Whether you're lactose-intolerant or just want to cut back on your dairy intake, you'll love these delicious dairy-free recipes. We've got options for breakfast, lunch, dinner and—yes!—even dessert.
41 Recipes You Won’t Believe Are Dairy-Free
Updated on Sep. 18, 2024
Lemon Chicken with Orzo
Here’s a dish that’s light and summery but still filling. My kids love all the veggies…for real! If you like a lot of lemon, stir in an extra splash of lemon juice just before serving. —Shannon Humphrey, Hampton, Virginia
Wash this satisfying dish down with a dairy-free dessert or a tall glass of lactose-free milk.
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Baked Pot Stickers with Dipping Sauce
Total Time
45 min
Servings
4 dozen (3/4 cup sauce)
From the Recipe Creator:
Twisting these wonton wrappers like little candies makes them fuss-free, and the dipping sauce is packed with sweet heat. —Taylor Marsh, Algona, Iowa
Nutrition Facts:
1 pot sticker with 3/4 teaspoon sauce: 52 calories, 1g fat (0 saturated fat), 6mg cholesterol, 101mg sodium, 8g carbohydrate (2g sugars, 0 fiber), 3g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 1/2 starch.
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Air-Fryer Peanut Butter Cookies
Total Time
20 min
Servings
3 dozen
From the Recipe Creator:
An iconic American cookie, this version is so easy to mix up and bakes even faster in the air fryer. With these air-fryer peanut butter cookies, cravings can now be satisfied in mere minutes. —Maggie Schimmel, Wauwatosa, Wisconsin
Nutrition Facts:
1 cookie: 66 calories, 4g fat (1g saturated fat), 5mg cholesterol, 32mg sodium, 7g carbohydrate (6g sugars, 0 fiber), 2g protein.
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Christmas Meatballs
Total Time
30 min
Servings
about 3 dozen
From the Recipe Creator:
Cranberry sauce and brown sugar create a tangy glaze for moist meatballs that are good Christmas appetizers or Christmas dinner ideas. We love them so much, I prepare them year-round. —Joyce Bentley, Redlands, California
Nutrition Facts:
1 meatball: 71 calories, 2g fat (1g saturated fat), 22mg cholesterol, 190mg sodium, 9g carbohydrate (6g sugars, 0 fiber), 4g protein.
5/41
Grilled Southwestern Steak Salad
Total Time
45 min
Servings
4 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
Pasta salad loaded with steak, peppers and onions makes both my boyfriend and me happy. Plus, it’s versatile! We serve it hot, room temperature or cold. —Yvonne Starlin, Westmoreland, Tennessee
Nutrition Facts:
2 cups pasta mixture with 2 ounces cooked beef: 456 calories, 13g fat (3g saturated fat), 34mg cholesterol, 378mg sodium, 58g carbohydrate (15g sugars, 8g fiber), 30g protein.
6/41
Pork and Apple Tamales
Total Time
1 hour 30 min
Servings
3 dozen
From the Recipe Creator:
Serve this family favorite for all occasions: a quick dinner, brown-bag lunch, hearty snack or even a fun appetizer. —Marie Macy, Fort Collins, Colorado
Nutrition Facts:
3 tamales: 380 calories, 28g fat (9g saturated fat), 42mg cholesterol, 308mg sodium, 21g carbohydrate (3g sugars, 4g fiber), 12g protein.
If you’re looking for some dairy-free dessert options, try this dairy-free pumpkin pie, just one ingredient swap transforms this traditional dessert into a rich and decadent dairy-free sweet treat.
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Mom's Soft Raisin Cookies
Total Time
40 min
Servings
6 dozen
From the Recipe Creator:
With four sons in service during World War II, my mother sent these favorite cookies as a taste from home to "her boys" in different parts of the world. These days, my 11 grandchildren are enjoying them as we did, along with my stories of long ago.— Pearl Cochenour, Williamsport, Ohio
Nutrition Facts:
2 each: 170 calories, 7g fat (2g saturated fat), 12mg cholesterol, 116mg sodium, 26g carbohydrate (15g sugars, 1g fiber), 2g protein.
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Bacon Pasta
Total Time
1 hour
Servings
4 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
As children, we always requested this dish for our birthday dinners. Our mother got the recipe from her grandmother. Now I pass on our tasty tradition. —Ruth Keogh, North St. Paul, Minnesota
Nutrition Facts:
1 serving: 159 calories, 6g fat (2g saturated fat), 11mg cholesterol, 498mg sodium, 18g carbohydrate (4g sugars, 2g fiber), 7g protein.
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Dairy-Free Lemon Scones
Total Time
35 min
Servings
8 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
Butter is traditional in scones, but I use coconut oil, which is solid at room temperature and can be cut in like butter. My family enjoys these for brunch on Sundays. Stir in a tablespoon of poppy seeds for a fun twist. —Linda Persall, Cullman, Alabama
Nutrition Facts:
1 scone: 292 calories, 15g fat (13g saturated fat), 0 cholesterol, 476mg sodium, 38g carbohydrate (14g sugars, 1g fiber), 3g protein.
