Category: Uncategorized

  • No Peek Pork Chops and Rice

    No Peek Pork Chops and Rice is comfort food at its best! Creamy, savory rice and tender pork chops are baked together in the same pan with less than 10 minutes of prep. This dish is a go-to for busy weeknights and is perfect when you need a tasty meal without much hassle!

    Reasons You’ll Love This Recipe

    One-Pan Recipe: You will love how convenient this is to make and serve because everything bakes in one big dish. As an added plus, you can easily transport it to potlucks and family gatherings, and clean-up is a breeze. 

    Budget-Friendly: Everything comes together with just 7 key ingredients, and most of them are inexpensive pantry staples.

    Family-Friendly: This simple pork and rice dish is one of my favorite meals to prepare for my family. Everyone enjoys it because it’s so warm and cozy and tastes amazing!

    Ingredients for No Peek Pork Chops and Rice

    This pork chops and rice recipe only requires simple ingredients that are easy to find at your local grocery store. No need to pre-cook the pork chops or the rice! It all cooks together for a warm, comforting meal! Find the measurements below in the recipe card.

    Pork Chops: You’ll need 4 large boneless pork chops for this recipe.

    Rice: The rice will conveniently cook with the pork chops, so there’s no need to cook it ahead of time.

    Mushroom Soup: You can use store-bought, or you can try making this delicious homemade cream of mushroom soup.

    Cream of Chicken Soup: You can use store-bought, or you can try making this delicious homemade cream of chicken soup.

    Chicken Broth: Adds flavor and moisture.

    Italian Seasoning: You can use store-bought or make your own homemade Italian seasoning.

    Salt and Pepper: Brings all the flavors together.

    Onion Soup Mix: This adds herbs and spices to give the pork savory flavor. Try making your own blend for the best flavor possible!

    No Peek Pork Chops and Rice Recipe

    Besides putting all your ingredients in a pan, the only extra step is to stir together the rice with the sauce. This recipe could not be easier!

    Prep: Preheat the oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit. Grease a 13 x 9 x 2-inch baking dish with nonstick spray. In a medium-sized bowl add the rice, cream of mushroom, cream of chicken, chicken broth, and dry onion soup mix. 

    Make the Rice Mixture: Stir the rice and sauce ingredients together until smooth and combined. Pour the mixture into the prepared baking dish.

    Add Pork Chops: Place the pork chops on top of rice mixture and season with Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. 

    Bake: Cover dish with aluminum foil and bake for 1 hour or until the pork is cooked through and no longer pink. No peeking!

    Tips for the Perfect Pork Chops and Rice Dinner

    This no peek pork chops and rice dish makes the perfect family dinner! It’s one of those meals that your family will request again and again! Here are some of my top tips, so it’s absolutely perfect!

    Don’t Peek: This dish is covered with foil while it bakes. Be sure to keep it covered, so it has time to steam under the foil. However, it is okay to lift it up at the end of cooking, so you can check the temperature of the pork.

    Pork Temperature: All raw pork chops should be cooked to a minimum internal temperature of 145°F as measured with a food thermometer before removing meat from the heat source.

    Chicken: In the mood for chicken? Try my No Peek Chicken and Rice recipe next!

    Serving Suggestions: Don’t forget to make a few sides to go with this delicious meal! A few of my tried and true favorites are this asparagus, these yummy smashed Brussels sprouts and these super easy 1-hour dinner rolls!

    Storing and Reheating Leftovers

    This No Peek Pork Chops and Rice makes incredible leftovers! The flavors get even tastier the next day. Follow my instructions below for storing and reheating leftovers. 

    In the Refrigerator: Stored in the refrigerator, leftovers will last for 3-4 days. Store in an airtight container for the best results!

    To Reheat: Reheat any leftovers in the microwave until warmed through. Add a splash of chicken broth to help moisten the rice if needed. I don’t recommend reheating leftovers in the oven because it will dry out quickly.

    More Delicious Pork Recipes

    If you’re looking for more easy pork recipes, we’ve got you covered! Here are some of my favorite pork recipes that cook up quickly and my family will gladly eat. They’re all so simple, yet so tasty!

    Pork Schnitzel

    35 mins

    Pork Katsu

    30 mins

    Pork Enchiladas

    40 mins

    French Onion Pork Chops

    1 hr 20 mins

    Print

    No Peek Pork Chops and Rice

    No Peek Pork Chops and Rice is comfort food at its best! Creamy, savory rice and tender pork chops are baked together in the same pan with less than 10 minutes of prep. This dish is a go-to for busy weeknights and perfect when you need a tasty meal without much hassle!
    Course Dinner
    Cuisine American
    Keyword easy, no peek pork chops and rice, no peek pork chops and rice recipe, one pan recipe, pork chops and rice
    Prep Time 10 minutes minutes
    Cook Time 1 hour hour
    Total Time 1 hour hour 10 minutes minutes
    Servings 4 people
    Calories 548kcal
    Author Alyssa Rivers

    Ingredients

    4 large boneless pork chops, about 1-inch thickness2 cups long grain rice, uncooked1 (10-ounce) can cream of mushroom soup1 (10-ounce) can cream of chicken soup1 (14-ounce) can chicken broth1 teaspoon Italian seasoningsalt and pepper, to taste1 envelope onion soup mix

    Instructions

    Preheat the oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit. Grease a 13 x 9 x 2-inch baking pan.
    In a medium-sized bowl add the rice, cream of mushroom, cream of chicken, chicken broth, and onion soup mix.
    Stir the rice and sauce ingredients together until smooth and combined.
    Pour the mixture into the prepared baking pan.
    Place the pork chops on top of the rice mixture and season with Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper.
    Cover with aluminum foil and bake for 1 hour or until the pork is cooked throughout and no longer pink. No Peeking!

    Nutrition

    Calories: 548kcal | Carbohydrates: 74g | Protein: 36g | Fat: 10g | Saturated Fat: 3g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 1g | Monounsaturated Fat: 4g | Trans Fat: 0.1g | Cholesterol: 90mg | Sodium: 94mg | Potassium: 615mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 0.1g | Vitamin A: 14IU | Vitamin C: 0.02mg | Calcium: 44mg | Iron: 2mg
  • Harry Potter Pumpkin Juice

    This Harry Potter Pumpkin Juice will transport you to a magical ride on the Hogwarts Express or eating lunch with your friends in the great hall. Bursting with warm, cozy fall flavor, you will love feeling part of the wizarding world of Harry Potter with this magical drink.

    Reasons You’ll Love This Recipe

    Simple and Easy to Make: This recipe only uses six ingredients and comes together with very little effort. If it was a potion, you could whip this up easily without needing the Half Blood Prince!

    Festive Fall Drink: Serve this at all your fall parties or anytime you’re in the mood for that wonderful pumpkin flavor!

    It’s a Harry Potter Classic: Fans of Harry Potter will love this magical drink! Serve this and my butterbeer next time you have a Harry Potter movie marathon!

    What’s in Pumpkin Juice?

    You only need six simple ingredients to make this Harry Potter pumpkin juice! It’s so simple, yet it tastes so good and will have everyone raving! For all measurements, check out the recipe card below.

    Pumpkin: Use canned pumpkin puree or try making homemade pumpkin puree.

    Water: This will cook with the pumpkin and sugar to create a sweetened pumpkin liquid.

    Granulated Sugar: For the perfect sweetness.

    Pumpkin Spice: Enhances the overall flavor with cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, and allspice. You can use store-bought or try my homemade pumpkin spice recipe.

    Apple Juice: Adds extra flavor that complements the pumpkin puree and spices while giving it just the right consistency.

    Vanilla Extract: Boosts the warm, sweet taste.

    How to Make Pumpkin Juice

    Making this Harry Potter pumpkin juice recipe could not be easier! You can use a juicer, which is convenient but unnecessary. Follow my instructions below, and you’ll be immersed in the magical world and feel like you are best friends with Harry, Hermione, and Ron!

    Make Pumpkin Mixture: Combine the pumpkin puree, water, sugar, and pumpkin pie spice in a medium saucepan.

    Cook: Cook over medium-low heat for about 10 minutes, stirring frequently. Let the pumpkin mixture cool while you prepare your straining station.

    Strain: Place 2-3 layers of cheesecloth inside a fine mesh strainer, leaving plenty of overhang. Place the strainer on top of a bowl or measuring cup to catch the strained liquid. Once cooled, add ¼-⅓ of the pumpkin mixture to the straining station. Use a large metal spoon to stir the pumpkin, pressing it into the cheesecloth until as much liquid as possible is strained into the vessel below. 

    Discard Pulp: Alternatively, you can gently squeeze the portions of pumpkin in the cheesecloth, being careful not to squeeze too hard. You want the transparent liquid to come out of the pumpkin, not any of the actual pumpkin pulp. Discard any remaining pulp before moving on to the next portion of pumpkin mixture.

