Honey Old Bay Chicken Wings Recipe In The Air Fryer

Honey Old Bay Chicken Wings Recipe In The Air Fryer

Honey Old Bay Wings Recipe

This wing recipe is perfect for game day, family gathering, or your next weeknight dinner the whole family will love. 

 

Before I discovered the magic of air fryer chicken wings, I thought I could only get good wings at a restaurant, deep fried, slathered in sauce! During football season, these AIR FRYER wings are an easier and less expensive alternative to ordering out!

 

As a Maryland girl, Old Bay seasoning has a special place in my heart, reminiscent of crab feasts, the salty Atlantic beach air, and warm summers. This easy chicken wing recipe is perfectly paired with a honey Old Bay sauce, bringing a taste of Maryland to your table.

This article contains affiliate links, which means I may earn a small commission at no additional cost to you if you make a purchase through these links.

Chicken Wings on a plate with sauces to the side

What You Will Need

  • Air Fryer
  • 2 Large Mixing Bowls
  • Meausing Spoons and Utensils
  • Tongs for flipping wings

Ingredients

Originally, I made this recipe with a honey Old Bay sauce made with honey, old bay, dijon mustard, apple cider vinegar, and hot sauce.

I would first cook the wings, then coat them in the sauce. However, I’ve since changed my favorite Honey Old Bay Wings recipe because I prefer this as a dry rub recipe!

For the new method, you rub your seasonings on the wings before cooking. Then, once they are cooked, you finish the wings off with a drizzle of your favorite honey.

  • ​Chicken Wings
  • Avocado Oil
  • Old Bay
  • Salt and Black Pepper
  • Honey

 

Tossing Chicken wings in a large bowl

Step By Step How To Make Honey Old Bay Wings Recipe

Prep the Wings:

  • Pat the chicken wings dry with paper towels to remove excess moisture.
  • In a large bowl, add avocado oil, old bay, salt, and pepper and rub it into the chicken until evenly coated.

Cook the Wings in the Air Fryer:

  • Preheat your air fryer to 400°F for about 5 minutes.
  • Place wings in a single layer in the air fryer basket. You may need to cook in batches depending on the size of your air fryer.
  • Air fry the wings at 400°F  for 18-20 minutes, flipping halfway through, until the wings are crispy, golden brown, and cooked through.

Drizzle Honey Over Wings:

  • Once the wings are done, transfer them your serving platter and drizzle the honey over the wings.

Serve and Enjoy:

  • Serve these party wings with carrot or celery sticks, ranch, or blue cheese, and enjoy!

Serving Size and Time for This Crispy Chicken Wings Recipe

This recipe makes approximately 4 servings.

Estimated Total Time:

  • Prep Time: 5 to 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 18 to 20 minutes
  • Glaze Preparation: 5 minutes (to be completed during the cook time)
  • Total Time: 23 to 30 minutes

Honey Old Bay Chicken Wings in an Air Fryer Basket over top a blue and white checkard napkin

My Favorite Sauces to Make From Scratch for Air-Fryer Wings

As convenient as store-bought sauces can be, it’s surprisingly easy (and fun) to make your sauces from scratch! Additionally, you can go beyond the classic buffalo and BBQ sauces.

Try out some of my favorite sauces with incredible flavors. 

Wet Sauces:

Dry Rubs:

Tips For Making The Best Air Fryer Wings

Tip #1: Preheat the air fryer.

You preheat an oven, same goes for the air fryer. 400°F for about 5 minutes should do the trick!

Tip #2: Arrange Wings in a SINGLE Layer.

For extra crispy air fryer wings, the wings need space to ensure even cooking. Overcrowing the basket can lead to unevenly cooked wings.

This means, if you are making a large amount of wings, you will need to cooking them in batches.

Tip #3: For extra crispy wings, serve sauce on the side.

This might be my personal preference, but eversince I started ordering my wings with sauce on the side, I’ve never gone back!

They stay super crispy and I can add as much sauce as I would like for dunking or drizzling!

Tip #4: For easy speedy cleanup use a liner.

For easy speedy clean up use an airfryer liner or tin foil. Be sure to clean the basket after each use, the liner might not get everything, but it will make cleanup easier.

You can purchase these on Amazon, Walmart, or Target.

 

 

Honey Old Bay Wings on a plate with carrots and cucumbers

Enjoy This Recipe? Check Out These Other Chicken Recipes!

