Bruschetta Chicken Pasta

Enjoy bruschetta chicken pasta with juicy chicken and fresh tomatoes in a basil sauce over pasta. Easy, and perfect for busy weeknights or casual dinners.

Enjoy bruschetta chicken pasta with juicy chicken and fresh tomatoes in a basil sauce over pasta. Easy, and perfect for busy weeknights or casual dinners.

Creamy Dijon Chicken

Take dinner to the next level with this Creamy Dijon Chicken recipe! Made with an insanely delicious sauce and simple ingredients!

The post Creamy Dijon Chicken appeared first on Budget Bytes.

Get ready friends, because Dijon is having a moment! This Creamy Dijon Chicken starts with quick pan-seared chicken breasts that get covered with a creamy, luscious, Dijon mustard sauce. It’s one of those recipes that feels luxurious and expensive, but is really made with simple inexpensive ingredients. And my secret ingredient to making it extra special…just a hint of Worcestershire sauce. This Dijon chicken recipe is so delicious and guaranteed to be one the whole family enjoys!

Overhead view of creamy dijon chicken in a skillet.

Ingredients For Creamy Dijon Chicken

This recipe uses one of my favorite ingredient combinations: Dijon mustard and Worcestershire sauce. And when they’re combined with a little bit of heavy cream and parmesan cheese, it creates the most delicious sauce! So here’s everything that you’ll need:

  • Chicken Breasts: Chicken breasts are my usual go-to for recipes like these, but you can certainly use boneless, skinless chicken thighs instead.
  • Garlic: Just a couple of garlic cloves infuses the sauce with lots of flavor. 
  • Olive Oil and Butter: Olive oil is used to cook the chicken breasts and a little butter is used to sauté the garlic.
  • Dijon Mustard and Worcestershire: Dijon mustard is of course the star of the show. Both Dijon mustard and Worcestershire sauce give the sauce the bulk of its flavor. The tanginess from the Dijon mixed with the savory umami flavor of the Worcestershire is a match made in heaven!
  • Chicken Broth: Chicken broth is used to help deglaze the pan, scrape up all of those flavorful brown bits, and is the base for the sauce.
  • Heavy Cream and Parmesan Cheese: Just a little bit of heavy cream and parmesan cheese thickens the sauce and adds a luscious, creamy, rich flavor.
  • Spinach: I added some spinach for extra greens and a little bit of color.
  • Seasoning: The chicken breasts are seasoned with a blend of salt, pepper, Italian seasoning, garlic powder and onion powder. This way every component of this dish is packed with flavor!

Can I Substitute Yellow Mustard For Dijon Mustard?

I don’t recommend substituting Dijon mustard with yellow mustard. Dijon mustard has a more intense, sharp flavor that goes well with sauces compared to yellow mustard that has a milder, less complex flavor.

Not A Mustard Fan?

I get it. But trust me this recipe is not super mustard-y and the flavors are balanced nicely. I tested this recipe a few times with different amounts of Dijon mustard. And I ended up with what I feel is the perfect combination. It’s just enough to taste the tangy, warm flavors of the Dijon, but not too much to where it overpowers the dish. You can always taste the sauce and add a little more mustard if you want a stronger Dijon taste.

Serving Suggestions

We served this creamy dijon chicken over some fluffy mashed potatoes to soak up all of that delicious sauce. But you can also serve it with some buttered noodles, pasta, or over rice. A simple side salad or Caesar salad would also taste great. And you can never go wrong with a side of quick sautéed vegetables like this easy sautéed asparagus recipe.

Side close up view of creamy dijon chicken in a skillet.
Overhead close up view of creamy dijon chicken in a skillet.
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Creamy Dijon Chicken

Take dinner to the next level with this Creamy Dijon Chicken recipe! Made with an insanely delicious sauce and simple ingredients!
Course Dinner
Cuisine American
Total Cost $9.35 recipe / $2.33 serving
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Servings 4
Calories 271kcal

Equipment

Ingredients

  • 1 tsp Italian seasoning $0.10
  • 1/2 tsp garlic powder $0.05
  • 1/2 tsp onion powder $0.05
  • 1/2 tsp salt $0.02
  • 1/2 tsp freshly cracked black pepper $0.02
  • 2 boneless, skinless chicken breast (about 1.3 lb.) $6.49
  • 2 Tbsp olive oil $0.32
  • 2 Tbsp butter $0.27
  • 2 cloves of garlic, minced $0.16
  • 1 cup chicken broth $0.17
  • 1 Tbsp Dijon mustard $0.04
  • 1 tsp Worcestershire sauce $0.05
  • 1/3 cup heavy cream $0.65
  • 2 Tbsp grated parmesan cheese $0.20
  • 2 cups spinach $0.76

Instructions

  • In a small bowl mix together the seasoning for the chicken: Italian seasoning, garlic powder, onion powder, salt and freshly cracked black pepper.
  • Using a sharp knife, carefully fillet each chicken breast into two thinner cutlets. Season each breast with the seasoning mix on both sides.
  • Heat a large skillet over medium heat and add the olive oil. Once the skillet is hot, add the chicken and cook on each side until golden brown and cooked through (about 4 minutes per side). Remove the cooked chicken to a clean plate and cover to keep warm.
  • To the same skillet add the butter and minced garlic cloves. Turn the heat down to medium-low and sauté the garlic for one minute until fragrant.
  • Next pour the chicken broth into the skillet and add the Dijon mustard and worcestershire sauce. Stir together and scrape up any brown bits that may be stuck to the bottom of the pan.
  • Now add in the heavy cream and parmesan cheese and stir well. Allow the sauce to simmer in the skillet for 5 minutes. Taste the sauce at this point and add salt and pepper if desired.
  • Add in the fresh spinach and stir it into the sauce allowing the heat to wilt the spinach.
  • Finally, return the cooked chicken breasts to the skillet and spoon the Dijon sauce over top. Allow the chicken to heat through. Serve hot with your favorite side and enjoy!

