Easy and Delicious Recipes

Author: Sarah Berthold

Pretzel-Crusted Chicken with Creamy Honey Mustard Sauce

Pretzel-Crusted Chicken with Creamy Honey Mustard Sauce

Pretzel-crusted chicken be one of the best things I’ve done with chicken in a long time. You get that deep crunch from crushed pretzels, a bit of savory sharpness from Parmesan, and then there’s the sauce — sweet, tangy, creamy, and just a little addictive. Read More

Grilled Mango Chicken Breasts (With a Sweet & Savory Glaze)

Grilled Mango Chicken Breasts (With a Sweet & Savory Glaze)

Grilled chicken can be… fine. Safe. Predictable. But this mango chicken? This one turns heads. It’s soaked in mango, soy, garlic, and honey — flavors that don’t just sit on the surface, they settle in. The edges caramelize, the glaze turns glossy, and that first Read More

Creamy Dijon Pork Tenderloin

Creamy Dijon Pork Tenderloin

Pork tenderloin is one of those cuts that can go either way — juicy and full of flavor, or dry and forgettable. This recipe makes sure it lands firmly in the first category, every time. You get a beautiful golden crust from a quick pan sear, then it finishes in the oven with a creamy Dijon mustard sauce that’s got just the right balance of tangy, savory, and a touch of sweetness from the honey.

The best part? It all happens in one pan, and you don’t need to marinate or prep anything hours ahead. This is the kind of meal that feels a little elevated but doesn’t ask for much — perfect when you want something comforting that still impresses.

Creamy Dijon Pork Tenderloin 2

Ingredients

Spice Rub

  • ½ tbsp garlic powder

  • ½ tbsp onion powder

  • ½ tbsp coarse sea salt

  • ½ tbsp dried thyme

  • ½ tbsp dried oregano

  • 1 tsp freshly cracked black pepper

Pork & Sauce Ingredients

  • 2.75 lbs pork tenderloin (usually two pieces)

  • ½ cup Dijon mustard

  • ¼ cup honey

  • ½ tbsp Worcestershire sauce

  • 1 tbsp soy sauce

  • 3 tbsp extra virgin olive oil

  • 1 shallot, finely diced

  • ½ cup chicken broth

  • ¼ cup heavy cream

  • 1 tbsp fresh thyme (for garnish)

  • 2 tbsp chopped fresh parsley (for garnish)

Instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).

  2. Make the spice rub: Combine garlic powder, onion powder, salt, thyme, oregano, and black pepper in a small bowl.

  3. Prep the pork: Pat the tenderloins dry and trim off any excess fat. Rub the spice mixture evenly over all sides.

  4. In a bowl, whisk together the Dijon mustard, honey, Worcestershire sauce, and soy sauce. Set aside.

  5. Sear the pork: Heat olive oil in a large, oven-safe skillet over medium heat. Once hot, add the pork and sear about 3 minutes per wide side until nicely browned. Remove the pork and set aside.

  6. Sauté the shallot: Lower the heat, toss in the diced shallot, and cook for 4 minutes, stirring often and scraping up any browned bits.

  7. Deglaze the pan with chicken broth, scraping up everything stuck to the bottom. Let it simmer for about 3 minutes.

  8. Add the cream and mustard mix: Pour in the cream and the mustard-honey mixture. Whisk until smooth, and simmer for 2 minutes.

  9. Return the pork to the pan. Spoon some sauce over it, cover the pan, and transfer it to the oven. Bake for 25 minutes or until the internal temperature hits 145°F.

  10. Rest and serve: Let the pork rest for 5–10 minutes before slicing. Spoon sauce over the top, sprinkle with fresh thyme and parsley, and serve with extra sauce on the side.

📌 Love this recipe?

If this creamy Dijon pork tenderloin is going on your dinner rotation, go ahead and save the image below to your Pinterest board — that way it’s easy to find next time you’re craving something really good with minimal effort.

Creamy Dijon Pork Tenderloin 3

Dijon Pork Tenderloin Video Recipe

Tips & Tricks

  • Trim the silver skin: Don’t skip this step. That thin, shiny layer doesn’t break down during cooking and can make bites chewy. A small, sharp knife does the job easily.

