Category: Onion Powder

Air Fryer French Fries

These 5-ingredient Air Fryer French Fries are simply seasoned and the perfect side dish for any meal!

The post Air Fryer French Fries appeared first on Budget Bytes.

I really love french fries, but deep frying can be such a hassle. On busy weeknights when I’m craving a crispy side, I make these Air Fryer French Fries, and all my troubles just melt away! Seasoned simply with olive oil, garlic and onion powder, and salt, these fries pack a punch and are mess-free! This air fryer french fry recipe is the kind of easy side dish I’m serving up every week because it’s just so simple.

Overhead view of 2 french fries dipped into ketchup on a platter of fries.

Why Make French Fries in the Air Fryer

I don’t know about you, but I love my air fryer. It’s the perfect little hero appliance for all types of fried foods. If you hate a mess in the kitchen as much as I do, you need this air fryer french fries recipe in your life! These fries are just as crispy as if they came fresh from the fryer but without the hassle and burning eyes! This is the perfect recipe to use up those last few potatoes from that 5-pound bag in the pantry before they start sprouting.

Ingredients for Air Fryer French Fries

You’re just 5 simple ingredients away from crispy, crunchy french fries! Here’s what you’ll need to make air fryer french fries:

  • Russet Potatoes: Just one pound of potatoes, or approximately 2 medium Russet potatoes, is all you need to make air fryer french fries. Russet are creamy on the inside and a classic fry potato, but Yukon Gold are a great choice if you like firmer fries.
  • Olive Oil: A little bit of olive oil (or cooking oil of your choice– vegetable or canola can help cut costs) to help the seasoning stick to the potatoes and help the potatoes to brown evenly while cooking.
  • Seasoning: A combination of onion powder, garlic powder, and salt is simple but oh-so flavorful!

What Else Can I Add to Air Fryer French Fries?

This simple seasoning blend is quick, easy, and delicious, but you can also get creative with seasonings. Try:

Tips for Making Air Fryer French Fries

To get the crispiest french fries in the air fryer, follow these tips:

  • Soak the cut potatoes to remove excess starch.
  • Pat the potatoes dry to remove excess moisture. Moisture is the enemy of crispy.
  • Work in batches to ensure every fry is crisp. Overcrowding can lead to soggy fries, so cook in a single layer with space in between.
  • Test each batch of fries to ensure they are properly cooked.
  • When in doubt, keep cooking! Every air fryer is a little different, so your fries may need more time.
  • Recrisp all of the fries together for 1-2 minutes in the air fryer at the end so everything is hot and ready for serving.

How to Store Leftovers

Once cooked and cooled, these air fryer french fries can be stored in an air-tight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days or frozen for longer storage. Reheat in a single layer in a 350°F air fryer for 3-5 minutes, or until warmed through and crispy. They’ll stay fresh in the freezer for up to 3 months and can be thawed overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.

Overhead view of 2 french fries dipped into ketchup on a platter of fries.
Overhead view of air fryer french fries on a white plate with ketchup.
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Air Fryer French Fries

These 5-ingredient Air Fryer French Fries are simply seasoned and the perfect side dish for any meal!
Course Side Dish
Cuisine American
Total Cost $1.75 recipe / $0.87 serving
Prep Time 25 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Total Time 55 minutes
Servings 2
Calories 307kcal
Author Krista – Budget Bytes

Equipment

Ingredients

Instructions

  • Wash and dry the potatoes, then slice them into 1/4-inch matchsticks.
  • Soak the cut potatoes in a large bowl of cool water for 15 minutes. While the potatoes soak, preheat the air fryer to 380°F.
  • Once the potatoes have finished soaking, pat them dry with paper towels. Place the potatoes in a large bowl, drizzle with olive oil, and sprinkle with garlic powder, onion powder, and salt. Toss to coat evenly.
  • Working in batches, arrange the fries in an even layer in the preheated air fryer and cook until golden brown and crispy, about 10-15 minutes.
  • Repeat with the remaining fries until they have all been cooked. Serve immediately.

See how we calculate recipe costs here.

Notes

Cook time reflects making the fries in two batches.

Nutrition

Serving: 1serving | Calories: 307kcal | Carbohydrates: 42g | Protein: 5g | Fat: 14g | Sodium: 594mg | Fiber: 3g
Overhead view of air fryer french fries on a white plate with ketchup.

how to make Air Fryer French Fries – step by step photos

Wash and dry 1 lb. of Russet potatoes, then slice them into 1/4-inch matchsticks.

Soak the cut potatoes in a large bowl of cool water for 15 minutes. While the potatoes soak, preheat the air fryer to 380°F.

raw french fries in the basket of an air fryer.

Once the potatoes have finished soaking, pat them dry with paper towels. Place the potatoes in a large bowl, drizzle with 3 Tbsp of olive oil, and sprinkle with 1/2 tsp garlic powder, 1/2 tsp onion powder, and 1/2 tsp salt. Toss to coat evenly.

Working in batches, arrange the fries in an even layer in the preheated air fryer and cook until golden brown and crispy, about 10-15 minutes. Repeat with the remaining fries until they have all been cooked. Serve immediately.

These fries are the ultimate weeknight hero. Simple, mess-free, and so flavorful!

More Air Fryer Recipes

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Chicken Cordon Bleu

Chicken Cordon Bleu is one of those recipes that feels super fancy but is ready in under an hour! It’s so saucy, cheesy, and delicious!

The post Chicken Cordon Bleu appeared first on Budget Bytes.

