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    • Easy Chicken Dinner Recipes -->This collection of easy chicken dinner recipes features some of our favorite family dishes, perfect for making a healthy, delicious home cooked meal on a busy night! Getting a healthy, home cooked meal on the table every night can be challenging. Particularly with the demands of work, school, activities and social obligations, well, it can be the last thing we want to do at the end of the day. So I’ve got tons of easy chicken recipes at my disposal that I turn to when I need to whip something up for us on one of those busy weeknights. (Or even busy weekends – dinners can be tough then, too!) And this collection of easy chicken dinner recipes has some that we make over and over again. It includes everything from skillet chicken dinners to slow cooker chicken recipes, one-pot chicken pastas, soups and salads with chicken, chicken burgers and meatballs, sheet pan chicken dinners and easy chicken casseroles. Are you looking for fast as well as easy? Me too. I’ve got collections of chicken recipes in under 30 minutes and, faster still, chicken recipes in under 15 minutes. Or if you want to browse them all, my quick chicken recipes…
      • Easy Chicken Recipes with Few IngredientsThese easy chicken recipes with few ingredients include some great healthy lunch and dinner options, all made with 5 or fewer ingredients! I am all about the EASY when it comes to cooking. I don’t like to fuss much over my food and I certainly don’t like to spend a ton of time in the kitchen at the end of a long day. Easy chicken dinner recipes and healthy lunch recipes with chicken are much more my style. (As are chicken recipes in under 30 minutes and, faster yet, chicken recipes in under 15 minutes. Cause life.) Speaking of life, a million trips to the grocery store also aren’t fun during a busy week. (Especially with little ones in tow!) So I’ve got these go-to easy chicken recipes with few ingredients that help me keep dinnertime simple. And my sanity intact. In fact, one of the first cookbooks I bought on my own, at a used bookstore in Washington, D.C., where I lived for a few years after college, was titled 3-ingredient recipes. I was pretty new to cooking and thought, I think I can handle that. My cooking skills have improved, but I still go for the simple chicken recipes…
      • Quick Chicken RecipesThis collection of quick chicken recipes features some of our favorite family dinners and go-to lunches, all ready in 30 minutes or less! From chicken skillet dinners to one-pot pastas, salads to burgers, you’re sure to find some new favorites! If you know me, you know I am ALL about the quick and easy recipes. I love making all of our homemade meals and home cooked dinners, but like you, I’ve also got a hundred other things to juggle and so keeping things simple in the kitchen is a must. And these quick chicken recipes include all of my chicken recipes in under 30 minutes and, even faster, chicken recipes in under 15 minutes. Sanity savers for sure. Busy weeknights have nothing on us! A few of our favorites from these quick chicken recipes: Healthy chicken Alfredo with broccoli Creamy chipotle chicken 20-minute chicken and tortellini soup with kale Skillet salsa chicken Easy creamy chicken This collection also has some healthy lunch recipes with chicken for mixing up your lunch routine. (It doesn’t include my slow cooker chicken recipes though, since those aren’t ready in 30 minutes. But they can be super quick to prep in the morning and then…
        • Chicken Recipes in Under 15 MinutesThese easy chicken recipes in under 15 minutes are perfect for dinner on a busy weeknight! From one-pot wonders to salads, chicken skillets to tacos, you’re sure to find some new fast favorites! You know those nights when you walk in the door and need dinner pronto?! Like, 5 minutes ago? That’s when I turn to these quick and easy chicken recipes in under 15 minutes. I can make a healthy, home cooked meal for my family and be sitting down to enjoy it in no time. Cause plenty of evenings, 15 minutes is often all the time I have – or want to spend – on dinner. I’m not alone on that, right?! You can browse below but I thought I’d highlight a couple that I make over and over again. A few of our favorite easy chicken recipes in under 15 minutes: 15-minute honey garlic chicken (gets rave reviews!) Southwest chicken skillet dinner (pile on your favorite toppings!) Quick chicken curry (perfect with rice and peas) One-pot low-carb leftover chicken recipe with spinach (my dad’s go-to recipe) This collection also includes some healthy lunch options that are quick to put together — like the Asian chicken mason jar…
