Ryan Johnson's Kitchen

Weeknight favorites and new recipes tested at home.

All kitchens

Burrito Bowls with Chicken — Craving a fresh and satisfying meal? Our Burrito Bowls with Chicken are the answer! Packed with tender grilled or shredded chicken and a colorful assortment of fresh toppings like crisp lettuce, juicy tomatoes, flavorful corn, and tangy lime, these bowls are as versatile as they are delicious. Customize yours for a healthy and exciting meal any night of the week.
Buttermilk Ranch Mix — This buttermilk ranch mix is amazing. If you try it, you will not want to buy store-bought again!
Diablo Sauce
Seared Filet Mignon — Indulge in the ultimate seared filet mignon experience. This isn't just a steak recipe; it's a method for achieving unparalleled tenderness and flavor. While perfect for a special occasion like a holiday prime rib, this technique elevates any cut of beef. The aromatic rosemary butter, combined with expertly chosen seasonings, will have everyone eagerly anticipating their first bite.
Blackened Chicken — I have tried many blackened chicken recipes and found this one to knock your socks off.
Oat Buck Bread — This Oat Buck Bread isn't just a recipe; it's a family favorite! We absolutely adore the wholesome goodness and slightly nutty flavor that the oats and buckwheat bring to this loaf. It's the kind of bread that fills our kitchen with a comforting aroma and disappears quickly once it's out of the oven. Trust us, your family might just fall in love with it too!
Tex-Mex Quesadilla — Get ready for a flavor fiesta! Our Tex-Mex Quesadillas are packed with cheesy goodness and that perfect Southwestern kick. A guaranteed crowd-pleaser!
Smoked Queso — A treasured family recipe, this Smoked Queso comes to us courtesy of Jay Searls. The delicious smoky flavor elevates this classic dip to a whole new level. What makes it extra special for us? That perfect little zing and the hearty texture from the chunky meat – a guaranteed crowd-pleaser!
Mexican Potatoes — These Roasted Mexican Potatoes are seasoned with a blend of Tex Mex seasonings and fresh cilantro. Baked at a high temperature to ensure crispy skins on the outside and a creamy texture on the inside. This is a great gluten free, vegetarian side dish option to go with all your favorite Tex Mex meals!
Taco Seasoning — Ready to elevate your taco nights? My easy-to-make taco seasoning recipe is a game-changer. Forget those bland, pre-packaged mixes. This recipe delivers an explosion of authentic flavor. Once you experience the fresh, homemade taste, you'll never look back!
Chipotle Chicken Grilled Cheese Sandwich — Craving a grilled cheese with a twist? My Chipotle Chicken Grilled Cheese Sandwich delivers! Tender, flavorful chicken with a hint of smoky chipotle is nestled between perfectly grilled bread and gooey, melted cheese. It's a savory and satisfying sandwich that's anything but ordinary.
Chicken Teriyaki — Our family loves chicken teriyaki so when we found a keeper, I had to put it on the website for safe keeping.
Huli Huli Chicken — Get ready for a taste of sunshine! Our family's absolute favorite summertime tradition? Delicious Huli Huli Chicken. The smoky, sweet, and savory flavors are pure bliss on a warm evening.
Italian Spaghetti Sauce with Meatballs — Prepare to savor a truly classic Italian comfort food: our rich and hearty Spaghetti Sauce with Meatballs. Simmered to perfection, this sauce boasts layers of authentic Italian flavors, studded with tender, flavorful meatballs. Served over a generous portion of spaghetti, it's a satisfying and deeply delicious meal the whole family will adore.
Chicken Garden Medley — Bring the bounty of the garden to your table with our delightful Chicken Garden Medley. Tender pieces of chicken mingle with a colorful medley of crisp-tender vegetables, all brought together in a light and flavorful sauce. Served over delicate angel hair pasta, this dish is a celebration of fresh flavors and textures – a perfect weeknight meal that feels both wholesome and satisfying.
Chicken Enchilada Soup — Looking for a challenge, we set out to find the best chicken enchilada soup. I think we found it
Molten Lava Cake — Prepare for a moment of pure indulgence with our irresistible Molten Lava Cake recipe. Crack through the delicate, slightly crisp exterior to reveal a warm, gooey center of rich, molten chocolate. This decadent dessert is a symphony of textures and intense chocolate flavor – a truly unforgettable treat.
Chicken Stock — If you have leftover chick or turkey bones, you will love this homemade chicken stock recipe.
Spritz Cookies — This is a Christmas cookie recipe that I have made since a kid. The almond flavoring makes these cookies the best holiday cookie recipe that you will ever make.