Chicken Cordon Bleu is one of those recipes that feels super fancy but doesn’t actually take a ton of effort. It can be pricey if ordering at a restaurant, but we have developed a budget conscious recipe that can be made at home. With some simple technique and a little bit of patience, you can make this savory, cheesy, saucy dinner recipe in under an hour!

close-up view of a sliced chicken cordon bleu breast.

What is Chicken Cordon Bleu?

Chicken cordon bleu is made by butterflying a chicken breast and stuffing it with slices of creamy, melty Swiss cheese and salty deli ham. The whole thing gets rolled up, dipped in breadcrumbs, and doused in a creamy sauce for the ultimate decadent dinner. While it can be expensive when ordering out, our version is more cost effective but equally as delicious.

Ingredients For Chicken Cordon Bleu

  • Boneless Skinless Chicken Breasts: You’ll need 4 large chicken breasts for this recipe so there’s plenty of room to stuff them. Look for ones that are about 7-8 ounces each.
  • Ham: Any flavor of deli ham works well.
  • Swiss Cheese: You can also use provolone or cheddar.
  • Panko Breadcrumbs: Create a crunchy coating on the chicken. Regular or Italian-seasoned breadcrumbs are also a good choice.
  • Seasonings: Italian seasoning, onion powder, garlic powder, salt, and freshly cracked black pepper season the chicken. Salt also enhances the flavor of the sauce.
  • Butter: Unsalted butter helps the seasonings and breadcrumbs stick to the chicken, and it also forms the base of the sauce.
  • All-Purpose Flour: A bit of flour helps to thicken the sauce.
  • Milk: Milk adds richness and moisture to the sauce. Any kind works, including non-dairy.
  • Dijon Mustard: A touch of mustard adds just a bit of warmth to the sauce.
  • Worcestershire Sauce: This umami sauce adds incredible depth of flavor.

How to Butterfly a Chicken Breast

  1. Place the chicken breast flat on a cutting board and hold your knife horizontally to the cutting board.
  2. Place one hand on the chicken breast to keep it steady, then insert your knife into the center of the chicken breast and begin to cut horizontally until you have almost reached the other side.
  3. Open the chicken breast like a book.

What To Serve With Chicken Cordon Bleu

Chicken cordon bleu is rich and saucy, so it pairs beautifully with simple veggies, like Steamed Green Beans or Oven Roasted Broccoli. Soak up that beautiful sauce with Mashed Potatoes, Rice, or Garlic Herb Mashed Cauliflower.

How to Store Leftovers

Once cooked and cooled, store chicken cordon bleu in an air-tight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. If you plan to freeze this dish, I recommend doing so before baking it for the crispiest results. It will keep well for up to 3 months. Simply thaw overnight in the refrigerator, then bake as directed.

overhead view of chicken cordon bleu covered with sauce on a plate with green beans.
overhead view of chicken cordon bleu covered with sauce on a plate with green beans.
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Chicken Cordon Bleu

Chicken Cordon Bleu is one of those recipes that feels super fancy but is ready in under an hour! It's so saucy, cheesy, and delicious!
Course Dinner, Main Course
Cuisine French
Total Cost $17.22 recipe / $4.30 serving
Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 35 minutes
Total Time 55 minutes
Servings 4
Calories 889kcal
Author Krista – Budget Bytes

Ingredients

Chicken:

Sauce:

  • 1/4 cup butter $0.53
  • 2 Tbsp all-purpose flour $0.05
  • 3/4 cup milk $0.40
  • 1/2 Tbsp Dijon mustard $0.04
  • 1 tsp Worcestershire $0.05
  • 1/2 tsp salt $0.02

Instructions

  • Preheat the oven to 350°F.
  • Butterfly each chicken breast by slicing horizontally through the middle of the breast, taking care to not cut all the way through. Open the chicken breast up like a book.
  • Lay the breast flat between 2 pieces of plastic wrap. Use a meat mallet or rolling pin to pound the chicken breasts into a thin, even layer.
  • Sprinkle the chicken breasts with salt and pepper. Place a slice of ham and slice of Swiss cheese on each chicken breast.
  • Gently roll up the chicken breast.
  • In a shallow bowl, combine the breadcrumbs, Italian seasoning, onion powder, garlic, powder, salt, and pepper. Set up a breading station with 2 shallow bowls; one of melted butter and one for the breading.
  • Dip the chicken rolls in the melted butter, and roll in the breadcrumbs until completely coated. Transfer to a parchment linked baking sheet.
  • Bake the chicken for 35-40 minutes or until it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F.
  • To make the sauce, melt the butter in a saucepan over medium heat. Stir in the flour. Then, slowly pour in the milk while whisking to incorporate.
  • Add in the Dijon mustard and Worcestershire sauce. Season with salt. Spoon the sauce over the chicken.

See how we calculate recipe costs here.

Nutrition

Serving: 1serving | Calories: 889kcal | Carbohydrates: 23g | Protein: 69g | Fat: 57g | Sodium: 2027mg | Fiber: 1g
overhead view of slices of chicken cordon bleu on a plate.

how to make Chicken Cordon Bleu – step by step photos

a hand opening a butterflied chicken breast next to a knife.

Preheat the oven to 350°F. Butterfly each of 4 chicken breasts by slicing horizontally through the middle of the breast, taking care to not cut all the way through. Open the chicken breast up like a book.

a butterflied chicken breast under plastic wrap with a rolling pin.

Lay the breast flat between 2 pieces of plastic wrap. Use a meat mallet or rolling pin to pound the chicken breasts into a thin, even layer.

a butterflied chicken breast with a slice of ham and swiss cheese on top.

Sprinkle the chicken breasts with salt and pepper. Place a slice of ham and 1 ounce of Swiss cheese on each chicken breast.

a rolled-up stuffed chicken breast.

