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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…
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      • 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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Pumpkin protein energy balls

September 28, 2017 By Kathryn Doherty

This post may contain affiliate links. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. Please read my disclosure policy

Pumpkin protein energy balls are a quick and easy fall treat with just 6 wholesome ingredients. Perfect for snacking or after a workout!Pumpkin protein energy balls are a quick and easy fall treat with just 6 wholesome ingredients. Perfect for snacking or after a workout! | www.familyfoodonthetable.com

Hi friends!

How is your fall going? Has it cooled off where you are? Do you have chilly evenings yet?

We do not. We’ve been in the mid to upper 80s here in N.C. and I’m kinda over it!

BUT…

We are headed to the mountains this weekend.

To go camping. With the kids. For the first time.

Eeeek!

I haven’t been camping since I was pregnant with M. It’s just been too hard while they were little, but my husband and I have missed it dearly so we decided they are ready for one night.

Let’s hope they’re ready. Let’s hope we all get at least a few hours of sleep… 🤞

Regardless, I’m excited for some fresh mountain air, a bit of hiking and sleeping outside!

And now, for today, I’ve got a snack-able, chewy, delicious little energy bite for you!

(You know I love my no-bake snacks! My no-bake oatmeal raisin cookie balls and no-bake blueberry oatmeal cookie balls are current faves and I’ll be going back to my cranberry chocolate walnut energy balls later this fall!)

But today we’ve got a pumpkin + peanut butter version!

My pumpkin protein energy balls take just minutes to put together, have only 6 ingredients and are are sure to give you an energy boost.

No-bake pumpkin protein energy balls close-up shot on a white plate with a blue linen underneath

They’re loaded with warm pumpkin flavors, rich, creamy peanut butter, a background of sweetness from the maple syrup and a hint of vanilla and cinnamon spice.

It’s are a well-balanced snack to fuel your day!

They’re also gluten-free, dairy-free and vegan so they make a great snack for a crowd, in case anyone has allergies.

(You’re gonna want to double this recipe if you’ve got more than just your family eating these – they go FAST!)

They also make a great post-workout snack or just an afternoon pick-me-up. 💪👍

Pumpkin protein energy balls are a quick and easy fall treat with just 6 wholesome ingredients. Perfect for snacking or after a workout! | www.familyfoodonthetable.com

A few notes on these pumpkin protein energy balls:

  • I use creamy peanut butter but you can substitute almond or cashew butter, or sunflower seed butter, if you need a non-peanut option.
  • I use quick oats here but if you only have old fashioned on hand, that’s fine. I recommend pulsing them a few times in a food processor to break them down a little so they incorporate into a more smooth energy ball.
  • I love the warmth and flavor of the maple syrup here but you could substitute honey if that’s what you have (though they’ll no longer be vegan).
  • I stick these in the freezer after I roll them to help them set up a bit. I’ve tried them in the fridge, but they stayed pretty soft. After the initial freezer session, store them in a covered container in the fridge for up to a week.
  • And if you forget and leave them in the freezer for too long (not that it’s ever happened to me, ahem), don’t worry. Just stick the pumpkin balls in the fridge for 20-30 minutes or let them sit at room temperature for a few minutes before serving.

No-bake pumpkin protein energy balls on a plate with one held in hand No-bake pumpkin protein energy balls with a bite taken out of one

I hope you’ll give this fun new snack a try. They are a HUGE favorite in our house and I think you’re going to love them, too! 💕

Have a wonderful weekend! (And wish us luck with the camping!)

XO,

Kathryn

P.S. Love peanut butter + pumpkin together like I do? Check out these recipes:

Peanut butter pumpkin muffins – Family Food on the Table

Pumpkin peanut butter oatmeal bars – Well Plated

Peanut butter pumpkin Greek yogurt dip – Wishes and Dishes

Yield: 12 energy balls

Pumpkin protein energy balls

No-bake pumpkin protein energy balls on a plate with one held in hand

Pumpkin protein energy balls are a quick and easy fall treat with just 6 wholesome ingredients!