See how we calculate recipe costs here.

Nutrition

Serving: 1serving | Calories: 271kcal | Carbohydrates: 4g | Protein: 15g | Fat: 22g | Sodium: 742mg | Fiber: 1g
Creamy dijon chicken on a plate with mashed potatoes.

How to Make Creamy Dijon Chicken – Step by Step Photos

Seasoning mix in a bowl.

In a small bowl mix together 1 tsp Italian seasoning, 1/2 tsp garlic powder, 1/2 tsp onion powder, 1/2 tsp salt and 1/2 tsp freshly cracked black pepper.

Seasoned chicken breasts on a cutting board.

Using a sharp knife, carefully fillet each chicken breast into two thinner cutlets. Season each breast with the seasoning mix on both sides.

Cooked chicken breasts in a large skillet.

Heat a large skillet over medium heat and add 2 Tbsp olive oil. Once the skillet is hot, add the chicken and cook on each side until golden brown and cooked through (about 4 minutes per side). Remove the cooked chicken to a clean plate and cover to keep warm.

Butter and garlic added to large skillet.

To the same skillet add 2 Tbsp butter and 2 minced garlic cloves. Turn the heat down to medium-low and sauté the garlic for one minute until fragrant.

Chicken broth, dijon mustard and Worcestershire sauce added to skillet.

Next pour 1 cup chicken broth into the skillet and add 1 Tbsp Dijon mustard and 1 tsp Worcestershire sauce. Stir together and scrape up any brown bits that may be stuck to the bottom of the pan.

Cream and parmesan cheese added to skillet.

Now add in 1/3 cup heavy cream and 2 Tbsp parmesan cheese and stir well. Allow the sauce to simmer in the skillet for 5 minutes. Taste the sauce at this point and add a pinch of salt and pepper if desired.

Spinach added to skillet.

Add in 2 cups of fresh spinach and stir it into the sauce allowing the heat to wilt the spinach.

Finished creamy dijon chicken in skillet.

Finally, return the cooked chicken breasts to the skillet and spoon the Dijon sauce over top. Allow the chicken to heat through.

Creamy dijon chicken on a plate with mashed potatoes and a fork lifting some chicken off the plate.

Now all that’s left to do is serve this delicious Dijon chicken with some creamy mashed potatoes, pasta, or your favorite side. And don’t forget to spoon some of that yummy sauce over the top! ;)

The post Creamy Dijon Chicken appeared first on Budget Bytes.

Honey Garlic Chicken

This saucy Honey Garlic Chicken is a quick & easy recipe with lots of chicken and an irresistible sweet & tangy honey garlic sauce.

The post Honey Garlic Chicken appeared first on Budget Bytes.

After a busy day I love being able to whip up a quick dinner meal like this Honey Garlic Chicken recipe. I almost always have all of the ingredients at home and saucy chicken recipes happen to be my family’s favorite! This dish includes lots of tender chicken that gets covered in a super delicious sweet & tangy honey garlic sauce. It’s simple enough to make for lunch or dinner, and is so good you might get a special request to make it every week!

Overhead view of honey garlic chicken in a skillet.

Ingredients For Honey Garlic Chicken

It doesn’t take much to make this easy honey garlic chicken recipe. Here’s what you’ll need:

  • Chicken Breast: I used boneless, skinless chicken breasts for this recipe, but if your budget is tight, you can also use boneless, skinless chicken thighs instead.
  • All-Purpose Flour: A light coating of flour adds a little bit of texture to the chicken.
  • Butter and Garlic: A good amount of garlic is sautéed in butter which infuses the sauce with lots of garlicky flavor.
  • The Sauce: This yummy honey garlic sauce is what brings the entire dish together. It includes honey for sweetness, soy sauce for some umami flavor, rice vinegar to balance the sweetness of the honey, sriracha for a little kick, toasted sesame oil, and a little cornstarch to thicken the sauce.

Recipe Tips!

  1. Make the sauce first. This recipe cooks pretty fast, so you want the sauce to be ready when it’s time to add it to the skillet.
  2. Don’t overcook the chicken. Since the chicken is being cut into smaller bite-sized pieces, it won’t take them long to cook. 
  3. Don’t crowd the skillet. Cook the chicken in 2 separate batches if you need to.

Serving Suggestions

I served this honey garlic chicken with a side of white rice and some sliced green onions on top. But you can also enjoy it with brown rice, vegetable fried rice or even cauliflower rice. Sautéed green beans or a side of this sesame cucumber salad would also taste great!

Overhead view of honey garlic chicken on a plate with white rice and a black fork.
Overhead view of honey garlic chicken on a plate with white rice and a black fork.
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Honey Garlic Chicken

This saucy Honey Garlic Chicken is a quick & easy recipe with lots of chicken and an irresistible sweet & tangy honey garlic sauce.
Course Dinner, Lunch
Cuisine American
Total Cost $9.58 recipe / $2.39 serving
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 18 minutes
Total Time 28 minutes
Servings 4
Calories 347kcal

Ingredients

Sauce

  • 1/3 cup honey $1.08
  • 2 Tbsp soy sauce $0.14
  • 1 Tbsp rice vinegar $0.10
  • 1 tsp sriracha $0.05
  • 2 tsp toasted sesame oil $0.20
  • 1 Tbsp cornstarch $0.05

Chicken

  • 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts $6.49
  • 1 tsp salt $0.05
  • 1/2 tsp black pepper $0.02
  • 1/2 tsp garlic powder $0.05
  • 2 Tbsp all-purpose flour $0.04
  • 3 Tbsp olive oil $0.48
  • 2 Tbsp butter $0.27
  • 4 cloves of garlic, minced $0.32
  • 2 green onions, sliced $0.24