    Liquid Amount: You should end up with about 1 ½ cups of liquid.

    Simmer with Apple Juice to Reduce: Wash out the saucepan before adding the strained pumpkin liquid back in. Add the apple juice and vanilla and simmer over low heat until reduced to 4 cups, about 10 minutes. Pour the juice into a storage bottle and let it cool to room temperature before refrigerating. Serve chilled over ice or hot.

    Harry Potter Pumpkin Juice Tips and Tricks

    Even though this recipe is super simple to make, here are some tips and magic tricks to customize it so it’s perfect!

    Homemade Pumpkin Puree: You can use homemade pumpkin puree instead of canned! You may end up with a little more pumpkin liquid, depending on the water content of the pumpkin. To concentrate the pumpkin flavor a little more, boil the liquid on the stove for an extra 5 minutes. Then add the apple juice in step 4

    Straining: The key to getting transparent pumpkin liquid is to work in smaller batches when straining the pumpkin mixture. Overloading the strainer makes it harder to mash the pumpkin without forcing the pulp through.

    Use a Juicer: If you have a juicer, you can run the pumpkin mixture through it to get the pumpkin liquid. It will be like you used a magic wand!

    Sweeten: To change the flavor, you can swap the granulated sugar for brown sugar or real maple syrup.

    Reduce the Sugar: The amount of sugar can be reduced, but I recommend adding ¼-½ cups of water to the pumpkin mixture to replace the liquid that would come from the sugar.

    Fresh Ginger: Spice things up by adding some sliced or grated fresh ginger to the pumpkin mixture as it simmers. This will keep that pumpkin spice flavor while kicking up the heat a notch!

    Storing Leftovers Pumpkin Juice

    I would make a big batch of this juice to last through all of my Harry Potter movie watching. Here is the best way to store it.

    In the Refrigerator: Store leftover pumpkin juice in the refrigerator for up to 7 days.

    In the Freezer: Alternatively, freeze pumpkin juice for up to 3 months.

    Make Ahead: You can prepare the pumpkin liquid ahead of time, but it will only stay fresh in the fridge for up to 7 days. Be sure to either enjoy your pumpkin juice within that time or freeze the liquid until you’re ready to use it.

    Harry Potter Inspired Recipes

    I am such a Harry Potter fan! Everything about this magical world makes me so happy. If you are planning a Harry Potter party, having a movie marathon, or simply want to feel like you are at Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry, here are a few recipes for you to try.

    Butter Beer

    2 mins

    Treacle Tart

    1 hr 30 mins

    Buttery Beer Bread

    1 hr 15 mins

    Pumpkin Cheesecake Snickerdoodles

    1 hr 42 mins

    Print

    Harry Potter Pumpkin Juice

    This Harry Potter Pumpkin Juice will transport you to a magical ride on the Hogwarts Express or eating lunch with your friends in the great hall. Bursting with warm, cozy fall flavor, you will love feeling part of the wizarding world of Harry Potter with this magical drink.
    Course Beverage, Drinks
    Cuisine American
    Keyword Harry Potter Pumpkin Juice, Harry Potter World Pumpkin Juice, Pumpkin Juice, pumpkin juice recipe
    Prep Time 15 minutes minutes
    Cook Time 20 minutes minutes
    Total Time 35 minutes minutes
    Servings 4 servings
    Calories 247kcal
    Author Alyssa Rivers

    Equipment

    Cheesecloth
    Fine mesh strainer

    Ingredients

    1 (15-ounce) can pumpkin puree, about 1 ¾ cups½ cup water cup granulated sugar1 ½ teaspoons pumpkin pie spice4 cups apple juice½ teaspoon vanilla extract

    Instructions

    Combine the pumpkin puree, water, sugar, and pumpkin pie spice in a medium saucepan and cook over medium-low heat for about 10 minutes, stirring frequently. Let the pumpkin mixture cool while you prepare your straining station.
    Place 2-3 layers of cheesecloth inside a fine mesh strainer, leaving plenty of overhang. Place the strainer on top of a bowl or measuring cup to catch the strained liquid.
    Once cooled, add ¼-⅓ of the pumpkin mixture to the straining station. Use a large metal spoon to stir the pumpkin, pressing it into the cheesecloth until as much liquid as possible is strained into the vessel below.
    Alternatively, you can gently squeeze the portions of pumpkin in the cheesecloth, being careful not to squeeze too hard. You want the transparent liquid to come out of the pumpkin, not any of the actual pumpkin pulp. Discard any remaining pulp before moving on to the next portion of pumpkin mixture. You should end up with about 1 ½ cups of liquid.
    Wash out the saucepan before adding the strained pumpkin liquid back to it. Add the apple juice and vanilla and simmer over low heat until reduced to 4 cups, about 10 minutes.
    Pour the juice into a storage bottle and let it cool to room temperature before refrigerating. Serve chilled over ice or hot.

    Nutrition

    Calories: 247kcal | Carbohydrates: 62g | Protein: 0.3g | Fat: 1g | Saturated Fat: 0.1g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 0.1g | Monounsaturated Fat: 0.02g | Sodium: 12mg | Potassium: 257mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 57g | Vitamin A: 43IU | Vitamin C: 2mg | Calcium: 26mg | Iron: 0.5mg
  • Browned Butter Sugar Cookies

    Browned Butter Sugar Cookies are irresistibly thick and chewy with rich flavor, thanks to the addition of browned butter. Even more delicious than the classic, and there’s no need to chill the dough!

    Reasons You’ll Love These Cookies

    Incredible flavor: Browned butter adds a depth of flavor you can’t find in your average sugar cookie recipe. The toasty, nutty taste is beyond delicious!

    Amazing texture: These are true ‘soft-batch’ cookies with sugary, crinkly tops that are thick, chewy, and soft for days. You’re going to be obsessed!

    Great for any occasion:  Everyone loves a good sugar cookie! Bring these to your next party or potluck, or leave a couple out for Santa on Christmas Eve!

    Ingredients to Make Browned Butter Sugar Cookies

    This browned butter sugar cookie recipe requires the same basic ingredients as most cookie recipes. A few extras I like to include to really take this sweet treat to the next level are an egg yolk for major chewiness, cornstarch for a soft texture, and, of course, brown butter for a richer flavor. You can find the measurements below in the recipe card.

    Butter: Browning unsalted butter makes these cookies extra special and enhances the flavor.

    Granulated Sugar: This adds sweetness to the dough and we’re rolling the dough balls in extra sugar to achieve perfect crispy edges!

    Dark Brown Sugar: Adds a warm caramel taste and extra sweetness and creates a chewy texture.

    Egg & Egg Yolk: The egg will help bind the dough together, and the yolk adds chewiness.

    Vanilla: Enhances the warm, sweet flavor. You can use pure vanilla extract or vanilla paste.

    Flour: Use all-purpose flour for the best soft and tender crumb.

    Cornstarch: My secret ingredient for wonderfully pillowy, soft, and thick cookies. 

    Baking Powder: Helps these rise and bake properly.

    Salt: Balances the sweetness and brings all the flavors together.

    How to Make This Brown Butter Cookie Recipe

    The key to these cookies is the rich flavor of brown butter. If you’ve never browned butter before, it can seem intimidating, but it’s easier than you think! Follow these simple steps, and you’ll want to add browned butter to all of your cookie recipes! Try my browned butter chocolate chip cookies next!

    Brown the Butter: Add the butter to a medium saucepan and cook over medium heat for 6-8 minutes, until the butter has melted and turns foamy and fragrant. Keep a close eye on it, as the browning happens quite rapidly towards the end of 6-8 minutes. Remove the butter to a small bowl and let it cool to room temperature. 

    Beat: Preheat the oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit and line 2 baking sheets with parchment paper. Add the browned butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar to a large bowl and beat on high speed with a hand mixer or a stand mixer fitted with the paddle attachment until well combined, about 2-3 minutes. 

    Beat: Add the egg, egg yolk, and vanilla and beat until combined. Scrape down the sides and bottom of the bowl as needed. 

    Combine: In a separate bowl, sift or whisk together the flour, cornstarch, baking powder, and salt. Add the flour mixture to the butter mixture and mix until combined.

    Roll Dough Balls: Use a medium cookie scoop (about 2 ½ tablespoons) to scoop the cookie dough, then roll them into uniform balls with your hands. Roll each ball of dough in a small bowl with ¼ cup of granulated sugar until fully coated.

    Bake: Place the dough on the prepared baking sheets, leaving 2 inches between them. Bake for 11-13 minutes until the edges have set, but the centers still look quite underbaked. Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for 3 minutes before transferring to a cooling rack to finish cooling, as this will continue the baking process.

    Browned Butter Sugar Cookie Tips and Variations

    Here are some of my top tips for browned butter sugar cookies that are perfectly baked and taste fantastic every time!

