Category: Uncategorized

  • Browned Butter Sheet Cake

    Browned Butter Sheet Cake is the perfect blend of moist, sweet, and irresistibly nutty. With the rich, caramel-like flavor of browned butter baked into every bite, this cake is a treat for anyone who loves a touch of warmth in their desserts.

    Reasons You’ll Love This Recipe

    Incredible Flavor: The browned butter adds a nutty, caramelized richness that elevates this cake above your usual vanilla or butter cake. Every bite has a deep, toasty flavor that’s perfect for fall or winter.

    Moist and Tender: This cake is perfectly moist, with a soft, tender crumb that stays delicious for days.

    Ideal Cake-to-Frosting Ratio: Since it’s a sheet cake, it has a thinner layer of frosting—just enough to add sweetness without overpowering the cake’s flavors.

    Perfect for Any Occasion: This cake is versatile—ideal for birthdays, potlucks, holidays, or just because you’re craving something sweet and comforting.

    Ingredients Needed

    Each ingredient in this Browned Butter Sheet Cake recipe works together to create a balanced, moist, and flavorful dessert that’s as simple as it is satisfying. You can find all of the exact measurements in the recipe card below.

    Cake

    Unsalted Butter: Browning the butter deepens the flavor to make this cake special.

    Water: Adding water to the browned butter will bring back some of the moisture that evaporates during the browning process. 

    All-purpose Flour: Gives the cake structure and a light, tender crumb.

    Granulated Sugar: Sweetens the cake perfectly.

    Eggs: Provide structure and stability, helping the cake rise and hold together while also adding moisture for a soft, rich texture.

    Sour Cream: Provides moisture and richness for the perfect texture.

    Vanilla Extract: Adds a warm, subtle flavor that complements the nuttiness of the browned butter.

    Baking Powder: Helps the cake rise and ensures the crumb is fluffy and not dense.

    Salt: Enhances the flavor.

    Frosting

    Unsalted Butter: Creates a smooth, creamy texture, making the frosting spreadable and rich without being too stiff or runny.

    Powdered Sugar: Sweetens the frosting while giving it a spreadable consistency without any grittiness.

    Vanilla Extract: For extra flavor.

    Milk: Provides the perfect consistency for spreading.

    How to Make a Browned Butter Sheet Cake

    I know it looks like a lot of steps, but they are straightforward. Follow the instructions, and you’ll have a fantastic dessert that will definitely be a family favorite!

    Making The Brown Butter Cake

    Brown the Butter: Preheat the oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit. Spray a 13x18x1 baking sheet with baking spray with flour, or use regular pan spray and dust generously with flour. Tap out the excess flour. Add the butter to a small saucepan and melt it over medium heat until the butter browns. About 8-10 minutes. Watch for the butter to turn foamy and become very fragrant. It takes a while for it to start browning, but once it starts, it browns quickly, so don’t leave it unattended.

    Add Water: Once the butter is browned, carefully add the water to the butter in the pan and bring it to a boil.

    Whisk Flour and Sugar: While that comes to a boil, add the flour and sugar to a large bowl and whisk to combine.

    Mix Ingredients: Add the eggs, sour cream, vanilla, baking powder, and salt and mix with a hand mixer on low speed.

    Combine: Once the butter mixture is boiling, remove it from the heat and slowly mix it into the flour mixture. Scrape down the sides and bottom of the bowl to ensure everything is fully incorporated.

    Bake: Pour the cake batter into the prepared pan and spread it evenly. Bake for 25-27 minutes, until a toothpick comes out clean from the center and the top of the cake springs back when lightly pressed on with your fingers. Let the cake cool completely.

    Making the Frosting

    Brown Butter: When the cake is fully cooled, prepare the frosting by adding the butter to a medium saucepan and melting it over medium heat for about 6 minutes to brown the butter. The butter should be foaming and smell nutty.

    Mix in Other Ingredients: Turn off the heat and add powdered sugar, vanilla, and milk. Mix until smooth. You can do this by hand or with a hand mixer. The frosting should be thick enough to slightly hold its shape, but not stiff. If needed, mix in extra milk a tablespoon at a time.

    Spread the Frosting: Add the frosting to the top of the cooled cake and spread it evenly across. The frosting sets up quickly once it is finished, so you want to move quickly with this step. Let the frosting finish setting up before slicing into pieces and serving.

    Tips For the Best Browned Butter Sheet Cake

    By following these tips, your sheet cake will come out perfect every time! You want a smooth, moist texture and that rich, nutty flavor that makes it so irresistible!

    Be Patient: Brown the butter carefully! It takes a while to brown butter, but once it starts browning, it goes very quickly.

    Slowly add the Water: Pour the water into the butter carefully. The water will make the butter bubble and spit, so go slow and don’t get burned!

    Frosting the Cake: Pour the frosting on the cake immediately! The frosting sets up very quickly. If you delay putting it on even just a minute or two after the powdered sugar is all mixed in, it will start to set up. It will be too dry when you spread it on the cake!

    Pan Spray: I used a pan spray with flour called Baker’s Joy, and I swear by this stuff for preventing baked goods from sticking to the pan. If you don’t have a pan spray with flour, spray the pan very well with regular pan spray. Then, add a large handful of flour and tilt the pan, tapping it until the surface and inside edges are coated. Tap out the excess flour before adding your cake batter to the pan.

    How to Store Leftover Texas Sheet Cake

    Storing: Cover this browned butter sheet cake tightly with foil or plastic wrap. Leftovers will keep for up to 5 days at room temperature.

    Freezing: I would avoid freezing this cake because it is a sheet cake, and it can become harder to get slices out of the pan once it has been frozen and thawed.

    Make Ahead: You can prepare the cake up to 24 hours before preparing the frosting.

    More Delicious Cake Recipes

    Make any occasion more sweet with one of our tried and true cake recipes! We have various cakes, from strawberry cake to ricotta cake. They’re all moist, tender and have incredible flavor that will have you coming back for more. Which one are you going to try first?

    Butter Pecan Cake

    1 hr 25 mins

    Better than ANYTHING Cake

    45 mins

    White Texas Sheet Cake

    40 mins

    Gooey Butter Cake

    1 hr

    Print

    Browned Butter Sheet Cake

    Browned Butter Sheet Cake is the perfect blend of moist, sweet, and irresistibly nutty. With the rich, caramel-like flavor of browned butter baked into every bite, this cake is a treat for anyone who loves a touch of warmth in their desserts.
    Course Cake, Dessert
    Cuisine American
    Keyword browned butter cake, browned butter dessert, browned butter sheet cake, browned butter texas sheet cake
    Prep Time 30 minutes minutes
    Cook Time 27 minutes minutes
    Total Time 57 minutes minutes
    Servings 24 servings
    Calories 332kcal
    Author Alyssa Rivers

    Ingredients

    Cake

    1 cup unsalted butter1 cup water2 cups all-purpose flour2 cups granulated sugar2 large eggs½ cup sour cream1 tablespoon vanilla extract1 teaspoon baking powder1 teaspoon salt

    Frosting

    6 tablespoons unsalted butter6 cups powdered sugar1 teaspoon vanilla extract8 tablespoons milk, more as needed

    Instructions

    Cake

    Preheat the oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit. Spray a 13x18x1 baking sheet with baking spray with flour in it, or use regular pan spray and dust generously with flour. Tap out the excess flour.
    Add the butter to a small saucepan and melt it over medium heat until the butter browns, about 8-10 minutes. Watch for the butter to turn foamy and become very fragrant. It takes a while for it to start browning, but once it starts, it browns quickly, so don’t leave it unattended.
    Once the butter is browned, carefully add the water to the butter in the pan and bring it to a boil.
    While it comes to a boil, add the flour and sugar to a large bowl and whisk to combine.
    Add the eggs, sour cream, vanilla, baking powder, and salt and mix with a hand mixer on low speed.
    Once the butter mixture is boiling, remove it from the heat and slowly mix it into the flour mixture. Scrape down the sides and bottom of the bowl to ensure everything is fully incorporated.
    Pour the cake batter into the prepared pan and spread it out evenly. Bake for 25-27 minutes, until a toothpick comes out clean from the center and the top of the cake springs back when lightly pressed on with your fingers.
    Let the cake cool completely.