Instructions

  • Start by making the sauce. Combine the honey, soy sauce, rice vinegar, sriracha, toasted sesame oil, and cornstarch together in a small bowl. Set the sauce aside.
  • Cut the chicken breasts into small 1/2 inch sized pieces. Season with salt, black pepper and garlic powder. Then toss the chicken pieces in the flour until each piece is evenly coated.
  • Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat and add 2 Tbsp of oil. Swirl to coat the surface of the skillet. Once the skillet is hot, add half of the chicken and cook until browned on all sides and cooked through. Remove the chicken from the skillet onto a separate plate and set aside. Add the remaining 1 Tbsp of oil and repeat with cooking the 2nd batch of chicken until cooked through. Set all of the chicken aside.
  • In the same skillet add the butter and lower the heat down to medium-low heat. Add the minced garlic cloves and saute for 30-60 seconds until fragrant.
  • Next give the sauce another brief stir, then pour the sauce into the skillet with the garlic. Stir the sauce and scrape up any browned bits that are stuck at the bottom of the skillet. Let the sauce simmer for about 2 minutes to allow the cornstarch to activate and thicken the sauce.
  • Now add the cooked chicken back to the skillet and stir with the sauce until all of the pieces are evenly coated. Continue to cook for 1-2 more minutes to allow the chicken to heat through.
  • Remove the skillet from the heat, top with sliced green onions, and enjoy!

See how we calculate recipe costs here.

Nutrition

Serving: 1serving | Calories: 347kcal | Carbohydrates: 30g | Protein: 14g | Fat: 20g | Sodium: 1225mg | Fiber: 1g
Side close up view of honey garlic chicken in a skillet.

How to Make Honey Garlic Chicken – Step by Step Photos

The sauce for honey garlic chicken.

Start by making the sauce. Combine the 1/3 cup honey, 2 Tbsp soy sauce, 1 Tbsp rice vinegar, 1 tsp sriracha, 2 tsp toasted sesame oil, and 1 Tbsp cornstarch together in a small bowl. Set the sauce aside.

Chicken pieces lightly tossed in flour.

Cut 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts into 1/2 inch sized pieces. Season with 1 tsp salt, 1/2 tsp black pepper and 1/2 tsp garlic powder. Then toss the chicken pieces in 2 Tbsp all-purpose flour until each piece is evenly coated.

Cooked chicken pieces in a skillet.

Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat and add 2 Tbsp of oil. Swirl to coat the surface of the skillet. Once the skillet is hot, add half of the chicken and cook until browned on all sides and cooked through. Remove the chicken from the skillet onto a separate plate and set aside. Add the remaining 1 Tbsp of oil and repeat with cooking the 2nd batch of chicken until cooked through. Set all of the chicken aside.

Butter and garlic in a skillet

In the same skillet add 2 Tbsp of butter and lower the heat down to medium-low heat. Add four minced garlic cloves and sauté for 30-60 seconds until fragrant.

Honey garlic chicken sauce being added to skillet

Next give the sauce another brief stir, then pour the sauce into the skillet with the garlic. Stir the sauce and scrape up any browned bits that are stuck at the bottom of the skillet.

Sauce reduced in a skillet.

Let the sauce simmer for about 2 minutes to allow the cornstarch to activate and thicken the sauce.

Cooked chicken added to the sauce in the skillet.

Now add the cooked chicken back to the skillet and stir with the honey garlic sauce until all of the pieces are evenly coated. Continue to cook for 1-2 more minutes to allow the chicken to heat through.

Overhead view of honey garlic chicken in a skillet.

Remove the skillet from the heat and top with sliced green onions. Enjoy with fluffy white or brown rice!

Overhead view of honey garlic chicken on a plate with white rice and a black fork.

The post Honey Garlic Chicken appeared first on Budget Bytes.

Grilled Chicken Caesar Salad 

Say NO to boring salads and hello to this Grilled Caesar with creamy dressing. Smoky char meets cool tang. The salad that’ll steal the show!
The post Grilled Chicken Caesar Salad  appeared first on Girl Carnivore.

A bowl of Caesar salad with sliced grilled chicken, croutons, grated cheese, and dressing.Say NO to boring salads and hello to this Grilled Caesar with creamy dressing. Smoky char meets cool tang. The salad that'll steal the show!

The post Grilled Chicken Caesar Salad  appeared first on Girl Carnivore.

Grilled BBQ Chicken

This perfectly charred grilled BBQ chicken breast, fresh off the grill, glistening with sauce is sure to be the star of any cookout!

The post Grilled BBQ Chicken appeared first on Budget Bytes.

I’m no scientist, but I’m sure there must be data about the gravitational pull at cookouts that brings everyone to the hot plate of juicy BBQ chicken breasts, sizzling and saucy straight from the grill. My grilled BBQ chicken is always the first protein to disappear! I’ve compiled all the best tips and tricks for how to make BBQ Chicken the star of any Summer get together.

overhead view of 2 grilled bbq chicken breasts on a white plate.

I’m trying to make your life easier with this super simple recipe, but I fear I’m making the grill master at your house put in overtime because, I promise you, this chicken is going to disappear immediately. Look for a value pack and scale this recipe up, because it’s summer and that means it’s grillin’ time!

Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to make grilled BBQ chicken:

  • Chicken Breasts: I like large boneless skinless chicken breasts for this recipe. They’re easy to divide in half and pound nice and thin for a tender bite. I grabbed a 2-pack that weighed in at 1.61 lbs. so there was plenty of chicken for everyone.
  • Olive Oil: Helps the spices stick to the chicken.
  • Salt and Pepper: Enhance the natural flavor of the chicken.
  • Smoked Paprika: Adds a delicious smoky flavor to the chicken.
  • Brown Sugar: Adds texture and ensures you’re going to get those grill marks that make everyone salivate. I find that the extra sugar also helps tenderize the meat.
  • BBQ Sauce: Adds moisture and tangy BBQ flavor!

Serving Suggestions

I like to serve this grilled BBQ chicken with extra BBQ sauce for dipping, some fresh okra, grilled cabbage, and a side of pasta salad!