    Use Unsalted Butter: For better flavor, use unsalted butter since the salt in salted butter varies by brand and can concentrate in the browned bits, affecting taste. Add salt to taste instead.

    Be Patient and Keep Watch: The butter takes a little while to brown, but it does quickly. Keep a close eye on it, even if you think it’s not doing anything. 

    Change Up the Extract: Try adding ¼-½ teaspoon of almond or maple extract to the dough in addition to the vanilla to give a little variation to these cookies.

    Roll in Cinnamon Sugar: Add ½ teaspoon of ground cinnamon to the sugar for rolling the cookie dough to give these cookies a more snickerdoodle-like flavor.

    Don’t Overbake: Take the cookies out when the edges are just set. They’ll look underbaked, but don’t worry—they’ll finish cooking as they cool. Overbaking will leave you with crumbly cookies instead of soft, fluffy ones.

    Freezing and Storing Sugar Cookies

    Make Ahead Browned Butter: You can make browned butter up to 5 days ahead and store it in an airtight container in the fridge. When ready, gently melt in the microwave or on the stovetop, and let it reach room temperature before adding to your cookie dough.

    Make Ahead Cookie Dough: You can prep the cookie dough up to 3 days ahead. Scoop it into portions and store in an airtight container in the fridge, but wait to roll in sugar—refrigerating makes it weep. Let the dough come to room temp before baking, or just add 1-2 minutes if baking chilled.

    Freezing Cookie Dough: You can freeze the scooped cookie dough (before rolling in sugar) for up to 3 months in an airtight container or freezer bag. Thaw in the fridge before baking. Either let it come to room temp or add 1-2 minutes of bake time if baking chilled.

    Storing Leftover Cookies: Baked cookies can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days. I don’t recommend freezing these cookies after being baked, as the sugar coating will begin to weep.

    More Cookie Recipes

    There’s just nothing like biting into a sweet, homemade cookie! Here are some of my other tried and true cookie recipes that your friends and family are sure to enjoy. They’re all so delightful! You can find my full list of cookie recipes here!

    Pistachio Pudding Cookies

    23 mins

    Biscoff Cookies

    1 hr

    Chocolate Pudding Cookies

    18 mins

    Monster Cookies

    26 mins

    Print

    Browned Butter Sugar Cookies

    Browned Butter Sugar Cookies are irresistibly thick and chewy with rich flavor, thanks to the addition of browned butter. Even more delicious than the classic and there’s no need to chill the dough!
    Course Dessert
    Cuisine American
    Keyword brown butter cookies, brown butter desserts, brown butter sugar cookies, Browned Butter Sugar Cookies, christmas cookies, holiday cookies
    Prep Time 20 minutes minutes
    Cook Time 21 minutes minutes
    Total Time 41 minutes minutes
    Servings 24 cookies
    Calories 163kcal
    Author Alyssa Rivers

    Ingredients

    1 cup unsalted butter, room temperature cup granulated sugar, plus ¼ cup for rolling cup dark brown sugar, packed1 large egg, room temperature1 egg yolk, room temperature1 tablespoon vanilla extract, or vanilla paste2 ¼ cup all-purpose flour1 tablespoon cornstarch1 teaspoon baking powder½ teaspoon salt

    Instructions

    Add the butter to a medium saucepan and cook over medium heat for 6-8 minutes, until it has melted and turned foamy and fragrant. Keep a close eye on it, as the browning happens quite rapidly towards the end of 6-8 minutes. Transfer the butter to a small bowl and let it cool to room temperature.
    Preheat the oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit and line 2 baking sheets with parchment paper.
    Add the browned butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar to a large bowl and beat on high speed with a hand mixer or a stand mixer fitted with the paddle attachment until well combined, about 2-3 minutes.
    Add the egg, egg yolk, and vanilla and beat until combined. Scrape down the sides and bottom of the bowl as needed.
    In a separate bowl, sift or whisk together the flour, cornstarch, baking powder, and salt.
    Add the flour mixture to the butter mixture and mix until combined.
    Use a medium cookie scoop (about 2 ½ tablespoons) to scoop the cookie dough, then roll them into uniform balls with your hands. Roll each ball of dough in a small bowl with ¼ cup of granulated sugar until fully coated.
    Place the dough on the prepared baking sheets, leaving 2 inches between them. Bake for 11-13 minutes, until the edges have set but the centers still look quite underbaked. Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for 3 minutes before transferring to a cooling rack to finish cooling, as this will continue the baking process.

    Nutrition

    Calories: 163kcal | Carbohydrates: 21g | Protein: 2g | Fat: 8g | Saturated Fat: 5g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 0.4g | Monounsaturated Fat: 2g | Trans Fat: 0.3g | Cholesterol: 35mg | Sodium: 55mg | Potassium: 44mg | Fiber: 0.3g | Sugar: 12g | Vitamin A: 257IU | Calcium: 18mg | Iron: 1mg
  • Marry Me Meatballs

    With creamy Tuscan flavors, these Marry Me Meatballs are an instant crowd favorite! It doesn’t get much better than Italian seasoned chicken meatballs nestled in a creamy, cheesy sauce with sun-dried tomatoes and fresh herbs.

    Reasons You’ll Love This Recipe

    Quick & Easy to Prepare: Even though these Marry Me Meatballs taste like something from a fancy restaurant, they come together with very little effort in just over 30 minutes!

    Bursting with Flavor: This dish has the most wonderful combination of tastes and textures. So good, it might even lead to a marriage proposal!

    Versatile Serving Options: Customize this by adding in sautéed veggies like baby spinach or mushrooms.

    A Family Favorite: This recipe is one that you’ll come back to again and again. Even picky kids will eat this up!

    Ingredients You Need to Make Marry Me Meatballs

    These meatballs have tender chicken and a rich sauce. It might look like a lot of ingredients, but they’re all pantry staples. And trust me, this is one recipe you’ll be so glad you tried. The Tuscan-inspired ‘Marry Me’ flavors are absolutely divine! Ready to get started? Scroll down to the recipe card for all the details.

    Meatballs

    Ground Chicken: You could use ground turkey, but I really love using ground chicken in this recipe.

    Breadcrumbs: Use dried Italian bread crumbs to help bind the ingredients and add texture to the meatballs.

    Egg: Adds structure and helps to bind the ground meat mixture together.

    Italian Seasoning: Use store-bought or try my homemade Italian seasoning for the perfect Italian flavor.

    Minced Garlic: Use freshly minced garlic for the best taste.

    Onion Powder: Provides savory flavor without having to chop any onions.

    Salt: To bring out and enhance all of the flavors.

    Parmesan Cheese: For delicious nutty cheese flavor.

    Olive Oil: For cooking the meatballs.

    Marry Me Meatball Sauce

    Butter: Provides a rich base for the sauce.

    Garlic: A must in a good Italian cream sauce.

    Flour: A small amount of flour will thicken the sauce.

    Chicken Broth: Gives the sauce the perfect consistency while adding savory flavor.

    Heavy Cream: Creates a smooth, velvety sauce. You can also use half and half as a lighter option, although the sauce won’t be quite as rich.

    Parmesan Cheese: Grated parmesan adds a sharp, cheesy flavor.

    Sun-Dried Tomatoes: A signature ingredient for that ‘Marry Me’ flavor!

    Dried Italian Seasoning: This is a blend of herbs like oregano, basil, and thyme.

    Fresh Basil: Garnish with fresh basil for extra color and fresh herbs.

    How to Make Marry Me Chicken Meatballs

    This recipe is super simple, and dinner can be on the table in 35 minutes! Follow my instructions below to end up with the most tender, juicy chicken meatballs and a creamy, tangy sauce.

    Meatballs

    Combine Ingredients: In a medium sized bowl, add the ground chicken, panko bread crumbs, egg, garlic, Italian seasoning, onion powder, and parmesan cheese. 

    Mix: Using clean hands or a fork, mix until the ingredients are combined.

    Form Balls: Roll into ten large meatballs or 18 small meatballs.

    Cook: Heat the olive oil over medium-high heat in a large skillet. Add the meatballs and cook until browned and cooked throughout. Transfer to a plate while you prepare the sauce.

    Marry Me Sauce

    Start the Sauce: Add the butter to the skillet and melt over medium-high heat. Add the garlic and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant. Add in the flour and stir to make a paste.

    Whisk: Whisk in the chicken broth, heavy cream, and parmesan cheese.

    Season: Stir in the drained, sundried tomatoes and Italian seasoning. Season with more salt and pepper if needed.

    Thicken: Heat the sauce for a few minutes and simmer until it thickens. 

    Warm Meatballs: Return the meatballs to the skillet and spoon the sauce on top. Turn the heat to medium-low, and then continue to heat the meatballs and sauce together for about 5 minutes.

    Serve: Garnish with freshly chopped basil leaves and serve your Marry Me meatballs over mashed potatoes, pasta, or rice.