Southwest Chicken Bowl: An Easy Weeknight Meal

The Ultimate Franks Red Hot Buffalo Chicken Dip

Homemade Coconut Lime Chicken Chowder: AIP-Compliant

Easy Homemade Apple Pecan Chicken Salad

Honey Old Bay Chicken Wings in an Air Fryer Basket over top a blue and white checkard napkin

Honey Old Bay Wings Recipe (Air Fryer Recipe)

Sarah Harper MS, RD, LDN
This Honey Old Bay Wings Recipe is crispy with less calories from fat! Best of all, it comes together in under 30 minutes.
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Course Appetizer
Cuisine American
Servings 4 servings
Calories 342 kcal

Equipment

  • 1 Air Fryer
  • 2 large bowls
  • 1 set of measuring spoons and cups

Ingredients
  

Chicken Wings

  • 2 lbs chicken wings
  • 2 tbsp avocado oil
  • 2 tbsp Old Bay seasoning
  • 2 tsp kosher salt
  • ½ tsp black pepper
  • ¼ cup honey

Instructions
 

Prep the Wings

  • Preheat your air fryer to 400°F for about 5 minutes.
  • Pat the chicken wings dry with paper towels to remove excess moisture.
  • In a large bowl, add avocado oil, old bay, salt, and pepper. Use your hands to rub the oil and seasonings into the wings until evenly coated.

Cook the Wings in the Air Fryer

  • Place wings in a single layer in the air fryer basket. You may need to cook in batches depending on the size of your air fryer.
  • Air fry the wings at 400°F  for 18-20 minutes, flipping halfway through, until the wings are crispy, golden brown, and cooked through.

Drizzle Honey Over Wings

  • Once the wings are done, transfer them to a serving platter. Drizzle the honey over the wings.

Serve

  • Serve these party wings with carrot or celery sticks, ranch, or blue cheese, and enjoy!

Nutrition

Calories: 342kcalCarbohydrates: 18gProtein: 23gFat: 20gSaturated Fat: 6gPolyunsaturated Fat: 4gMonounsaturated Fat: 8gTrans Fat: 0.2gCholesterol: 94mgSodium: 712mgPotassium: 218mgFiber: 0.3gSugar: 17gVitamin A: 210IUVitamin C: 2mgCalcium: 29mgIron: 2mg
Keyword 30 minutes or less
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The Best 7-Ingredient Southwest Marinade For Chicken

The Best 7-Ingredient Southwest Marinade For Chicken

The Best Southwest Marinade For Chicken

This Southwest Marinade for chicken pairs bold flavors of typical of Southwest cuisine, with the acidity from the lime and apple cider vinegar to help tenderize the chicken, ensuring it’s juicy and flavorful. This marinade is perfect for grilling during the warmer months and baking when the weather is chilly.

Easy Southwest Marinade for chicken in a small bowl next to a bowl of quinoa salad.

Why You Need To Make This Southwest Chicken Marinade Recipe

This recipe is easy to whip together and makes a healthy delicious roast or grilled chicken. However, the fact that this recipe is super easy isn’t the only reason you need to make this recipe.

This recipe is also:

Versatile: Make this with roasted pork, grilled veggies, or grilled or baked tofu steaks.

Healthy: This recipe is a great addition to healthy flexitarian eating. A homemade marinade allows you to control the ingredients.

Cost-Effective: This recipe is economical to make and more cost-effective than buying pre-made marinades.

Totally Customizable: Making marinade from scratch allows you to adjust spices and ingredients to suit your taste preference and accommodate any dietary restrictions you may have.

Sliced Southwest Grilled Chicken on a cutting board next to a slice of lime.

Southwest Chicken Bowl – Sliced Chicken

Ingredients In Southwest Chicken Marinade

These simple marinade ingredients combined are perfect for your next southwest chicken dish.

  • Olive Oil
  • Apple Cider Vinegar
  • Limes – I use fresh lime juice and lime zest
  • Oregano
  • Chili Powder
  • Ground Cumin
  • Garlic Powder

Optional: onion powder (for more oniony flavors), smoked paprika (for a touch of smokiness), brown sugar (for a touch of sweetness), sea salt, and black pepper.

Step-By-Step Instructions

Combine Ingredients: In a bowl, whisk together the olive oil, apple cider vinegar, oregano, chili powder, cumin, and garlic powder, lime juice, and lime zest until well blended.

Season: Add salt and pepper to taste, if desired.

If using to marinate chicken…

Marinate Chicken: Place the chicken in a resealable plastic bag or a shallow dish, and pour the marinade over it. Make sure the chicken is evenly coated.

Refrigerate: Let the chicken marinate in the refrigerator for at least 1 hour, or up to 8 hours for deeper flavor.

Cook: Remove the chicken from the marinade and cook as desired, whether grilling, roasting, or pan-frying.

Easy Southwest Marinade for chicken in a small bowl next to a bowl of quinoa salad.

