Thyme & JOY

The Bounty of Balanced Living . . .

Whole30 Recipes

Shredded BBQ Chicken Salad

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This shredded BBQ chicken salad is a great twist on classic chicken salad. Put it in a sandwich, on top of a salad or use as a dip with crackers and vegetables for a healthy meal that is easily meal prepped. 

bowl of shredded bbq chicken salad

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Recently, my husband came home gloating about an idea someone had from work.  They simply mixed canned tuna with BBQ sauce and put it on a sandwich.

My first reaction was pretty bad.  I’m not sure why, but I was pretty grossed out at the idea of tuna and bbq sauce together.  

However, if it was chicken then I would be totally on board!

I created this cold shredded bbq chicken with that thought in mind and it turned out really well.  We always see classic chicken salad, buffalo chicken salad and even curry chicken salad, why not give BBQ sauce a shot? 

What BBQ sauce is best for chicken?

There are SO many types of BBQ sauce out there to choose from.  You can even make your own!

For me, I prefer BBQ sauce that doesn’t have any added sugar and is made with clean ingredients. 

My favorite BBQ sauce to use is this Classic BBQ Sauce made by the New Primal. It’s perfectly tangy, sweet and flavorful with no junk in it whatsoever. 

They also make a Carolina style Mustard BBQ Sauce that is great for making Carolina Boneless wings among other things. 

shredded bbq chicken salad in a bowl

Cooking and Shredding Chicken for Salad:

There are 2 things you can do to make perfectly shredded chicken for chicken salads:

  1. Boil chicken breasts until fully cooked and shred with 2 forks OR for the easiest method for shredded chicken, cook chicken (even from frozen) in your instant pot and use a stand mixer to shred.
  2. Purchase a rotisserie chicken!  Yep, let someone else do the work for you so you can enjoy time doing other things.  Simply take meat and skin off of a cooked rotisserie chicken and shred with 2 forks or a stand mixer.  Don’t forget to save the bones for easy bone broth! 

How to Make Shredded BBQ Chicken Salad:

  1. Dice up a half cup of celery and a quarter cup of onion.
  2. Add to a large bowl along with 2 cups of shredded chicken.
  3. Add in 1/2 cup of homemade mayo and 1/2 cup BBQ sauce. 
  4. Stir everything together until fully combined.  Adjust BBQ sauce to taste.

Serve shredded bbq chicken salad on a sandwich, on top of a salad or use as a dip with crackers and vegetables! 

shredded bbq chicken salad in a bowl

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shredded bbq chicken salad in a bowl

Shredded BBQ Chicken Salad

  • Author: Valerie Skinner| Thyme and JOY
  • Prep Time: 5 minutes
  • Cook Time: 0 minutes
  • Total Time: 5 minutes
  • Yield: 4-6 servings
  • Category: chicken, salad
  • Method: mixing
  • Cuisine: american, sandwich, salad
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Description

This shredded BBQ chicken salad is a great twist on classic chicken salad. Put it in a sandwich, on top of a salad or use as a dip with crackers and vegetables for a healthy meal that is easily meal prepped. 

Ingredients

  • 2 cups Shredded Chicken Breast
  • 1/2 cup Celery, small dice
  • 1/4 cup Red Onion, small dice
  • 1/2 cup Mayonnaise
  • 1/2 cup BBQ Sauce

Instructions

  1. Dice up a half cup of celery and a quarter cup of onion.
  2. Add to a large bowl along with 2 cups of shredded chicken.
  3. Add in 1/2 cup of homemade mayo and 1/2 cup BBQ sauce.
  4. Stir everything together until fully combined.  Adjust BBQ sauce to taste.

Notes

  • Serve cold.
  • Will last in fridge in a sealed container for up to one week.

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1/2 cup
  • Calories: 228
  • Fat: 17
  • Carbohydrates: 6
  • Protein: 13

Keywords: shredded bbq chicken salad, bbq chicken salad sandwich, bbq chicken salad, barbeque chicken salad, keto bbq chicken salad, paleo bbq chicken salad, whole30 bbq chicken salad, bbq chicken salad recipe, healthy bba chicken salad, bbq salad

Valerie Skinner is a Whole30 approved personal chef & recipe developer that bridges the gap between healthy eating and busy lives by providing simple healthy meals and recipes for you and your family.Charleston Personal Chef Thyme and JOY

Lets Connect!

Check out my Podcast: Food Conversations

Email me: thymeandjoy@gmail.com

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Air Fryer Brussels Sprouts

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These air fryer Brussels sprouts are a perfect way to get a healthy dose of greens on the table fast.  Simply toss Brussels sprouts with oil, salt, pepper and garlic powder and air fry until crispy. 

air fryer brussels sprouts with bacon in a white bowl

When I get home from cooking for others, the name of my game is SIMPLE HEALTHY FOOD.  This is why I love my air fryer so damn much.  I am able to get healthy vegetable sides on the table in under 20 minutes and that includes potatoes.