    Tips for Marry Me Meatballs

    I have a few tips and variations you can try to get these meatballs to turn out perfect every time! I want you to love them!

    Don’t Overwork the Meat: When shaping the meatballs, don’t overwork the meat or pack them too tightly! It works best to use your hands to mix and shape the meatballs. 

    Use Freshly-Grated Cheese: Although it’s easier to use bagged cheese, I recommend using freshly grated Parmesan! It has better flavor and will melt more evenly into the sauce.

    Serving Options: Make it a complete meal and serve these over mashed potatoes, pasta, or rice. A fresh green salad and some vegetables would be a great addition!

    Storing and Reheating Leftovers

    These Marry Me Meatballs are so tender and moist that they’re great for lunch the next day. Here is how to store them and reheat them later so they stay fresher longer. 

    In the Refrigerator: Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days.

    In the Freezer: Store in a freezer bag or airtight container for 1-2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

    To Reheat: Reheat these meatballs in a skillet over medium heat until warm. You can add a little extra chicken broth or cream if needed. You can also reheat these meatballs in the microwave until warmed through.

    More Flavorful Meatball Recipes

    What is it about meatballs that just make me happy? If I had to say, it would probably be the juicy tenderness and the amazing sauces that go with it! I love getting my protein in with them. Here are a few of my favorite meatball recipes for you to try.

    The Best Swedish Meatballs

    30 mins

    Firecracker Meatballs

    40 mins

    Mozzarella Stuffed Meatballs

    45 mins

    Ricotta Meatballs

    1 hr 10 mins

    Print

    Marry Me Meatballs

    With creamy Tuscan flavors, these Marry Me Meatballs are an instant crowd favorite! It doesn’t get much better than Italian seasoned chicken meatballs nestled in a creamy cheesy sauce with sun-dried tomatoes and fresh herbs.
    Course Dinner
    Cuisine American
    Keyword easy homemade meatballs, marry me chicken meatballs
    Prep Time 15 minutes minutes
    Cook Time 20 minutes minutes
    Total Time 35 minutes minutes
    Servings 4 people
    Calories 788kcal
    Author Alyssa Rivers

    Ingredients

    Meatballs

    1 ½ pounds ground chicken½ cup dried Italian bread crumbs1 egg1 tablespoon Italian seasoning1 teaspoon minced garlic½ teaspoon onion powder½ teaspoon salt, to taste¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese3 tablespoons olive oil

    Marry Me Sauce

    3 tablespoons butter2 teaspoons minced garlic3 tablespoons all-purpose flour cups chicken broth¾ cup heavy cream½ cup grated parmesan cheese½ cup sun-dried tomatoes, drained1 teaspoon dried Italian seasoning¼ cup fresh basil, for garnish

    Instructions

    Meatballs

    In a medium-sized bowl add the ground chicken, panko bread crumbs, egg, garlic, Italian seasoning, onion powder, parmesan cheese.
    Using clean hands or a fork, mix until the ingredients are combined.
    Roll into 10 large meatballs or 18 small meatballs.
    In a large skillet heat the olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the meatballs and cook until browned and cooked throughout. Transfer to a plate while you prepare the sauce.

    Marry Me Sauce

    Returning to the skillet, add the butter and melt over medium-high heat. Add the garlic and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant. Add in the flour and stir to make a paste.
    Whisk in the chicken broth, heavy cream, and parmesan cheese.
    Stir in the drained sun-dried tomatoes and Italian seasoning. Season with more salt and pepper if needed.
    Heat the sauce for a few minutes until it starts to thicken.
    Return the meatballs back to the skillet and spoon the sauce on top. Turn the heat to medium-low, and continue to heat the meatballs and sauce together for about 5 minutes.
    Garnish with freshly chopped basil leaves and serve over mashed potatoes, pasta, or rice.

    Nutrition

    Calories: 788kcal | Carbohydrates: 29g | Protein: 44g | Fat: 57g | Saturated Fat: 25g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 6g | Monounsaturated Fat: 22g | Trans Fat: 0.5g | Cholesterol: 278mg | Sodium: 1360mg | Potassium: 1555mg | Fiber: 3g | Sugar: 8g | Vitamin A: 1400IU | Vitamin C: 8mg | Calcium: 300mg | Iron: 5mg
  • Weekly Meal Plan #21

    This week’s meal plan is warm and hearty, and I’m confident they will be a hit with everyone in the family. My favorite is the chicken parmesan because it only takes 20 minutes to prepare, and the air fryer makes it a much healthier option without sacrificing any taste.

    What’s For Dinner?

    This week takes you on a tour around the world! Start off with a Mexican-inspired tortilla soup, then head over to France for the most flavorful Boursin pork chops. Then, it’s on to Italy for some chicken tetrazzini and chicken parmesan! End your world tour with my Asian-inspired Beijing beef! Don’t forget dessert and sides.

    Monday: Slow Cooker Chicken Fajita Soup

    Tuesday: Boursin Pork Chops

    Wednesday: Chicken Tetrazzini Casserole

    Thursday: Air Fryer Chicken Parmesan

    Friday: Beijing Beef

    Slow Cooker Chicken Fajita Soup

    4.63 from 16 votes
    Everything you love about fajitas comes together in this hearty Slow Cooker Chicken Fajita Soup. Tender chicken surrounded by beans, corn, and spices simmers all day to perfection

    View Recipe

    Boursin Pork Chops

    Boursin Pork Chops are savory, tender and super tasty covered in a cheesy cream sauce. This one-pan recipe is the perfect easy main that can be on your dinner table in just 30 minutes!

    View Recipe

    Chicken Tetrazzini Casserole

    5 from 4 votes
    This chicken tetrazzini casserole is packed with delicious flavors and textures. It has hearty chicken, tender mushrooms, peas, and pasta, all tossed in a creamy, rich sauce. The casserole is topped with crispy, buttery breadcrumbs and a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese with the most irresistible crunch and flavor.

    View Recipe

    Air Fryer Chicken Parmesan

    5 from 3 votes
    Air fryer chicken parmesan is cheesy, crispy, and cooks up in less than 10 minutes! It’s an easy-to-make dinner that your family will go crazy over!

    View Recipe

    Beijing Beef

    5 from 1 vote
    Crispy beef strips stir-fried with onion and red bell peppers then tossed in a sweet and tangy sauce. You’re going to love this popular Panda Express copycat version of Beijing beef!

    View Recipe

    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 new ideas and easy-to-make recipes, having a weekly menu plan will be a lifesaver.

    Why Should I Meal Plan? 

    If you haven’t tried planning your meals ahead of time, this is going to change your life! 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: Meal planning works wonders for your wallet. When you organize your weekly shopping list, you’ll easily spot opportunities to buy in bulk and creatively repurpose leftovers for future meals. You won’t be wandering aimlessly through the grocery store, unsure of what to buy.

    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!

    Perfect Pairings!

    These sides will be perfect with this week’s dinners. You will love having chips and guacamole with your fajita soup. To die for air fryer roasted potatoes with my Boursin pork chops. Olive Garden salad with parmesan chicken and tetrazzini casserole. And my favorite fried rice with the Beijing beef!

    Guacamole

    15 mins

    The BEST Air Fryer “Roasted” Potatoes

    25 mins

    Copycat Olive Garden Salad

    15 mins

    Easy Fried Rice

    35 mins

    My weekly meal plans always include a printable shopping list that is measured out and ready to go. It makes things so easy! Just click on the pink button below for the list!

    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 have leftovers, store them properly in an airtight container in your fridge.

  • Creamy Taco Soup

    This creamy taco soup recipe is full of fresh flavors, tender vegetables, and hearty beans. The seasoned beef mixed with the creamy soup is out of this world good! Top it with your favorite toppings, and your family will love this warm, savory soup!

    Reasons You’ll Love This Recipe

    Quick and Easy: This soup comes together with ease and simple ingredients in less than an hour.

    One Pot Meal: Throw everything in one pot and let simmer. Clean-up is a breeze!

    Family Friendly: The flavors in this soup are universally loved! Moreover, your whole family will enjoy making it their own with different topping options.

    Ingredients Needed For Creamy Taco Soup

    My favorite thing about this recipe is the number of items ready to go. I just need to open up some cans, dump them into a pot, and let all of the flavors meld and simmer together! For exact measurements, scroll to the recipe card at the bottom of the post.

    Ground Beef: The best protein to absorb all of the delicious taco seasoning flavor and add a hearty beefy texture.

    Yellow Onion: Gives the soup a nice sweet flavor and tender texture.

    Jalapeno: Watch out! If you like it spicy, leave in the seeds; if not, omit the seeds to get that yummy jalapeño flavor.

    Minced Garlic: Adds a kick of savory flavor that balances the other ingredients.

    Taco Seasoning: Use store-bought or my homemade taco seasoning.

    Beef Broth: This is my secret for giving the soup a very robust flavor.

    Canned Corn: Adds sweetness to offset all of the savory items.