Serving Suggestions

Let’s review some ideas for serving this marinade! I can guide you to creating a complete and healthy meal.

Use this marinade on skinless chicken breasts for delicious grilled southwest chicken breasts. Marinate the raw chicken pieces in airtight containers or ziplock bag overnight or for 24hrs. Then grill your chicken until internal temperature reaches 165 degrees F.

Serve the grilled chicken in a delicious meal, such as :

  • Plain along side some simple cooked and seasoned black beans and rice.
  • The protein topper for burrito bowls with grilled green bell peppers and red onions, and fresh corn salsa.
  • Served over a simple green salad with fresh herbs, such as fresh cilantro.

Try this recipe as meal prep for the week! Make enough for a week of lunches with burrito bowls, salads, and wraps.

Other Recipes to Try!

Quick Chopped Greek Salad: A Trader Joe’s Harvest Blend Recipe

A bowl full with a grain salad with colorful veggies including peppers and greens topped with a creamy dressing

Black Bean Mango Salad Recipe: Ready In Minutes!

Black Bean Mango Salad in a wooden bowl with a wooden spoon and grey linen napkin

Easy Southwest Marinade for chicken in a small bowl next to a bowl of quinoa salad.

Southwest Marinade For Chicken

Sarah Harper MS, RD, LDN
This marinade pairs well with the bold flavors typical of Southwest cuisine, and the acidity from the lime and apple cider vinegar helps tenderize the chicken, ensuring it's juicy and flavorful.
Prep Time 5 minutes
Course Main Course, marinade
Cuisine American
Calories 1.021 kcal

Equipment

  • 1 Bowl
  • 1 Whisk
  • 1 Set measuring spoons

Ingredients
  

  • ½ cup olive oil
  • ¼ cup apple cider vinegar
  • 1 lime juiced and zested
  • 2 tsp chili powder
  • 1 tsp dried oregano
  • 1 tsp ground cumin
  • 1 tsp garlic powder
  • salt and pepper to taste

Instructions
 

  • In a bowl, whisk together the olive oil, apple cider vinegar, lime juice, lime zest, chili powder, oregano, cumin, and garlic powder until well blended.
  • Add salt and pepper to taste, if desired.

Nutrition

Calories: 1.021kcalCarbohydrates: 14gProtein: 2gFat: 109gSaturated Fat: 15gPolyunsaturated Fat: 12gMonounsaturated Fat: 79gSodium: 78mgPotassium: 288mgFiber: 5gSugar: 2gVitamin A: 1.279IUVitamin C: 20mgCalcium: 94mgIron: 4mg
Keyword easy
Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!
Honey Almond Cottage Cheese Spread

Honey Almond Cottage Cheese Spread

Healthy Honey Almond Cream Cheese

Bagels can be a satisfying and delicious addition to your healthy lunches and breakfasts. 

 

I try to keep my bagel breakfast balanced with the addition of fruit, veggies, and protein.

 

Light cream cheese is great, but one of my favorite combinations is a bagel topped with my homemade Healthy Honey Almond Cream Cheese, which includes cottage cheese as a secret ingredient. It is terrific on English muffins, spooned over Croffles (one of my favorite Korean Recipes), or spread over top of a plain bagel from your local bagel shop. 

 

My favorite is this spread on a blueberry bagel, especially Dave’s Killer Bread cinnamon raisin Bagels. 

Healthy-Panera-Honey-Walnut-Cream-Cheese-Breakfast

Ingredients and Tips

Cottage Cheese – I prefer a full-fat cottage cheese for the most flavor.

Honey – In a pinch, you can swap for maple syrup.

Almonds – I prefer to use toasted almonds. It will give the spread more flavor. If you have food allergies to almonds, you can use sunflower seeds.

Vanilla Extract – You could swap for almond extract

Salt – I use flakey sea salt or kosher salt

Step-By-Step Instructions

  1. In a food processor, blend the cottage cheese until smooth.
  2. Add the chopped almonds, honey, vanilla, and salt to the food processor. Blend well.
  3. Taste the mixture and adjust the honey to your liking.
  4. Serve immediately or store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to a week.
  5. Enjoy your homemade honey almond cream cheese spread on bagels, toast, or as a dip for fruit.

 

Healthy-Panera-Honey-Walnut-Cream-Cheese

Creating a Balanced Breakfast

You may have heard breakfast is “the most important meal of the day” for many, and this is true. Numerous studies have found eating a balanced breakfast regularly is associated with a range of health benefits including reducing the risk of obesity, type II diabetes, and better school performance in children and adolescents.

 A balanced breakfast includes a variety of nutrients in appropriate proportions to provide energy while promoting satiety.