    Frosting

    When the cake is fully cooled, prepare the frosting by adding the butter to a medium saucepan and melting it over medium heat for about 6 minutes to brown the butter until the butter is foaming and smells nutty.
    Turn off the heat and add in the powdered sugar, vanilla, and milk. Mix until smooth. You can do this by hand, or you can use a hand mixer. The frosting should be thick enough to slightly hold its shape, but not stiff. If needed, mix in extra milk a tablespoon at a time.
    Add the frosting to the top of the cooled cake and spread it evenly across. The frosting sets up quickly once it is finished, so you want to move quickly with this step.
    Let the frosting finish setting up before slicing into pieces and serving.

    Nutrition

    Calories: 332kcal | Carbohydrates: 55g | Protein: 2g | Fat: 12g | Saturated Fat: 7g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 1g | Monounsaturated Fat: 3g | Trans Fat: 0.4g | Cholesterol: 45mg | Sodium: 109mg | Potassium: 52mg | Fiber: 0.3g | Sugar: 47g | Vitamin A: 382IU | Vitamin C: 0.04mg | Calcium: 26mg | Iron: 1mg
  • Turkey Stuffing Balls

    Turkey Stuffing Balls capture the taste of Thanksgiving in a single bite! Made with tender turkey, flavorful stuffing, and mashed potatoes. They’re rolled into perfectly poppable bites and served with rich gravy for dipping.

    Reasons You’ll Love This Recipe

    So Tasty: Turkey stuffing balls bring all the cozy flavors of the season into one delicious dish.

    Party-Ready: These are perfect for holiday gatherings, Friendsgiving, or potluck. They add a festive touch, bringing the holiday spirit to every occasion.

    Great for Leftovers: This recipe is a great way to use up extra turkey, mashed potatoes, and stuffing. They will transform into a fun appetizer or side dish with minimal effort.

    Ingredients in Turkey Stuffing Balls

    The ingredients in this turkey stuffing balls recipe create the ultimate bite of Thanksgiving flavor. Each part brings a classic taste that is just SO good. Scroll to the bottom of the post for exact measurements.

    Turkey: Leftover roasted turkey adds depth, while freshly cooked turkey works just as well.

    Stuffing: Brings in all those traditional Thanksgiving flavors!

    Mashed Potatoes: Binds the mixture together while adding a creamy element to each bite.

    Salt and Black Pepper: For added flavor.

    Breadcrumbs: These help with texture, especially if the mixture is too moist.

    Turkey Stuffing Balls Recipe

    These Turkey Stuffing Balls are easy to make and the best way to use Thanksgiving leftovers! Simply mix, form and bake, you’ll have these tasty bites ready in no time!

    Prep: Preheat oven to 375 degrees Fahrenheit. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper, then set aside. Warm up the stuffing and mashed potato leftovers in the microwave for a few minutes. They will be easier to work with.

    Mix: In a large bowl, stir the finely shredded turkey, stuffing, mashed potatoes, salt, and pepper to taste.

    Form Balls: Once the ingredients are thoroughly mixed, make 1-inch balls. If the mixture isn’t holding together, add in more breadcrumbs.

    Bake: Place the formed balls onto the prepared baking sheet and then bake for 15-20 minutes, turning halfway through baking. Remove the meatballs from the oven and then serve fresh with gravy or cranberry sauce.

    Tips for Making Turkey Stuffing Balls

    These are so fun to make and your kids will love helping you roll up the balls! Here are a few tips and variations to make them turn out just how you like.

    Seasoning: You may not need any salt and pepper. The leftovers used in this recipe will already have some. Taste the mixture before seasoning further. 

    Air Fryer: Place formed stuffing balls into the basket of an air fryer. Air fry at 400 degrees Fahrenheit for 5-8 minutes. 

    Breadcrumbs: The potatoes I used had quite a bit of moisture, so I used ⅓ cup of breadcrumbs.

    How to Store Leftover Turkey Stuffing Balls

    Thanksgiving dinner leftovers are almost better than the real thing. Making these yummy balls and having extras of these is even better. Here is the best way to store and reheat them.

    Fridge: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Or in the freezer for up to 2 months. 

    Microwave Reheating: Reheat in the microwave on high for 1 minute if refrigerated or 5 minutes if frozen. 

    Oven Reheating: Reheat in the oven at 350 degrees Fahrenheit for 8-10 minutes if refrigerated or 15-20 minutes if frozen.

    More Ways to Use Thanksgiving Leftovers

    Whether you’re craving the classic holiday taste or looking for a fun way to use up leftovers, these are a must!

    Turkey Cranberry Sliders

    35 mins

    Turkey Noodle Soup

    28 mins

    Turkey Salad

    15 mins

    Leftover Turkey Casserole

    45 mins

    Print

    Turkey Stuffing Balls

    Turkey Stuffing Balls capture the taste of Thanksgiving in a single bite! Made with tender turkey, flavorful stuffing, and mashed potatoes. They’re rolled into perfectly poppable bites and served with rich gravy for dipping.
    Course Dinner, lunch, Main Course, Snack
    Cuisine American
    Keyword Leftover Turkey Meatballs, Stuffing Meatballs, Turkey Stuffing Balls
    Prep Time 10 minutes minutes
    Cook Time 20 minutes minutes
    Total Time 30 minutes minutes
    Servings 40 balls
    Calories 43kcal
    Author Alyssa Rivers

    Ingredients

    2 cups cooked finely shredded turkey, leftovers or fresh2 ½ cups prepared stuffing, leftovers or fresh2 ½ cups mashed potatoes, leftovers or freshSalt and pepper to tasteplain breadcrumbs, as needed

    Instructions

    Preheat oven to 375 degrees Fahrenheit. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper and set aside.
    Heat the stuffing and mashed potato leftovers in the microwave for about a minute so they are easier to work with.
    In a large bowl mix the turkey, stuffing, mashed potatoes, and salt and pepper to taste.
    Once the ingredients are thoroughly incorporated, shape them into about 1-inch balls. If the mixture isn’t holding together, add in more breadcrumbs.
    Place the formed balls onto the prepared baking sheet and bake for 15-20 minutes, turning halfway through baking.
    Remove the meatballs from the oven and serve fresh with gravy or cranberry sauce.

    Notes

    My potatoes had a lot of moisture in them, so I used about 1/3 cup of breadcrumbs.

    Nutrition

    Serving: 1ball | Calories: 43kcal | Carbohydrates: 6g | Protein: 2g | Fat: 1g | Saturated Fat: 0.3g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 0.4g | Monounsaturated Fat: 1g | Trans Fat: 0.001g | Cholesterol: 5mg | Sodium: 72mg | Potassium: 67mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 0.4g | Vitamin A: 42IU | Vitamin C: 3mg | Calcium: 6mg | Iron: 0.2mg
  • Dry Brine Turkey

    When you dry brine your turkey, you end up with a beautifully browned bird with crispy skin on the outside and juicy, flavorful meat on the inside! It will for sure be one of the most flavorful, moist turkeys you’ve ever had!

    Reasons You’ll Love This Recipe

    Moist & Flavorful: When you coat the turkey with salt, it draws the moisture out. Then, the juices reabsorb back into the turkey, taking the seasonings with it. It is seriously so moist and delicious.

    Simple Process: Compared to a wet brine turkey in a seasoned bath. You simply smother the turkey in salt and seasonings, which can sit uncovered in your fridge while it does its magic.

    Versatile: Dry-brined turkey is so flavorful, it goes well with all the Thanksgiving classics, including giblet gravy, stuffing, and mashed potatoes.

    Ingredients for Dry Brine Turkey

    The ingredients needed to make a dry brine turkey are simple pantry staples. If you aren’t sure what you are going to do with your turkey this year, you’ve got to try this simple dry brine technique. The exact measurements are in the recipe card at the bottom of the post.

    Dry Brine

    15-Pound Turkey: Give yourself three days to allow your 15-pound turkey to thaw! If you use a different size turkey, refer to my tips section for how to adjust accordingly.

    Kosher Salt: Using kosher salt is very important! It is coarser and different than regular table salt.

    Cracked Black Pepper: Adds a slight peppery heat to the turkey and enhances the flavors of the other herbs and spices.

