry the chicken until golden brown and the internal temperature reaches 165°F, about 7-8 minutes per side. Drain on paper towels.

frying chicken breasts in oil.

Assemble the Sandwiches: To assemble, spread mayonnaise on the bottom part of each toasted bun and add lettuce. Place the fried chicken on the lettuce, and generously drizzle with hot honey sauce. Top with pickles and the other half of the bun.

an open hot honey chicken sandwich on a cutting board.

How to Store and Reheat

If you’re planning on leftovers, I recommend storing all of the components in separate airtight containers in the refrigerator and assembling just before serving. The chicken and sauces will all keep for up to 3 days in the refrigerator, and you can freeze the chicken for up to 3 months. Just let it thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating in a 350°F oven for 7-10 minutes.

hot honey chicken sandwiches on a black wooden plate.

Serving Suggestions

I love to eat a hot honey chicken sandwich with a big piece of cornbread and some honey butter—yum! It’s also good with more classic sandwich pairings, like french fries or coleslaw.

More Sandwich Recipes To Try

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https://www.thecookierookie.com/hot-honey-chicken-sandwich/feed/ 0 197190 hot-honey-chicken-sandwich-recipe-3 a hot honey chicken sandwich on a black plate. chicken breasts marinating in seasoned buttermilk. hot honey in a saucepan. garlic mayonnaise in a white bowl. flour in a glass dish. chicken coated in flour in a glass dish. frying chicken breasts in oil. an open hot honey chicken sandwich on a cutting board. how to hot-honey-chicken-sandwich-recipe-10 how to hot-honey-chicken-sandwich-recipe-3 how to hot-honey-chicken-sandwich-recipe-2 how to hot-honey-chicken-sandwich-recipe how to hot-honey-chicken-sandwich-recipe-4 how to hot-honey-chicken-sandwich-recipe-5 how to hot-honey-chicken-sandwich-recipe-9 hot-honey-chicken-sandwich-recipe-2 side view of a crispy chicken sandwich on a wooden cutting board. This GRILLED CHICKEN CORDON BLEU SANDWICH is so easy and so full of flavor! Kick your sandwich game up a notch with layers of grilled chicken, creamy swiss, honey ham, and buttered bread. chicken salad on a croissant on a white plate A person holding a delectable pulled pork sandwich.
Buffalo Chicken Wrap https://www.thecookierookie.com/buffalo-chicken-wrap/ https://www.thecookierookie.com/buffalo-chicken-wrap/#respond Tue, 04 Feb 2025 14:30:00 +0000 https://www.thecookierookie.com/?p=190433 These easy Buffalo chicken wraps with ranch dressing, celery, cheese, and avocado will add a punch of flavor to your lunch-time routine!

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Buffalo chicken is one of my favorite foods of all time, and this Buffalo chicken wrap is my latest lunchtime obsession. Chicken breast marinated in Buffalo sauce is rolled into flour tortillas with ranch dressing, lettuce, celery, avocado, and cheese to make these tasty wraps. They take an hour from start to finish, but that includes marinating and cooking the chicken, and the recipe makes enough to feed me all week long!

A buffalo chicken wrap with avocado on top of a piece of paper.

If you love Buffalo wings as much as I do, you’re gonna love these Buffalo chicken wraps. They’re packed with juicy chicken marinated in homemade Buffalo sauce, creamy ranch dressing (or blue cheese!), and crisp lettuce.

Chicken burritos with avocado, salsa, and buffalo chicken wrap.
Print

Buffalo Chicken Wrap Recipe

Chicken breast marinated in spicy Buffalo sauce is rolled into flour tortillas with ranch dressing, lettuce, celery, avocado, and cheese to make these easy Buffalo chicken wraps.
Step-by-step photos can be seen below the recipe card.
Course Lunch, Main Course, Sandwiches
Cuisine American
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 10 minutes
Marinade Time 30 minutes
Total Time 55 minutes
Servings 4 wraps
Calories 619kcal