Tips and Notes

  • I used a Ninja Indoor Smokeless grill for this recipe, so, as an option, if you use an indoor grill too, you can put the chicken breasts on the grill while it’s preheating. This way, the inside will get to a safe temperature quicker but the outside of the chicken won’t burn.
  • If I’m having a big get-together, sometimes I will slice the chicken breasts if they are massive when I put them out on the buffet line. It helps stretch my budget a little further and it’s easier for people to try a little bit of everything.

Storage Instructions

I recommend storing leftover grilled BBQ chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To freeze, wrap individual chicken breasts in plastic wrap or aluminum foil and place them in a Ziplock bag to store for up to 3 months. Let thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating in the microwave or on the stovetop over medium-low heat.

sliced grilled bbq chicken breast on a wood cutting board.
overhead view of 2 grilled bbq chicken breasts on a white plate.
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Grilled BBQ Chicken

This perfectly charred grilled BBQ chicken breast, fresh off the grill, glistening with sauce is sure to be the star of any cookout!
Course Dinner, Main Course
Cuisine American
Total Cost ($8.95 recipe / $2.23 serving)
Prep Time 30 minutes
Cook Time 10 minutes
Total Time 40 minutes
Servings 4 (1/2 chicken breast each)
Calories 309kcal

Equipment

Ingredients

Instructions

  • Preheat the grill to 450°F.
  • Place 2 chicken breasts into a heavy-duty baggie and tenderize with a meat mallet or rolling pin, flattening the meat to 1/2-3/4 inch thickness.
  • Rub olive oil over each chicken breast, covering the entire surface area. Rub salt, pepper, brown sugar, and smoked paprika all over each and set aside. Allow chicken to come to room temperature.
  • Place each chicken breast on the hot grill, preheated to 450°F, and grill on each side for 6 minutes, until they easily move and do not stick to the grates.
  • Baste each breast with BBQ sauce after the first flip. Cook an additional 2 minutes on each side, or until the internal temperature of the chicken reaches 155-160°F.
  • Remove the chicken breasts from the grill and allow to rest for 5 minutes, covered with aluminum foil. The breasts will continue to cook in their own juices and reach the safe, mandatory temperature of 165°F.

See how we calculate recipe costs here.

Notes

*For this recipe, 1 serving = 6.4 ounces per person. 3-4 ounces is a typical serving size for chicken, but I was generous and went with 6 ounces per person for this recipe… so you could easily stretch it further if you needed to!

Nutrition

Serving: 6.4ounces | Calories: 309kcal | Carbohydrates: 10g | Protein: 39g | Fat: 12g | Sodium: 686mg | Fiber: 0.4g
overhead view of a serving of grilled bbq chicken with okra and grilled lettuce.

how to make Grilled BBQ Chicken – step by step photos

pounding chicken breasts in a ziplock bag with a rolling pin.

Preheat the grill to 450°F. Place 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts into a heavy-duty baggie and tenderize with a meat mallet or rolling pin, flattening the meat to 1/2-3/4 inch thickness.

seasoned raw chicken breasts on an orange cutting board.

Rub 2 Tbsp olive oil over each chicken breast, covering the entire surface area. Rub 1/2 tsp salt, 1/2 tsp black pepper, 2 tsp brown sugar, and 1 tsp smoked paprika all over each and set aside. Allow chicken to come to room temperature.

grilled chicken breasts on an indoor grill.

Place each chicken breast on the hot grill, preheated to 450°F, and grill on each side for 6 minutes, until they easily move and do not stick to the grates.

basting grilled chicken breasts with bbq sauce on an indoor grill.

Baste each breast with 1/4 cup BBQ sauce after the first flip. Cook an additional 2 minutes on each side, or until the internal temperature of the chicken reaches 155-160°F.

tenting grilled bbq chicken breasts with foil.

Remove the chicken breasts from the grill and allow to rest for 5 minutes, covered with aluminum foil. The breasts will continue to cook in their own juices and reach the safe, mandatory temperature of 165°F.

a serving of sliced grilled bbq chicken on a white plate with pasta salad and okra.

Tender and juicy grilled BBQ chicken is sure to be the star of any cookout!

The post Grilled BBQ Chicken appeared first on Budget Bytes.

Grilled Chicken

I brine large chicken breasts, then coat them in a sweet and savory spice rub to create the juiciest grilled chicken you’ve ever tasted!

The post Grilled Chicken appeared first on Budget Bytes.

During grilling season, I make this Grilled Chicken for my family at least once a week. It’s one of those simple recipes that works for even the pickiest eaters! I brine large chicken breasts, then coat them in a sweet and savory spice rub to create the juiciest grilled chicken you’ve ever tasted! Everyone at my house loves this chicken, and the delicious char from grilling takes the flavor to the next level.

overhead view of 2 sliced grilled chicken breasts on a white plate.

Juicy grilled chicken is a staple at my house this time of year. I never have to worry if my picky toddler will finish her dinner or if my husband will go back for seconds. It’s one of the magical recipes that’s a winner every time. The best part is, the leftovers are great to use in just about every Budget Bytes chicken salad recipe we have on the blog which makes lunches the rest of the week a no-brainer. To top it all off, using the grill means my house isn’t sweltering hot in the middle of the summer! Need I say more?

Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to make grilled chicken:

  • Chicken: I like large boneless skinless chicken breasts for this recipe. They’re easy to divide in half and pound nice and thin for a tender bite. I grabbed a 2-pack that weighed in at 1.61 lbs. so there was plenty of chicken for everyone.
  • Brine: A simple mixture of kosher salt, granulated sugar, and water infuses the chicken with flavor, helps to combat moisture loss, and makes the meat super tender.
  • Spice Rub: A blend of salt, pepper, cayenne pepper, garlic powder, smoked paprika, onion powder, and brown sugar creates a savory, spicy, and smoky flavor with just a hint of sweetness.