        • Chicken Recipes in Under 30 MinutesThese easy chicken recipes in under 30 minutes are perfect for dinner on a busy weeknight! From one-pan meals to burgers, one-pot pastas to healthy salads, you’re sure to find some new favorites! Quick, easy and mostly healthy is pretty much the name of the game for dinner at my house. I love a home cooked meal and we eat a ton of chicken, which means I’ve come up with and found a lot of easy chicken recipes over the years. And this collection highlights some of my easy chicken recipes in under 30 minutes, when you want something delicious but need it on the table pretty quickly. Is that every single night for you too? We’ve got everything from skillet chicken dishes to chicken pasta and from soups and salads with chicken to chicken meatballs and burgers. All the chicken love! Many of these recipes use boneless, skinless chicken breasts (though you could substitute chicken thighs if you prefer) while others use ground chicken and some rely on pre-cooked chicken, such as a rotisserie chicken you pick up at the store or some leftover grilled or baked chicken. Lots of these 30 minute chicken dinners are complete meals but…
      • Healthy One-Pot Chicken DinnersHealthy one-pot chicken dinners are such a help on busy days! This collection includes everything from one-pot pastas and skillets to easy slow cooker and sheet pan recipes to help you get an easy, healthy and delicious dinner on the table any night! I am ALL about quick and easy meals. I cook our dinner 99% of the time, including on days when work has blown up in my face, or the kids have decided to coordinate their melt-downs, or we’re all just wiped out and hungry. And even though I love to cook, I definitely have those days when I’m just not feeling it. Enter some quick and easy one-pot chicken dinners for the win! These are great to have in your back pocket for busy days, busy weeks or in case of a “kids-are-making-me-crazy” kinda moment. (My husband also loves these meals because he’s on clean-up duty and it’s nice not to have a huge pile of dishes staring you down after dinner!) Many of these dishes are complete meals on their own. Others are low-carb as written, but can easily be paired with some rice, pasta, bread or potatoes to bulk them up a bit. Here are…
      • Slow Cooker Chicken RecipesThese hands-off slow cooker chicken recipes will put your slow cooker to work and have you coming home to a delicious, healthy dinner that’s ready to go! Some days, you just need someone else to make you dinner. I’m not talking takeout or delivery or a restaurant dinner. I’m talking about your crock pot or slow cooker. I find it supremely satisfying to go about my day, knowing that a delicious home cooked dinner is cooking up at home for me. I can play with the kids, take them to practices, run errands or just relax with a book and breathe easy. These slow cooker chicken recipes mean there is just one less thing to do in the evening and that’s a great thing on a busy day! This collection includes slow cooker recipes for boneless, skinless chicken breasts as well as chicken thighs (though you can usually sub either one). And many of these take just minutes to prep in the morning! 👍 Here’s a few of our favorite slow cooker chicken recipes: Slow cooker balsamic chicken Slow cooker bistro chicken thighs Slow cooker apricot chicken Crock pot Mediterranean chicken Slow cooker teriyaki chicken And be sure to check…
    • Easy Vegetarian RecipesEasy vegetarian recipes include main-dish meals that are hearty and satisfying and can stand alone for lunch or dinner (with a few savory breakfast options as well). Everything from one-pot veggie pastas to stuffed squash to chili to veggie burgers and hearty grain bowls and salads, there are meatless options here for everyone! I am a veggie lover through and through. 💚💚💚 I adore getting in as many vegetables as I can, throughout the day really, and I often make easy vegetarian dinners a couple of times a week. (Hello meatless Monday, I’m looking at you!) So over the years, I’ve created tons of great veggie-based meals that can stand on their own for lunch or dinner and be hearty and satisfying. And that are also mostly quick and easy, because I work as a health and nutrition editor and we’ve got a busy family so cooking on a weeknight needs to be low-key. My one-pot vegetarian spaghetti has been a hugely popular recipe here on the blog and you guys can’t seem to get enough of my grain bowls and salads. I know the feeling. 😉 I wanted to round up some of these in an easy-to-browse category that features…