Ingredients

  • 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts
  • 1 cup Buffalo sauce (click for recipe!)
  • 4 large flour tortillas
  • ½ cup ranch dressing or blue cheese dressing
  • 2 cups shredded lettuce
  • ½ cup thinly shaved celery
  • 1 avocado sliced
  • 1 cup freshly shredded Colby jack cheese

Instructions

  • Slice the chicken into strips and place them in a large bowl. Pour the buffalo sauce over the chicken and toss to coat. Marinate for at least 30 minutes and up to 24 hours.
    1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts, 1 cup Buffalo sauce
    A bowl of buffalo sauce with chicken in it.
  • Heat a large nonstick skillet over medium heat. Add in the chicken and cook, stirring occasionally, until the chicken is cooked through and no longer pink, about 8 minutes. Remove from the heat.
    Buffalo chicken curry in a pan with a spoon.
  • Place a flour tortilla on your workstation. Spread with 2 tablespoons of the dressing.
    4 large flour tortillas, ½ cup ranch dressing
  • Top with ½ cup shredded lettuce, 2 tablespoons shaved celery, ¼ of the avocado, ¼ cup shredded cheese and ¼ of the cooked chicken.
    2 cups shredded lettuce, ½ cup thinly shaved celery, 1 avocado, 1 cup freshly shredded Colby jack cheese
    A buffalo chicken wrap on a white surface.
  • Roll like a burrito, slice in half, and serve.
    A buffalo chicken wrap with vegetables and sauce on a piece of paper.

Video

Notes

  • If making your own, the Buffalo sauce can be made in advance. It will keep in the fridge for up to 1 week.
  • This Buffalo chicken wrap recipe is a great jumping-off point for customization. For fully loaded wraps, add some sliced red onions, coleslaw, and pickles.
    Or try adding extra veggies, like sweet corn and diced tomatoes, for a bit of southwestern flare.

Nutrition

Serving: 1wrap | Calories: 619kcal | Carbohydrates: 32g | Protein: 38g | Fat: 38g | Saturated Fat: 12g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 11g | Monounsaturated Fat: 12g | Trans Fat: 0.01g | Cholesterol: 112mg | Sodium: 2804mg | Potassium: 867mg | Fiber: 6g | Sugar: 5g | Vitamin A: 684IU | Vitamin C: 8mg | Calcium: 326mg | Iron: 3mg

How to Make Buffalo Chicken Wraps Step by Step

Marinate the Chicken: Slice 1 pound of boneless, skinless chicken breasts into strips and place them in a large bowl. Pour 1 cup of Buffalo sauce over the chicken and toss to coat. Marinate for at least 30 minutes, or up to 24 hours (in the refrigerator).

Pieces of chicken marinating in buffalo sauce, in a large glass bowl.

Cook the Chicken: Heat a large nonstick skillet over medium heat. Add in the marinated chicken and cook, stirring occasionally, until the chicken is cooked through and no longer pink, about 8 minutes. Remove from the heat.

Pieces of buffalo chicken cooking in a pan.

Assemble the Wraps: Place a flour tortilla on your workstation. Spread with 2 tablespoons of dressing, then top with ½ cup shredded lettuce, 2 tablespoons shaved celery, ¼ of a sliced avocado, ¼ cup shredded cheese, and ¼ of the cooked Buffalo chicken.

Assembling ingredients into a tortilla.

Roll the Wraps: Repeat with the remaining 3 wraps and ingredients, then roll each Buffalo chicken wrap like a burrito, slice in half, and serve.

Buffalo chicken wraps with vegetables and sauce on a piece of paper.

How to Store and Reheat

Store leftover Buffalo chicken wraps tightly wrapped in plastic wrap or aluminum foil, in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Enjoy cold, or reheat in the microwave or oven until warmed through.

Freeze Buffalo chicken wraps tightly wrapped in 2 layers of plastic wrap and 1 layer of aluminum foil for up to 1 month. Let thaw overnight in the refrigerator before enjoying.

Two halves of a buffalo ranch chicken wrap stacked on top of each other.

Serving Suggestions

There’s nothing better than an easy Buffalo chicken wrap with a side of sweet potato fries! The sweetness of the fries helps counteract the spicy chicken, and it makes me feel like I’m being healthy (even if I’m not)!