Easy Queso Dip — Find your favorite tortilla chips and scoop up some deliciousness. We found locally made tortilla chips are the best. Our favorite chips are the Bashas' bakery tortilla chips when we hit Surprise, AZ!
Cake Decorating Frosting — Elevate your cakes to a new level of delicious artistry with our homemade decorating frosting. Unlike store-bought versions, this frosting boasts a superior texture – smooth, creamy, and perfectly pipeable – and a flavor that's simply irresistible. Get ready to create stunning designs that taste as good as they look!
Angel's Margarita — Prepare to meet your new favorite margarita! Angel discovered pure sunshine in a glass with this recipe. Whether you're soaking up the summer vibes or craving a taste of the tropics any time of year, this margarita is simply irresistible.
Italian-Style Seasoned Bread Crumbs — I found this to be the best homemade Italian seasoned bread crumb recipe.
Magic Dust — This spice mix goes well on chicken, chick wings and pork. The flavor will enhance the taste of the meat when you use it in combination with a smoker. Store this in an air tight container after mixed.
Pizza Dough — The dough is best made at least 24 hours in advance, and 3 or 4 days is even better.
Peanut Butter Cookies — Prepare for peanut butter cookie perfection! These aren't just good – they're the kind of cookies that disappear in a flash. With their irresistible peanut butter richness, perfectly chewy centers, and those classic fork marks, they deliver everything you crave in a peanut butter cookie and then some. You might just find yourself declaring these your new go-to.
Baked Penne with Chicken and Sun-Dried Tomatoes — Indulge in the comforting embrace of our Baked Penne with Chicken and Sun-Dried Tomatoes. Tender pieces of chicken and the intense, sweet-tart flavor of sun-dried tomatoes are nestled in perfectly cooked penne pasta, all enveloped in a creamy, cheesy sauce and baked to golden perfection. This is a satisfying and flavorful dish that's perfect for a cozy night in.
Hot Fudge — Prepare for the ultimate chocolate indulgence with our decadent hot fudge recipe. This isn't just any topping; it's a velvety smooth, intensely chocolatey sauce that will elevate any dessert to a new level of deliciousness. Get ready for a spoonful of pure bliss!
Cheese Fondue — Gather around and dip into pure cheesy bliss with our classic Cheese Fondue recipe! This warm and inviting dish is perfect for sharing, creating a fun and interactive experience for everyone. Imagine crusty bread, crisp vegetables, and more, all coated in a smooth, flavorful melted cheese – it's the ultimate cozy indulgence.
Fire-Roasted Pico de Gallo — Roasted Tomato & Jalapeño Style. Roasting the tomatoes and jalapeños adds a deep, smoky sweetness and removes the tough skins, transforming a classic fresh salsa into a rich, fire-roasted delicacy.
Mexican Village Salsa — Amazing tasting salsa, particularly for people who do not like chuncks!
Coconut Lime Rice — This rice is creamy and fragrant, making it the perfect base to soak up the extra chipotle pineapple glaze from the skewers. Perfect Pairings Grilled Proteins: This rice is a natural fit for Hawaiian-style chicken kabobs, chili-lime shrimp, or even a marinated flank steak. Tropical Bowls: Use it as a base for a salmon poke bowl with fresh mango and avocado. Spicy Curries: The creaminess of the coconut milk helps balance the heat in Thai red or green curries. Taco Night: Swap out your standard Mexican rice for this to give fish or shrimp tacos a bright, tropical twist. Pro-Tips for Success The
Sweet Heat Pork Skewers — Bold Heat Meets Backyard Classic Elevate your next cookout with these Sweet Heat Pork Skewers. Combining the lean tenderness of pork loin with a punchy chipotle-pineapple glaze, these skewers are the perfect balance of smoky, sweet, and spicy. A two-zone grilling technique ensures a beautiful, lacquered char without sacrificing juiciness—making them an instant favorite for family gatherings and weekend BBQs alike. The Meat: Uses pork loin or tenderloin (trimmed of silver skin). The Glaze: A mix of chipotle pineapple BBQ sauce, honey, brown sugar, soy sauce, and tomato paste. The Secret: Marina
Szechuan Beef Noodles — Elevate simple sliced ribeye into a vibrant, restaurant-quality noodle bowl. Featuring tender beef, crisp vegetables, and a perfectly balanced Szechuan sauce with just the right touch of heat, this dish brings big, complex flavor to the table in under 30 minutes. It's a quick stir-fry designed to feed a full table without skipping on taste.