    Herbs: Combining Dried RosemarySage, and Thyme perfectly complements the turkey and gives it the classic Thanksgiving flavors.

    Ingredients to Stuff the Turkey

    Onion: Gives the turkey a mild, sweet, and savory flavor.

    Carrots: Add sweetness; they add an earthy, fresh flavor while they cook.

    Lemon: Provides a bright citrus flavor that balances the savory notes.

    Fresh Herbs: Adding a few sprigs of fresh Thyme and Rosemary helps infuse the flavor while it cooks. Giving the bird an incredibly aromatic flavor.

    How to Dry Brine a Turkey

    This dry-brined turkey recipe is actually quite simple yet yields one of the most flavorful, moist turkeys you’ve ever had. Follow my steps below and refer to the tips section so that your turkey turns out perfect this holiday season.

    Preparing and Brining

    Thaw and Prepare the Turkey: Plan to thaw the turkey ahead of time! For every 5 pounds of turkey, refrigerate for 24 hours. My 15-pound turkey took about three days in the refrigerator. Prepare the thawed turkey 1-2 days before cooking day! Remove the packaging of the giblets, the neck, and the plastic cage holding the legs together. I also remove the pop-up thermometer because I recommend using your own!

    Pat Dry: Place the turkey on a baking sheet and pat it dry using paper towels.

    Combine: Add the salt, pepper, rosemary, thyme, and sage in a small bowl and stir to combine.

    Rub on the Dry Brine: Sprinkle the dry brine mixture generously on the turkey. Rub the brine onto the meat, under the skin, and inside the cavity.

    Stuff the Turkey/ Tie the Legs: Place the turkey breast side up in a roasting pan. Stuff the inside cavity of the turkey with onion, carrot, lemon, and herbs, then tie the legs with kitchen twine.

    Refrigerate the turkey uncovered for at least 24 hours. If refrigerating for more than 1 day, lightly cover it with plastic wrap and place it in the refrigerator. Remove the plastic wrap 24 hours before cooking so the turkey has time to brine without the plastic wrap. This helps to dry out the turkey!

    Cooking Instructions

    Sit at Room Temperature: Remove the refrigerated dry-brined turkey from the fridge and allow it to sit at room temperature for 1 hour before cooking.

    Cook: When ready to cook the turkey, position the oven rack in the bottom third of the oven. Preheat the oven to 425 degrees Fahrenheit. Cook the turkey for 20 minutes or until the skin starts to brown. Tent the breast with aluminum foil and reduce the heat to 350 degrees Fahrenheit. Cook for an additional 45 minutes.

    Check the Temperature: Continue cooking until an instant-read thermometer inserted into the thickest part of a breast without touching bone reads 160 degrees Fahrenheit. Check the temperature until the bird is fully cooked. Allow the turkey to rest for 15 minutes before carving and enjoying it!

    Dry Brine Turkey Tips

    Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit, sed do eiusmod tempor incididunt ut labore et dolore magna aliqua.

    Thaw the Turkey: Be sure to fully thaw the turkey before adding the dry brine. Place the turkey in the refrigerator 24 hours in advance for every five pounds of turkey. A 15-pound turkey will take 3 days!

    Plan Ahead: Once thawed, allow 1-2 days for the turkey to refrigerate with the dry brine.

    Kosher Salt: Using kosher salt is very important! It is coarser and is different than regular table salt. I recommend using Morton’s brand.

    Turkey Size: This dry brine recipe is specific to a 15-pound turkey. If you use a different size, you will need one tablespoon of kosher salt for every 5 pounds of turkey.

    Herbs: I prefer dried herbs for roasting turkeys. Fresh herbs seem to burn and darken quickly. However, use fresh herbs to stuff the inside cavity of the bird! You can substitute one tablespoon of finely chopped fresh herbs instead of the dried herbs.

    Cooking Options: Cook the dry brine turkey using your favorite method — roasted, grilled, smoked, or slow cooker.

    Why Dry Brine?

    Dry-brined turkey doesn’t use any water! It’s just salt and herbs to season and brine your turkey. As your turkey sits uncovered in the fridge, it dries out the skin. The result is a beautifully browned bird with crispy skin on the outside and juicy, flavorful meat on the inside!

    Leftover Turkey Tips

    Extra turkey makes the BEST leftovers! Here is how you can store leftover turkey to save for later! 

    In the Refrigerator: Wait until your turkey has cooled. Then, place it in an airtight container and put it in your fridge. It can last there for 3 to 5 days.

    To Reheat: To reheat in the oven, then place in a baking dish at 350 degrees Fahrenheit for 12 to 15 minutes or until warm. When reheating in a microwave, heat for 1 to 2 minutes at a time until warm. Try not to overheat. This will leave your leftover turkey dry and hard.

    In the Freezer: After your turkey has cooled down, place it in a freezer bag. Lay your turkey flat in the bag, then zip or suction out all the air. Label your bag with the date, and then keep it frozen for up to 1 month in the freezer. When ready to reheat, place in the refrigerator overnight to thaw.

    What to Serve With Dry Brine Turkey

    Roasted Brown Butter Honey Garlic Carrots

    25 mins

    Corn Pudding

    1 hr

    World’s Best Green Bean Casserole

    25 mins

    Million Dollar Mashed Potatoes

    8 hrs 55 mins

    Print

    Dry Brine Turkey

    When you dry brine your turkey, you end up with a beautifully browned bird with crispy skin on the outside and juicy, flavorful meat on the inside!
    Course Dinner
    Cuisine American
    Keyword brined turkey, dry brine turkey recipe, thanksgiving
    Prep Time 20 minutes minutes
    Cook Time 3 hours hours
    Brine Time 1 day day
    Total Time 1 day day 3 hours hours 20 minutes minutes
    Servings 8 people
    Calories 967kcal
    Author Alyssa Rivers

    Ingredients

    Dry Brine

    1 (15-pound) fresh turkey, if frozen, thaw in advance3 tablespoons Morton kosher salt1 teaspoon cracked black pepper2 tablespoons dried rosemary2 tablespoons

    dried sage


    2 tablespoons

    dried thyme


    Ingredients to Stuff the Turkey

    1 small onion, quartered 1 carrot cut into 2-inch pieces1 lemon, cut into wedgesfresh thyme and rosemary sprigs

    Instructions

    Prepare the Turkey/ Dry Brine

    Plan to thaw the turkey ahead of time! For every 5 pounds of turkey, refrigerate for 24 hours. My 15-pound turkey took about 3 days in the refrigerator.
    Prepare the thawed turkey 1-2 days before cooking day! Remove the packaging of the giblets, the neck, and the plastic cage holding the legs together. I also remove the pop-up thermometer because I recommend using your own!
    Place the turkey on a baking sheet and pat it dry using paper towels.
    Add the salt, pepper, rosemary, sage, and thyme in a small bowl and stir to combine.
    Sprinkle the dry brine generously on the turkey. Rub the brine onto the meat, under the skin, and inside the cavity.
    Place the turkey breast-side up in a roasting pan. Stuff the inside cavity of the turkey with onion, carrot, lemon, and herbs, then tie the legs with kitchen twine.
    Refrigerate the turkey uncovered for at least 24 hours. If it is refrigerating for more than 1 day, lightly cover it with plastic wrap and place it in the refrigerator. Remove the plastic wrap 24 hours before cooking. This helps the dry brine absorb better into the turkey.

    Cooking Instructions

    Remove the refrigerated dry-brined turkey from the fridge and allow it to sit at room temperature for 1 hour before cooking.
    When ready to cook the turkey, position the oven rack in the bottom third of the oven. Preheat the oven to 425 degrees Fahrenheit. Cook the turkey for 20 minutes or until the skin starts to brown. Tent the breast with aluminum foil and reduce the heat. Then, lower the oven temperature to 350 degrees Fahrenheit and cook for an additional 45 minutes.
    Continue cooking until an instant-read thermometer inserted into the thickest part of a breast without touching bone reads 160 degrees Fahrenheit. Check the temperature until the bird is fully cooked.
    Allow the turkey to rest for 15 minutes before carving, and enjoy!