I like to start my day with a balanced breakfast because it kickstarts my healthy eating for the rest of the day. You might be thinking, but Sarah, bagels are NOT healthy. Au contraire, my friend.

Bagels have carbohydrates, fiber, and protein. But most of all, I love the taste! I especially love bagels because I engage in regular exercise. Bagels are a convenient and tasty way to fuel my workouts. 

 

Tips On Creating a Balanced Breakfast

Here are some tips for creating a balanced breakfast.

  • Pick more Protein
  • Focus on Fiber
  • Choose Healthy Fats
  • Limit Added Sugar
  • Don’t forget those Vitamins and Minerals

 

Healthy-Panera-Honey-Walnut-Cream-Cheese-cinnamon-raisin

Ingredient Spotlight: Dave’s Killer Bread Organic Bagels

The Cinnamon Raisin Remix and Boomin’ Berry Bagels pair oh so well with this recipe. It’s important not to get too hung up on the numbers but here are a couple of reasons why I love to include Dave’s Killer Bread Organic Bagels in my diet.

  • With 11 to 12g of protein and 12 to 14g of whole grains, these bagels are baked to keep you fuller longer. Pair The Cinnamon Raisin Remix Bagel with a heaping 1/4 cup of my Honey Almond Cream Cheese and you are eating 18g of protein.
  • Pair that combo with a piece of fruit and you’ve got yourself a balanced breakfast or healthy lunch any dietitian would be proud of! Fruit adds additional fiber, vitamins, and minerals making it a smart addition to a balanced breakfast.

Healthy-Panera-Honey-Walnut-Cream-Cheese-Bagel-togo

More Healthy Recipes

Enjoy these other breakfast recipes that are vibrant, nutritious, and tasty.

Healthy-Panera-Honey-Walnut-Cream-Cheese-Breakfast

Healthy Honey Almond Cream Cheese

Sarah Harper MS, RD, LDN
This Honey Almond Cream Cheese is sweet, creamy, and delicious. Compared to Panera's Honey Walnut Cream Cheese, this recipe is a awesome alternative because it contains higher levels of protein and lower amounts of both fat and sugar. Enjoy your homemade "cream" cheese on bagels, toast, or as a dip for fruit.
Prep Time 5 minutes
Cook Time 10 minutes
Total Time 15 minutes
Course Breakfast
Cuisine American
Servings 6 servings
Calories 124 kcal

Equipment

  • 1 Food Processor or blender
  • 1 set of measuring cups

Ingredients
  

  • 8 oz cottage cheese I prefer 4% milk fat
  • 1/2 cup toasted and chopped almonds
  • 2 tbsp honey
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract
  • 1/8 tsp kosher salt

Instructions
 

  • In a food processor, blend the cottage cheese until smooth.
  • Add the chopped walnuts, honey, vanilla, and salt to the food processor. Blend well.
  • Taste the mixture and adjust the honey to your liking.
  • Serve immediately or store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to a week.
  • Enjoy your homemade honey walnut "cream" cheese on bagels, toast, or as a dip for fruit.

Notes

Pair this with a Dave's Killer Bread Organic Bagel and a piece of fruit for a balanced breakfast!

Nutrition

Calories: 124kcalCarbohydrates: 8gProtein: 6gFat: 8gSaturated Fat: 1gPolyunsaturated Fat: 5gMonounsaturated Fat: 1gCholesterol: 6mgSodium: 168mgPotassium: 87mgFiber: 1gSugar: 7gVitamin A: 55IUVitamin C: 0.2mgCalcium: 41mgIron: 0.3mg
Keyword breakfast, cheese, vegetarian
Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!
The Best Habanero Peach Salsa Recipe

The Best Habanero Peach Salsa Recipe

Habanero Peach Salsa Recipe

I love to make Habanero Peach Salsa Recipes in the summertime when peaches are in season and the produce is abundant!

 

The spicy-sweet blend of ingredients is so delicious spooned over tacos or served alongside tortilla chips.

 

Disclosure: As an Amazon Associate, I may earn from qualifying purchases at no cost to you.

 

Peach Salsa Close Up with Chips in the Background

Ingredients for Habanero Peach Salsa Recipe

 

Below are the ingredients for this fruity salsa! 

  • Peach: For the ultimate peachy flavor, I believe nothing beats locally sourced, fresh peaches, if available in your area. You could also use canned peaches in this recipe! 

Peaches canned locally or store-bought are both fine, but I like using fresh! 

Keep the skin on, the colors are so beautiful!

  • Tomato –  I used tomatoes I grew in my backyard. If you see yellow tomatoes at the farmers market those would look beautiful in this dish.
  • Minced Habanero – For a spicier salsa, use more, for a milder salsa use less. 