Spanish Rice — Bring a taste of vibrant Spain to your table with our flavorful Spanish Rice. This easy-to-make side dish is packed with the delicious flavors of tomatoes, onions, garlic, and aromatic spices, creating the perfect accompaniment to countless meals. Whether you're serving it with tacos, grilled chicken, or as a base for a flavorful bowl, this Spanish Rice is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser.
Freddy’s Fry Sauce — Here are a few ways to describe your "pretty darn close" Freddy's Fry Sauce recipe: Option 1 (Acknowledging Inspiration and Promising Flavor): Craving that iconic sweet and tangy dipping sauce? My recipe captures the spirit of Freddy's Fry Sauce, delivering a remarkably similar flavor profile that will have you happily dunking every last fry. While I cannot claim it's the exact secret formula, I am confident this close rendition will become your new go-to for burger and fry enjoyment.
Creamy White Chili — Discover a delightful twist on classic chili with our Creamy White Chili recipe. This comforting and flavorful dish features tender chicken or other protein, hearty white beans, and a rich, creamy broth infused with aromatic spices. It's a satisfying and uniquely delicious chili experience that's perfect for a cozy night in.
Cesar Salad Dressing — This is a family favorite since we are not anchovies family. This recipe has the right flavor to make a Cesar salad the perfect CesarLooking for the perfect Caesar salad recipe? This is it! We've created a family-friendly version that's full of classic flavor, even without anchovies. It's so good, you'll be making it again and again. salad.
Easy Lasagna — Craving classic lasagna without the fuss? My Easy Lasagna recipe delivers all the comforting, cheesy goodness you love, with simplified steps for a satisfying meal that comes together effortlessly. Perfect for busy weeknights or when you want a hearty dish without spending hours in the kitchen.
Easy Rice Pilaf — Looking for a flavorful side dish that's incredibly easy to make? My Easy Rice Pilaf recipe is the perfect solution! With just a few simple steps, you can transform plain rice into a delicious and aromatic accompaniment to your favorite meals. It's a fantastic way to add a touch of elegance and flavor without any fuss.
Chicken Pot Pie — Indulge in the ultimate comfort food with our classic Chicken Pot Pie recipe. Tender pieces of chicken and a medley of sweet vegetables are enveloped in a rich, creamy sauce, all nestled beneath a golden, flaky crust. This is pure, heartwarming goodness in every bite – a timeless dish perfect for any occasion.
Roasted Butternut Squash Soup — **A Hearty Classic with a Bright, Golden Twist** There is something deeply comforting about a hot bowl of soup on a crisp day, and this **Roasted Butternut Squash Soup** is one of our absolute favorites. The secret to its incredible depth of flavor starts right in the oven. Roasting the butternut squash and sweet carrots caramelizes their natural sugars, turning simple root vegetables into rich, golden perfection. From there, we build a warming, aromatic base with sautéed onions and fresh garlic. But what truly makes this soup stand out is the bright splash of fresh lime zest and juice—it cuts through the rich, velvety texture and lifts all the cozy, savory flavors to a whole new level. Finished with a swirl of cool sour cream, crunchy roasted cashews, and a pinch of red pepper flakes, every spoon offers the perfect balance of creamy, crunchy, sweet, and spicy. Whether you're making it ahead for weekday meals or serving it alongside warm crusty bread for family night, this recipe is bound to become a staple in your comfort food collection!
Spinach-Artichoke Stuffed Chicken — Elevate your dinner with our elegant and incredibly flavorful Spinach-Artichoke Stuffed Chicken. Tender chicken breasts are filled with a creamy, savory blend of spinach, artichoke hearts, and cheese, creating a dish that's both impressive and deeply satisfying. It's a restaurant-quality experience you can easily create at home.
Marry Me Chicken and Gnocchi
Grilled Roast Beast — Ready to experience roast beef like never before? My "Grilled Roast Beast" takes this beloved dish outdoors, infusing it with the irresistible char and smoky aroma of the grill. This unique cooking method results in a remarkably tender and flavorful "beast" that's perfect for slicing and serving.
Gold Dust All-Purpose Seasoning
Creamy Chicken Marsala — Indulge in the luxurious flavors of our Creamy Chicken Marsala. Tender chicken breasts are simmered in a rich and velvety sauce infused with the sweet notes of Marsala wine, earthy mushrooms, and a touch of luscious cream. This elegant dish is surprisingly easy to prepare and delivers a restaurant-quality experience right in your own kitchen.