More Chicken Sandwich Recipes To Try

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https://www.thecookierookie.com/buffalo-chicken-wrap/feed/ 0 190433 buffalo-chicken-wrap-recipe-4 Chicken burritos with avocado, salsa, and buffalo chicken wrap. A bowl of buffalo sauce with chicken in it. Buffalo chicken curry in a pan with a spoon. A buffalo chicken wrap on a white surface. A buffalo chicken wrap with vegetables and sauce on a piece of paper. buffalo-chicken-wrap-recipe step by step-3 buffalo-chicken-wrap-recipe step by step-4 buffalo-chicken-wrap-recipe step by step-6 buffalo-chicken-wrap-recipe buffalo-chicken-wrap-recipe-3 chicken salad on a croissant on a white plate side view of a crispy chicken sandwich on a wooden cutting board. This GRILLED CHICKEN CORDON BLEU SANDWICH is so easy and so full of flavor! Kick your sandwich game up a notch with layers of grilled chicken, creamy swiss, honey ham, and buttered bread. Make lunch spectacular with MEXICAN CHICKEN SALAD SANDWICHES! This easy twist on a classic is sure to please everyone at the table. Chicken salad loaded with taco seasoning, corn, peppers, and enchilada sauce. SO GOOD!
Popcorn Chicken https://www.thecookierookie.com/popcorn-chicken/ https://www.thecookierookie.com/popcorn-chicken/#respond Mon, 03 Feb 2025 14:30:00 +0000 https://www.thecookierookie.com/?p=198966 Popcorn chicken is a great finger food to serve on game day or at parties. I could honestly eat it by the handful-- and I often do!

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Popcorn chicken is such a great finger food to serve at parties. I love how simple it is to make, and it’s always a hit on game day. It’s such an easy way to add a little extra protein to a table full of apps. I could honestly eat it by the handful– and I often do!

overhead view of popcorn chicken on a serving platter with mayo and ketchup.

Popcorn chicken is one of my favorite meals, and the bite-sized chicken pieces are perfect for tiny hands. It’s a meal everyone in my family can agree on, which is rare these days. Whether you savor them one by one or shovel them in by the handful, this popcorn chicken recipe is sure to please everyone!

What’s in This Popcorn Chicken Recipe?

  • Chicken: I prefer boneless, skinless chicken breasts to keep this recipe a little healthier, but chicken thighs also work well.
  • Buttermilk: Tenderizes the chicken so it stays nice and juicy as it cooks. It also helps the breading stick!
  • Flour: All-purpose flour forms a crispy breading.
  • Cornstarch: Absorbs excess moisture to create a super crispy breading.
  • Spices: Ground paprika, seasoned salt, garlic powder, onion powder, and black pepper enhance the natural flavor of the chicken.
  • Oil: I like to use vegetable oil for deep frying since it has a neutral flavor and a high smoke point.
overhead view of popcorn chicken on a serving platter with mayo and ketchup.

Tips for Success

  • Don’t try to fry too much chicken at once. This will lower the temperature of the oil, leading to greasy chicken.
  • Stir the chicken a little bit as they cook so they don’t stick together.
  • Let drain on a paper towel-lined baking sheet to keep them crisp.
  • You can also “fry” popcorn chicken in the air fryer. Simply spray the pieces liberally with vegetable, canola, or avocado oil spray and air fry at 400°F for about 8 minutes, flipping halfway through.

How to Store and Reheat

Store leftover popcorn chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To freeze, lay the chicken pieces out in a single layer on a lined baking sheet in the freezer until solid, about 1-2 hours. Transfer the frozen chicken pieces to an airtight container or Ziplock bag to store for up to 3 months. Let thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating in a 350°F oven for 5-7 minutes.

dipping a piece of popcorn chicken into ketchup.