I recommend starting with a small amount of minced habaneros and adding more from there based on your flavor preferences for the right amount of heat. 

A little goes a long way with habaneros bold spicy flavor. 

  • Fresh Cilantro – If you dislike cilantro, I recommend fresh Italian parsley. 
  • Fresh Lime Juice – In a pinch, lemon juice or white vinegar could also work.
  • Onion – I love to use white onion in this dish but red, sweet, or yellow onions work well too

Optional Ingredients for Habanero Peach Salsa Recipe

Lime Zest – You already got those limes, this adds more lime flavor!

Mintused orange mint in this recipe!

Red Bell Pepper – for bright red contrasting colors!

How to Make Habanero Peach Salsa Recipe (3 ways!)

There are several ways in which you can make peach salsa. Here are a few ways you can go about this salsa creation.

  1. Choose to do it the way I did and, roughly dice and/or mince the ingredients and add them to a food processor. I pulsed about 10 times and was careful not to over-pulse.
  2. Another method is dicing or mincing all by hand. Choose your desired size and keep each ingredient small and uniform. I prefer this method for chunky salsa. 
  3. The third option is to use a salsa-making gadget! I’ve seen these sold online at various stores. Some are crank food processors while others are hand chopping gizmos. 

Habanero Peach Salsa in a black bowl with tortilla chips to the right. Stacked on a wooden platter.

 Why You Will Love Making This Recipe

There are many reasons you will love this recipe. Some of these include:

Lots of Veggies

I love that this recipe involves so many different vegetables. It is fresh, nutritious, and delish!

In Season Produce

Indulge in this recipe when peach season hits its peak, and the local farmers’ market bursts with juicy peaches!

Summertime is the time when habanero peppers and sweet peaches are in season. Pick up some other yummy fresh flavors from your market, such as red onion, herbs (fresh cilantro!), and red bell peppers. These farm-fresh ingredients make the perfect combination for a farm-fresh salsa. 

Versatility

Adjust the ingredients or level of heat easily! You can use less habanero or omit the spicy flavors of habanero and include jalapenos for a milder version of this homemade salsa recipe. 

​Turn this into a mango salsa by swapping the peaches for mangos or make a Peach Mango Habanero Salsa by doing half mango half peach!

How To Use This Recipe in Cooking

This salsa recipe has so many applications in all sorts of dishes! Some of my favorite ways to use this homemade salsa include:

  • Chips and salsa – a classic. Get super fancy and make homemade tortilla chips or use my favorite –  Juanita’s Tortilla Chips.
  • Spooned over fish tacos
  • Served with some breakfast burritos. 
  • A topper for big summer salads
  • Mixed into a grain bowl

Tips for Cooking with Hot peppers for Your Habanero Peach Salsa Recipes

Below are a few tips for cooking with hot peppers.

Handle with Care: I highly recommend using disposable gloves when handling habanero peppersThe oils on peppers can irritate your skin and eyes. So also, avoid touching your eyes. 

Controlling and Adjusting Heat: For adjusting the heat in salsa, remove the seeds and membranes to reduce the heat. Additionally, start small and taste as you go. 

Balance: Hot peppers can overwhelm other flavors in a dish. Balance the heat by adding acidic and sweet flavors.

Habanero Peach Salsa in a black bowl with tortilla chips to the right. Stacked on a wooden platter.

Enjoy This Recipe? Try These Too!

Healthy 5 Ingredient Peach Cobbler Protein Shake Recipe

Easy Southwest Bowls with Marinated Chicken

The Best Sweet Soy Glaze Recipe (Inspired by Kecap Manis)

Habanero Peach Salsa in a black bowl with tortilla chips to the right. Stacked on a wooden platter.

Habanero Peach Salsa

This Habanero Peach Salsa is sweet with a little heat!
5 from 1 vote
Prep Time 15 minutes
Total Time 15 minutes
Servings 6 servings
Calories 47 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 2 peaches, chopped
  • 2 large tomatoes, chopped
  • 1 habanero, minced seeds and ribs removed
  • ½ white onion, chopped
  • 1 lime, juiced and zested
  • cup cilantro, chopped
  • 1 tbsp mint, chopped optional
  • ¼ tsp kosher salt or more to taste
  • tsp crushed black pepper or more to taste

Instructions
 

  • In a food processor, add all ingredients.
  • Pulse 5 times, then using a rubber spatula scrape down the sides, and pulse again 5 times.
  • Serve with chips, tacos, fajitas, over a salad, the possibilities are endless!

Notes

This recipe is vegan and  vegetarian as well as gluten, dairy, egg, and nut free!
 
Tomatoes, I recommend if you are using small tomatoes to add about 2 cups worth. 