Gently roll up the chicken breast.

a rolled-up chicken breast dipped in breadcrumbs.

In a shallow bowl, combine 1 1/2 cups Panko breadcrumbs, 1/2 tsp Italian seasoning, 1/2 tsp onion powder, 1/2 tsp garlic powder, 1 tsp salt, and 1/4 tsp pepper. Set up a breading station with a shallow bowl of 1/2 cup melted butter and the breading. Dip the chicken rolls in the melted butter, and roll in the breadcrumbs until completely coated. Transfer to a greased casserole dish.

4 breaded and baked rolled-up chicken breasts on a baking sheet.

Bake the chicken for 35-40 minutes or until it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F.

milk added to a thick roux in a saucepan with a whisk.

To make the sauce, melt 1/4 cup butter in a saucepan over medium heat. Stir in the 2 Tbsp flour. Then, slowly pour in 3/4 cup milk while whisking to incorporate.

thick and creamy white sauce in a saucepan with a spoon.

Add in 1/2 Tbsp Dijon mustard and 1 tsp Worcestershire sauce. Season with 1/2 tsp salt. Spoon the sauce over the chicken.

overhead view of chicken cordon bleu covered with sauce on a plate with green beans.

This crispy, cheesy, salty, and creamy chicken cordon bleu is the ultimate comfort food!

More Baked Chicken Recipes

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Buffalo Wings

This buffalo wing recipe has all the great flavor of classic fried wings with none of the mess of deep frying.

The post Buffalo Wings appeared first on Budget Bytes.

When it’s game day, there’s no food I crave more than spicy, saucy Buffalo Wings! I always thought they’d be such a pain to make, but baking them in the oven makes the process so easy. This buffalo wing recipe has all the great flavor of classic fried wings with none of the mess of deep frying.

overhead view of buffalo wings on a white platter with celery and white sauce.

Why Make Buffalo Wings?

Even on Wing Wednesday, buffalo wings can still be pricey. The price per wing really adds up, and I knew there must be a better and cheaper way. It turns out that making them at home was the solution to my wing woes! Seasoned with classic spices like paprika, garlic, and onion, these wings already have so much flavor. Once tossed in that creamy, buttery Buffalo Sauce, you’ll be wondering why you never made them at home before!

Ingredients for Buffalo Wings

  • Cornstarch: A bit of cornstarch helps keep the wings crispy.
  • Spices: Paprika, smoked paprika, onion powder, garlic powder, cayenne pepper, black pepper, and salt add so much flavor to the wings. Keep the garlic powder handy for the sauce, too!
  • Cooking Oil: You’ll need just enough to drizzle over the wings so they crisp up in the oven. Canola or vegetable oil both work well here.
  • Chicken Wings: Wings or drumettes both work for this recipe, so choose one type or both for variety.
  • Butter: Unsalted butter makes the sauce thick and creamy.
  • Franks RedHot Sauce: Hot sauce is the one ingredient you’ll want to splurge a bit on. It gives these wings their signature flavor and spice! Use the leftovers to make Spinach Artichoke Dip.
  • Worcestershire Sauce: This umami sauce adds depth to the buffalo sauce.

How to Serve Buffalo Wings

These classic baked buffalo wings are delicious served as an appetizer with Ranch Dressing or blue cheese for dipping and a side of carrot sticks and celery. You can also make them into a meal by adding a side of Garlic Parmesan Oven Fries, Easy Creamy Coleslaw, or Oven Roasted Broccoli.

Tips for Making Buffalo Wings

  • Pat the wings dry before seasoning them to remove excess moisture.
  • Don’t skip the cornstarch. Tossing the wings in cornstarch helps bring moisture to the surface, leading to ultra-crispy wings.
  • Bake the wings on a wire rack to allow the hot air to circulate evenly around them. This will crisp the wings on all sides!
  • If making ahead, wait to toss the wings in the sauce until just before serving.

How To Store Leftovers

Once baked and cooled, store leftover buffalo wings in an air-tight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Freeze them in a single layer on a lined baking sheet until solid, about 1-2 hours, before transferring to an air-tight container to store for up to 3 months. Reheat on a wire rack set in a baking sheet in a 350°F oven for 7-10 minutes if refrigerated or 15-20 minutes if frozen.

close up view of a buffalo wing dipped in white sauce.
overhead view of buffalo wings on a white platter with celery and white sauce.
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Buffalo Wings

This buffalo wing recipe has all the great flavor of classic fried wings with none of the mess of deep frying.
Course Appetizer
Cuisine American
Total Cost $12.24 recipe / $3.06 serving
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 55 minutes
Total Time 1 hour 10 minutes
Servings 4
Calories 774kcal
Author Krista – Budget Bytes

Ingredients

Chicken Wings

Buffalo Sauce

Instructions

  • Preheat the oven to 400ºF. In a small bowl, combine the cornstarch, paprika, smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, cayenne, pepper, and salt.
  • Pat the wings dry, then place them in a bowl. Drizzle the cooking oil over top, then toss until the wings are coated in oil. Add the cornstarch-seasoning mixture, then toss to coat again.
  • Line a baking sheet with parchment paper for easy cleanup, then place wire cooling racks on top. Place the seasoned chicken wings on the wire racks with space between each wing.
  • Bake the wings for 30 minutes, then flip and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the wings have achieved the amount of browning desired (this will depend on the size of your wings).
  • While the wings are in the oven, melt the butter in a small saucepot over medium heat, then add the remaining ingredients (hot sauce, Worcestershire, garlic powder).
  • Transfer the wings to a large bowl. Pour the sauce over the wings and toss until fully coated.