Serving Suggestions

I love serving this grilled chicken sliced over a fresh green salad, but it’s truly so versatile! Lemon butter green beans, cheesy broccoli rice, or grilled vegetable pasta salad would all be delicious with this tasty chicken recipe. A light drizzle of Homemade Balsamic Glaze can take your grilled chicken to the next level!

Tips and Notes

  • Make sure to use kosher salt for the brine. The flat, flaky crystals dissolve extremely well in water and creates a crystal-clear brine.
  • Don’t skip the brown sugar; it helps develop that beautiful char.
  • Putting the smooth part of the breast down on the grill first helps ensure you get those glorious grill marks on the top! So, start with the smooth side down to ensure you get some sexy grill marks on that bird!
  • If your chicken is sticking to the grill, allow it to cook for another minute or two. It should lift off easily when you flip.

Storage Instructions

I recommend storing leftover grilled chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To freeze, wrap individual chicken breasts in plastic wrap or aluminum foil and place them in a Ziplock bag to store for up to 3 months. Let thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating in the microwave or on the stovetop over medium-low heat.

Our Favorite Cost effective grill

When I was looking for a grill for us to use in the Budget Bytes kitchen, I wanted one that was easy to find, simple to set up, easy to clean, and didn’t make me miss my charcoal grill. I went with the Ninja Sizzle Smokeless Grill after contemplating a few different ones that would be widely available at Walmart, Target, and Amazon.

The cheapest grill option I found was a simple and small camping charcoal grill. That’s also a great option if you want to grill outside, get that smokier grill flavor, and don’t mind keeping charcoal on hand.

The Ninja Sizzle Smokeless Grill we ended up deciding on comes with a grill top and a flat top, so it’s perfect as a quick, clean option for grilling at home or even in an RV/camper. (I have since bought one for my chef kit and my in-laws bought one for their camper!)

close up of sliced grilled chicken breasts on a white plate.
overhead view of 2 sliced grilled chicken breasts on a white plate.
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Grilled Chicken

I brine large chicken breasts, then coat them in a sweet and savory spice rub to create the juiciest grilled chicken you've ever tasted!
Course Dinner, Lunch, Main Course
Cuisine American
Total Cost ($9.02 recipe / $2.25 serving)
Prep Time 40 minutes
Cook Time 10 minutes
Total Time 50 minutes
Servings 4 (1/2 chicken breast each)
Calories 253kcal

Equipment

Ingredients

  • 2 large boneless skinless chicken breasts* $8.03

Brine Ingredients:

  • 1/4 cup kosher salt $0.14
  • 1/4 cup granulated sugar $0.18
  • 2 quarts water $0.00

Rub ingredients:

Instructions

  • Create your wet brine: Combine 1/4 cup kosher salt and 1/4 cup granulated sugar in 2 quarts of cold water. Whisk to combine.
  • With a fork, poke holes all over the chicken breasts and then transfer to a Ziplock bag. Pound chicken breasts to 1/2 inch to 3/4 inch with a tenderizing mallet or rolling pin inside a Ziplock bag.
  • Pour the wet brine into the Ziplock bag with the tenderized chicken breasts. Close the bag and allow it to brine at room temperature for 30 minutes, or in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours.
  • Make the seasoning blend by combining the salt, pepper, cayenne, garlic powder, smoked paprika, onion powder, and brown sugar in a bowl.
  • Remove the chicken breasts from the brine, pat dry on both sides with paper towels, drizzle with olive oil, and rub with the seasoning blend on both sides.
  • Preheat grill to 475°F. Note: If you are using an indoor grill, we found putting the chicken on the grill while it’s preheating helps get the middle of the breast to temperature in a timely manner and keeps the outside from overcooking and burning. If your chicken has been in the refrigerator, allow it to come to room temperature for at least 10 minutes before starting the grilling process.
  • Cook the chicken for 5-7 minutes on each side, or until the internal temp reads between 155-160°F. The chicken will continue to cook while it’s resting (because it’s so hot and juicy!) so you can remove it a little early, just make sure it reaches the internal temperature of 165°F while resting, or you may need to throw it back on the grill for a couple more minutes.

See how we calculate recipe costs here.

Notes

*For this recipe, 1 serving = 6 ounces per person. 3-4 ounces is a typical serving size for chicken, but I was generous and went with 6 ounces per person for this recipe… so you could easily stretch it further if you needed to!

Nutrition

Serving: 6ounces | Calories: 253kcal | Carbohydrates: 15g | Protein: 36g | Fat: 5g | Sodium: 7877mg | Fiber: 1g

how to make Grilled Chicken – step by step photos

pouring water over sugar and salt in a large white bowl.

Create your wet brine: Combine 1/4 cup kosher salt and 1/4 cup granulated sugar in 2 quarts of cold water. Whisk to combine.

pounding chicken breasts in a ziplock bag with a rolling pin on an orange cutting board.

With a fork, poke holes all over 2 large boneless skinless chicken breasts and then transfer to a Ziplock bag. Pound chicken breasts to 1/2 inch to 3/4 inch with a tenderizing mallet or rolling pin inside a Ziplock bag.

pouring brine into a ziplock bag with chicken breasts.

Pour the wet brine into the Ziplock bag with the tenderized chicken breasts. Close the bag and allow it to brine at room temperature for 30 minutes, or in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours.

spices and brown sugar in a white bowl.

Make the seasoning blend by combining 1 tsp salt, 1/4 tsp pepper, 1/4 tsp cayenne, 1 tsp garlic powder, 2 tsp smoked paprika, 1/2 tsp onion powder, and 1 tsp brown sugar in a bowl.

pressing seasoning onto chicken breasts on an orange cutting board.

Remove the chicken breasts from the brine, pat dry on both sides with paper towels, drizzle with olive oil, and rub with the seasoning blend on both sides.

2 raw chicken breasts on a grill.