    Canned Black Beans: These add a wonderful texture and healthy fiber.

    Canned Pinto Beans: Gives the soup a creamy texture and more fiber!

    Canned Fire-Roasted Tomatoes: Adds a hint of smokey flavor that balances the other spices.

    Canned Green Chiles: Give the soup a hint of heat and tangy flavor.

    Cream Cheese: Provides the creaminess that sets this soup apart.

    Salt and Pepper: To taste!

    Creamy Beef Taco Soup Instructions

    For this recipe, you simply season and brown your beef, dump in all of the canned beans and vegetables, and let the flavors meld together while they simmer. Its that simple! I have also included crock pot instructions in a tip bubble below!

    Heat a stock pot over medium-high heat, add in the ground beef, onion, and jalapeño, and cook until the ground beef is evenly browned and fully cooked.

    Add garlic and taco seasoning to the pot, and continue to cook until the taco seasoning covers all the meat.

    Pour in the beef broth, corn, black beans, pinto beans, tomatoes, and green chiles. Then bring everything to a gentle boil, and reduce the heat to low.

    Add in the cream cheese and stir until the cream cheese has melted into the chili. Season with salt and pepper to taste, then simmer everything together for about 10 minutes.

    Remove the pot from heat and serve with your favorite toppings

    Creamy Taco Soup Tips and Variations

    This soup is incredibly versatile and can be customized to fit your taste preferences. For example, you can try different proteins, like shredded chicken or ground beef, for a heartier meal. Additionally, adding your favorite vegetables, such as corn or bell peppers, boosts both nutrition and flavor. Here are some creative topping ideas to get you started!

    Spice: Add in an additional minced jalapeño with its seeds for more heat. Removing seeds will reduce the heat, or take out the jalapeño altogether.

    Vegetable Version: You can swap the ground beef for meatless crumbles or just omit the beef entirely. You’ll also want to use vegetable broth instead of beef.

    Topping Ideas: I love getting creative with toppings. Some of my favorites are avocado, sour cream, tortilla chips, cheddar cheese, fresh cilantro, and a fresh lime wedge.

    Protein Options: You can use ground chicken or turkey instead of beef. 

    Crock Pot Instructions

    If you want to make this in the crock pot and have it all ready for you when you get home after a busy day. I’ve got you covered! Here are the instructions below.

    Cook: Saute the beef, onion, and jalapeño in a large skillet over medium-high heat.

    Coat: Add garlic and taco seasoning and cook until the taco seasoning coats everything.

    Combine: Add the meat mixture to a large crock pot along with the beef broth, tomatoes, corn, black beans, pinto beans, green chiles, cream cheese, and salt and pepper.

    Cook: Set to low and cook for 5 hours or high for 3 hours. Check after the first 2 hours and stir in the cream cheese if it is melted enough.

    Serve: Turn the crock pot off and serve.

    Storing Leftovers

    Creamy taco soup is great to heat up for a quick lunch throughout the week. Here are my tips for proper storage.

    Fridge: Store leftovers in the fridge in an airtight container for up to 4 days. 

    Freezer: I wouldn’t recommend freezing this as is. But, if you want to freeze this for future use. Make everything except don’t add the cream cheese. You will want to add that when you are ready to eat it. Freezing dairy products can change the texture and make things taste strange.

    More Taco-Inspired Soup Recipes

    Taco soups are some of my family’s favorite meals! I have quite a few recipes and variations for you to try! All of them are tried and true and are quick and easy to make! I know you’re a busy mom, and I’ve got your back!

    Easy Cheesy Taco Soup

    20 mins

    8 Can Chicken Taco Soup

    30 mins

    Taco Soup

    30 mins

    Slow Cooker Chicken Fajita Soup

    4 hrs 10 mins

    Print

    Creamy Taco Soup

    This creamy taco soup recipe is full of fresh flavors, tender vegetables, and hearty beans. The seasoned beef mixed with the creamy soup is out of this world good!
    Course Dinner, Main Course
    Cuisine Mexican, Mexican American, Tex Mex
    Keyword creamy taco soup, easy taco soup
    Prep Time 15 minutes minutes
    Cook Time 40 minutes minutes
    Total Time 55 minutes minutes
    Servings 6 people
    Calories 691kcal
    Author Alyssa Rivers

    Ingredients

    1 pound lean ground beef1 cup diced yellow onion, about ½ large onion1 jalapeño, minced2 teaspoons minced garlic, about 2-3 large cloves2 tablespoons Taco Seasoning4 cups beef broth1 (15 ounce) can corn, drained1 (15 ounce) can black beans, drained1 (15 ounce) can pinto beans, drained1 (14 ounce) can fire roasted diced tomatoes1 (4 ounce) cans green chiles8 ounces cream cheese, softenedSalt and pepper to taste

    Instructions

    Heat a stock pot over medium-high heat. Add in the ground beef, onion, and jalapeño, and cook until the ground beef is evenly browned and fully cooked.
    Add the garlic and taco seasoning to the pot and continue to cook until the taco seasoning covers all the meat.
    Pour in the beef broth, corn, black beans, pinto beans, tomatoes, and green chiles. Bring everything to a gentle boil, and reduce the heat to low.
    Add in the cream cheese and stir until it has melted into the chili. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Simmer everything together for about 10 minutes.
    Remove the pot from heat and serve with your favorite toppings!

    Notes

    To make in the crockpot: 

    Saute the beef, onion, and jalapeño in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
    Add in the garlic and taco seasoning and continue to cook until the taco seasoning coats everything.
    Add the meat mixture to a large crock pot along with the beef broth, tomatoes, corn, black beans, pinto beans, green chiles, cream cheese, and salt and pepper.
    Set to low and cook for 5 hours, or high for 3 hours. Check after the first 2 hours and stir in the cream cheese if it is melted enough.
    Turn the crock pot off and serve.

     

    Add in an additional minced jalapeño with its seeds for more heat. Removing seeds will reduce the heat.

    You can use ground turkey in place of beef. 

    For a vegetarian version, you can leave out the beef altogether and substitute the beef broth for vegetable broth. 

    Nutrition

    Calories: 691kcal | Carbohydrates: 102g | Protein: 30g | Fat: 18g | Saturated Fat: 10g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 1g | Monounsaturated Fat: 5g | Trans Fat: 0.3g | Cholesterol: 85mg | Sodium: 1731mg | Potassium: 917mg | Fiber: 10g | Sugar: 68g | Vitamin A: 928IU | Vitamin C: 18mg | Calcium: 154mg | Iron: 6mg
  • Pumpkin Delight

    Fall in love with this Pumpkin Delight! A shortbread crust topped with a fluffy cheesecake mixture, a creamy pumpkin layer, and whipped topping. Every bite of this irresistible layered dessert is pumpkin heaven!

    Reasons to Make Pumpkin Delight

    Fall Favorite Dessert: This will be your new favorite pumpkin dessert! It’s a fun and unique twist on enjoying the flavors of fall!

    Feeds a Crowd: It’s perfect for the holidays! This is great for feeding a big group because you can cut it into smaller squares.

    Ingredients to Make Pumpkin Delight

    Every single delicious layer in this Pumpkin Delight is SO worth it! Each layer only requires a few simple ingredients. Check out the recipe card at the bottom of the post for all of the exact measurements.

    Crust

    Unsalted Butter: Softened butter to easily mix the dough.

    Chopped Pecans: This is completely optional, but a delicious addition!

    All-Purpose Flour: The base of the crust.

    Powdered Sugar: Perfectly sweetens the dough.

    Cheesecake layer

    Cream Cheese: Use softened cream cheese so it creams well as it’s mixed.

    Powdered Sugar: Adds sweetness to the cheesecake layer.

    Vanilla Extract: A pop of delicious vanilla flavor!

    Whipped Topping: Use thawed whipped topping if using storebought.

    Pumpkin Layer

    Instant Vanilla Pudding: Use instant pudding and not cook and serve.

    Pumpkin Puree: Canned pumpkin puree, not pumpkin pie filling.

    Pumpkin Pie Spice: Added spice to really elevate the pumpkin flavors.

    Evaporated Milk: Adds rich creaminess to the pumpkin layer.

    Topping

    Whipped Topping: Use homemade or storebought!

    Chopped Pecans: These are optional for garnish, but a perfect finishing touch!

    Let’s Make Pumpkin Delight!

    I have this recipe written into a few simple sections! It’s super easy to follow and super easy to make. Just be sure to allow yourself enough time for the Pumpkin Delight to chill and set up!

    Make the Crust: Preheat the oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit. In a medium bowl combine the butter, pecans, flour, and powdered sugar until it forms a shaggy dough.

    Bake the Crust: Press the dough into a lightly greased 9 x 13 x 3-inch baking dish and bake for 15 minutes, until golden brown and fragrant. Allow the crust to cool completely.