See how we calculate recipe costs here.

Nutrition

Serving: 1serving | Calories: 774kcal | Carbohydrates: 3g | Protein: 52g | Fat: 60g | Sodium: 1528mg | Fiber: 0.3g
overhead view of buffalo wings on a white platter with celery and white sauce.

how to make Buffalo Wings – step by step photos

spices in a white bowl.

Preheat the oven to 400ºF. In a small bowl, combine 1 Tbsp cornstarch, 1/2 tsp paprika, 1/2 tsp smoked paprika, 1/2 tsp garlic powder, 1/4 tsp onion powder, 1/8 tsp cayenne, 1/4 tsp pepper, and 1/2 tsp salt.

seasoned raw chicken wings in a glass bowl.

Pat 2.5 lbs. of chicken wings dry, then place them in a bowl. Drizzle 1 Tbsp cooking oil over top, then toss until the wings are coated in oil. Add the cornstarch-seasoning mixture, then toss to coat again.

raw chicken wings on a wire rack set in a baking sheet.

Line a baking sheet with parchment paper for easy cleanup, then place wire cooling racks on top. Place the seasoned chicken wings on the wire racks with space between each wing.

baked chicken wings on a wire rack set in a baking sheet.

Bake the wings for 30 minutes, then flip and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the wings have achieved the amount of browning desired (this will depend on the size of your wings).

buffalo sauce in a saucepan with a spoon.

While the wings are in the oven, melt 4 Tbsp butter in a small saucepot over medium heat, then add the remaining ingredients (1/2 cup hot sauce, 1 tsp Worcestershire, 1/2 tsp garlic powder).

buffalo wings in a metal bowl.

Transfer the wings to a large bowl. Pour the sauce over the wings and toss until fully coated.

close up view of buffalo wings on a white platter with celery and white sauce.

These buffalo wings are crispy, spicy, and so delicious– everything you want in a wing recipe!

The post Buffalo Wings appeared first on Budget Bytes.

Air Fryer Brussels Sprouts

These Air Fryer Brussels Sprouts are perfectly brown on the outside and tender on the inside. An easy recipe to whip up any day of the week!

The post Air Fryer Brussels Sprouts appeared first on Budget Bytes.

You know those foods you grew up thinking you didn’t like even though you never actually tried them? Yeah, well Brussels sprouts was one of those vegetables that I just assumed I didn’t like until I was in my 30’s. But once I finally tried Roasted Brussels Sprouts, there was no turning back. Now I absolutely love Brussels sprouts, especially these easy Air Fryer Brussels Sprouts! This no-fuss Brussels sprouts recipe creates a brown and slightly crispy outside white still remaining tender on the inside. The air fryer makes it super easy to whip up this vegetable side dish any day of the week! And since they are in season right now, they were also on sale at my local grocery store. #Winning!

Close up macro view of Air Fryer Brussels Sprouts.

Ingredients For Air Fryer Brussels Sprouts

I’m all for simple recipes and with simple ingredients! Here are the 6 items you need to make this easy Air Fryer Brussels Sprouts recipe:

  • Brussels Sprouts: This cruciferous vegetable can often be found year-round in your local grocery store. However, sometimes they are on the pricier side, so take advantage of them while they are in season and usually on sale. They are usually in season during the late fall and winter months from October to February.
  • Olive Oil: Olive oil helps keep the Brussels sprouts from getting too dry and too charred on the outside. It also helps the seasoning coat the Brussels sprouts perfectly.
  • Seasoning: A mix of salt, pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder adds just the right amount of flavor and keeps things simple, but still delicious!

Recipe Variations

Although we went with a simple mix of olive oil + seasoning for this Brussels sprouts recipe, you can easily try some of these other combinations:

  • Switch up the seasoning: Try some steak seasoning, curry powder, Cajun seasoning or a seasoning salt like Lawry’s, or a Creole seasoning like Tony Chachere’s.
  • Parmesan cheese: We also tested these air fryer Brussels sprouts tossed in a little parmesan cheese and they were absolutely delicious!
  • Dipping Sauces: My favorite way to enjoy these Brussels sprouts is with a simple mix of Dijon mustard and pure maple syrup. They would also taste really good dipped in our Comeback Sauce!
  • Homemade balsamic glaze: And if you’re a balsamic vinegar lover, once the Brussels sprouts are out of the air fryer, try drizzling a little bit of homemade balsamic glaze on top!

Tips For Making Air Fryer Brussels Sprouts

  1. Don’t skip the oil – It may be tempting to use less oil since you’re cooking in an “air fryer” but I wouldn’t recommend it. We tested this recipe using a little less oil and it resulted in the Brussels sprouts being too dry and very charred.
  2. Preheat the air fryer – It’s always good to preheat the air fryer before you add the Brussels sprouts to the basket. If your air fryer does not have a pre-heat function, simply let it run with an empty basket for about 3-4 minutes at 360ºF.
  3. Shake halfway through – Give the Brussels sprouts a good shake and flip some of them over halfway through the cook time so they can brown evenly on both sides.
Overhead view of air fryer brussels sprouts in a white serving dish.
Overhead view of air fryer brussels sprouts in a white serving dish.
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Air Fryer Brussels Sprouts

These Air Fryer Brussels Sprouts are perfectly brown on the outside and tender on the inside. An easy recipe to whip up any day of the week!
Course Side Dish
Cuisine American
Total Cost $3.03 recipe / $0.75 serving
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 9 minutes
Total Time 19 minutes
Servings 4
Calories 113kcal
Author Marsha – Budget Bytes

Equipment

Ingredients

Instructions

  • Wash and dry the Brussels sprouts, then trim off the dry ends. Cut each Brussels sprout in half lengthwise.
  • Add the Brussels sprouts to a large bowl along with the olive oil, salt, black pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder. Mix all the ingredients together until the Brussels sprouts are well coated in the oil and seasoning.
  • Preheat the air fryer to 360°F. Once preheated, add the Brussels sprouts and spread them evenly inside the air fryer basket. Air fry for 9 minutes, flipping and shaking the Brussels sprouts halfway through to help them brown evenly on both sides. Add an additional 1-2 minutes of cook time depending on the level of browning that you like.
  • Remove the Brussels sprouts from the air fryer and enjoy as is or with your favorite dipping sauce.