    • Healthy Oatmeal RecipesA collection of healthy oatmeal recipes, including sweet and savory breakfast and brunch options as well as delicious, wholesome snacks and desserts. We are pretty much oatmeal fanatics in my house. ALL of us adore oatmeal and it’s a rare day that we’re not making or eating something with oats or oatmeal in it at some point during the day. And I mean all four of us – my husband, myself and our kids (currently ages 6 and 4). Our go-to 3-minute microwave oatmeal is a morning staple for my husband and a weekly staple for the kids and me. My kids eat overnight oatmeal jars at least twice a week for breakfast and we often have baked oatmeal another morning of the week. For school lunches or afternoon snack, we can be found munching on some no-bake cookie or energy balls with oats, oatmeal cookies of some variety or if they’ve asked nicely, I’ll make a batch of granola and we all just shovel handful after handful until it’s gone. Want to know some of our very favorites of the group below? OK, I’ll share! Our family’s favorite healthy oatmeal recipes: Healthy chocolate chip muffins Overnight oatmeal jars, 3…
    • Healthy Muffin RecipesA collection of easy, kid-friendly healthy muffin recipes for all times of day: breakfast, school lunch, snacking, dinner and dessert! We are BIG muffin lovers in this house, at all times of day! My kiddos love them for breakfast, brunch, school lunch, afternoon snack and sometimes even savory muffins at dinner. Muffins all the time! I’ve made thousands of healthy muffin recipes over the years and I love sharing them with you! There are plenty to browse below and plenty more I plan to add! (You can sign up for my newsletter so you never miss a recipe. You’ll also get my FREE e-book of easy weeknight dinners.) Wondering where to start? Spinach banana mini muffins and whole wheat pumpkin muffins are some of our constant favorites. Healthy peanut butter and jelly muffins are fun for lunch and easy cheesy cornbread muffins are great for a quick + easy dinner side, especially with soup or chili! And if you’re in the mood for a little chocolate (I know I always am!) you can’t go wrong with my healthy chocolate chip muffins. Hope you find some new favorite healthy muffin recipes! XO, Kathryn
    • Healthy DessertsThis collection of healthy desserts features everything from lightened up cookie bars and brownies to cakes, muffins and breads to no-bake energy bites. It’s the perfect way to satisfy your sweet tooth while staying on track with healthy choices! Healthy desserts are kind-of my jam. I like a dessert that gives back. One that has redeeming qualities. A sweet treat that’s going to treat me right. But of course, it also needs to be delicious so I actually satisfy those sweet cravings! The healthier dessert recipes you’ll find below are some of our go-to treats that are perfect for a healthier late-night option and many of which are great for offering kids a wholesome, but fun, treat for an after-school snack or tucked in their lunch box. Most of these recipes are whole grain and naturally sweetened, others are recipe makeovers that are lower in sugar and/or butter. A majority of them contain chocolate. 🍫❤️ And ALL are easy to make. (You can also check out my healthy muffin recipes and my entire category of sweets & desserts if you want more.) Here’s a few of our favorite healthy desserts: Healthy chocolate chip muffins Healthier no bake cookie bars No…
    • Healthy Fall BakingThese healthy fall baking favorites include everything from muffins and baked oatmeal to snacks to cookies and cakes. These fall recipes are whole grain and most are naturally sweetened for a wholesome, delicious treat at breakfast, snack, school lunch or dessert! Does anyone else get the baking bug when the cooler weather starts to roll in during autumn? I know I do! I get excited for all the apple baking projects, pumpkin baking projects and even getting ready for all the holiday baking to come! 🍎🎃 The spices, the warmth, the aroma of having something in the oven is just part of the season for me. Plus the love that comes from a homemade baked good – it just can’t be beat! ❤️ And y’all know my style is definitely a healthier version of baking. I use whole grains and most of my recipes are naturally sweetened. I try to lighten things up where possible and keep to mostly wholesome treats, maybe with a little indulgence here and there! 😉 Wondering where to start? Here are some of our healthy fall baking favorites: Chocolate chip apple cake Pumpkin baked oatmeal with chocolate chips Whole wheat pumpkin applesauce bread Easy healthy…
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25 Ripe Banana Recipes