Nutrition

Calories: 47kcalCarbohydrates: 11gProtein: 2gFat: 0.3gSaturated Fat: 0.04gPolyunsaturated Fat: 0.1gMonounsaturated Fat: 0.1gSodium: 300mgPotassium: 342mgFiber: 2gSugar: 8gVitamin A: 443IUVitamin C: 22mgCalcium: 47mgIron: 2mg
Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!
Easy Balsamic Pickled Red Onions & How To Use Them!

Easy Balsamic Pickled Red Onions & How To Use Them!

Easy Balsamic Pickled Onions

If you are a pickle fan, you will love this recipe! These easy Balsamic Pickled Onions feature thinly sliced red onions quickly pickled in a balsamic vinegar brine. 

Infused with a tangy-sweet essence, the onions absorb the flavorful liquid, transforming into a versatile condiment. Quick to prepare, they effortlessly elevate your culinary creations, adding depth and complexity to your dishes.

 

Red tinted Balsamic Pickled Onions with a spoon in a white bowl

Why You Will Love These Balsamic Pickled Onions 

Add this Balsamic Picked Onions recipe to your refrigerator condiment repertoire! With just a few simple ingredients and minimal prep, you can enjoy these delicious picked onions with a variety of dishes. 

 

While this recipe offers quick pickling, allowing the flavors to meld for about an hour, the true magic happens overnight. For optimal taste, exercise patience and indulge in these delectable onions the following day.

 

Ingredients in Quick Pickle Balsamic Onions

Below are the ingredients for this easy quick-pickled onion. 

  • Red onions (or white onions)
  • Balsamic Vinegar & White Vinegar 
  • Honey or Maple Syrup/brown sugar
  • Pickling Salt
  • Mustard Seeds
  • Optional: while garlic cloves red pepper flakes, Italian herbs, cinnamon stick

 

Step – By – Step Instructions for Making Easy Pickled Red Onions

 

Slice Onions: With a sharp knife, peel and thinly slice the red onions. Then, place the sliced onions in a clean jar.

Prepare Pickling Liquid: In a saucepan, combine balsamic vinegar, white vinegar, honey, salt, mustard seeds, and garlic. Simmer over medium heat until sugar and salt dissolve.

Pickle Onions: Pour the balsamic vinegar brine over the onions in the jar. Let cool to room temperature.

Seal and Refrigerate: Seal the jar and refrigerate for at least 1 hour, preferably overnight.

Serving Suggestions: Bring dishes to the next level by using these homemade pickled red onions as a topping for salads, sandwiches, burgers, or grilled meats.

These tangy onions add a burst of flavor and a lot of savory notes to your favorite dishes. Store leftovers in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks.

 

Balsamic Pickled Onions in a bowl with a spoon

How To Use Balsamic Pickled Onions

 

These balsamic onions are the perfect topping in many applications. Some of my favorite ways to use them include:

  • Charcuterie Board (one of my favorite appetizers)
  • Spooned over Avocado Toast
  • Tossed in a salad
  • As a side dish for baked fish or chicken
  • Incorporated into your favorite grain bowls
  • A topping for fish tacos

However, my ultimate favorite way to savor Balsamic Pickled Onions is nestled within a hearty, veggie-packed sandwich!

 

Red Balsamic Pickled Onions in a mason jar with a spoon on an off white background

FAQ about Easy Pickled Red Onions (Ask A Dietitian!)

Can I use balsamic vinegar for pickling?

 

Yes, balsamic vinegar is a great option for pickling. To balance cost and flavor, I often blend it with more affordable distilled white vinegar. This combination offers a rich depth of taste without overwhelming the vegetables being pickled. 

Are picked onions good or bad for you?

 

Pickled onions are a flavorful addition to your diet and offer some health benefits! Low in calories yet bursting with flavor, they serve as a versatile addition to your meals. Rich in antioxidants, they support overall health, and if fermented, they provide probiotics, promoting gut health and digestion!

Do you have to cook onions before pickling?

 

No, you do not need to cook onions before pickling. I prefer to slice them raw and add them directly to the jar. Then, I pour the hot pickling brine overtop before sealing. 

While some recipes may call for blanching the onions in boiling water before picking, I prefer crunchy pickled onions. So, it’s entirely up to your taste and crunch preference.

Top down view of balsamic picked onions in a mason jar with a spoon sticking out from the top

More Recipes!