See how we calculate recipe costs here.

Nutrition

Serving: 1serving | Calories: 113kcal | Carbohydrates: 11g | Protein: 4g | Fat: 7g | Sodium: 320mg | Fiber: 4g
Side front view of air fryer Brussels sprouts in a white serving dish.

How to Make Air Fryer Brussels Sprouts – Step by Step Photos

Brussel sprouts sliced in half on a white cutting board.

Wash and dry 1 lb. of Brussels sprouts, then trim off the dry ends. Cut each Brussels sprout in half lengthwise.

Halved Brussels sprouts in a bowl with olive oil and spices.

Add the Brussels sprouts to a large bowl along with 2 Tbsp of olive oil, 1/2 tsp salt, 1/2 tsp freshly cracked black pepper, 1/2 tsp garlic powder, and 1/2 tsp onion powder. Mix all the ingredients together until the Brussels sprouts are well coated in the oil and seasoning.

Seasoned and pre-cooked Brussels sprouts in the air fryer.

Preheat the air fryer to 360°F. Once preheated, add the Brussels sprouts and spread them evenly inside the air fryer basket.

Cooked Brussels sprouts in the air fryer.

Air fry for 9 minutes, flipping and shaking the Brussels sprouts halfway through to help them brown evenly on both sides. Add an additional 1-2 minutes of cook time depending on the level of browning that you like.

Overhead view of air fryer brussels sprouts in a white serving dish.

Enjoy these super delicious Brussels sprouts with a little parmesan cheese or your favorite dipping sauce. And try not to eat them all before they make it to the dinner table ;)

Side view of Air Fryer Brussels sprouts in a white serving dish.

More Air Fryer Recipes

The post Air Fryer Brussels Sprouts appeared first on Budget Bytes.

Crock Pot Salsa Chicken

This delicious Crock Pot Salsa Chicken is an easy and versatile option for busy weeknight dinners, plus it’s perfect for meal prep!

The post Crock Pot Salsa Chicken appeared first on Budget Bytes.

Meal prepping is probably the only way I make it through the holidays (or any month of the year, TBH) without losing it. 😅 So here’s a really easy bulk meal prep protein that you can use for multiple meals throughout the week. This Crock Pot Salsa Chicken recipe is such a classic, it’s incredibly easy (no chopping!), and only takes a handful of ingredients to prepare. Plus, there are several ways you can customize salsa chicken if you want to change it up a bit! Bookmark this one, folks, because you’re going to want to make it again and again!

Close up overhead view of salsa chicken in the crock pot with tongs.

Crock pot salsa chicken has been around for ages. In fact, a fancier version of it has been a reader favorite on Budget Bytes since 2011, but you need to know that in its most basic form, it’s still amazing. It’s just too good and too easy to not share. Just wait until you see all the ways you can use this saucy, spicy, super-flavorful shredded chicken!

Ingredients for Salsa Chicken

When I say this salsa chicken recipe is simple, I mean it! Here are the only ingredients you’ll need to make Crock Pot Salsa Chicken:

  • Chicken Breast: I love the way white meat chicken breast shreds, but if you’re more of a thigh person you can definitely do this with thighs, too. Thighs are a bit more forgiving with the cooking time and the sauce will be extra rich!
  • Salsa: This is the main flavor component for this recipe, so make sure you use a really good salsa. I love to use a smoky salsa to add even more depth of flavor. I used Kroger’s Private Selection brand Taqueria Style Salsa, but you can use different salsa flavors to switch it up!
  • Chili Powder: A one-stop shop for flavor, basic chili powder brings a lot of bang for your buck and really deepens the flavor in the sauce.
  • Onion Powder & Garlic Powder: To add even more depth to the flavor, I added a little dose of onion and garlic powder for good measure. Using these two ingredients helps round out the flavor without having to chop a single vegetable!
A plate full of three salsa chicken tacos.

How to Use Crock Pot Salsa Chicken

One of the reasons I love this salsa chicken so much is that you can make one batch and then use it for multiple meals throughout the week. I love to use this shredded salsa chicken for tacos, bowl meals (with rice, cheese, beans, etc.), nachos, burritos, salads, in casseroles, to top a baked potato, or even as a base for a soup!

Salsa Chicken Add-Ins

The simplicity of Salsa Chicken makes it perfect for customizing with add-ins. Here are some other ingredients you can add to make it different every time:

  • Beans: Try adding a drained can of beans, like black beans, pinto beans, or even kidney beans.
  • Vegetables: Add more color and texture to the mix with diced onion, jalapeño, bell peppers, or corn.
  • Cream Cheese or Sour Cream: Give your salsa chicken a creamy finish by stirring in some cream cheese or sour cream after cooking.
  • Lime & Cilantro: Stir fresh lime juice and cilantro into the salsa chicken after cooking for a fresh finish.
  • Spices: Switch up the spices and add something smoky like chipotle chile powder, or your favorite taco seasoning mix.