Preheat grill to 475°F. Note: If you are using an indoor grill, we found putting the chicken on the grill while it’s preheating helps get the middle of the breast to temperature in a timely manner and keeps the outside from overcooking and burning. If your chicken has been in the refrigerator, allow it to come to room temperature for at least 10 minutes before starting the grilling process.

2 fully cooked chicken breasts on a grill.

Cook the chicken for 5-7 minutes on each side, or until the internal temp reads between 155-160°F. The chicken will continue to cook while it’s resting (because it’s so hot and juicy!) so you can remove it a little early, just make sure it reaches the internal temperature of 165°F while resting, or you may need to throw it back on the grill for a couple more minutes.

overhead view of a sliced grilled chicken breast on a plate with salad.

Juicy, tender, and full of flavor, this grilled chicken is a winner every time!

The post Grilled Chicken appeared first on Budget Bytes.

Air Fryer Chicken Tenders

These Air Fryer Chicken Tenders are crispy on the outside, juicy on the inside, and perfect for a quick & easy lunch or dinner meal.

The post Air Fryer Chicken Tenders appeared first on Budget Bytes.

I’m on a roll with these air fryer recipes y’all! And since I loved how well my air fryer chicken nuggets turned out, I wanted to try some air fryer chicken tenders next. This time I combined panko and regular breadcrumbs for the perfect texture and I used chicken breast tenderloins to make things super easy. They’re perfectly golden and crispy on the outside, juicy on the inside, and a lot fresher than frozen chicken tenders! So get your favorite dipping sauce ready, because these air fryer chicken tenders are perfect for a quick & easy lunch or dinner meal.

Overhead view of Air Fryer Chicken Tenders on a white serving plate with two dipping sauces on the side.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Here’s everything you need to make these crispy air fryer chicken tenders:

  • Chicken Breast Tenders: I like purchasing the chicken that is already cut into tenders or tenderloins. But you can also make your own tenders by cutting a boneless, skinless chicken breast lengthwise into strips.
  • All Purpose Flour: A light coating of flour helps the egg coating adhere to the chicken. 
  • Eggs: Eggs help the breadcrumb mixture adhere to the chicken tenders. You can also use buttermilk instead of eggs like we did for these air fryer chicken nuggets.
  • Panko and regular breadcrumbs: I used a combination of panko breadcrumbs and regular breadcrumbs. The regular breadcrumbs are finer in texture and provide a more even coating. The panko breadcrumbs give the tenders that crispy crunch that I love. Combined they provide the perfect balance.
  • Seasoning: A mix of salt, pepper, Italian seasoning, smoked paprika, garlic & onion powder, flavors the chicken and the breadcrumbs.

Homemade Dipping Sauces

Wanna make your own dipping sauce for these chicken tenders? Well here are some of our favorites:

Recipe Tips For Success!

  1. When adding the breading, roll and press the chicken tenders into the breadcrumb mixture making sure it’s completely coated evenly all the way around.  
  2. Don’t crowd the basket. Making sure there is enough space around each chicken tender allows the hot air to circulate evenly and helps the tenders get nice and crispy. So cook the chicken tenders in two separate batches if you need to.
  3. Don’t forget to preheat the air fryer. Similar to preheating your oven, it’s a good idea to preheat your air fryer so the chicken tenders can cook evenly and get crispy on the outside.
  4. Spray the tops of the chicken tenders with cooking spray and repeat when it’s time to flip the tenders. This also helps the tenders to get crispy on both sides!

What to Serve with Air Fryer Chicken Tenders

Enjoy these easy chicken tenders with a side of roasted broccoli, air fryer french fries, or a simple Caesar salad. These tenders would also taste great with a side of oven baked steak fries or a simple pasta salad. And of course you can never go wrong with classic homemade mashed potatoes or homemade applesauce.

Side view of air fryer chicken tenders on a serving plate with one being dipped in honey mustard sauce.
Overhead view of Air Fryer Chicken Tenders on a white serving plate with two dipping sauces on the side.
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Air Fryer Chicken Tenders

These Air Fryer Chicken Tenders are crispy on the outside, juicy on the inside, and perfect for a quick & easy lunch or dinner meal.
Course Dinner, Lunch
Cuisine American
Total Cost $8.56 recipe / $2.14 serving
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 13 minutes
Total Time 23 minutes
Servings 4 (2 tenders each)
Calories 254kcal

Equipment

Ingredients

  • 8 boneless, skinless chicken breast tenders (about 1.25lb) $6.99
  • 1 1/2 tsp salt, divided $0.08
  • 1 tsp freshly cracked black pepper, divided $0.05
  • 2 Tbsp all-purpose flour $0.04
  • 2 large eggs $0.33
  • 1/2 cup plain regular breadcrumbs $0.40
  • 1/2 cup plain panko breadcrumbs $0.32
  • 1 tsp Italian seasoning $0.10
  • 1 1/4 tsp garlic powder $0.10
  • 1 tsp onion powder $0.10
  • 1/2 tsp smoked paprika $0.05
  • cooking spray

Instructions

  • Place the chicken tenders on a cutting board. Season them on both sides with 1/2 tsp salt and 1/2 tsp black pepper. Next sprinkle the flour over the chicken tenders and toss to coat evenly.
  • In a shallow bowl, add the eggs and whisk them together. In another shallow bowl, add the regular breadcrumbs, panko breadcrumbs, 1 tsp salt, 1/2 tsp cracked black pepper, Italian seasoning, garlic powder, onion powder, and smoked paprika. Mix the seasoning into the breadcrumbs.
  • Now line up the chicken tenders, beaten eggs, and breadcrumb mixture. Using tongs or your hands, begin to coat the chicken tenders by first dipping them on both sides in the egg mixture, then transfer them to the breadcrumbs. Pat the breadcrumbs into the tenders and coat them evenly on both sides. Set the coated chicken pieces to the side on a clean plate or cutting board.
  • Preheat the air fryer to 400°F. Place the chicken tenders in the basket in a single layer, making sure no pieces overlap. About 4 tenders at a time. Spray the tops of the chicken tenders with cooking spray. Air fry for 7 minutes then flip the chicken tenders over. Spray the tops of the chicken again with cooking spray and air fry for another 6 minutes until golden brown.
  • Remove the chicken tenders from the air fryer basket and repeat with the second batch of tenders. Let the tenders cool for 3-5 minutes, then serve with your favorite dipping sauce and enjoy!