Quick and Easy Din Tai Fung Inspired Cucumber Salad

Easy Italian Grinder Salad (Viral Tik Tok Recipe)

Jacob’s Black Bean Burger Salad

Red tinted Balsamic Pickled Onions with a spoon in a white bowl

Balsamic Pickled Onions

Sarah Harper MS, RD, LDN
If you are a pickle fan, you will love this recipe! These easy Balsamic Pickled Onions feature thinly sliced red onions quickly pickled in a balsamic vinegar brine. 
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 10 minutes
Resting time 1 hour
Total Time 1 hour 25 minutes
Course Appetizer, Side Dish
Cuisine American
Servings 8 servings
Calories 56 kcal

Equipment

  • 1 Sauce Pan
  • 16oz jar with lid

Ingredients
  

  • 1 red onion
  • ½ cup Balsamic Vinegar
  • ½ cup white vinegar
  • ½ cup water
  • 3 tbsp honey
  • 1 tbsp pickling salt
  • 1 tbsp mustard seeds
  • 4 garlic cloves

Instructions
 

Prepare Pickling Liquid

  • In a saucepan, combine balsamic vinegar, white vinegar, honey, salt, mustard seeds, and garlic. Simmer over medium heat until sugar and salt dissolve.

Pickle Onions

  • Pour the balsamic vinegar brine over the onions in the jar. Let cool to room temperature.

Seal and Refrigerate

  • Seal the jar and refrigerate for at least 1 hour, preferably overnight.

Serving

  • Bring dishes to the next level by using these homemade pickled red onions as a topping for salads, sandwiches, burgers, or grilled meats.

Nutrition

Calories: 56kcalCarbohydrates: 11gProtein: 1gFat: 1gSaturated Fat: 0.04gPolyunsaturated Fat: 0.1gMonounsaturated Fat: 0.3gSodium: 878mgPotassium: 59mgFiber: 0.4gSugar: 10gVitamin A: 1IUVitamin C: 2mgCalcium: 16mgIron: 0.3mg
Keyword pickled
Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!

 

The Ultimate Franks Red Hot Buffalo Chicken Dip

The Ultimate Franks Red Hot Buffalo Chicken Dip

Frank’s Red Hot Buffalo Chicken Dip

This Franks Red Hot Buffalo Chicken Dip is perfect for any time of year. But, I especially love this dip during fall and football season! Plus, I love making and eating all the football appetizers and noms!

Additionally, when I think of football food and snacks, I think of buffalo wing sauce, chicken wings, and blue cheese dressing. Buffalo Chicken Dip is all of those things rolled into one giant baking pan slathered in cheezy goodness.

 Buffalo Chicken Dip is everything I love about Buffalo Chicken Wings without the mess. Not only that, but this Franks Red Hot Buffalo Chicken Dip is perfect for gatherings and sitting around a TV watching the big game.

A small plate with buffalo chicken sip veggie sticks and blue corn tortilla chips

Ingredients in Buffalo Chicken Dip

Chicken: I prefer chicken thighs over chicken breasts. This recipe for Instant Pot Chicken Thighs (Fresh or Frozen) from author Lauren Allen on the Food Blog Tastes Better From Scratch is super informative and only takes 30 minutes. 

Franks Red Hot Sauce: I love to use the OG Franks Red Hot Buffalo Sauce in my buffalo chicken dips. However, I have another brand that I love and that’s The New Primal. They have 3 levels of heat for their Buffalo Sauce, Mild, Medium, and Hot! Perfect for individualizing recipes.

Ranch

Cheese – Cream Cheese, Cheddar Cheese, Blue Cheese

Green Topping: A little garnish to finish off the bubbling Franks Red Hot Buffalo Chicken Dip. I love to add some green for contrasting colors. Green onion or chives add a crisp and fresh element to finish off this dish. Some other topping ideas are garlic scapes, parsley, or cilantro.

A quart baking pan with freshly baked Franks Red Hot Buffalo Chicken Dip with dippers

How to make this Easy Buffalo Chicken Dip

You can make this recipe in an air fryer or slow cooker. In these directions, I’ll review how to make this in a quart baking dish and in the oven!

Cook the Chicken: If you haven’t already, cook the chicken. You can boil, bake, or grill chicken breasts until they’re fully cooked until the internal temperature reaches 165°F. Then shred or dice them. Alternatively, you can use rotisserie chicken for convenience. 

Note – This step can be done 1-2 days in advance. 

Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F.

In a large pot, sautee diced onion and celery with 1 tbsp butterfor 5 minutes.

Prepare the Cream Cheese Mixture: Once the veggies finish sauteeing, combine the cream cheese, ranch dressing, and buffalo sauce. Stir until well combined and smooth.

Add the Chicken: Add the cooked chicken to the bowl and mix until the chicken is evenly coated with the cream cheese mixture.

Transfer to Baking Dish: Transfer the mixture to a baking dish, spreading it out evenly.

Sprinkle with Cheese: Sprinkle the cheddar and blue cheese on top of the dip.