And don’t forget, you can change the flavor of salsa chicken by using different kinds of salsa! Try a spicy mango salsa, salsa verde, or even a smoky peach salsa for fun!

How to Store Leftovers

This salsa chicken recipe is perfect for meal prep. It stays good in the refrigerator for 3-4 days, but it can also be frozen! To freeze, chill it completely in the refrigerator first, then transfer to the freezer and store for up to three months. I like to divide it into single portions before freezing so I can thaw only the amount I need each time. Thaw the salsa chicken overnight in the refrigerator, then reheat either in a sauce pan over medium, stirring frequently, or in the microwave.

Close up side view of salsa chicken in the crock pot with tongs.
Close up side view of salsa chicken in the crock pot with tongs.
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Crock Pot Salsa Chicken

This delicious Crock Pot Salsa Chicken is an easy and versatile option for busy weeknight dinners, plus it's perfect for meal prep!
Course Dinner
Cuisine American
Total Cost $9.60 recipe / $1.60 serving
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 2 hours 30 minutes
Total Time 2 hours 40 minutes
Servings 6 (¾ cup each)
Calories 90kcal
Author Beth – Budget Bytes

Equipment

Ingredients

Instructions

  • Place the chicken breasts in the slow cooker. Sprinkle the chili powder, garlic powder, and onion powder over the chicken, then pour the salsa on top.
  • Place the lid on the slow cooker and cook on high for 2.5 hrs or low for 5 hours.
  • Test the chicken to make sure it's tender enough to pull apart with a fork. If not, replace the lid and cook for an additional 30 minutes on high or one hour on low.
  • Shred the chicken with two forks and stir to combine with the salsa and liquid in the pot. Serve hot or refrigerate until ready to use. Add the salsa chicken to your favorite tacos, burritos, nachos, salads, and more!

See how we calculate recipe costs here.

Notes

*If using frozen chicken breast, be sure to thaw it completely before adding to the slow cooker.

Nutrition

Serving: 0.75cup | Calories: 90kcal | Carbohydrates: 6g | Protein: 13g | Fat: 2g | Sodium: 573mg | Fiber: 2g
A plate full of nachos made with salsa chicken.

How to Make Crock Pot Salsa Chicken

Chicken breasts in a crock pot with spices sprinkled over top.

Place three boneless, skinless chicken breasts in a crock pot and sprinkle 2 tsp chili powder, ½ tsp garlic powder, and ½ tsp onion powder over top.

A jar of salsa being poured over top of chicken in the slow cooker.

Pour 16oz. of your favorite salsa over the chicken in the crock pot. (I used Kroger’s Private Selection brand Taqueria Style Salsa).

Cooked salsa chicken in the slow cooker before shredding.

Place the lid on the crock pot and cook on high for 2.5 hours, or low for 5 hours. Test the chicken to make sure it’s tender enough to pull apart with a fork. If not, replace the lid and cook for an additional 30 minutes on high or one hour on low. After cooking it will look a little watery, but don’t worry! Once the chicken is shredded it turns into a nice sauce that coats everything.

Chicken being shredded in the slow cooker with two forks.

Use two forks to shred the chicken and stir it into the sauce in the slow cooker.

Finished shredded salsa chicken in the crock pot.

Once the chicken is shredded, give it a taste and adjust the seasonings if needed. And that’s it! The crock pot salsa chicken recipe is complete and you’re ready to eat!

A burrito bowl made with salsa chicken.

A bowl meal with rice, cheese, and any other fun toppings you have on hand is such a great budget-friendly meal!

More Crock Pot Chicken Recipes

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Turkey Chili

This flavorful turkey chili features ground turkey, colorful beans and vegetables, and plenty of herbs and spices to keep you full and happy!

The post Turkey Chili appeared first on Budget Bytes.

I make chili at least every other week during the fall and winter months, so naturally I’ve come up with quite a few variations of our classic chili recipe over the years. This Turkey Chili is a little bit lighter and is chock full of colorful vegetables. It’s the perfect chili recipe for the transition season when the leaves are just starting to fall but the air is still a little on the warm side. ;)

Overhead view of a pot full of turkey chili with ingredients on the sides.

What’s in Turkey Chili?

Turkey chili starts with a similar base as a classic chili recipe: ground meat cooked in a rich and flavorful tomato-based sauce, and seasoned with tons of warm spices. Because ground turkey has a lighter flavor, we went with a lighter, zestier flavor profile and added a ton of colorful vegetables and beans.

Ingredients for Turkey Chili

Here’s what you’ll need to make turkey chili:

  • Ground Turkey: Opt for dark meat turkey or ground turkey with at least a little fat. Extra-lean ground turkey breast can get a little dry and tough when simmered in chili.
  • Onion and Garlic: Every good chili starts with onion and garlic to create a deeply savory flavor base! I went with four cloves of garlic for this recipe, but feel free to measure with your heart. ;)
  • Poblano Pepper & Corn: A diced poblano pepper and some frozen corn kernels add a lot of flavor and color to this chili, making it extra festive. Poblanos can be spicy, though, so if you need a mild heat, skip the pepper or substitute with a green bell pepper.
  • Beans: A combination of kidney beans, black beans, and pinto beans adds even more color, texture, and flavor to this chili. The beans are very flexible, so if you only want black beans or kidney beans, you can certainly substitute them to fit your needs.
  • Tomatoes: Diced tomatoes add texture to our chili while tomato paste helps thicken the sauce and adds a really rich tomatoey flavor.
  • Herbs & Spices: The secret to the sauce! We use our homemade chili seasoning, which is a mix of chili powder, cumin, oregano, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper, to season our turkey chili.