Prep Time 5 minutes
Total Time 5 minutes

Ingredients

  • 1/3 cup canned pumpkin puree
  • 1/3 cup maple syrup
  • 1/3 cup creamy peanut butter
  • 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla
  • 1 1/4 cups quick cook oats

Instructions

  1. Add all ingredients to a medium bowl and mix until well combined. It’s a bit of a wet batter but the mixture will roll into balls.
  2. Wet your hands with a little water (to keep the pumpkin balls from sticking to you) and roll into 12 equal balls, each about the size of a golf ball.
  3. Place the energy balls on a wax paper-lined plate and place in the freezer for 15-20 minutes to help them set up.
  4. Serve and enjoy!

Notes

I use creamy peanut butter but you can substitute almond or cashew butter, or sunflower seed butter, if you need a non-peanut option.

I use quick oats here but if you only have old fashioned on hand, that’s fine. I recommend pulsing them a few times in a food processor to break them down a little so they incorporate into a more smooth energy ball.

I love the warmth and flavor of the maple syrup here but you could substitute honey if that’s what you have (though they’ll no longer be vegan).

I stick these in the freezer after I roll them to help them set up a bit. I’ve tried them in the fridge, but they stayed pretty soft. After the initial freezer session, store them in a covered container in the fridge for up to a week.

And if you forget and leave them in the freezer for too long (not that it’s ever happened to me, ahem), don’t worry. Just stick the pumpkin balls in the fridge for 20-30 minutes or let them sit at room temperature for a few minutes before serving.

Nutrition Information:

Yield:

12

Serving Size:

1 energy ball

Amount Per Serving: Calories: 101Total Fat: 4gSaturated Fat: 1gTrans Fat: 0gUnsaturated Fat: 3gCholesterol: 0mgSodium: 36mgCarbohydrates: 14gFiber: 2gSugar: 6gProtein: 3g
© Kathryn Doherty
Cuisine: American / Category: Appetizers & Snacks
No-bake Peanut Butter Pumpkin Balls are a high-protein fall treat that are quick and easy to make with just 6 wholesome ingredients! Perfect for snacking or after a workout! | www.familyfoodonthetable.com

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Filed Under: Appetizers & Snacks, Healthy Oatmeal Recipes, Vegetarian

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Comments

  1. Cheyanne @ No Spoon Necessary says

    September 28, 2017 at 7:26 AM

    It has actually been a little chilly here in the morning and at night, so hopefully the weather makes its way to you!! Camping, huh? I used to looooove camping when I was ypunger, so bet your littles are going to love It! Fingers crossed! These energy bites are just perfect for fall, Kathryn! And since I’m starting to like pumpkin, they are just perfect for me too! 😉 cheers, dear! xoxo

    Reply
    • Kathryn says

      September 28, 2017 at 1:34 PM

      Pairing pumpkin with peanut butter is definitely a good way to ease into it! And thanks for the good wishes – we’ll see how this adventure goes!

      Reply
  2. Jenni says

    September 28, 2017 at 8:08 AM

    These look SO delicious, and perfect for fall, too! I bet they will be an awesome snack to have while camping! Have fun!

    Reply
    • Kathryn says

      September 28, 2017 at 1:35 PM

      Thanks so much Jenni! 😊

      Reply
  3. Luci's Morsels says

    September 28, 2017 at 10:17 PM

    These look amazing! I’m a sucker for peanut butter and I can only imagine how tasty it must be with pumpkin!

    Reply
    • Kathryn says

      September 29, 2017 at 9:24 AM

      So super tasty! Thanks Luci! 😊

      Reply

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Hi there! I’m Kathryn Doherty, a health and nutrition editor, cookbook author, wife, mother of two kids, and devoted food and home cooking nut. I’ve got lots of easy recipes and resources to help you get delicious family food on your table! Learn more about me

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