I’ve always loved a crispy Brussels sprout but having to heat up the entire oven and cook for a long time, then broil them always made me shy away from it’s nutritional deliciousness. 

This simple ecipe for air fryer brussels sprouts gives you some time back AND it saves you money by not having to fire up your oven, especially in the summer months. 

With this method they become the best brussels sprouts that are tender on the inside and crispy on the outside. 

How to make Air Fryer Brussels Sprouts:

  1. Using one pound of whole raw Brussels sprouts, cut off the rough stem edge on each and half each sprout. 
  2. Add stemmed and halved Brussels sprouts to a bowl and drizzle with avocado oil, garlic powder, salt and pepper.  
  3. Toss everything together so that oil and seasonings are evenly coated. 
  4. Add to air fryer basket and cook at 375 for 15-20 minutes making sure to toss every 5-8 minutes. 

Can you cook frozen brussels sprouts in the air fryer?

Yes! However, it takes a little bit more time and they certainly do not come out as crispy as using raw Brussels sprouts. See recipe instructions below:

Air Fryer Frozen Brussels Sprouts

  1. Thaw whole frozen brussels sprouts for 2-3 minutes in the microwave. 
  2. Chop each whole brussels sprout in half.
  3. Cook frozen brussels sprouts at 375 in air fryer for about 10 minutes as the moisture begins to evaporate.
  4. After they have cooked for 10 minutes, spray with avocado, coconut or olive oil and toss together in the basket. 
  5. Continue cooking for another 8-10 minutes at 375 until the edges start to become crispy.
  6. Cook a few minutes longer depending on desired crispy level.
  7. Add cooked Brussels sprouts to a bowl and toss with desired seasonings before serving.

Air Fryer Brussels Sprouts Tips and Tricks:

You do not put oil in the air fryer to cook Brussels sprouts.  Coating the actual vegetable with oil will cook them well. 

There is no need to preheat the air fryer for this recipe.

I tend to like my brussels sprouts tender on the inside and extra crispy on the outside.  This requires about 5 more minutes of cooking at  400 degrees depending on your air fryer.

Do not over-crowd air fryer basket as the Brussels sprouts will begin to steam rather than crisp! One pound of halved Brussels sprouts is a good amount for most Air Fryer basket sizes. 

My favorite air fryer to use is the Ninja Foodi which is an air fryer AND electric pressure cooker all in one.  Check out my full review HERE. 

Ninja Foodi Review

What can you flavor Brussels Sprouts with?

  • Bacon
  • Parmesan Cheese
  • Lemon & Garlic
  • BBQ Sauce
  • Sesame Soy Glaze
  • Cajun Seasoning

Also Check Out:

Air Fryer Brussels Sprouts

air fryer brussels sprouts and bacon in a white bowl

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air fryer brussels sprouts with bacon in a white bowl

Air Fryer Brussels Sprouts

★★★★★

5 from 2 reviews
  • Author: Valerie Skinner | Thyme and JOY
  • Prep Time: 5 minutes
  • Cook Time: 15 minutes
  • Total Time: 20 minutes
  • Yield: 3 cups
  • Category: vegetable side, healthy side, brussels sprouts
  • Method: air fryer
  • Cuisine: american
Print Recipe

Description

These air fryer Brussels sprouts are a perfect way to get a healthy dose of greens on the table fast.  Simply toss Brussels sprouts with oil, salt, pepper and garlic powder and air fry until crispy. 

Ingredients

  • 1 lb Whole Raw Brussels Sprouts
  • 1 tbsp Avocado, Coconut or Olive Oil
  • 2 tsp Sea Salt
  • 1 tsp Garlic Powder
  • 1/4 tsp Black Pepper

Instructions

  1. Using a sharp knife, cut off the stems of each Brussels sprout and cut each in half lengthwise.
  2. Add halved Brussels sprouts to a bowl and drizzle on avocado oil.
  3. Sprinkle on salt, pepper and garlic powder and toss together completely to make sure each Brussels sprout is evenly coated.
  4. Add to air fryer basket making sure not to over-crowd.
  5. Cook at 375 for 15-20 minutes making sure to toss Brussels sprouts every 5-8 minutes to ensure even cooking.
  6. Serve hot.