Make it Vegetarian

This turkey chili is super easy to make vegetarian. Simply swap the ground turkey with an extra can of beans (kidney, black beans, or even pinto beans), or your favorite meat substitute, like soy crumbles.

Slow Cooker Instructions

Chili is a great slow cooker recipe. To make this turkey chili in your slow cooker, first brown the ground turkey in a skillet, then add it to the slow cooker with all of the other ingredients (reduce the water to 1 cup). Cook the chili on high for 3 hours or low for 6 hours.

How to Store Leftovers

After cooking the turkey chili, divide it into single-serving containers and store in the refrigerator for 4-5 days. Once chilled in the refrigerator, you can transfer some to the freezer for longer storage (about 3 months).

To reheat the chili, either microwave on high, stirring occasionally, until heated through. Or add to a sauce pot and cook over medium-low, stirring often, until heated through.

What to Serve with Turkey Chili

Chili and cornbread were made for each other, so try pairing this turkey chili with our Jalapeño Cheddar Cornbread or Sweet Potato Cornbread. And don’t forget the toppings for your chili! Try adding a sprinkle of cheddar cheese, sliced green onions, or cilantro. Or maybe a dollop of sour cream, some corn chips, or pickled jalapeños.

Overhead view of a bowl full of chili with toppings and a spoon dipping into the center.
Overhead view of a bowl full of chili with toppings.
Print

Turkey Chili

This flavorful turkey chili features ground turkey, colorful beans and vegetables, and plenty of herbs and spices to keep you full and happy!
Course Dinner, Lunch, Main Course
Cuisine American
Total Cost $11.55 recipe / $1.93 serving
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 40 minutes
Total Time 50 minutes
Servings 6 (1.3 cups each)
Calories 331kcal
Author Beth – Budget Bytes

Equipment

Ingredients

Instructions

  • Add the olive oil and ground turkey to a large pot and cook over medium heat until the turkey is cooked through. Break the ground turkey up into pieces as it cooks.
  • While the turkey is cooking, dice the onion and poblano pepper, and mince the garlic. Add the onion, poblano, and garlic to the pot and continue to sauté for a few minutes more, or until the onions are soft and translucent.
  • Add the canned beans (drained), frozen corn (no need to thaw), diced tomatoes (with juices), tomato paste, chili powder, cumin, oregano, onion powder, garlic powder, salt, pepper, and water. Stir to combine.
  • Place a lid on the pot and allow the chili to come up to a simmer. Once simmering, reduce the heat to medium-low and continue to simmer for 30 minutes (or longer, if preferred), stirring occasionally. After 30 minutes, taste and adjust the seasoning to your liking, then serve.

See how we calculate recipe costs here.

Nutrition

Serving: 1.3cups | Calories: 331kcal | Carbohydrates: 41g | Protein: 29g | Fat: 7g | Sodium: 1138mg | Fiber: 13g
Overhead view of a pot of turkey chili.

How to Make Turkey Chili

Browned turkey in a large pot.

Add 2 Tbsp olive oil and one pound of ground turkey to a large pot. Cook over medium heat until the ground turkey is cooked through.

Onion, poblano pepper, and garlic added to the pot.

While the turkey is browning, mince four cloves of garlic, dice one yellow onion, and dice one poblano pepper. Add the garlic, onion, and pepper to the pot and continue to cook and stir over medium heat until the onions have softened.

Beans, tomatoes, and spices added to the pot, water being poured in the side.

Next, add one 15oz. can of kidney beans (drained), one 15oz. can of black beans (drained), one 15oz. can of pinto beans (drained), one 15oz. can of fire-roasted diced tomatoes (with juices), one 6oz. can of tomato paste, 1 cup frozen corn kernels, 1 Tbsp chili powder, 1 tsp cumin, ½ tsp dried oregano, ¼ tsp garlic powder, ½ tsp onion powder, ¾ tsp salt, ¼ tsp pepper, and 2 cups water to the pot.

Stirred chili before simmering.

Stir everything to combine, then place a lid on the pot and allow it to come up to a simmer.

Simmered chili in the pot being stirred.

Once simmering, reduce the heat to medium-low and let it simmer for 30 minutes. Give it a taste, adjust the seasoning to your liking, and serve!

Overhead view of a bowl full of chili with toppings.

And don’t forget to pile it high with your favorite chili toppings!

More Chili Recipes

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Turkey Meatballs

Homemade Turkey Meatballs are made with eight simple ingredients and are perfect for meal prep or a quick weeknight dinner.

The post Turkey Meatballs appeared first on Budget Bytes.

I love my classic homemade meatballs recipe, but ground beef is getting expensive lately! So when ground beef is out of budget or I’m craving a lightly lighter flavor, I’ll make these super easy Turkey Meatballs. These meatballs freeze well, so consider making a double batch and freezing half for a rainy day. Spaghetti and meatballs is the ultimate quick weeknight dinner, especially when you’ve got homemade turkey meatballs in the freezer ready to go. 😏

Overhead view of a plate full of spaghetti with turkey meatballs on top.

Ingredients for Turkey Meatballs

These turkey meatballs are incredibly easy to make and only require eight simple ingredients. Here’s what you’ll need to make them:

  • Ground Turkey: I used 93% lean ground turkey, which keeps the flavor light but still has enough fat to keep the meatballs from drying out. I don’t suggest using 99% lean ground turkey as it may result in tough meatballs.
  • Breadcrumbs: Breadcrumbs combine with the egg to help bind the turkey together to keep the turkey meatballs from falling apart. They also hold moisture, which helps keep the meatballs tender.
  • Egg: The egg combines with the breadcrumbs to bind the meatballs together and prevent them from falling apart.
  • Italian Seasoning: A simple store-bought Italian seasoning blend provides tons of herbal flavor to the meatballs.
  • Other Seasoning: I’ve also added some garlic and onion powder for a little depth and of course the classics, salt and pepper!
  • Parmesan Cheese: Parmesan gives an extra boost of rich umami flavor to the meatballs, making them extra satisfying and drool-worthy!