  • Pat the pork dry: This helps the spice rub stick and gives you a better sear. Moisture = steam, and steam means no crust.

  • Don’t rush the sear: Give each side time to develop color. That browning adds depth to both the pork and the sauce.

  • Use an oven-safe pan: Saves time and dishes — no need to transfer to a baking dish.

  • Don’t overcook it: Pork tenderloin is perfect at 145°F. Use a meat thermometer if you have one, and let it rest before slicing so the juices don’t run out.

  • Sauce too thick or thin? If it feels too thick before baking, add a splash of broth. If it’s too thin after resting, simmer it uncovered for a couple minutes to tighten it up.

Creamy Dijon Pork Tenderloin 4

One-Pan Summer Sausage Skillet with Basil-Cilantro Sauce

One-Pan Summer Sausage Skillet with Basil-Cilantro Sauce

Smoky grilled corn, charred zucchini, sweet peppers, and hearty Andouille sausage come together in one colorful, flavor-packed pan. It’s quick, satisfying, and finished with a cool, creamy basil-cilantro sauce that ties everything together like magic. Whether you serve it on its own or over rice, Read More

Juicy Grilled Italian Meatballs Recipe

Juicy Grilled Italian Meatballs Recipe

There’s something about grilling meatballs that just hits different. You still get all the classic Italian flavors—parmesan, garlic, fresh herbs—but with that extra layer of smoky caramelization you can only get from a grill. These grilled Italian meatballs are tender on the inside, slightly crisp Read More

Grilled Chicken Kabobs with Balsamic Marinade

Grilled Chicken Kabobs with Balsamic Marinade

There’s something about food on a stick that just makes dinner more fun. These grilled chicken kabobs are light, flavorful, and super easy to make ahead. The balsamic marinade adds the perfect tangy-sweet balance, and the colorful veggies bring freshness to every bite. Simple, summery, and satisfying.

Grilled Chicken Kabobs with Balsamic Marinade 2

Ingredients

  • 6 tablespoons olive oil, divided

  • ¼ cup balsamic vinegar

  • 3 tablespoons fresh lemon juice

  • 2 tablespoons Dijon mustard

  • 2 tablespoons brown sugar

  • 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce

  • 3 garlic cloves, finely minced

  • 2 teaspoons Italian seasoning

  • Kosher salt and black pepper, to taste

  • 2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts (or chicken thighs), cut into 1-inch cubes

  • 2 small zucchini, sliced into ½-inch rounds

  • 1 red bell pepper, cut into large chunks

  • 1 yellow bell pepper, cut into large chunks

  • 1 red onion, cut into wedges

  • 2 tablespoons chopped parsley (optional)

Instructions

  1. Whisk the Marinade
    In a mixing bowl, stir together 4 tablespoons of olive oil, balsamic vinegar, lemon juice, Dijon mustard, brown sugar, Worcestershire, garlic, and Italian seasoning. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Set aside about ⅓ cup of the marinade to brush on later.

Grilled Chicken Kabobs with Balsamic Marinade 3

  1. Marinate the Chicken
    Add the chicken breast pieces to a bowl or resealable bag. Pour in the remaining marinade and toss to coat well. Refrigerate for 1–4 hours to let the flavors soak in. Give it a stir halfway through if you can.

  2. Assemble the Kabobs
    Thread the marinated chicken, zucchini, peppers, and onion onto skewers. Alternate for color and even cooking. Brush everything with the last 2 tablespoons of olive oil, then lightly season again with salt and pepper.

  3. Grilled Chicken Kabobs with Balsamic Marinade 4Grill ‘Em Up
    Heat your grill to medium. Place kabobs on the grates and cook for about 10–12 minutes, turning every few minutes. Brush with the reserved marinade during the last 2 minutes for extra flavor and gloss. Chicken is done when it reaches 165°F inside.
  4. Serve & Enjoy
    Sprinkle with fresh parsley before serving, if you’d like. These kabobs go great with rice, couscous, or even just a slice of crusty bread on the side.