    Nutrition

    Calories: 967kcal | Carbohydrates: 4g | Protein: 193g | Fat: 17g | Saturated Fat: 4g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 4g | Monounsaturated Fat: 4g | Trans Fat: 0.1g | Cholesterol: 570mg | Sodium: 3626mg | Potassium: 2065mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 1g | Vitamin A: 1616IU | Vitamin C: 9mg | Calcium: 136mg | Iron: 9mg
  • Angel Chicken and Rice Casserole

    Angel Chicken and Rice Casserole is a creamy, cheesy, comforting classic. Tender chicken is folded into fluffy rice smothered in a savory cream sauce. The top has the most perfectly toasty cheesy crunch. You’re going to love it!

    Reasons You’ll Love This Recipe

    Easy to Make: Using pre-cooked chicken and rice cuts down on prep time. The rest comes together with kitchen staples. It’s great when you want a homemade meal with minimal effort.

    Crowd-Pleaser: Both kids and adults love the creamy, cheesy, comfort flavors. It’s a great choice for family dinners or gatherings.

    Customizable: You can easily adjust the ingredients to suit your taste or use what’s on hand. Add veggies like broccoli or mushrooms, and swap out the cheddar for mozzarella or Colby jack cheese. Make it a little spicy with a pinch of red pepper flakes.

    What’s in Angel Chicken Rice Casserole?

    The ingredients needed for this recipe are basic, and in fact, you should have most of them in your kitchen. You can find exact measurements for each ingredient in the recipe card below.

    Casserole

    Shredded Chicken: Pre-cooked chicken makes the dish super quick to assemble. Rotisserie chicken is a great option!

    White Rice: Cooked rice adds bulk and absorbs the flavors of the sauce, binding the casserole together. 

    Cream Cheese: Adds a rich, creamy texture to the casserole. Be sure to soften it to room temperature so it mixes easily.

    Unsalted Butter: Enhances the overall taste with a rich buttery flavor.

    Cream of Chicken Soup: Thickens the sauce and gives it a savory, slightly creamy chicken flavor.

    Chicken Broth: Keeps everything nice and moist as the casserole bakes.

    Italian Dressing Mix: Infuses flavor into the dish with a blend of Italian herbs and spices.

    Salt and Pepper: To taste!

    Topping

    Panko Breadcrumbs: Provide a light, airy crunch that contrasts beautifully with the creamy casserole beneath. 

    Cheddar Cheese: Cheddar is a good melty cheese that creates a gooey, golden-brown layer over the filling.

    Seasonings: A blend of salt, black pepper, oregano, and thyme gives the dish a delicious, savory flavor.

    Angel Chicken Rice Recipe Instructions

    Angel Chicken and Rice Casserole is an easy, no-fuss dish that combines simple prep with minimal ingredients. It’s perfect for busy weeknights or when you want a comforting meal with little effort.

    Prep: Prepare a 9x13x2 inch baking dish with nonstick cooking spray. Preheat the oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit. Add the shredded chicken and rice to a large bowl.

    Make the Sauce: In a separate bowl, using a hand mixer, whisk the cream cheese, butter, cream of chicken soup, chicken broth, and Italian seasoning.

    Combine: Add the cream sauce to the chicken and rice mixture, then mix well to combine.

    Add to the Dish: Pour the chicken and rice casserole mixture into the prepared baking dish.

    Mix the Topping: In a large mixing bowl, mix the bread crumbs, cheddar cheese, salt, pepper, oregano, and thyme.

    Bake: Spread the bread crumb mixture over the top of the casserole, then cover with foil and bake for 20 minutes. Uncover the casserole and bake for another 5-10 minutes until the topping is golden and crispy. Serve fresh!

    Tips and Variations

    Here are some helpful tips and ways to make this casserole recipe your own! I know your family will love it just as much as mine does!

    Soup: Try using cream of mushroom soup instead of cream of chicken for some variation. 

    Rice: You don’t have to use white rice; wild or brown rice can be used as long as it’s cooked before adding it to the casserole. 

    Chicken: For cooked chicken, I like to use a rotisserie or buy cooked chicken breast from Costco. There are so many meals that use cooked chicken, so buying a Costco-size bag of cooked chicken is worth it!

    How to Store Leftover Chicken and Rice Casserole

    Storing Leftovers: Store leftovers in an airtight container. They can be in the fridge for up to 4 days or in the freezer for up to 1 month. 

    Make Ahead: To make ahead, follow instructions up until step 6. Then, cover it with plastic wrap. It can go in the fridge for 2 days before baking or in the freezer for up to 2 weeks. 

    Freezing: If you freeze the dish before cooking, the baking time will increase to 40-50 minutes covered. Bake it until it is heated through. Remove the foil and bake for an additional 5-10 minutes to achieve a golden crust. 

    More Delicious Chicken Casseroles

    If you’re like me, then having a casserole ready for dinner makes your life simpler. Here are a few of my favorite easy chicken casserole recipes for you to try.

    Chicken Pot Pie Casserole

    1 hr 10 mins

    Chicken Bacon Ranch Casserole

    45 mins

    Chicken Tetrazzini Casserole

    40 mins

    Chicken Cordon Bleu Casserole

    55 mins

    Print

    Angel Chicken and Rice Casserole

    Angel Chicken and Rice Casserole is a creamy, cheesy, comforting classic. Tender chicken is folded into fluffy rice smothered in a savory cream sauce. The top has the most perfectly toasty cheesy crunch. You’re going to love it!
    Course Dinner, Main Course
    Cuisine American
    Keyword angel chicken, angel chicken and rice casserole, angel chicken casserole
    Prep Time 10 minutes minutes
    Cook Time 30 minutes minutes
    Total Time 40 minutes minutes
    Servings 6 people
    Calories 569kcal
    Author Alyssa Rivers

    Ingredients

    Casserole

    3 cups cooked shredded chicken3 cups cooked white rice8 ounces cream cheese, room temperature½ cup unsalted butter, room temperature1 (10-ounce) can cream of chicken soup1 cup chicken broth1 package of Italian dressing mixSalt and pepper to taste

    Topping

    cup panko breadcrumbs cup shredded cheddar cheese½ teaspoon salt½ teaspoon pepper½ teaspoon oregano½ teaspoon thyme

    Instructions

    Prepare a 9x13x2 inch baking dish with nonstick cooking spray. Preheat the oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit. Add the shredded chicken and rice to a large bowl.
    In a separate bowl, using a hand mixer, whisk the cream cheese, butter, cream of chicken soup chicken broth, and Italian seasoning.
    Add the cream cheese mixture to the chicken and rice mixture and mix well to combine.
    Pour the chicken and rice casserole mixture into the prepared baking dish.
    In a separate bowl mix the breadcrumbs, cheddar cheese, salt, pepper, oregano, and thyme.
    Spread the breadcrumb mixture over the top of the casserole, cover with foil, and bake for 20 minutes.
    Uncover the casserole and bake for another 5-10 minutes until the topping is golden and crispy. Serve fresh!

    Nutrition

    Calories: 569kcal | Carbohydrates: 30g | Protein: 26g | Fat: 38g | Saturated Fat: 21g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 3g | Monounsaturated Fat: 10g | Trans Fat: 1g | Cholesterol: 145mg | Sodium: 663mg | Potassium: 278mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 2g | Vitamin A: 1148IU | Vitamin C: 0.3mg | Calcium: 164mg | Iron: 2mg
  • Crockpot Carrots

    Description: sweet, savory, garlicky. The carrots should be fork-tender, not mushy. They smell AMAZING while they cook–more savory than sweet by the smell, but carrots are naturally pretty sweet and the honey helps bring out the sweetness.

    Peel and cut the carrots into 1-1 ½ inch pieces and place them in the bottom of a 4-quart crockpot.

    Add the butter, honey, garlic, parsley, salt, and pepper on top. Cook on HIGH for 1 ½ hours, or on LOW for 2 ½-3 hours, or until the carrots are fork tender.