Sheet Pan Gnocchi with Sausage, Broccolini, and Burrata — Sheet pan meals are often praised for convenience, but they rarely deliver on texture. This recipe changes that by taking advantage of a brilliant technique: roasting packaged, shelf-stable or refrigerated gnocchi directly on the pan without boiling them first. As the sausage renders and the cherry tomatoes burst, the gnocchi absorbs those rich, savory juices while developing a beautifully golden, crispy exterior and a pillowy center. Broccolini brings a necessary bit of charred bitings to balance the richness of the Italian sausage, while a final toss of pesto brightens the entire pan. Finishing the dish off-heat with torn burrata adds a cold, creamy contrast as it gently melts into the hot pasta and vegetables. It is an effortless, high-reward weeknight dinner that feels far more intentional than a standard single-pan roast. Why it works: High-heat roasting crisps the gnocchi exterior while caramelizing the tomatoes into a light, natural pan sauce. Pairing suggestion: Serve alongside a crusty homemade Italian loaf or garlic focaccia to mop up the extra pesto, burrata, and roasted tomato juices. This pairs well with a French bread loaf toasted with [Garlic & Herb Butter](/recipes/garlic-herb-compound-butter)
One Pot Olive Garden Italiano — This One Pot Olive Garden Italiano Creamy Tuscan Chicken Pasta is a cozy, restaurant-style dinner you can whip up at home in about 30 minutes. Tender bites of chicken simmer with penne, sweet cherry tomatoes, and fresh spinach in a rich, garlicky Parmesan cream sauce. Everything cooks in a single pot for minimal cleanup and maximum flavor perfect for busy weeknights or a special family meal.
BBQ Rub — Unlock the secret to mouthwatering BBQ with our sensational rub! This carefully crafted blend of spices is your ticket to adding incredible depth and smoky flavor to everything from ribs and brisket to chicken and pork. Get ready for a taste explosion that will have everyone asking for your secret ingredient.
Garlic & Herb Butter — This versatile Herb & Parmesan Compound Butter is an effortless way to elevate everyday dishes with rich, savory depth. Crafted from a balanced blend of softened butter, fresh flat-leaf parsley, aromatic basil, and finely grated Parmigiano-Reggiano, it delivers a punch of fresh flavor and luscious texture. Whether melted over a seared steak, tossed into warm pasta, or dolloped onto roasted vegetables and potatoes, this scratch-made spread transforms simple ingredients into restaurant-quality meals in seconds. Keep a log in your fridge or freezer for a quick, high-impact flavor booster whenever you need it.
Smashed Cucumber & Red Onion Salad — This salad provides a cold, acidic crunch that cuts through the richness of the pork loin and the sweetness of the honey-brown sugar marinade. The "Why" Behind the Smash Smashing or salting the cucumbers is the secret to a great salad. Smashing creates craggy edges and open "pores" that allow the rice vinegar dressing to cling better and soak deep into the vegetable. Using the salt-and-drain method ensures your salad stays crunchy and flavorful instead of getting watery. Perfect Flavor Counterpoints This salad serves as a classic "palate cleanser." The sharp red onion and tangy vinegar provide
KFC Style Gravy — Craving that iconic fast-food gravy without the drive-thru line? This savory, rich copycat recipe brings all that nostalgic KFC flavor straight to your dinner table. The first time I spooned this over a mountain of buttery mashed potatoes alongside crispy fried chicken, my family was convinced I’d snuck out for takeout! It’s quickly earned a permanent spot on our weekly comfort food rotation.
Crispy Chicken Sandwich — If you're hunting for the secrets to the crunchiest, most flavorful chicken sandwich you've ever sunk your teeth into, you're right where you need to be. Truth be told, those golden, ultra-crispy crumbs sitting on the bottom of the plate at the end? They might just be the best part of the whole darn meal!
Chicken Chimichangas with Sour Cream Sauce — For the filling, we recommend using pre-cooked, shredded chicken—a rotisserie chicken is your best friend here! Combine it with a mix of Monterey Jack and Pepper Jack (or your favorite Mexican blend) cheese, maybe a spoonful of salsa, and a few key seasonings like cumin and oregano for an authentic depth of flavor.
Chicken and Wild Rice Soup — Embrace warmth and nourishment with our comforting Chicken and Wild Rice Soup. This classic recipe features tender pieces of chicken, chewy wild rice, and a medley of flavorful vegetables, all simmered in a rich and creamy broth. It's the perfect bowl to cozy up with on a chilly day or to enjoy as a satisfying and wholesome meal.