Published on September 9, 2021 Last Modified: September 8, 2021 By Kathryn Doherty

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These ripe banana recipes include banana bread, muffins, oatmeal, cookies, cakes and more! Plus, tips on how to ripen bananas quickly and how to freeze ripe bananas.A bunch of ripe bananas on a wooden counter with a text overlay on the photo

We eat a ton of bananas in my house, whether that’s for breakfast or snacking.

(Peanut butter slathered on a banana is a great quick breakfast or snack. Sometimes I substitute Nutella for an afternoon chocolate fix.)

Some weeks though, we just don’t seem to get around to eating them all.

And then it’s the weekend and I have a one, two, three, four or more ripe bananas that need to be used before they go bad.

So years ago I started a list for myself of what to do with ripe bananas.

Of course, there’s the standard banana bread. But there are so many more options! And sometimes I need a list to remind me of them.

Today, I’m finally sorting through and sharing that list of ripe banana recipes so you can get some new inspiration as well!

Cause we’ve all been there with a bunch of brown, soft bananas that no one wants to eat. And that I really don’t want to have to toss.

Or, you might have the opposite problem.

Maybe you need some ripe bananas for a recipe but yours are decidedly yellow or even still a bit green.

Have no fear, there are a few different methods to help ripen bananas quickly. All the details on that are below.

For now, let’s move along to all the delicious recipes.

A trio of ripe bananas lying on their side

These are organized below by category, such as breads, muffins, oatmeal, pancakes, cookies, cakes, etc. Hopefully that’ll make browsing a little bit easier.

Many of the recipes below are from my site, but I’ve also included some favorite recipes from others.

To note: Many of my recipes use white whole wheat flour and are whole wheat or whole grain. However, you can just substitute all-purpose flour in any of those recipes and it will work fine. 👍

Finally, because this is how I like to review things myself, you’ll notice each recipe has a number beside it.

That’s how many ripe bananas are called for in the recipe. If the recipe says 2 medium bananas, I’ve listed a (2) after the recipe name.

(Yes, I’m a total type A. Why do you ask? 😜)

You’ll notice there are a couple of instances where I’ve listed 2-3. That means the recipe calls for 2 large ripe bananas, but you could also use 3 small ones.

This can help you narrow down what to make, based on how many ripe bananas you have to use up. 🙌

And keep reading below these specific recipes because I’ve also got tips on how to freeze ripe bananas. That can be a great option when you don’t feel like making anything – or you have more bananas than you need for a recipe.

Alright, let’s dive in!

Golden brown whole wheat banana bread in a bread pan after baking

Ripe banana recipes

Breads

– Best healthy banana bread, with or without chocolate chips (2-3)

– Whole wheat peanut butter banana bread (3)

– Whole grain banana applesauce bread (2)

– Healthy zucchini banana bread (2)

Muffins

– Peanut butter banana muffins (2)

– Healthy strawberry banana muffins (1) 

– Healthy double chocolate banana muffins (2-3)

– Quinoa banana mini muffins (2)

– Banana blueberry muffins (2)

– Spinach banana mini muffins (2)

Healthy strawberry banana muffins are whole grain and naturally sweetened and perfect for a fruit-filled breakfast, lunch or snack time treat! Kids love them! #muffins #kidfood #strawberries #ripebananas #healthykids

Oatmeal

– Banana bread baked oatmeal (2)

– Peanut butter banana baked oatmeal (2)

– Chocolate PB cup baked oatmeal (1)

Pancakes

– Banana chocolate chip pancakes (1)

Cookies

– Banana oat cookies (2)

– Baby banana cookies (2)

– Pumpkin banana oatmeal cookies (2)

– Skinny chunky monkey cookies (3)

Cakes

– Banana pumpkin chocolate chip cake (2-3)

– Banana chocolate chip snack cake (2-3)

– Banana chocolate chip bars (5)

Banana chocolate chip snack cake - whole wheat and naturally sweetened, great for breakfast or a healthy kids snack!

Other

We’ve got popsicles, smoothies, pudding and ice cream in this section.