    Print

    Crockpot Carrots

    These crockpot carrots will become fork-tender from slowly cooking in your crockpot all day. The carrots have a delicious sweet and savory flavor from the sticky honey and bold garlic, all slathered in butter. They are the perfect side for your next Thanksgiving or Easter feast.
    Course Side Dish
    Cuisine American
    Keyword Crockpot carrots, crockpot honey glazed carrots, slow cooker carrots, vegetable side dish
    Prep Time 10 minutes minutes
    Cook Time 2 hours hours
    Total Time 2 hours hours 10 minutes minutes
    Servings 8 servings
    Calories 174kcal
    Author Alyssa Rivers

    Ingredients

    2 pounds whole carrots½ cup unsalted butter, cubed3 tablespoons honey2 teaspoons minced garlic1 teaspoon chopped parsley, plus more for garnish½ teaspoon salt2-3 cracks freshly ground black pepper

    Instructions

    Peel and cut the carrots into 1-1 ½ inch pieces and place them in the bottom of a 4-quart crockpot.
    Add the butter, honey, garlic, parsley, salt, and pepper on top.
    Cook on HIGH for 1 ½ hours, or on LOW for 2 ½-3 hours, or until the carrots are fork tender. Top with a little more chopped parsley before serving.

    Nutrition

    Calories: 174kcal | Carbohydrates: 18g | Protein: 1g | Fat: 12g | Saturated Fat: 7g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 1g | Monounsaturated Fat: 3g | Trans Fat: 0.5g | Cholesterol: 31mg | Sodium: 226mg | Potassium: 377mg | Fiber: 3g | Sugar: 12g | Vitamin A: 19301IU | Vitamin C: 7mg | Calcium: 44mg | Iron: 0.4mg

    Leftovers Callout Title

    Leftover crockpot carrots can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 7 days. Reheat them in the microwave in 30-60 second increments, stirring between each increment.

    You technically can freeze cooked carrots, but they will end up mushy after being frozen, thawed, and reheated. Because of this, I don’t recommend freezing these crockpot carrots.

    You can add everything to the crockpot up to 24 hours in advance and keep it covered in the refrigerator until you are ready to put them on the crockpot base and cook them.

    Quick Tips Title

    Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit, sed do eiusmod tempor incididunt ut labore et dolore magna aliqua.

    Don’t cut the carrots too small! The smaller you cut the carrots, the faster they will cook. While cutting down the cook time might sound great, it also cuts down the time that allows the flavors to meld!

    You may substitute the large, whole carrots for baby carrots.

    When cutting large carrots, cut the thicker part into thinner pieces, and but the thinner part of the carrot into longer pieces. This will help them cook more evenly.

    For variations in flavor, try swapping the honey out for brown sugar or real maple syrup!

  • Crustless Pumpkin Pie

    Crustless pumpkin pie has rich spices, creamy pumpkin, and a perfectly smooth texture. The custard holds its shape beautifully. Whether you’re keeping things simple or exploring a gluten-free option, this pie gives all the nostalgic vibes of the classic.

    Reasons You’ll Love This Recipe

    So simple: This crustless pumpkin pie has all the cozy goodness of the traditional pumpkin pie but without the hassle of a crust. My kids often leave the crust on the plate, so this is a great option for them!

    Gluten-Free Option: This is a great way to include the members of your family who eat gluten-free or have celiac disease. Same great taste, just no crust.

    Just Enough Sweetness: It’s sweet enough to satisfy but not overly rich. You can enjoy it after a big meal and not feel sick.

    Ingredients in Crustless Pumpkin Pie

    Skip the time consuming crust and go straight to the good stuff. This crustless pumpkin pie recipe is fabulous when you need a fuss free dessert that tastes great. For exact measurements, scroll to the bottom of the post!

    Granulated Sugar: Makes the pie perfectly sweet!

    Cornstarch: This key ingredient makes sure each slice stays intact without becoming gummy or jelly like.

    Ground Cinnamon: Enhances the pumpkin flavor and adds a layer of warmth.

    Salt: Adds depth and complexity to the taste.

    Ground Ginger: For a hint of spicy warmth.

    Ground Cloves: Cloves have a distinct, slightly sweet, peppery flavor that brings rich depth to the pie.

    Large Eggs: Two large eggs are essential for the right texture and structure.

    Canned Pumpkin Puree: The star ingredient, bringing that rich, earthy flavor and smooth texture that makes it a fall favorite. 

    Evaporated Milk: Adds richness without making the pie taste too heavy.

    Easy Crustless Pumpkin Pie Recipe

    This crustless pumpkin pie recipe only takes 5 minutes to prep. It’s as simple as mix, bake, and enjoy! It’s an easy dessert that brings all the cozy, comfortable flavors of traditional pumpkin pie minus the extra effort.

    Prep: Preheat the oven to 325 degrees Fahrenheit. Spray a 9-inch pie pan with pan spray; I use a flour based baking spray to help prevent sticking. Add the sugar, cornstarch, cinnamon, salt, ginger, and cloves to a large bowl and whisk until combined.

    Whisk: Add the eggs, pumpkin, and evaporated milk to the sugar mixture and whisk until smooth and evenly combined. Alternatively, add all the ingredients to a large blender and blend on high for about 20 seconds until fully combined.

    Bake and Chill: Add the pumpkin pie mixture to the prepared pie dish. Bake for 50-60 minutes, or until the very center has a slight wobble and the edges are fully set when slightly jiggled. Let the pie cool for at least an hour before chilling in the fridge for at least 4 hours before serving. Top with whipped cream, if desired.

    My Best Tips for Crustless Pumpkin Pie

    Making a pumpkin pie without the crust is a fantastic way to simplify your baking while still making an amazing dessert. Here are some tips so it turns out perfectly!

    Use Pumpkin Puree: Be sure to use pure pumpkin puree, not pumpkin pie filling! The cans look very similar, so make sure.

    Homemade Pumpkin Puree: You can use homemade pumpkin puree. Just be aware that sometimes the water content is a bit higher. If necessary, cook your pumpkin puree on the stovetop over medium-low heat while stirring frequently to cook out some of the excess water.

    Spices: You can use two teaspoons of pumpkin pie spice instead of the cinnamon, ginger, and nutmeg.

    Amount of Cornstarch: 3 tablespoons of cornstarch might sound like a lot, but it is what helps give this pie structure that will hold up to being sliced and served. Don’t worry. The result is not gummy or jelly-like in texture! It’s a delicious custard and slices beautifully.

    Extra Pie Filling: If you find you have a little extra pie filling that you can’t fit in the pie pan before putting it in the oven, let the pie bake for 10-15 minutes before carefully spooning the remaining filling into the center of the pie while it is in the oven.

    Place on a Baking Sheet: I find that placing the pie pan on a baking sheet helps stabilize it and catches any mess, should there be any spillovers (but there shouldn’t be with this pie!)

    How to Store Leftover Pumpkin Pie

    This pie can be made a day or two in advance and be refrigerated until needed. It tastes even better as the flavors meld, making it perfect for holiday prep.

    Fridge: Crustless pumpkin pie can be kept in the fridge for up to 7 days. Cover with plastic wrap or store in an airtight container.

    Freezer: You can freeze this pie after it has been chilled. Wrap it tightly in 2-3 layers of plastic wrap, followed by a layer of heavy-duty aluminum foil. Freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before serving.

    More Thanksgiving Pie Recipes

    Thanksgiving dinner wouldn’t be complete without pie! We bring back the classics every year, but I always like trying something new. Here are some of my family’s favorites to add to your traditional pies.