Loved this recipe? Save it for later by pinning the image below — and don’t forget to share it with someone who needs an easy dinner win!

Grilled Chicken Kabobs with Balsamic Marinade 5

Video Reicpe

Tips & Tricks

✔ Use chicken thighs if you prefer extra juicy kabobs.
Chicken breasts are lean and quick to cook, but if you want a little more richness and forgiveness on the grill, boneless thighs work beautifully with this marinade too.

✔ Don’t skip the marinade time.
Even just an hour in the fridge helps the flavors soak in and keeps the chicken from drying out. If you can swing 3–4 hours, even better.

✔ Cut everything to a similar size.
Try to keep your chicken and veggies roughly the same size so they cook evenly and nothing burns while waiting for the rest to catch up.

✔ Soak wooden skewers.
If you’re using wooden skewers, soak them in water for at least 30 minutes before grilling. It’ll keep them from turning into charcoal sticks.

✔ Save some marinade—but don’t reuse it.
Set aside a little marinade before adding the raw chicken so you can brush it on while grilling. Never reuse marinade that’s touched raw meat.

✔ Finish with something fresh.
A sprinkle of chopped parsley or a bit of grated Parmesan at the end adds color and that final touch of flavor that makes these kabobs feel finished and special.

 

Copycat Chick-fil-A Grilled Nuggets

Copycat Chick-fil-A Grilled Nuggets

Let’s be honest—there’s something addictive about Chick-fil-A’s grilled nuggets. They’re juicy, smoky, perfectly seasoned… and way too expensive to crave as often as we do. So after a few disappointing copycats floating around online, I decided to recreate them properly at home—same flavor, same tenderness, Read More

Crispy Parmesan Chicken Cutlets with Melted Tomato Sauce

Crispy Parmesan Chicken Cutlets with Melted Tomato Sauce

If you’re looking for a chicken recipe that’s easy, crispy, and actually worth making again — this is it. These Parmesan-crusted chicken cutlets are pan-fried until golden and crunchy, then topped with a melted tomato and pepper sauce that’s thick, rustic, and a little jammy Read More

BBQ Caramelized Air Fryer Butterfly Chicken Drumsticks

BBQ Caramelized Air Fryer Butterfly Chicken Drumsticks

These BBQ-glazed butterfly chicken drumsticks are everything you want in a weeknight dinner: crispy skin, juicy meat, and that irresistible sticky-sweet glaze that clings to every bite. They’re butterflied for faster, more even cooking and packed with bold, smoky flavor. Whether you’re air frying or roasting, this recipe brings that grilled taste—no outdoor grill required.

BBQ Caramelized Air Fryer Butterfly Chicken Drumsticks 5

Ingredients

  • 6 chicken drumsticks

  • 1 tablespoon olive oil

  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika

  • 1 teaspoon Italian herb mix

  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder

  • ½ teaspoon onion powder

  • 1 teaspoon fine sea salt

  • ¼ teaspoon black pepper
  • ¼ teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional, for a kick)

For the glaze:

  • ⅓ cup of your favorite BBQ sauce

  • 1 tablespoon honey

  • 1 teaspoon apple cider vinegar

  • ½ teaspoon Worcestershire sauce (optional, for depth)

Instructions

1. Prep the Drumsticks

Start by patting the drumsticks dry with a paper towel—this helps the seasoning stick and encourages crispiness.
Now, carefully butterfly each drumstick: place one flat on a cutting board and, starting at the thick end, slice along one side toward the thinner tip, stopping just before cutting through completely. Gently open it like a book. This not only helps them cook faster but gives more surface area for seasoning and glaze.

BBQ Caramelized Air Fryer Butterfly Chicken Drumsticks 2

2. Season Generously

In a small bowl, mix the paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, Italian herbs, salt, and cayenne.
Rub a bit of oil over the chicken first, then coat each drumstick in the spice mix. Make sure every fold and edge gets a touch of flavor.