Bake the Dip: Bake in the preheated oven for about 20-25 minutes, or until the dip is hot and bubbly and the cheese on top is melted and lightly golden brown.

Let It Cool: Once done, remove the dip from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes before serving.

Garnish (Optional): If desired, garnish with chopped green onions, more blue cheese crumbles, or a drizzle of ranch dressing before serving.

Serve: Serve the buffalo chicken dip warm with tortilla chips, celery sticks, or carrot sticks for dipping. Enjoy!

A small plate with Buffalo Chicken Dip and veggie dippers

Sharper Nutrition Fix: Three tips for cutting the perfect veggie dipper

  1. Wash your veggies. I like to use a dedicated scrubber brush for my veggie washing. 
  2. Prep. Did you know, you can prep veggie dippers a day in advance?! Just cut your veggies and wrap them in a damp paper towel. Store in an airtight container or storage bag in the refrigerator.
  3. Aesthetic. When choosing the veggies to pair with the dip think about what will look the most pleasing to the eye, such as the shape in which you cut your veggie dipper and the color combinations of the veggies. 

Examples

Carrots: Whole carrots can have crackly and dirty-looking skin even when scrubbed really well. Peeling the outer layer transforms the carrot into a bright orange visual beauty. Then, think about the size you want the carrot to hold up the sauce or dip you have prepared. Be sure to allow for a good surface area to do so. Last, cut the carrot into 3” long and 0.5inch wide sticks. Not into all the prep? Baby carrots for the win. 

Celery: Celery requires little prep work. Just wash, and slice. Celery naturally has a lovely spoon-like shape, perfect for dipping! Plus celery and carrots look beautiful paired together. 

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Franks Red Hot Buffalo Chicken Dip

Sarah Harper MS, RD, LDN
This Franks Red Hot Buffalo Chicken Dip recipe is hot, creamy, and spicy. Enjoy it with chips, carrots and celery sticks. This is the perfect dip to enjoy during any sporting event.
Prep Time 5 minutes
Cook Time 35 minutes
Total Time 40 minutes
Course Appetizer
Cuisine American
Servings 10 servings
Calories 394 kcal

Equipment

  • Sauce Pan
  • Quart Baking Dish
  • rubber spatula

Ingredients
  

  • 1 lbs chicken thighs, shredded
  • 2 stalks celery, diced
  • 1/2 onion, diced
  • 1 tbsp butter
  • 3/4 cup Franks Red Hot Buffalo Sauce
  • 8 oz cream cheese
  • 1 Bottle ranch
  • 2 oz cheddar cheese, shredded
  • 2 oz blue cheese crumbles
  • 2 green onions, diced

Instructions
 

Cook the Chicken

  • If you haven't already, cook the chicken. You can boil, bake, or grill chicken breasts until they're fully cooked until the internal temperature reaches 165°F. Then shred or dice them. Alternatively, you can use rotisserie chicken for convenience. 
  • Note - This step can be done 1-2 days in advance. 

Preheat the Oven

  • Preheat your oven to 350°F.
  • In a large pot, sauté diced onion and celery with 1tbsp butter for 5 minutes. 

Prepare the Cream Cheese Mixture

  • Once the veggies finish sautéing, combine the cream cheese, ranch dressing, and buffalo sauce. Stir until well combined and smooth.

Add the Chicken

  • Add the cooked chicken to the bowl and mix until the chicken is evenly coated with the cream cheese mixture.

Transfer to a Baking Dish

  • Transfer the mixture to a baking dish, spreading it out evenly.

Sprinkle Cheese

  • Sprinkle the cheddar and blue cheese on top of the dip.

Bake and Cool

  • Bake in the preheated oven for about 20-25 minutes, or until the dip is hot and bubbly and the cheese on top is melted and lightly golden brown.
    Once done, remove the dip from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes before serving.

Garnish and Serve

  • If desired, garnish with chopped green onions, more blue cheese crumbles, or a drizzle of ranch dressing before serving.
  • Serve the buffalo chicken dip warm with tortilla chips, celery sticks, or carrot sticks for dipping. Enjoy!

Notes

Serve with carrot and celery sticks, tortilla chips, and/or crackers. 

Nutrition

Calories: 394kcalCarbohydrates: 5gProtein: 13gFat: 35gSaturated Fat: 11gPolyunsaturated Fat: 13gMonounsaturated Fat: 8gTrans Fat: 0.1gCholesterol: 91mgSodium: 1208mgPotassium: 226mgFiber: 0.3gSugar: 4gVitamin A: 528IUVitamin C: 1mgCalcium: 116mgIron: 1mg
Keyword cheese, dip, low carb
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