    Pecan Pie Cheesecake

    8 hrs 40 mins

    Best Ever Dutch Apple Pie

    1 hr 30 mins

    Crack Pie

    6 hrs 8 mins

    No-Bake Chocolate Pie

    6 hrs 30 mins

    Print

    Crustless Pumpkin Pie

    Crustless pumpkin pie has rich spices, creamy pumpkin, and a perfectly smooth texture. The custard holds its shape beautifully. Whether you’re keeping things simple or exploring a gluten-free option, this pie gives all the nostalgic vibes of the classic.
    Course Dessert, holiday
    Cuisine American
    Keyword Crustless Pumpkin Pie, homemade pumpkin pie, Thanksgiving pumpkin pie
    Prep Time 5 minutes minutes
    Cook Time 1 hour hour
    cooling time 5 hours hours
    Total Time 6 hours hours 5 minutes minutes
    Servings 8 servings
    Calories 176kcal
    Author Alyssa Rivers

    Ingredients

    ¾ cup granulated sugar3 tablespoons cornstarch1 teaspoon ground cinnamon½ teaspoon salt½ teaspoon ground ginger¼ teaspoon ground cloves2 large eggs slightly beaten1 (15-ounce) can pumpkin puree1 (12-ounce) can evaporated milk

    Instructions

    Preheat the oven to 325 degrees Fahrenheit and spray a 9-inch pie pan with pan spray, preferably a baking spray with flour in it to help prevent sticking.
    Add the sugar, cornstarch, cinnamon, salt, ginger, and cloves to a large bowl and whisk until combined.
    Add the eggs, pumpkin, and evaporated milk to the sugar mixture and whisk until smooth and evenly combined. Alternatively, add all the ingredients to a large blender at the same time and blend on high speed for about 20 seconds, until fully combined.
    Add the pumpkin pie mixture to the prepared pie pan and bake for 50-60 minutes, until the very center has a slight wobble and the edges are fully set when slightly jiggled. Let the pie cool for at least an hour before chilling in the refrigerator for at least 4 hours before serving. Top with whipped cream, if desired.

    Nutrition

    Calories: 176kcal | Carbohydrates: 30g | Protein: 5g | Fat: 4g | Saturated Fat: 2g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 0.3g | Monounsaturated Fat: 1g | Trans Fat: 0.004g | Cholesterol: 53mg | Sodium: 209mg | Potassium: 257mg | Fiber: 2g | Sugar: 25g | Vitamin A: 8434IU | Vitamin C: 3mg | Calcium: 134mg | Iron: 1mg
  • Giblet Gravy

    Giblet gravy is a labor of love, but the flavor is unmatched! Using the turkey’s neck, gizzard, heart, liver, and drippings, you can make the best gravy you’ve ever had! It will be the perfect complement to your holiday turkey dinner.

    Reasons You’ll Love This Recipe

    Tradition: My grandma used to make giblet gravy, and it seriously had the best flavor. I was so excited to introduce this to my kids and now you!

    Flavor: This gravy has a rich, savory depth of flavor that you can only get using the turkey’s giblets.

    Versatile: Your next Thanksgiving feast will reach a whole new level when you combine this giblet gravy with mashed potatoes, stuffing, and turkey.

    Ingredients Needed for Giblet Gravy

    The ingredients list is full of pantry staples, minus the giblets. Your guests will be thanking you when they have the best gravy they’ve ever had! Scroll to the bottom of the post for exact measurements.

    Giblets (neck, liver, heart, gizzard): The star of the recipe. Each piece adds a complex depth of flavor and texture that enhances the overall gravy.

    Butter: Used to cook the vegetables and adds the best richness to the gravy.

    Onion: Adds sweetness and a depth of savory flavor.

    Celery: Gives the gravy an aromatic earthiness.

    Carrots: Provides a touch of sweetness that helps balance the savory.

    Garlic: Enhances the overall savory depth in the recipe.

    Fresh Herbs: Fresh sprigs of Rosemary and Thyme elevate the gravy with their natural herbaceous notes.

    Chicken Broth: The base for the giblets to simmer in and create an incredible gravy.

    Flour: Helps thicken the gravy.

    Salt and Black Pepper: To Taste!

    Turkey Pan Drippings: This is essential for getting the maximum depth of flavor.

    Old Fashioned Giblet Gravy Recipe

    Making this gravy is a labor of love, but it is totally worth it in the end. You won’t believe the depth of flavor and richness that gravy from turkey drippings gets when you also add the giblets.

    Broth

    Brown Giblets: Add the butter to a large pot and melt over medium-high heat. Then add the giblets and sear until brown on all sides.

    Sauté: Stir in the onion, celery, and carrot and cook until tender, 3-4 minutes.

    Simmer: Add the garlic and sprigs of herbs. Pour the chicken broth over the vegetables and bring to a boil. Reduce to low and let simmer for 2 hours or while the turkey cooks.

    Strain and Dice: Strain the broth and remove the giblets. Set the broth aside. Remove the meat from the neck and finely dice the heart, liver, gizzard, and neck meat. Set the diced giblets aside.

    Giblet Gravy

    Deglaze the Drippings: Remove the turkey from your roasting pan. Place the roasting pan over medium-high heat and allow the drippings to deglaze. 

    Whisk: Add the flour and whisk into the drippings until lumps have dissolved. If needed, whisk in 1 cup of reserved giblet broth. 

    Combine: Stir in the diced giblet pieces and continue to whisk for another minute.

    Heat: Pour in the remaining giblet broth, skimming off any large pieces of fat. Whisk and heat the gravy until you reach the desired gravy consistency. 

    Season and Serve: Season with salt and pepper to taste and serve warm alongside your Thanksgiving turkey dinner!

    Giblet Gravy Tips and Tricks

    Here are a few tips to ensure your gravy turns out. Be patient. You’ve got this!

    Plan Ahead: I recommend making the giblet broth at least 1 day in advance! Once your turkey is thawed, remove the giblets and neck so you can start on the broth. Store the broth and diced giblets in the fridge so you can quickly make the gravy as soon as the turkey drippings are ready!

    Flour Substitute: Use cornstarch in place of the flour if you prefer.

    Smooth Gravy: For a smoother gravy consistency without giblet pieces, use a regular blender or an emulsion blender to reach the desired consistency.

    Storing Leftover Gravy

    Giblet gravy is a labor of love, so you’ll want to devour every last drop! It can easily be stored and enjoyed later with all the Thanksgiving leftovers.

    In the Refrigerator: Store in an airtight container for 3-4 days.

    To Reheat: Reheat over the stove on medium heat when ready to serve. Or pop individual servings in the microwave and rewarm in 30-second increments until heated.

    In the Freezer: Transfer this to a freezer bag or other freezer-safe container and store it for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before you reheat it.

    More Thanksgiving Sides to Try

    3 Ingredient Candied Sweet Potatoes

    55 mins

    Lion House Rolls

    3 hrs 50 mins

    The Easiest Cranberry Sauce

    15 mins

    Roasted Autumn Vegetable Stuffing

    1 hr 10 mins

    Print

    Gilblet Gravy

    Giblet gravy is a labor of love, but the flavor is unmatched! Using the turkey’s neck, gizzard, heart, liver, and drippings, you can make the best gravy you’ve ever had! It will be the perfect complement to your holiday turkey dinner.
    Course Dinner, Sauce
    Cuisine American
    Keyword giblet gravy recipe, homemade gravy, pan gravy, turkey giblet gravy, Turkey gravy
    Prep Time 10 minutes minutes
    Cook Time 10 minutes minutes
    Simmer the Broth 2 hours hours
    Total Time 2 hours hours 20 minutes minutes
    Servings 8 people
    Calories 59kcal
    Author Alyssa Rivers

    Ingredients

    giblets (neck, liver, heart, gizzard)2 tablespoons butter½ cup diced onion½ cup diced celery½ cup diced carrots3 garlic cloves2 sprigs of rosemary2 sprigs thyme5 cups chicken broth¼ cup floursalt and pepperdrippings from 12-20 pound turkey

    Instructions

    Giblet Broth

    Add the butter to a large pot and melt over medium-high heat. Then add the giblets and sear until brown on all sides.
    Stir in the onion, celery, and carrot and cook until tender, 3-4 minutes.
    Add the garlic and sprigs of herbs. Pour the broth over the vegetables and bring to a boil. Reduce to low and let simmer for 2 hours or while the turkey cooks.
    Strain the broth and remove the giblets. Set the broth aside. Remove the meat from the neck and finely dice the heart, liver, gizzard, and neck meat. Set the diced giblets aside.

    Make the Gravy

    Remove the turkey from your roasting pan. Place the roasting pan over medium-high heat and allow the drippings to deglaze.
    Add the flour and whisk it into the drippings until any lumps have dissolved. Whisk in 1 cup of reserved giblet broth if needed.
    Stir in the diced giblet pieces and continue to whisk for another minute.
    Whisk in the remaining giblet broth, skimming off any large pieces of fat. Whisk and heat the gravy until you reach the desired gravy consistency.
    Season with salt and pepper to taste and serve warm over your Thanksgiving turkey dinner!