– Breakfast popsicles (2)

– Peanut butter, banana and spinach smoothie (2)

– Healthy chocolate pudding (1)

– Banana “nice” cream (2+)

So many yummy recipes to choose from!

Now, as promised, I’ve got a few different ways you can get your bananas to ripen more quickly.

The best way, of course, is the natural time it takes for the banana to get all the way ripe. That develops the sweetness and the softness the best.

But I get it, I’m impatient too. And sometimes we need to help nature along.

Tons of bunches of bananas all heaped together

How to ripen bananas quickly:

Technique #1: Paper bag

– Place your banana in a paper bag and roll the top down to seal it in. This helps trap in the ethylene gas that bananas release and that help speed ripening.

– To speed it up even more, add an apple, pear, apricot or avocado to the paper bag along with the banana. Those fruits also release ethylene gas and can further speed ripening.

– This method can take 1-3 days, depending on your starting point. So you might need a different option that’s a bit faster.

Technique #2: Oven

– You can bake bananas in the oven to help them ripen.

– Place the unpeeled bananas on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper, with a little space between them.

– Bake in the oven at 300 degrees Fahrenheit for 30-40 minutes, checking every 15 minutes or so.

– Note: The banana peels will turn black. That’s OK. The banana inside will get super soft and almost mushy – perfect for baking. (However, I don’t recommend this method if you’re looking to eat the bananas raw.)

Technique #3: Microwave

– You can use the microwave to soften bananas in just a few minutes, if you’re really in a pinch.

– Pierce the unpeeled bananas with a fork several times. Place on a microwave-safe plate or on a paper towel and microwave on high in 30 second intervals, until soft and ready to use.

– These will be soft and ready for mashing, but just a heads up that they don’t develop the same sweetness as naturally ripened bananas or the other methods. You might need to adjust your recipe accordingly to add some extra sweetness.

OK, hopefully you are all set with your ripe bananas and ready to start using them!

But like I mentioned, sometimes you don’t actually feel like baking. Or maybe you have 6 ripe bananas and just need 2 for a recipe. Definitely been there myself.

Freezing extra ripe bananas is a great way to avoid food waste. And you’ll have some ready to go next time you want to make banana bread or baked oatmeal.

Two ripe bananas on a dark marble counter

Here’s some tips and tricks on how to do it.

How to freeze ripe bananas:

  1. Peel your ripe bananas and place the bananas in a freezer-safe plastic bag. Make sure to label and date it.
  2. You can freeze the bananas whole or cut them into chunks. If you want the pieces separate, freeze on a parchment paper lined tray first then add to a bag all together.
  3. Freeze for 6-8 months for best results. (You can freeze for longer, but the flavors may dull over time.)

How to thaw and use frozen bananas:

– Let the frozen bananas thaw completely. Drain any excess liquid before mashing then proceed with the recipe.

– If using the bananas for smoothies, ice cream or blended recipes, you can add the frozen bananas straight into the blender without thawing.

That was a lot of banana love, but I hope it was helpful and answers all your questions and gives you lots of ripe banana recipes to check out!

Oh, and stay tuned because I will surely be bringing you more and more recipes that use ripe bananas, since we just won’t stop with them at my house!

You can sign up for my free e-newsletter to get all of my new recipes delivered straight to your inbox so you never miss a thing. I’ll even send you my free e-cookbook, Healthy Weeknight Dinners, as a thank you!

And if you’ve got a favorite recipe that uses ripe bananas, feel free to drop it in the comments below to share with the rest of us. I’m always up for new ideas!

Enjoy!

XO,

Kathryn

A collage of 6 photos of baked goods using ripe bananas with a text box in the middle

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Filed Under: Appetizers & Snacks, Breakfast & Brunch, Cooking resources, Healthy Desserts, Healthy Muffin Recipes, Healthy Oatmeal Recipes, Resources, Sweets & Desserts, Toddler and kid food, Vegetarian

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Hi there! I’m Kathryn Doherty, a cookbook author, mom of two kids, and devoted food and home cooking nut. I’ve got lots of easy recipes and resources to help you get delicious food on the table for your family! More about me

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