    Make the Cheesecake Layer: Add the cream cheese, powdered sugar, and vanilla to a large bowl. Use a hand mixer or a stand mixer fitted with the paddle attachment and beat everything together until smooth. 

    Fold in the Whipped Topping/ Spread Over Crust/ Refrigerate: Once smooth, fold in 8 ounces of whipped topping until completely combined. Spread evenly over the cooled crust then refrigerate for 10-15 minutes.

    Make the Pumpkin Layer: In a medium bowl, whisk together the pudding mix, pumpkin puree, pumpkin pie spice, and evaporated milk until smooth and thick.

    Spread Over Cheesecake Layer and Refrigerate: Spread it evenly across the cheesecake layer and place in the fridge for 10-15 minutes, or until the pumpkin layer has set up.

    Add the Topping and Refrigerate: Evenly spread the remaining 8 ounces of whipped topping on top of the pumpkin layer then cover and refrigerate for at least 3 hours before serving. If desired, add a sprinkle of chopped pecans and a dusting of pumpkin pie spice for serving.

    Tips and Variations

    This pumpkin delight will be a hit at your next gathering! I have a few tips and ideas on how to switch it up, but I promise, you’ll love it any way you make it!

    Omit Pecans: If you are allergic to or dislike nuts, the pecans can be omitted without affecting the recipe’s outcome. Continue without them as directed.

    Graham Cracker Crust: For a quicker and no-bake alternative, swap the pecan crust for my homemade graham cracker crust. You can also use a storebought crust mixture for easy prep.

    More Pudding Flavors: Substitute the vanilla pudding with other instant pudding flavors. Try white chocolate or pumpkin pie flavors, but be sure use instant and not cook-and-serve.

    Whipped Cream: Each 8-ounce container of whipped topping can be replaced with my homemade whipped cream recipe. I recommend preparing each 8-ounce replacement whipped cream separately so that you don’t have to split it.

    Pumpkin Puree: Be sure to use pumpkin puree, not canned pumpkin pie filling!

    Storing Leftovers

    Pumpkin Delight is the perfect dessert to make in advance. It’s even better the next day! My family requests this dessert every Thanksgiving, and they even love it more than pumpkin pie.

    In the Refrigerator: This pumpkin delight needs to be covered with plastic wrap and stored in the refrigerator. Store leftovers in the fridge for 3-4 days. It is best served chilled, so keep it in the fridge until you are ready to serve it. 

    Make in Advance: Make the crust up to 1 day in advance. Store at room temperature until the cream cheese layer is added.

    More Pumpkin Recipes to Try!

    Pumpkin Delight

    4 hrs 5 mins

    No-Bake Pumpkin Cheesecake

    6 hrs 40 mins

    Best Pumpkin Chili

    45 mins

    Dinner in a Pumpkin

    1 hr 15 mins

    Print

    Pumpkin Delight

    Fall in love with this Pumpkin Delight! A shortbread crust topped with a fluffy cheesecake mixture, a creamy pumpkin layer, and whipped topping. Every bite of this irresistible layered dessert is pumpkin heaven!
    Course Dessert
    Cuisine American
    Keyword easy fall desserts, Pumpkin Delight, Pumpkin Layer Dessert, Pumpkin Lush, Whipped cream pumpkin dessert
    Prep Time 20 minutes minutes
    Cook Time 15 minutes minutes
    chill time 3 hours hours 30 minutes minutes
    Total Time 4 hours hours 5 minutes minutes
    Servings 12 servings
    Calories 399kcal
    Author Alyssa Rivers

    Ingredients

    Crust

    ½ cup unsalted butter, softened cup chopped pecans1 cup all-purpose flour½ cup powdered sugar

    Cheesecake layer

    8 ounces cream cheese, softened1 cup powdered sugar1 teaspoon vanilla extract8 ounces whipped topping, thawed

    Pumpkin Layer

    2 (3.4-ounce) boxes instant vanilla pudding½ cup pumpkin puree1 ½ teaspoons pumpkin pie spice18 ounces evaporated milk

    Topping

    8 ounces whipped topping, thawedchopped pecans, optional

    Instructions

    Crust

    Preheat the oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit.
    In a medium bowl combine the butter, pecans, flour, and powdered sugar until it forms a shaggy dough. Press the dough into a 9 x 13 x 3-inch baking dish and bake for 15 minutes, until golden brown and fragrant. Let cool completely.

    Cheesecake Layer

    Add the cream cheese, powdered sugar, and vanilla to a large bowl and use a hand mixer or a stand mixer fitted with the paddle attachment to beat everything together until smooth.
    Once smooth, fold in 8 ounces of whipped topping by hand until completely combined. Spread evenly over the cooled crust. Refrigerate for 10-15 minutes.

    Pumpkin Layer

    In a medium bowl whisk pudding mix, pumpkin puree, pumpkin pie spice, and the evaporated milk together until smooth and thick. Spread it evenly across the cheesecake layer and place in the fridge for 10-15 minutes, until the pumpkin layer has set up.

    Topping

    Evenly spread the remaining 8 ounces of whipped topping over the pumpkin layer. Cover and refrigerate for at least 3 hours before serving. If desired, add a sprinkle of chopped pecans and a dusting of pumpkin pie spice.

    Nutrition

    Calories: 399kcal | Carbohydrates: 39g | Protein: 7g | Fat: 25g | Saturated Fat: 15g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 1g | Monounsaturated Fat: 6g | Trans Fat: 0.3g | Cholesterol: 53mg | Sodium: 135mg | Potassium: 241mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 29g | Vitamin A: 2211IU | Vitamin C: 1mg | Calcium: 167mg | Iron: 1mg
  • Slow Cooker Crack Chicken Dip

    Get ready to be obsessed with this slow cooker crack chicken dip! The combination of chicken, cream cheese, Velveeta, bacon, and ranch seasoning creates an addicting snack that’s perfect for holiday gatherings, game days, and parties!

    Reasons You’ll Love This Recipe

    Loaded with Flavor: If you love the taste of my crack chicken pasta or crack chicken soup, get ready to be blown away by the deliciousness of this slow cooker crack chicken dip.

    Addictively Delicious: There’s a reason why this dip is known as “crack” dip! It’s so good you won’t be able to stop eating it!

    So Easy to Make: This recipe could not be easier to make! Simply add all of the ingredients to your slow cooker, and in a couple of hours, you’ll have creamy, cheesy, bubbly perfection! It will be love at first bite! 

    Ingredients for Slow Cooker Crack Chicken Dip

    This slow cooker crack chicken dip recipe comes together so effortlessly with simple ingredients. Even though it’s easy to make, it’s super tasty! Everyone will be asking for the recipe! See the recipe card at the bottom of the post for exact measurements.

    Cooked Chicken: For convenience, you can use rotisserie chicken, which is already filled with flavor.

    Cream Cheese: The creamy, rich base of the dip.

    Sour Cream: Adds creaminess and a hint of tanginess.

    Evaporated Milk: Creates a smooth and creamy consistency, and doesn’t separate while cooking.

    Ranch Seasoning: You can use a packet of dry ranch dressing mix from the store or try whipping up some of this homemade ranch seasoning mix! Three tablespoons is equivalent to one dry packet of ranch mix.

    Onion Powder: Adds some delicious savory onion flavor.

    Bacon: For a wonderful smoky taste that’s impossible to resist.

    Velveeta Cheese: Highly recommend Velveeta for the best creamy texture.

    Green Onion: Chopped green onion garnished on top makes for a pretty presentation.

    Let’s Make Slow Cooker Crack Chicken Dip!

    This easy creamy slow cooker crack chicken dip recipe takes less than 10 minutes to prep! Then, let the crockpot do all the work! Follow these super simple instructions below.

    Combine: Add the shredded chicken, cream cheese, sour cream, evaporated milk, ranch powder, onion powder, ¾ cup bacon, and Velveeta cheese into a slow cooker. Put the lid on, then cook for 2 hours on LOW.

    Mix: Stir the dip until smooth and combined. Garnish with the remaining ¼ cup crumbled bacon and chopped green onions on top.

    Enjoy: Serve warm with a sliced baguette, crackers, or chips.

    Tips and Variations

    Here are some simple tips and ways you can change it up to make this appetizer just the way you like it!

    Chicken: Leftover cooked chicken breasts are perfect for this recipe, but using a rotisserie chicken makes this dip even easier!

    Cheese: The Velveeta gives this dip the creamiest slow-cooked texture, but feel free to use 2 cups of shredded cheddar cheese if you prefer.

    Bacon: Cut down on time and use pre-cooked bacon slices. Pop it in the microwave, chop it up, and your bacon is ready in no time!

    Make it Spicy: Add some diced jalapeños or a few shakes of hot sauce to make it spicy and give it a little kick!

    Bake it: If you’d rather bake the dip, make my original crack chicken dip! It’s a similar recipe that gets baked in the oven for 25 to 30 minutes.