BBQ Caramelized Air Fryer Butterfly Chicken Drumsticks 3

3. Air Fryer Instructions

Preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C).
Arrange the drumsticks in a single layer in the basket—don’t overcrowd. Air fry for 20-25 minutes, flipping them halfway through.
Tip: Smaller drumsticks may be done a few minutes early, so keep an eye out. They’re ready when the thickest part reaches 165°F (74°C).

4. Make the BBQ Glaze

While the chicken is cooking, stir together BBQ sauce, honey, apple cider vinegar, and Worcestershire sauce in a small saucepan.
Simmer for 3–5 minutes on low heat, just until it thickens slightly and becomes glossy.

5. Glaze & Caramelize

When the drumsticks are cooked through, brush a generous layer of the glaze over them.
Pop them back in the air fryer for 3–4 minutes to let the glaze bubble and caramelize—this is where the magic happens. Watch closely to avoid burning.

BBQ Caramelized Air Fryer Butterfly Chicken Drumsticks 4

Oven Method

No air fryer? No problem. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
Place the seasoned drumsticks on a lined baking sheet and roast for 35–40 minutes, flipping once halfway through.
In the final 5 minutes, brush with glaze and return to the oven to caramelize.

If this recipe’s going on your to-make list, pin it now so you’ve got it right where you need it. It’s one of those meals you’ll want to come back to.

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Video Recipe

https://youtu.be/NsWRXlyKbKo

Tips & Tricks for the Best Air Fryer Drumsticks

🧼 Dry = Crispy:
Always pat your drumsticks dry before seasoning. This removes excess moisture and helps both the seasoning and glaze stick better—no soggy skin here.

🔪 Butterfly Like a Pro:
Butterflying may sound fancy, but it’s just one smart cut down the side with less meat. It helps the chicken cook more evenly and gives the glaze more surface to cling to. More surface = more flavor.

🌡️ Know When They’re Done:
Use a meat thermometer if you can. Chicken is fully cooked at 165°F (74°C), but going just a few degrees higher with drumsticks (around 175–180°F) helps break down the connective tissue and makes the meat even more tender.

🔥 Don’t Skip the Glaze Finish:
That final 3–4 minutes in the air fryer after glazing is key. It caramelizes the sauce and locks in flavor. Keep an eye on them—it happens fast!

🧴 Use the Oil Smartly:
A light drizzle of oil before seasoning helps everything coat evenly, but don’t overdo it. Too much oil can prevent the skin from crisping.

🧂 Season Every Crevice:
Once butterflied, drumsticks have more nooks and edges—make sure the seasoning gets into all those folds for full-on flavor.

Variations to Try

🌶️ Sweet & Spicy:
Add a pinch of chili flakes or a dash of hot sauce to the glaze if you like a little heat with your sweet. Honey sriracha also makes a killer swap for traditional BBQ sauce.

🍯 Classic Honey Garlic:
Skip the BBQ sauce and make a quick honey garlic glaze instead—just mix honey, soy sauce, garlic, and a splash of rice vinegar. It’s sticky, savory, and perfect over butterflied drumsticks.

🧄 Herb & Lemon Twist:
Not in the mood for BBQ? Use the same butterfly method, but go for a lemon, garlic, and herb seasoning blend. A squeeze of fresh lemon after cooking brightens everything up.

🍗 Boneless Option:
You can use boneless chicken thighs if you prefer. Just butterfly them flat, season the same way, and reduce the cooking time slightly—about 16–18 minutes should do it.

🔥 Smoky Chipotle Glaze:
Mix a spoonful of chipotle in adobo sauce into your BBQ glaze for a smoky, spicy upgrade. It’s bold, deep, and adds a nice little kick.

Crispy Honey Garlic & Rosemary Roast Potatoes (Air Fryer Recipe)

Crispy Honey Garlic & Rosemary Roast Potatoes (Air Fryer Recipe)

If you’re craving potatoes that are golden, crispy, and packed with flavor — but without turning on the oven — this is the recipe for you. These air fryer rosemary roast potatoes are tossed in a bright, garlicky rosemary oil, finished with a drizzle of Read More