    Nutrition

    Calories: 59kcal | Carbohydrates: 6g | Protein: 2g | Fat: 3g | Saturated Fat: 2g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 0.2g | Monounsaturated Fat: 1g | Trans Fat: 0.1g | Cholesterol: 10mg | Sodium: 579mg | Potassium: 96mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 2g | Vitamin A: 1475IU | Vitamin C: 2mg | Calcium: 19mg | Iron: 0.4mg
  • Weekly Meal Plan #26

    This weeks meal plan has some great flavors! I know that huli huli chicken is traditionally grilled but I added in my baked huli huli chicken recipe to this weeks plan that you can bake all year long! Huli huli chicken is one of my top loved recipes on the site!! You have to try it!

    What’s on the Menu?

    Need some easy, tasty meals for the week? This meal plan has you covered! This week’s meals are quick to prep, full of flavor, and sure to keep dinnertime stress-free. Ready for more meal ideas? Click here to check out more weekly meal plans!

    Monday: Cowboy Spaghetti

    Tuesday: Crispy Garlic Chicken with Asparagus

    Wednesday: Pork Fajitas

    Thursday: Tomato Basil Soup

    Friday: Baked Huli Huli Chicken

    How Many Does it Feed?

    This free weekly meal plan is just what you need to get your week started. It provides five meals that will feed 4-6 (depending on if you are feeding adults or kids), AND it includes a shopping list! With fresh new ideas and easy-to-make recipes, having a weekly menu plan will be a lifesaver.

    Cowboy Spaghetti

    4 from 3 votes
    Upgrade your spaghetti with some cowboy fixings: sliced jalapenos, bacon, shredded cheddar cheese, and rotel tomatoes! It’s a hearty American version of a classic dish that everyone will love!

    View Recipe

    Crispy Garlic Chicken with Asparagus

    5 from 6 votes
    Crispy Garlic Chicken with Asparagus is an easy 30 minute meal with crispy breaded chicken and crisp and tender asparagus. This is a family favorite meal!

    View Recipe

    Pork Fajitas

    These easy pork fajitas are bursting with all your favorite Mexican flavors! The lean pork, fresh peppers and onions, fajita seasonings, and soft tortillas will have you coming back for more!

    View Recipe

    Tomato Basil Soup

    4.34 from 15 votes
    Tomato basil soup is a healthy classic that’s simple to make from scratch and full of flavor! It only takes just over half an hour. The whole family will enjoy it as the temperatures drop and the evenings become crisper.

    View Recipe

    Baked Huli Huli Chicken

    5 from 1 vote
    Baked Huli Huli chicken is a tried and true recipe now made in the oven! Tender chicken baked in a sweet and savory sauce. This easy one-pan dinner is full of Hawaiian-inspired flavors!

    View Recipe

    Why Should I Meal Plan? 

    If you haven’t tried planning your meals ahead of time, this is going to be a game-changer for you! Here’s why I swear by meal planning:

    Time Saver: No more 4:00 PM panic about dinner. With a menu plan, you know exactly what’s on the menu, what you need, and how long it takes to cook.

    Money Saver: Prepare to be amazed – meal planning works wonders for your wallet. When you organize your shopping list for the week, then you’ll easily spot opportunities to buy in bulk and creatively repurpose leftovers for future meals. It’s a clever approach that keeps more money in your pocket.

    Bye-Bye Takeout: When your dinners are planned ahead of time and groceries are stocked, you’re less likely to hit the drive-thru. Because you are cooking at home, that means more savings and healthier eating. Win-win!

    Side Dishes for Dinner

    Cranberry Jello Salad

    4 hrs 5 mins

    Bao Buns

    2 hrs

    Corn Pudding

    1 hr

    Million Dollar Mashed Potatoes

    8 hrs 55 mins

    My weekly meal plans always include a printable shopping list that is measured out and ready to go. It makes things so easy!

    Storing Leftovers for Meal Planning

    I only meal plan Monday-Friday because we sometimes have plans over the weekend or I have leftovers that we can have to finish off the week! If you do have leftovers, make sure to store them properly in an airtight container in your fridge.

  • One-Pan Marry Me Chicken Orzo

    Win everyone over with One-Pan Marry Me Chicken Orzo! The recipe features tender chicken breasts cooked with orzo pasta in the most irresistible, creamy, sun-dried tomato sauce. It’s quick to make and never disappoints!

    Reasons You’ll Love This Recipe

    Simple to Prepare: No complicated methods with this recipe! Everything comes together in one pan with very little effort.

    Loaded with Flavor: This meal is so flavorful and has the most wonderful texture. It will make you feel like you are eating at a fancy restaurant!

    A Family Favorite: Both kids and adults will love this dish! It’s one that you’ll make again and again.

    Minimal Cleanup: Cooking everything in one pan means less mess, and cleanup is a breeze.

    Ingredients in This One-Pan Dish

    This Marry Me Chicken Orzo recipe puts a delicious twist on the classic Marry Me Chicken. Each component makes this one-pan meal taste amazing. From well-seasoned chicken pieces to hearty orzo and a sauce that bursts with Tuscan flavors. See the recipe card at the bottom of the post for exact measurements.

    Chicken: You’ll need boneless skinless chicken breasts cut into 1-inch pieces.

    Salt & Pepper: Enhances all of the flavors.

    Olive Oil: For cooking the chicken.

    Garlic: Freshly minced garlic provides depth and complexity.

    Seasonings: A blend of paprika and dried Italian seasoning gives this dish a fabulous flavor.

    Sun-Dried Tomatoes: Chopped sun-dried tomatoes add a sweet and tangy taste to every bite.

    Orzo: This is a type of pasta that resembles grains of rice but is a tad bit bigger. You can find orzo in the pasta aisle of your local grocery store. 

    Chicken Broth: This will create the savory base of the sauce.

    Half and Half: Makes the sauce super creamy and rich.

    Parmesan Cheese: Adds cheesy, nutty goodness! I recommend using freshly grated cheese if possible.

    Fresh Basil: Finishes the dish with color and herbal notes.

    Marry Me Chicken Orzo Recipe

    There’s a new Marry Me Chicken recipe in town, and this version with Orzo is sure to be a hit! It comes together so easily in one pan.

    Cook: Season the chicken pieces with salt and pepper. In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the chicken and cook for 6-8 minutes until the chicken is cooked through and no longer pink.

    Stir: Add the garlic, paprika, Italian seasoning, and sundried tomatoes. Stir and cook for 2 minutes to infuse all the flavors.

    Simmer: Stir in the dry orzo pasta and chicken broth, then bring to a boil. Lower the heat to a simmer, then cover with a lid and cook for 10-12 minutes or until the orzo has softened.

    Combine: Pour in the half-and-half and stir to combine. The orzo will absorb the liquid quickly, so add more if needed. 

    Melt and Wilt: Add the grated parmesan cheese and fresh basil, then stir to melt the cheese and wilt the basil. Season with additional salt and black pepper, if needed. Serve immediately!

    Marry Me Orzo Tips and Variations

    Use these simple tips and tricks to make sure your creamy Marry Me Chicken Orzo turns out perfectly!

    Half-and-Half: I found half-and-half or milk to be perfect in this recipe. As orzo pasta cooks, it helps to thicken the sauce. I didn’t think heavy cream was necessary for thickening, but feel free to use it for an extra-rich creamy sauce. Add a splash of half-and-half if the orzo absorbs too much of the liquid.

    Basil: Marry me inspired recipes are known for using basil. But, feel free to use spinach or arugula if you prefer! The added green is so pretty in this dish.

    Make it Spicy: Garnish with red pepper flakes before serving if you love heat like I do!

    Pan Size: Make sure your skillet is large enough to handle all the ingredients. The beauty of this recipe is that it’s a one pan dinner!

    Serve With: This dish is good enough to stand on its own. You could also make some broccoli, green beans, or asparagus on the side for your vegetable.

    How to Store Leftovers

    If you’re lucky enough to have leftovers, they will keep for a few days and are great heated up for lunch, making it great for meal prep.

    Fridge: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. I don’t recommend freezing.

    To Reheat: Heat individual potions in the microwave until warmed through. Add a splash of milk before warming if the orzo pasta has absorbed too much of the liquid.