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 3/4 cup
  • Calories: 105

Keywords: air fryer brussel sprouts, air fry brussel sprouts, how to make crispy brussel sprouts. fry brussel sprouts, airfryer roast vegetables, frozen brussel sprouts, crispy brussels sprouts, frozen brussel sprout recipes, recipe frozen brussel sprouts

Valerie Skinner is a Whole30 approved personal chef & recipe developer that bridges the gap between healthy eating and busy lives by providing simple healthy meals and recipes for you and your family.Charleston Personal Chef Thyme and JOY

Lets Connect!

Check out my Podcast: Food Conversations

Email me: thymeandjoy@gmail.com

Follow me on Instagram

Join my community on Facebook

See what I’m pinning on Pinterest

Brussels Sprouts Salad with Apples

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This brussels sprouts salad with apples is filled with veggies, fresh flavor coming from citrus zest.  A  new way to try brussels sprouts, it’s perfect for a spring or summer side dish and for those following a Whole30 or Paleo way of eating. 

brussels sprouts and apples in a bowl next to forks

This is a guest post by my fellow healthy blogger friend Ana Ankeny!  Take it away, Ana! 

I am so excited to be here sharing a brand new recipe with you all!

As a creative and passionate recipe developer determined to share all the healthy food options I can, I am so excited Valerie has opened her blog to me for sharing a special recipe with all of you!

Along with spending much of my time in the kitchen recipe developing Paleo, Whole30 and clean eating recipes, I am a boy mom to four little munchkins, home school mom to the older two, and a little fitness obsessed.

I hope you enjoy the new recipe and follow along for more clean eating recipes and tips.

Find Ana here:

I am all about those two things; healthy and easy! Let’s not over complicate things, making healthy meals can be very easy! For this dish all you need are four simple ingredients and a large skillet. In just 15 minutes you’ll have a flavorful dish that pairs well with your weeknight dinner.

Brussels Sprouts Salad with apples has the best flavors of summer. It may only be spring right now, but I am always dreaming of summertime.

The fresh produce from the farmer’s markets and all the lighter salads with citrus flavors. Ah, yes summertime is my favorite.

The light crunch from the Brussels sprouts and the sweetness from the apples mix together along with the light and zesty hints from the lemon.

Yes, it’s the perfect summertime salad.

How to Make Brussels Sprouts Salad with Apples:

  1. Grab your cutting board and begin prepping the Brussels sprouts and apples. Cut the Brussels in half and the apple into large chunks.  
  2. Next, in a skillet over medium heat, begin warming the avocado oil. Place the Brussels and apples in the hot skillet and cook for 10 minutes.
  3. Using a wooden spoon, stir every couple of minutes to get a nice even cook to each piece.The Brussels will be lightly cooked, with a nice crunch still.
  4. Lastly remove the cooked salad from the skillet and place into a serving bowl. Cut lemon in half and squeeze juice over the salad.  Toss together and serve.

Also Check Out:

Brussels Sprouts Salad with Apples

brussels sprouts salad with apples in a bowl next to forks

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brussels sprouts salad with apples in a bowl next to forks

Brussels Sprouts Salad with Apples

  • Author: Ana Ankeny
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 15 minutes
  • Total Time: 25 minutes
  • Yield: 4 servings
  • Category: vegetables, side dishes, healthy side dishes
  • Method: stove top
  • Cuisine: american, vegetables
Print Recipe

Description

This brussels sprouts salad with apples is filled with veggies, fresh flavor coming from citrus zest.  A  new way to try brussels sprouts, it’s perfect for a spring or summer side dish and for those following a Whole30 or Paleo way of eating. 

Ingredients

  • 3-4 cups Raw Brussels Sprouts
  • 1 Medium Apple
  • 2 Tbsp Avocado Oil
  • Pink sea salt to taste
  • 1 Lemon, juiced

Instructions

  1. Using a cutting board and sharp knife, cut the rough stems off the Brussels sprouts and cut each in half. Cut the apple in 1/2″ dice. 
  2. In a skillet over medium high heat, add the avocado oil.
  3. Place all Brussels and apple chunks into the heated skillet.  Stirring together to evenly coat with avocado oil. Sprinkle with a pinch of sea salt.
  4. Cook for 10-15 minutes over medium heat stirring frequently every 2-3 minutes or until Brussels sprouts are cooked through but still slightly crunchy. 
  5. Remove from heat and add to a bowl.  Cut lemon in half and squeeze juice over the salad.  Toss together and serve.
  6. Store leftovers in a covered glass container in the fridge for up to 5 days.

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 cup
  • Calories: 198

Keywords: roasted brussels sprouts salad, brussel sprout salad vegan, brussel sprout salad, brussel sprout salad recipes, brussell sprout salad, whole30 brussels sprouts salad, paleo brussels sprouts salad, salad with brussel sprouts, brussels sprouts salad with apples, apple brussel sprout salad