    Dipping Ideas: We like bagel chips, but feel free to use anything you want for dipping! Try crostini, crackers, chips, veggies, or a sliced baguette.

    Storing and Reheating Leftover Dip

    Crack chicken dip in the slow cooker is so effortless to throw together, and it’s great as a leftover, too. It’s one of my favorites to make for a party because you can keep it on warm in the crock pot, so it stays perfectly heated the entire time!

    In the Refrigerator: Once your dip has cooled, place it in a sealed airtight container. It will last in the refrigerator for about 3-4 days. 

    To Reheat: If you want to warm this dip back up, place it in the slow cooker for about 30 minutes on low or until heated through. Or, you can reheat it in the microwave until warm.

    More Delicious Hot Dips!

    Warm dips are welcome at any party or gathering, especially this time of year! If you agree, then you must try these tried and true favorites.

    Creamy Tuscan Dip (Marry Me Dip)

    10 mins

    Creamy Chicken Alfredo Dip

    25 mins

    Insanely Delicious Hot Crab Dip

    25 mins

    Rotel Dip

    20 mins

    Print

    Slow Cooker Crack Chicken Dip

    Get ready to be obsessed with this slow cooker crack chicken dip! The combination of chicken, cream cheese, Velveeta, bacon and ranch seasoning creates an addicting snack that’s perfect for holiday gatherings, game day and parties!
    Course Appetizer, dip
    Cuisine American
    Keyword crack chicken dip, slow cooker crack chicken dip recipe
    Prep Time 10 minutes minutes
    Cook Time 2 hours hours
    Total Time 2 hours hours 10 minutes minutes
    Servings 8 people
    Calories 408kcal
    Author Alyssa Rivers

    Ingredients

    2 cups cooked chicken, shredded8 ounces cream cheese, softened1 cup sour cream1 (12- ounce) can evaporated milk1 package dry ranch dressing powder½ teaspoon onion powder1 cup chopped cooked bacon, divided16 ounces Velveeta cheese, cubed2 tablespoons chopped green onion, for garnish

    Instructions

    Add the shredded chicken, cream cheese, sour cream, evaporated milk, ranch powder, onion powder, ¾ cup bacon, and Velveeta cheese into a slow cooker. Put the lid on, then cook for 2 hours on LOW.
    Stir the dip until smooth and combined. Garnish with the remaining ¼ cup bacon pieces and chopped green onions on top.
    Serve warm with a sliced baguette, crackers, or chips.

    Nutrition

    Calories: 408kcal | Carbohydrates: 10g | Protein: 27g | Fat: 29g | Saturated Fat: 15g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 2g | Monounsaturated Fat: 7g | Trans Fat: 0.02g | Cholesterol: 110mg | Sodium: 1271mg | Potassium: 425mg | Fiber: 0.1g | Sugar: 7g | Vitamin A: 1151IU | Vitamin C: 1mg | Calcium: 390mg | Iron: 1mg
  • Black Frosting

    This delicious black frosting is fun to make for special occasions, especially for Halloween, seasonal treats, and desserts. It’s made with black cocoa powder, which tastes just like Oreo’s! The best part is that it won’t dye your mouth, hands, or clothing! It’s the perfect frosting for witchy cakes and other dramatic parties.

    Reasons You’ll Love This Recipe

    All Natural: Black cocoa powder is a natural alternative to artificial black food dyes. It gives the same deep black color without the chemicals.

    No Food Dye: You would need a lot of black food coloring to get a deep black, which stains everything! This black frosting doesn’t use that!

    Avoids Activated Charcoal: Using activated charcoal to dye food can interfere with medications and isn’t ideal for food use. Stick to black cocoa for a safer option.

    Ingredients Needed to Make Black Buttercream Frosting

    You can have the most stunning and delicious black frosting with just a few simple ingredients. You probably have most of these ingredients in your pantry already, minus the black cocoa powder. Scroll to the recipe card at the bottom of the post for exact measurements.

    Granulated Sugar: Gives the sweetness that helps balance the bitterness of the cocoa powder.

    Black Cocoa Powder: The secret ingredient! This gives the frosting its incredible flavor and intense black color.

    All Purpose Flour: Adds a little body to the frosting.

    Milk: Provides a smooth creaminess to the frosting.

    Unsalted Butter: Adds flavor and richness.

    Vanilla Extract: Complements the chocolate flavor from the cocoa powder.

    Salt: Enhances the overall flavor of the frosting.

    Black Frosting Recipe Instructions

    Following these step-by-step instructions, you will have the most beautiful black frosting! Your friends and family will be in awe of how you got the most delicious frosting to be black and not turn their mouths black!

    Whisk: Add the sugar, black cocoa powder, and flour to a pan and then whisk to combine. Then, add the milk to the pan and whisk until combined.

    Cook: Cook over medium heat while whisking until it reaches a thin pudding-like consistency, about 10 minutes.

    Chill: Remove the milk mixture from the heat and then transfer to a small heat-proof bowl. Cover with plastic wrap so it touches the surface of the milk mixture. Chill in the fridge for at least 40 minutes until it has set up into a thick paste.

    Beat: Add the butter to the bowl of a stand mixer fitted with the whisk attachment. Whip on high speed for about 8 minutes until the butter is light and fluffy. Scrape down the sides and bottom of the bowl to ensure all of the butter is whipped.

    Slowly Incorporate: Add the cooled milk mixture to the whipped butter one scoop at a time. Whip on medium speed until fully incorporated.

    Scrape and Beat: Scrape down the sides and bottom of the bowl and switch to the paddle attachment. Add the vanilla and salt and beat on medium speed for 10-13 minutes. The frosting will have a smooth, fluffy texture with a nice glossy shine.

    Black Frosting Tips and Variations

    Why Black Cocoa Powder is Important: Use black cocoa powder, not regular cocoa powder or Dutch-processed powder. It’s more alkalized, giving a darker chocolate flavor and deep black color that won’t stain your teeth or use activated charcoal.

    Brand Matters: Some brands of black cocoa powder have more of a brown tint. I recommend using Wincrest or The Cocoa Trader brands for the best results.

    Deeper Black: If you refrigerate for 24 hours, the black cocoa powder will darken. You could add just a few drops of black food coloring for a true black.

    Is your frosting looking gray or brown? Beating too much air into the frosting will cause it to lighten in color. Try mixing it at a lower speed with the paddle attachment. Then, cover the frosting and refrigerate it to let it darken in color.

    Cook Time Matters: Cook the milk mixture until it’s thick, like pudding or regular yogurt. It should not run off the spoon or fall off in thick chunks.

    Combine Slowly: Don’t add the milk mixture to the butter too quickly. Add it in one spoonful at a time, letting each spoonful fully incorporate before adding the next. Scrape down the sides and bottom of the bowl as needed.

    Gluten-Free Flour: I have not tested this recipe with gluten-free flour, so I cannot attest to whether or not it would work as a substitute.

    Keep Mixing: Don’t worry if the frosting looks like it is splitting as you add the milk mixture! Keep mixing, and then beat it for the amount of time in the instructions or until it comes together.

    How to Store Leftover Black Frosting

    Refrigerate: This black frosting can be made up to 7 days before. I recommend at least 24 hours for the black color to deepen. Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator. Let it sit at room temperature for 30-60 minutes before using. You will likely need to re-whip the frosting briefly before using it to frost your treats.

    Freeze: You can store black frosting in an airtight container in the freezer for up to 3 months. Let it thaw overnight in the refrigerator and then follow the instructions above before using it to frost your desserts.

    Keep Refrigerated: Whatever dessert you use this frosting on will need to be refrigerated because of the milk in the frosting.

    Dark Dessert Inspiration

    If you are hosting a Halloween party, you must make this black frosting to frost my black velvet cake. Placed next to my Halloween charcuterie board, and the most adorable mummy cookie bites. Here are a few more ideas for your spooky party!