    More Amazing “Marry Me” Recipes

    Marry Me Salmon

    30 mins

    Marry Me Shrimp Pasta

    30 mins

    Creamy Tuscan Dip (Marry Me Dip)

    10 mins

    Marry Me Chicken Pasta

    30 mins

    Print

    Marry Me Chicken Orzo

    Win everyone over with One-Pan Marry Me Chicken Orzo! The recipe features tender chicken breasts cooked with orzo pasta in the most irresistible, creamy, sun-dried tomato sauce. It’s quick to make and never disappoints!
    Course Dinner, Main Course
    Cuisine American
    Keyword creamy orzo pasta, marry me chicken orzo recipe, marry me orzo
    Prep Time 15 minutes minutes
    Cook Time 25 minutes minutes
    Total Time 40 minutes minutes
    Servings 4 people
    Calories 636kcal
    Author Alyssa Rivers

    Ingredients

    pounds boneless skinless chicken cut into 1-inch pieces½ teaspoon salt¼ teaspoon pepper1 tablespoon olive oil2 teaspoons garlic, minced1 teaspoon paprika2 teaspoons dried Italian seasoning1 cup sun-dried tomatoes, drained and chopped1 cup dry orzo pasta cups chicken broth1 cup half-and-half, more if needed1 cup grated parmesan cheese½ cup fresh basil, chopped

    Instructions

    Season the chicken pieces with salt and pepper. In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the chicken and cook for 6-8 minutes until the chicken is cooked through and no longer pink.
    Add the garlic, paprika, Italian seasoning, and sun-dried tomatoes. Stir and cook for 2 minutes to infuse all the flavors.
    Stir in the orzo pasta and chicken broth, then bring to a boil. Lower the heat to a simmer and cover the skillet with a lid. Cook for 10-12 minutes or until the orzo has softened.
    Pour in the half-and-half and stir to combine. The orzo will absorb the liquid quickly, so add more if needed.
    Add the grated parmesan cheese and fresh basil. Stir to melt the cheese and wilt the basil. Season with additional salt and pepper, if needed. Serve immediately!

    Nutrition

    Calories: 636kcal | Carbohydrates: 51g | Protein: 55g | Fat: 24g | Saturated Fat: 10g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 2g | Monounsaturated Fat: 8g | Trans Fat: 0.02g | Cholesterol: 155mg | Sodium: 1540mg | Potassium: 1849mg | Fiber: 5g | Sugar: 15g | Vitamin A: 1147IU | Vitamin C: 14mg | Calcium: 364mg | Iron: 4mg
  • Cranberry Jello Salad

    Cranberry Jello Salad is the best combination of tart, tangy, and sweet! It’s similar to cranberry sauce but a little sweeter from the jello with undertones of orange and pineapple. Add it to your holiday spread and watch it disappear!

    Reasons You’ll Love This Recipe

    Easy to Make: No baking or complicated techniques are needed to whip up this simple recipe. You’ll just need to mix, chill, and enjoy!

    Looks So Festive: Cranberry Jello Salad has the most gorgeous presentation. Top it with whipped cream, orange zest, and fresh cranberries. It will make a beautiful addition to your holiday table!

    Perfect for the Holidays: Your Thanksgiving dinner must have at least one cranberry recipe! The sweet, tart flavors taste amazing and will go so well with your savory ham, turkey, and stuffing.

    What’s in Cranberry Jello Salad?

    You’ll only need six simple ingredients for this cranberry jello salad recipe. They come together to make something delicious. Check out the recipe card at the bottom of the post for all of the exact measurements.

    Cranberry Jello: You’ll need two (3-ounce) packages of cranberry flavored gelatin. It’s the perfect base to add flavor to the salad while holding everything together.

    Boiling Water: Dissolves the jello powder.

    Can Cranberry Sauce: Whole berry cranberry sauce will give this dish plenty of texture. It will also really make the cranberry flavor shine through.

    Can Crushed Pineapple: Use canned crushed pineapple for sweet-tart flavor and to ensure that your Jell-O salad sets properly.

    Citrus Zest: A combination of orange and lemon zest will really make the flavors pop!

    How to Make Cranberry Jell-O Salad

    Cranberry jello salad comes together in just two simple steps. All you need is 5 minutes of prep and time to let it set. This fruity, festive dessert or side dish will be so beautiful at your next Thanksgiving or Christmas dinner.

    Mix: Add the jello and boiling water to a large bowl and mix until the jello is completely dissolved.

    Stir and Chill: Stir in whole cranberry sauce, crushed pineapple, and orange and lemon zest. Pour the mixture into a large serving bowl. Cover and chill in the fridge for at least 4 hours before serving.

    Helpful Tips and Variations

    Here are some helpful tips and slight variations to make this cranberry jello salad exactly how you like!

    Make it Creamy: If you want a creamy cranberry jello salad, Add ½ cup of sweetened condensed milk.

    Other Flavors: Cranberry jello is a seasonal item, so it might be hard to find outside of the holiday season. Instead of cranberry, you can use cherry, raspberry, or strawberry jello, or even orange gelatin.

    Extra Add-Ins: Try adding ½ cup of toasted pecans or chopped walnuts, 1 cup of mini marshmallows, or both!

    Use Canned Pineapple: Make sure you use canned pineapple and not fresh pineapple. There is an enzyme in fresh pineapple that prevents gelatin from becoming firm. So, your salad will never set up if you use fresh!

    For Less Pineapple Flavor: Drain the pineapple juice if you’d like a little less pineapple flavor. If you do this, you will need to increase the boiling water amount to 2 cups.

    Topping: Garnish with whipped cream or whipped topping and a dusting of orange zest on top for a little added flare!

    How to Store Jello Salad Leftovers

    This is a great side to volunteer to make for Thanksgiving. It’s super simple, and you can make it ahead of time. I’m all about low stress during the holidays.

    Fridge: This is a great make-ahead dish! You can prepare it up to 3 days before serving it. It will stay good, covered in the fridge for up to 7 days.

    Freeze: Because gelatin doesn’t freeze well, this cranberry jello salad cannot be frozen.

    More Cranberry Recipes for the Holidays

    Cranberry is the fruit of the season! From sweet to savory, I absolutely love cranberry recipes this time of year. Not only do they look bright and festive, but they have a wonderful sweet, tart, tangy flavor!

    Cranberry Cheesecake Fluff

    4 hrs 10 mins

    Cranberry Orange Cheesecake

    8 hrs 20 mins

    Cranberry Pecan Brie Bites

    20 mins

    Creamy Cranberry Bars

    45 mins

    Print

    Cranberry Jello Salad

    Cranberry Jello Salad is the best combination of tart, tangy, sweet! It’s similar to cranberry sauce but a little sweeter from the jello with undertones of orange and pineapple. Add it to your holiday spread and watch it disappear!
    Course Appetizer, Side Dish
    Cuisine American
    Keyword Cranberry Jello, Cranberry Jello Salad, Cranberry pineapple jello salad, thanksgiving jello salad
    Prep Time 5 minutes minutes
    chill time 4 hours hours
    Total Time 4 hours hours 5 minutes minutes
    Servings 8 servings
    Calories 124kcal
    Author Alyssa Rivers

    Ingredients

    2 (3-ounce) packages cranberry flavored gelatin1 ½ cups boiling water1 (14-ounce) can cranberry sauce, whole berry1 (20-ounce) can crushed pineapple, not drained2 tablespoons orange zest1 tablespoon lemon zest

    Instructions

    Add the jello and boiling water to a large bowl and mix until the jello is completely dissolved.
    Stir in the cranberry sauce, crushed pineapple, and orange and lemon zest.
    Pour the jello mixture into a large serving bowl, cover, and chill in the refrigerator for at least 4 hours before serving.

    Nutrition

    Calories: 124kcal | Carbohydrates: 32g | Protein: 1g | Fat: 0.2g | Saturated Fat: 0.01g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 0.04g | Monounsaturated Fat: 0.01g | Sodium: 7mg | Potassium: 106mg | Fiber: 2g | Sugar: 26g | Vitamin A: 63IU | Vitamin C: 10mg | Calcium: 18mg | Iron: 0.4mg