See how we calculate recipe costs here.

Nutrition

Serving: 2tenders | Calories: 254kcal | Carbohydrates: 20g | Protein: 28g | Fat: 6g | Sodium: 1179mg | Fiber: 2g
Overhead view of air fryer chicken tenders in an air fryer basket.

How to Make Air Fryer Chicken Tenders – Step by Step Photos

Overhead view of seasoned chicken tenders on a cutting board.

Place 8 boneless, skinless chicken breast tenders on a cutting board. Season them on both sides with 1/2 tsp salt and 1/2 tsp black pepper.

Overhead view of chicken tenders tossed in flour on a cutting board.

Next sprinkle 2 Tbsp all-purpose flour over the chicken tenders and toss to coat evenly.

Overhead view of breadcrumbs and seasoning in a bowl.

In a shallow bowl, add 2 large eggs and whisk them together. In another shallow bowl, add 1/2 cup regular breadcrumbs, 1/2 cup panko breadcrumbs, 1 tsp salt, 1/2 tsp cracked black pepper, 1 tsp Italian seasoning, 1 1/4 tsp garlic powder, 1 tsp onion powder, and 1/2 tsp smoked paprika. Mix the seasoning into the breadcrumbs.

Overhead view of chicken tenders breading station.

Now line up the chicken tenders, beaten eggs, and breadcrumb mixture. Using tongs or your hands, begin to coat the chicken tenders by first dipping them on both sides in the egg mixture, then transfer them to the breadcrumbs. Pat the breadcrumbs into the tenders and coat them evenly on both sides. Set the coated chicken pieces to the side on a clean plate or cutting board.

Overhead view of breaded chicken tenders added to air fryer basket.

Preheat the air fryer to 400°F. Place the chicken tenders in the basket in a single layer, making sure no pieces overlap. About 4 tenders at a time. Spray the tops of the chicken tenders with cooking spray.

Overhead view of chicken tenders being flipped in air fryer basket.

Air fry for 7 minutes then flip the chicken tenders over. Spray the tops of the chicken again with cooking spray and air fry for another 6 minutes until golden brown.

Overhead view of cooked air fryer chicken tenders in an air fryer basket.

Remove the chicken tenders from the air fryer basket and repeat with the second batch of tenders.

Overhead view of 8 cooked air fryer chicken tenders in an air fryer basket.

Let the chicken tenders cool for 3-5 minutes, then serve with your favorite dipping sauce and enjoy!

Overhead view of air fryer chicken tenders and steamed broccoli on a plate.

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Santa Fe Salad

This Santa Fe salad is the ultimate Southwestern salad. It’s loaded with tender, juicy chicken, fresh veggies, and creamy black beans.

The post Santa Fe Salad appeared first on Budget Bytes.

I have a major weakness for Southwestern flavors, and this Santa Fe salad is the ultimate combination. It’s loaded with tender, juicy chicken, fresh veggies, and creamy black beans. I love it tossed in our creamy avocado dressing. It’s a great hearty entrée-sized salad that’ll keep you full for hours. If you are plant-baseed, this flavor bomb of a salad still packs the same punch without the chicken. This salad is a true crowd pleaser.

creamy avocado dressing drizzled over santa fe salad in a large white bowl.

What Is A Santa Fe Salad?

This tasty Santa Fe salad recipe starts with a bed of romaine lettuce topped with Southwestern favorites, like corn, black beans, bell pepper, cheese, and tortilla chips. Top it off with our favorite creamy avocado dressing, some fresh pico de gallo, and a dollop of homemade guacamole for a filling salad that’s bursting with flavor!

Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to make a Santa Fe salad:

  • Chicken Breasts: Tender, juicy chicken breasts are a great source of protein on this hearty salad. For a budget-saving option, chicken thighs work well. If you’re vegetarian or vegan, substitute the chicken with extra-firm tofu (seasonings and all) or go heavier on the black beans. Mmm!
  • Olive Oil: Helps the spices stick to the chicken and helps the chicken sear in the pan.
  • Seasonings: Chili powder, paprika, cayenne pepper, ground cumin, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper add Southwestern flair to the chicken.
  • Romaine Lettuce: The perfect crunchy base for this salad. Buy whole heads rather than the pre-chopped bagged stuff to save money.
  • Bell Pepper: I like to use a green bell pepper, but any color works well to add some crunch!
  • Frozen Corn: You can also use fresh or canned corn– just be sure to drain and rinse first if you use canned.
  • Canned Black Beans: Add creaminess and extra protein to this salad.
  • Cheddar Cheese: Adds a hint of saltiness. Mexican blend also works well.
  • Tortilla Chips: I like to crumble some on top for extra crunch.
  • Creamy Avocado Dressing: Pulls the whole salad together. If you’re short on time, use a store-bought chipotle or Southwest ranch dressing.
  • Pico de Gallo: Adds a hit of freshness and acidity.
  • Guacamole: This is totally optional but ups the creaminess of this salad!

What Else Can I Add?