Cooking Options

Baking is my favorite method for making meatballs because it’s hands-off, but you can also make these turkey meatballs in an air fryer or a skillet. Here is how to cook turkey meatballs with each of the three methods:

Oven Baked Meatballs: Bake the meatballs at 400ºF for 20 minutes. Or, bake for 15 minutes and transfer the meatballs to a hot skillet with butter to cook for the remaining five minutes, which gives them a nice golden brown exterior.

Air Fryer Meatballs: Preheat the air fryer to 400ºF. Cook the meatballs for 8 minutes, shaking once half-way through, or until cooked through and golden brown on the outside. Cook in batches to avoid overcrowding the basket and preventing airflow.

Skillet: Cook the meatballs in a skillet with olive oil over medium heat until browned on each side and cooked through (about 2-3 minutes on each side). Cook in batches to avoid overcrowding the pan.

How to Freeze Meatballs

These turkey meatballs freeze really well and make for delicious weeknight dinners later. To freeze the meatballs, pack them in an air-tight container after cooking and chill completely before transferring to the freezer where they can be stored for about three months. To reheat the meatballs, simply add them to a pot of red sauce and simmer until heated through. Or, allow them to thaw in the refrigerator overnight and then heat through in a skillet with butter or oil.

What to Serve with Turkey Meatballs

I love serving these meatballs with a simple tomato sauce over a bed of pasta, but they’d pair equally as well with an Alfredo sauce. You could also drop them into a pot of soup, like Minestrone. And don’t forget the garlic bread and a simple salad on the side!

Overhead view of a bowl full of turkey meatballs with no sauce.
Overhead view of a bowl full of spaghetti with turkey meatballs on top.
Print

Turkey Meatballs

Homemade Turkey Meatballs are made with simple ingredients and are perfect for meal prep or a quick weeknight dinner.
Course Dinner, Main Course
Cuisine American, Italian
Total Cost $5.97 recipe / $1.49 serving
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Servings 4 (4 meatballs each)
Calories 213kcal
Author Beth – Budget Bytes

Equipment

Ingredients

Instructions

  • Preheat the oven to 400ºF. In a bowl, stir together the breadcrumbs, Parmesan, Italian seasoning, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper.
  • Add the ground turkey to a separate large bowl, then add the egg and breadcrumb mixture. Use your hands to mix everything together until evenly combined. Try not to overmix as this can make the meatballs tough.
  • Divide and shape the meat mixture into 16 meatballs, about two tablespoons each. To easily divide the meat evenly, first divide it into quarters, then divide each quarter into four pieces.

Baking Instructions:

  • Place the shaped meatballs on a parchment-lined baking sheet. Transfer the meatballs to the oven and bake for 20 minutes, or until cooked through. If you prefer more browning, bake the meatballs for 15 minutes, then transfer the meatballs to a hot skillet with butter and sauté until brown, about five minutes. Serve and enjoy!

Air Fryer Instructions:

  • Preheat the air fryer to 400ºF. Air fry the meatballs for about 8 minutes, or until well browned and cooked through. Shake the meatballs half-way through cooking to turn the meatballs and achieve even browning. Cook in batches to avoid overcrowding the air fryer basket.

Stove Top Instructions:

  • Add 1 Tbsp olive oil to a large skillet and heat over medium. Once hot, add the meatballs (work in batches of about 8). Cook the meatballs in the hot skillet until browned on all sides and cooked through (about 2-3 minutes each side).

See how we calculate recipe costs here.

Nutrition

Serving: 4meatballs | Calories: 213kcal | Carbohydrates: 11g | Protein: 31g | Fat: 5g | Sodium: 509mg | Fiber: 1g
Close up of a turkey meatball on a fork with a bowl of pasta in the background.

How to Make Turkey Meatballs

Dry ingredients for turkey meatballs in a bowl, unmixed.

Preheat the oven to 400ºF. In a bowl, combine ½ cup plain breadcrumbs, 2 Tbsp grated Parmesan, 2 tsp Italian seasoning, ½ tsp onion powder, ¼ tsp garlic powder, ½ tsp salt, and ¼ tsp pepper.

Ground turkey, egg, and breadcrumbs in a bowl, unmixed.

Add one pound of ground turkey to a bowl along with one large egg and the breadcrumb mixture. Use your hands to mix the ingredients together until evenly combined, taking care not to overmix.

Meatballs being shaped and placed on a sheet pan.

Divide and shape the meat mixture into 16 meatballs, placing them on a parchment-baking sheet as you go. To divide them evenly, first divide the mixture in half, then in half again until you have four equal portions. Then take each portion and divide it into four, rolling them into meatballs as you go.

Shaped meatballs ready to bake.

Once the turkey meatballs are all shaped, they’re ready to bake.

Baked turkey meatballs on a sheet pan.

Bake the meatballs in the preheated 400ºF oven for 20 minutes, OR bake for 15 minutes and finish in a skillet to achieve more browning (shown baked for 15 minutes above).

Turkey meatballs browned in a skillet.

I like to finish cooking the meatballs in a skillet with a little butter or oil to get a nice brown finish.

Overhead close up view of turkey meatballs in a bowl, no sauce.

Enjoy the turkey meatballs as-is, or with your favorite sauce!

More Meatball Recipes

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