Street Corn Chicken Bowls — If you’re looking for a dish that captures the vibrant, smoky spirit of a summer street fair but fits perfectly into a weeknight dinner rotation, you’ve found it. My Street Corn Chicken Bowls are a fresh, modern take on Mexican Elote. We’ve deconstructed those iconic flavors—charred sweet corn, tangy lime, creamy cotija, and a hint of chili—and paired them with juicy, spiced chicken over a fluffy base of cilantro-lime rice. Why You’ll Love This Recipe The Perfect Balance: It’s smoky, zesty, and savory all in one bite. Meal Prep Friendly: These bowls stay fresh and delicious for days, making th
Chicken with Sun-Dried Tomato Cream Sauce — Experience the vibrant flavors of our Chicken with Sun-Dried Tomato Cream Sauce – a truly delicious dish that has become a beloved staple in our kitchen. Tender chicken is enveloped in a luscious, creamy sauce infused with the intense sweetness and tang of sun-dried tomatoes. You'll find yourself making this irresistible recipe again and again!
Halal Cart Chicken and Rice — Better Than Original! Make Ahead Tips: To make this an even easier dinner, marinate the chicken the day before. You can also mix the white sauce together and keep it in the fridge for up to a week. When you’re ready to eat, cook the chicken fresh, along with the rice, and serve! Each component can be stored in an airtight jar and in the fridge for 4 to 5 days.
Honey-Kissed Cornbread — The Secret to the Moisture Most cornbread falls victim to being too dry or crumbly. This recipe solves that with two specific "pro-moves": The Extra Egg Yolk: Adding an additional yolk provides extra fat and emulsifiers, creating a rich, "velvet" crumb that stays moist for days. The Butter-Oil Blend: While butter provides that classic flavor we all love, the addition of oil ensures the bread stays soft even after it cools down. Pro-Tips for Success The 10-Minute Rest: Don't skip Step 3! Letting the batter sit for 5–10 minutes before baking allows the cornmeal to hydrate. This softens the "grit
Guacamole Marinated Chicken — Get ready for a flavor explosion! Our Guacamole Marinated Chicken is incredibly tender and infused with the vibrant, creamy taste of fresh guacamole. The lime, cilantro, and subtle spice from the guacamole work their magic, creating a chicken dish that's both juicy and bursting with south-of-the-border deliciousness.
Guacamole — Experience the vibrant flavors of authentic guacamole with our easy-to-follow recipe. Made with ripe avocados, zesty lime, fragrant cilantro, and a hint of spice, this dip is the perfect balance of creamy and bright. Fresh, flavorful, and utterly irresistible!
Creamiest Cheesy Potatoes au Gratin — Prepare for pure comfort food bliss with our Creamiest Cheesy Potatoes au Gratin. Thinly sliced potatoes are enveloped in a luxuriously smooth and cheesy sauce, creating a dish that's unbelievably rich and satisfying. Each tender bite melts in your mouth – this is cheesy potato perfection.
Sourdough Cinnamon Rolls — This sourdough cinnamon roll recipe was crafted to bridge the gap between traditional artisanal wild-yeast baking and ultimate comfort food. Standard cinnamon roll recipes rely on commercial yeast for a rapid rise, but this recipe harnesses a long, slow sourdough fermentation. The natural starter enriches the brioche dough with a subtle complexity that balances the sweetness of the dark brown sugar filling and rich cream cheese icing. To achieve an exceptionally soft and gooey center, this recipe incorporates a targeted baking strategy: baking at a steady 350°F (175°C) to prevent the outer edges from drying out, combined with a warm heavy cream pour right before the pan enters the oven. As it bakes, the cream steams the rolls from the bottom up while fusing with melted sugar to form a rich caramel base. Whether you opt for a same-day bake or choose the overnight fridge-proof method for fresh morning cinnamon rolls, this recipe is designed to deliver bakery-quality, melt-in-your-mouth results right from your home kitchen.
Shepherd's Pie — This hearty shepherd's pie is perfect for busy weeknights—make it ahead and pop it in the oven straight from the freezer. Ground beef mingles with sautéed onions, carrots, peas, and corn in a savory gravy, all topped with creamy mashed potatoes for a complete meal in one dish. It's the kind of comforting dinner that feeds a family and gives you leftovers to boot.
Sourdough Focaccia (Same-Day and Overnight Methods) — An airy, olive-oil-rich sourdough focaccia with a golden crust and deep dimples. Perfectly tailored for mopping up pan juices, roasted vegetables, and serving alongside creamy cheeses like burrata. Choose between a rapid same-day bake or a slow, overnight cold ferment for maximum flavor.