This Southwestern salad is a great fridge clean-out recipe. Here are some other things I love to add when I have them on hand:

How To Store Leftovers

As with most salads, I recommend storing the veggie components separately from the chicken and dressing and tossing everything together just before serving. This helps protect the lettuce from wilting. Stored correctly, this salad should keep well in the refrigerator for up to 3 days, making it great for meal prep!

tossing santa fe salad in a large white bowl with wooden spoons.
creamy avocado dressing drizzled over santa fe salad in a large white bowl.
Print

Santa Fe Salad

This Santa Fe salad is the ultimate Southwestern salad. It's loaded with tender, juicy chicken, fresh veggies, and creamy black beans.
Course Salad
Cuisine American, texmex
Total Cost ($17.21 recipe / $2.95 serving)
Prep Time 30 minutes
Cook Time 10 minutes
Total Time 40 minutes
Servings 6
Calories 516kcal

Ingredients

For the Dressing

  • 1 avocado $0.89
  • 1/2 cup sour cream $0.24
  • 1 clove garlic, minced $0.08
  • 1/4 tsp salt $0.02
  • 2 tbsp lime juice $0.50
  • 1/4 bunch fresh cilantro $0.20
  • 1/4 cup water $0.00

For the Salad

  • 2 heads romaine lettuce, chopped into bite-size pieces $2.98
  • 1 green bell pepper, diced $0.89
  • 5 radishes, sliced thin $0.49
  • 1 cup frozen corn, thawed and rinsed $0.47
  • 1 15oz. can black beans, rinsed and drained $0.89
  • 1/4 cup shredded cheddar cheese $0.83
  • 1/2 cup pico de gallo $0.44
  • 1 cup crushed tortilla chips $0.50

For the Chicken

  • 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts $5.69
  • 2 Tbsp olive oil, divided $0.08
  • 1 Tbsp chili powder $0.30
  • 2 tsp paprika $0.20
  • 1/2 tsp cayenne pepper $0.06
  • 1 tsp ground cumin $0.10
  • 1 tsp garlic powder $0.05
  • 1 tsp onion powder $0.05
  • 1 tsp salt $0.05
  • 1 tsp freshly ground black pepper $0.05

Instructions

  • Add the avocado, sour cream, minced garlic, salt, lime juice, and cilantro to a food processor or blender. Puré until smooth. Cover and set aside in the refrigerator.
  • Chop romaine lettuce into bite-sized pieces and transfer to a large salad bowl.
  • Dice bell peppers, slice radishes, thaw frozen corn, and rinse and strain canned black beans. Add this and 1/2 cup of pico de gallo to the large salad bowl on top of chopped romaine lettuce. Cover and keep in the refrigerator while you prepare the chicken.
  • Place the chicken breasts inside a heavy duty food storage bag and flatten with a rolling pin or a tenderizing mallet until the breasts are consistently about 3/4 inch thick. Start in the middle at the thickest part of each breast for more even cooking. This step helps the chicken cook more evenly.
  • Prepare the Santa Fe Chicken seasoning blend by combining chili, paprika, cayenne, cumin, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper.
  • Rub chicken breasts with 1 Tbsp olive oil and divide the seasoning blend between the them, making sure to thoroughly coat the entire surface of each chicken breast with seasoning.
  • In a large skillet, add 1 Tbsp olive oil over medium-high heat. When the oil is glistening and hot, add the chicken breasts. Cook your chicken for a total of 10-12 minutes, flipping halfway. While the chicken cooks, do not wiggle or disturb it except for flipping. Remove the chicken from the heat when it reaches an internal temperature of 160°F. Allow chicken to rest on a cutting board for 5-10 minutes before slicing into strips. After resting, the chicken should reach an internal temperature of 165°F. 
  • Fan out the sliced chicken on top of the salad and drizzle creamy avocado dressing over the top. Toss and serve!

See how we calculate recipe costs here.

Notes

Nutritional information does not include the guacamole. Click the recipe link to view nutritional information.

Nutrition

Serving: 1bowl | Calories: 516kcal | Carbohydrates: 61g | Protein: 29g | Fat: 21g | Sodium: 1791mg | Fiber: 14g
overhead view of a santa fe salad in a white bowl.

how to make a Santa Fe Salad – step by step photos

ingredients for avocado dressing in food processor

Add 1 avocado, ½ cup sour cream, 1 clove of garlic (minced), ¼ tsp salt, 2 Tbsp lime juice, and ¼ bunch cilantro to a food processor or blender.

creamy avocado dressing in food processor

Puré until smooth. Cover and set aside in the refrigerator.

chopping lettuce

Chop 2 heads of romaine lettuce into bite-sized pieces and transfer to a large salad bowl.

ingredients for santa fe salad in a white bowl

Dice 1 bell pepper, slice 5 radishes, thaw 1 cup frozen corn, and rinse and strain 1 can of black beans. Add this and 1/2 cup of pico de gallo to the large salad bowl on top of chopped romaine lettuce. Cover and keep in the refrigerator while you prepare the chicken.

pounding chicken

Place the chicken breasts inside a heavy duty food storage bag and flatten with a rolling pin or a tenderizing mallet until the breasts are consistently about 3/4 inch thick. Start in the middle at the thickest part of each breast for more even cooking. This step helps the chicken cook more evenly.

spice rub for chicken

Prepare the Santa Fe Chicken seasoning blend by combining 1 Tbsp chili, 2 tsp paprika, 1/2 tsp cayenne, 1 tsp cumin, 1 tsp garlic powder, 1 tsp onion powder, 1 tsp salt and 1 tsp black pepper together.

chicken coated with spice rub

Rub chicken breasts with 1 Tbsp olive oil and divide the seasoning blend between the them, making sure to thoroughly coat the entire surface of each chicken breast with seasoning.

chicken in skillet

In a large skillet, add 1 Tbsp olive oil over medium-high heat. When the oil is glistening and hot, add the chicken breasts. Cook your chicken for a total of 10-12 minutes, flipping halfway. While the chicken cooks, do not wiggle or disturb it except for flipping. Remove the chicken from the heat when it reaches an internal temperature of 160°F. Allow chicken to rest on a cutting board for 5-10 minutes before slicing into strips. After resting, the chicken should reach an internal temperature of 165°F. 

completed santa fe salad

Fan out the sliced chicken on top of the salad and drizzle Creamy Avocado Dressing over the top. Toss and serve!

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