Serving Suggestions

Popcorn chicken is made for dipping or tossing in sauce. I like to serve mine with an array of sauces so there’s something for everyone. Some favorites include Buffalo sauce, bang bang sauce, ranch, and honey mustard. Add a buttery biscuit and a side of french fries, and it’s just like KFC at home!

overhead view of popcorn chicken on a serving platter with mayo and ketchup.
Print

Popcorn Chicken Recipe

Popcorn chicken is a great finger food to serve on game day or at parties. I could honestly eat it by the handful– and I often do!
Step-by-step photos can be seen below the recipe card.
Course Appetizer
Cuisine American
Prep Time 1 hour 15 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 1 hour 35 minutes
Servings 6
Calories 397kcal

Equipment

  • Dutch Oven
  • Deep Frying Thermometer

Ingredients

  • pounds boneless, skinless chicken breast
  • 2 cups buttermilk
  • cup all-purpose flour
  • ½ cup cornstarch
  • 1 teaspoon ground paprika
  • 1 teaspoon seasoned salt such as Lawry's
  • ½ teaspoon garlic powder
  • ½ teaspoon onion powder
  • ¼ teaspoon ground black pepper
  • Vegetable oil for frying

Instructions

  • Cut the chicken breasts into small, bite-sized pieces.
    1½ pounds boneless, skinless chicken breast
  • Pour the buttermilk into a large bowl. Add in the chicken, cover the bowl with plastic wrap, and marinate for at least 1 hour or up to 8 hours.
    2 cups buttermilk
  • Combine the flour, cornstarch, and seasonings in a shallow dish.
    1¼ cup all-purpose flour, ½ cup cornstarch, 1 teaspoon ground paprika, 1 teaspoon seasoned salt, ½ teaspoon garlic powder, ½ teaspoon onion powder, ¼ teaspoon ground black pepper
  • Working in batches, remove the chicken pieces from the buttermilk and let the excess liquid drip off. Dredge the chicken in the flour mixture until fully coated.
  • Heat the oil to 350°F in a large pot.
    Vegetable oil
  • Working in batches again, drop the chicken pieces into the oil and fry for 4-5 minutes until golden brown.
  • Transfer the chicken to a plate or baking pan lined with paper towels to drain.
    fried popcorn chicken pieces on a wire rack set in a baking sheet.
  • Serve with your favorite chicken dipping sauces.

Notes

Storage: Store popcorn chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days or in the freezer for up to 3 months.

Nutrition

Serving: 1serving | Calories: 397kcal | Carbohydrates: 34g | Protein: 29g | Fat: 15g | Saturated Fat: 4g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 6g | Monounsaturated Fat: 4g | Trans Fat: 0.1g | Cholesterol: 81mg | Sodium: 605mg | Potassium: 569mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 4g | Vitamin A: 331IU | Vitamin C: 1mg | Calcium: 104mg | Iron: 2mg

How to Make Popcorn Chicken Step by Step

Dredge the Chicken: Cut 1½ pounds of boneless, skinless chicken breasts into small, bite-sized pieces. Add to a bowl with 2 cups of buttermilk, cover, and marinate for at least 1 hour or up to 8 hours. Combine 1¼ cup of all-purpose flour, ½ cup of cornstarch, 1 teaspoon of ground paprika, 1 teaspoon of seasoned salt, ½ teaspoon of garlic powder, ½ teaspoon of onion powder, and ¼ teaspoon of ground black pepper in a shallow dish. Working in batches, remove the chicken pieces from the buttermilk and let the excess liquid drip off. Dredge the chicken in the flour mixture until fully coated.

Fry the Chicken: Heat vegetable oil to 350°F in a large pot. Working in batches again, drop the chicken pieces into the oil and fry for 4-5 minutes until golden brown. Transfer the chicken to a plate or baking pan lined with paper towels to drain. Serve with your favorite chicken dipping sauces.

fried popcorn chicken pieces on a wire rack set in a baking sheet.

More Appetizer Recipes To Try

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https://www.thecookierookie.com/popcorn-chicken/feed/ 0 198966 popcorn-chicken-recipe-2 popcorn-chicken-recipe popcorn-chicken-recipe-3 overhead view of popcorn chicken on a serving platter with mayo and ketchup. fried popcorn chicken pieces on a wire rack set in a baking sheet. step by step popcorn-chicken-recipe step by step popcorn-chicken-recipe-3