    Black Velvet Cake

    1 hr 5 mins

    Black Forest Cake

    1 hr 20 mins

    Poison Caramel Apples

    1 hr

    Halloween Cupcakes

    1 hr 5 mins

    Print

    Black Frosting

    This delicious black frosting is fun to make for special occasions, especially for Halloween, seasonal treats, and desserts. It’s made with black cocoa powder, which tastes just like Oreo’s! The best part is that it won’t dye your mouth, hands, or clothing! It’s the perfect frosting for witchy cakes and other dramatic parties.
    Course Dessert, pantry staple
    Cuisine American
    Keyword black buttercream, black ermine frosting, Black Frosting, black frosting that doesn’t stain teeth, black frosting without food coloring, No dye black frosting
    Prep Time 1 hour hour
    chill time 40 minutes minutes
    Total Time 1 hour hour 40 minutes minutes
    Servings 3.5 cups
    Calories 1013kcal
    Author Alyssa Rivers

    Ingredients

    1 cup granulated sugar½ cup black cocoa powder4 tablespoons all-purpose flour1 cup milk1 ½ cups unsalted butter, room temperature1 teaspoon vanilla extract1 dash salt

    Instructions

    Add the sugar, black cocoa powder, and flour to a pan and whisk to combine. Add the milk and whisk to combine. Cook over medium heat while whisking until it reaches a thin pudding-like consistency, about 10 minutes.
    Remove the milk mixture from the heat and transfer to a small heat-proof bowl. Cover with plastic wrap so it touches the surface of the milk mixture and chill in the fridge for at least 40 minutes until it has set up into a thick paste.
    Add the room-temperature butter to the bowl of a stand mixer fitted with the whisk attachment and whip on high speed for about 8 minutes until light and fluffy. Scrape down the sides and bottom of the bowl a couple of times to ensure all of the butter is whipped.
    Add the cooled flour mixture to the whipped butter one scoop at a time while whipping on medium speed until fully incorporated.
    Scrape down the sides and bottom of the bowl and switch to the paddle attachment. Add the vanilla and salt and beat on medium speed for 10-13 minutes, until smooth and fluffy, with a nice glossy shine.

    Notes

    3 1/2 cups of frosting is enough for a 2-layer 8-inch cake or 24 cupcakes. 

    Nutrition

    Calories: 1013kcal | Carbohydrates: 72g | Protein: 6g | Fat: 83g | Saturated Fat: 52g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 3g | Monounsaturated Fat: 21g | Trans Fat: 3g | Cholesterol: 218mg | Sodium: 40mg | Potassium: 264mg | Fiber: 3g | Sugar: 61g | Vitamin A: 2544IU | Calcium: 122mg | Iron: 2mg
  • Jalapeño Chicken

    Delicious Jalapeño Chicken will become an instant favorite with the very first bite. Tender chicken pieces are cooked with jalapeños and then coated in a sticky, sweet, and spicy sauce. Serve over rice for an easy meal. You’ll be craving it on repeat!

    Reasons You’ll Love This Recipe

    So Much Flavor: Imagine perfectly cooked tender chicken coated with the most incredibly spiced sauce. This meal is full of flavor you’ll want to share with everyone.

    Simple: The ingredient list might seem long, but most of the ingredients are pantry staples. Plus, this meal comes together quickly, making it perfect for busy weeknights.

    Versatile: Feel free to customize this jalapeño chicken to fit your taste preferences and use the ingredients you have available.

    Ingredients for Making Jalapeño Chicken

    If you love spicy food, then this Asian-inspired jalapeño chicken is for you! The recipe starts with breaded pieces of chicken and sauteed with jalapeño slices, diced onion, and minced garlic. Then, add the sweet, savory, spicy sauce and cook everything together until it’s warm and flavorful. Everyone will be begging for seconds! See the recipe card at the bottom of the post for exact measurements.

    Chicken

    Boneless Skinless Chicken Breasts: Cut these into cubes that are similar in size so that they cook evenly. 

    Breading: A mix of cornstarch and all-purpose flour coats the chicken so that it’s crispy on the outside.

    Salt and Pepper: To flavor the chicken.

    Vegetable Oil: This is a great oil for cooking the chicken and veggies.

    Onion: Diced and sautéed to provide the recipe with a complex depth of flavor.

    Jalapeños: Sliced and sautéed with the chicken to release their heat and flavor the dish.

    Garlic: Freshly minced garlic infuses the meal with a wonderful savory flavor!

    Sauce

    Chicken Broth: Creates the perfect base for the sauce while providing savory flavor.

    Soy Sauce: Adds major savory, salty flavor to the sauce. Use low-sodium if desired.

    Shaoxing Wine: This is a common rice wine used in Chinese cooking. It has a slightly sweet and briny flavor. You can sub with sherry wine, if you’d like.

    Brown Sugar: Balances out the spicy and savory flavors with a hint of sweet.

    Ground Ginger: Adds a peppery spice and sweetness.

    Jalapeño: Gives an extra kick of heat to the sauce.

    Cornstarch: Used to thicken the sauce.

    Rice: Try serving the chicken over my perfect instant pot white rice.

    How to Make Jalapeño Chicken

    Get ready for a huge punch of flavor with this jalapeño chicken recipe! It’s a breeze to make, uses simple ingredients, and is beyond delicious! I love how the chicken is crispy on the outside and tender on the inside. Then, it’s drenched in the sauce, which really takes it to the next level!

    Make the Sauce: Mix the sauce ingredients in a small bowl and set aside. In a separate large bowl, whisk together the cornstarch, all-purpose flour, salt, and pepper.

    Bread the Chicken: Dice the chicken breast into 1-inch cubes. Toss the cubed chicken into the cornstarch and flour mixture until every piece is coated. Heat the vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat.

    Cook: Carefully place the breaded chicken into the skillet. Cook the chicken, stirring continuously, until it has all been seared evenly, about 5 minutes.

    Sauté the Veggies: Add in the onion and jalapeños, and continue to sauté until tender and the chicken is browned. Add in the garlic and sauté for another minute.

    Add the Sauce: Pour the sauce mixture over the chicken and vegetables. Reduce the heat to medium-low, and cook until the sauce thickens and coats everything evenly.

    Serve: Remove the chicken from heat and serve fresh over rice. Enjoy!

    Tips and Variations

    Even though this recipe is easy to follow, here are some tips to make it perfect for you!

    Chicken Thighs: Feel free to swap the chicken breasts for boneless chicken thighs for juicer chicken. 

    Soy Allergy: If you have a soy allergy, then use tamari or coconut aminos to replace the soy sauce

    Reduce the Heat: Remove the seeds from your jalapeños to reduce the heat slightly. But remember, this will be a spicy dish either way.

    Add Oil: You may need to add more oil after cooking the chicken before adding the jalapeños and onions.

    Storing Leftover Jalapeño Chicken

    Leftover jalapeño chicken stores well and is great for quick lunches and dinners over the next few days! Transfer it to an airtight container and store it in the fridge for up to 4 days.

    More Delicious Chicken Recipes

    No boring chicken recipes around here! We have tons of flavorful ways to serve a protein-packed meal. Here are a few of my family’s favorites. They are all so easy and tasty!

    Cowboy Chicken

    35 mins

    Monterey Chicken

    1 hr 45 mins

    Creamy Chicken Marsala

    25 mins

    Chicken Adobo

    2 hrs

    Print

    Jalapeño Chicken

    Delicious Jalapeño Chicken will become an instant favorite with the very first bite. Tender chicken pieces are cooked with jalapeños and then coated in a boldly-flavored sticky, sweet and spicy sauce. Serve over rice for an easy meal you’ll be craving on repeat!
    Course Dinner, lunch, Main Course
    Cuisine Asian, Asian American
    Keyword asian chicken, jalapeño, jalapeño chicken, spicy chicken
    Prep Time 10 minutes minutes
    Cook Time 30 minutes minutes
    Total Time 40 minutes minutes
    Servings 4 people
    Calories 515kcal
    Author Alyssa Rivers

    Ingredients

    Chicken

    1 ½ pounds boneless skinless chicken breasts, about 2 breasts½ cup cornstarch¼ cup all-purpose flour1 teaspoon salt½ teaspoon black pepper¼ cup vegetable oil½ cup diced yellow onion, ¼ medium onion2 jalapeños sliced into thin rounds2 teaspoons minced garlic, 2 cloves

    Sauce

    ½ cup chicken broth½ cup soy sauce¼ cup Shaoxing wine, or sherry wine¼ cup brown sugar1 teaspoon ground ginger1 jalapeno, de-seeded and minced2 teaspoons cornstarchCooked rice for serving

    Instructions

    Mix the sauce ingredients in a small bowl and set aside. In a separate large bowl, whisk together the cornstarch, all-purpose flour, salt, and pepper.
    Dice the chicken breast into 1-inch cubes. Toss the cubed chicken into the cornstarch and flour mixture until coated. Heat the vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat.
    Carefully place the breaded chicken in the skillet. Cook the chicken, stirring continuously, until seared evenly, about 5 minutes.
    Add the onion and jalapeños, and continue to saute everything together until tender and the chicken is browned. Add in the garlic and saute for another minute.
    Pour the sauce mixture over the chicken and vegetables, reduce the heat to medium-low, and cook until the sauce thickens and coats everything evenly.
    Remove the chicken from heat and serve fresh over rice.

    Notes

    This is a spicy recipe, to reduce some of the heat you can remove the seeds from the jalapeños before using them. 

    Nutrition

    Calories: 515kcal | Carbohydrates: 41g | Protein: 41g | Fat: 18g | Saturated Fat: 3g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 9g | Monounsaturated Fat: 4g | Trans Fat: 0.1g | Cholesterol: 109mg | Sodium: 2515mg | Potassium: 798mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 15g | Vitamin A: 167IU | Vitamin C: 16mg | Calcium: 40mg | Iron: 2mg