10/41
Garlic Garbanzo Bean Spread
Total Time
10 min
Servings
1-1/2 cups
From the Recipe Creator:
My friends and family always ask me to make it. I guarantee you’ll be asked for the recipe. —Lisa Moore, North Syracuse, New York
Nutrition Facts:
2 tablespoons: 114 calories, 10g fat (1g saturated fat), 0 cholesterol, 96mg sodium, 6g carbohydrate (1g sugars, 1g fiber), 1g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 2 fat, 1/2 starch.
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Chocolate Chip-Banana Belgian Waffles
Total Time
45 min
Servings
6 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
Gluten-free pancake mix and rice milk are the secret ingredients in this treat from my cookbook, Cooking for Isaiah: Gluten-Free & Dairy-Free Recipes for Easy, Delicious Meals. Chocolate and bananas never tasted better! —Silvana Nardone, Brooklyn, New York
Nutrition Facts:
1 each: 335 calories, 11g fat (3g saturated fat), 35mg cholesterol, 471mg sodium, 59g carbohydrate (19g sugars, 2g fiber), 4g protein.
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Banana Macadamia Muffins
Total Time
35 min
Servings
2 dozen
From the Recipe Creator:
These muffins taste even better the next day, so to save time, I often make them the night before. They stay moist for days, plus the ingredients you need for this dairy free food are easily accessible at any grocery store. —Stasha Wampler, Clinchport, Virginia
Nutrition Facts:
1 muffin: 294 calories, 16g fat (3g saturated fat), 26mg cholesterol, 185mg sodium, 37g carbohydrate (22g sugars, 2g fiber), 3g protein.
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Super Spud Brownies
Total Time
40 min
Servings
16 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
These moist and cakelike brownies came from my mom’s old cookbook. Mashed potatoes may seem like an unusual ingredient, but they work beautifully—this recipe took first place at a local festival. —Marlene Gerer, Denton, Montana
Nutrition Facts:
1 brownie: 150 calories, 8g fat (1g saturated fat), 27mg cholesterol, 68mg sodium, 19g carbohydrate (13g sugars, 0 fiber), 2g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 1-1/2 fat, 1 starch.
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Lahmajoon (Armenian Pizza)
Total Time
35 min
Servings
6 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
With my family's Armenian background, I grew up surrounded by great cooks. Since Armenian food is time-consuming and labor-intensive, cooking for any party started weeks in advance. I learned to cook from my mom but have revamped many of her dishes to make them healthier, simpler and quicker, like this version of Armenian Pizza. —Jean L. Ecos, Hartland, Wisconsin
Nutrition Facts:
2 pizzas: 385 calories, 9g fat (2g saturated fat), 32mg cholesterol, 671mg sodium, 55g carbohydrate (2g sugars, 1g fiber), 21g protein.
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Chipotle Focaccia with Garlic-Onion Topping
Total Time
1 hour 35 min
Servings
1 loaf (16 pieces)
From the Recipe Creator:
Chipotle peppers make some people grab their water glasses, while others can't get enough of the smoky heat. I came up with this recipe to fit right in the middle. Add more chipotle if you crave spiciness. —Frances Kay Bouma, Trail, British Columbia
Nutrition Facts:
1 piece: 159 calories, 8g fat (1g saturated fat), 0 cholesterol, 206mg sodium, 19g carbohydrate (2g sugars, 1g fiber), 3g protein.
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Pignoli Cookies
Total Time
45 min
Servings
2-1/2 dozen
From the Recipe Creator:
Cookies are the crown jewels of Italian confections. I can’t let a holiday go by without baking these traditional almond cookies rolled in mild pine nuts. —Maria Regakis, Saugus, Massachusetts
Nutrition Facts:
1 cookie: 112 calories, 6g fat (1g saturated fat), 0 cholesterol, 7mg sodium, 13g carbohydrate (11g sugars, 1g fiber), 3g protein.
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Turkey Potpie
Total Time
1 hour 20 min
Servings
2 pies (6 servings each)
From the Recipe Creator:
With golden brown crust and scrumptious filling, these comforting potpies will warm you down to your toes. Because it makes two, you can eat one now and freeze the other for later. They bake and cut beautifully. —Laurie Jensen, Cadillac, Michigan
Nutrition Facts:
1 serving: 287 calories, 15g fat (7g saturated fat), 78mg cholesterol, 542mg sodium, 21g carbohydrate (3g sugars, 2g fiber), 17g protein.
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Puerto Rican Coconut Pudding
Total Time
20 min
Servings
8 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
Tembleque, or coconut pudding, brings back so many memories of the days my family would vacation in Puerto Rico to see my relatives. It was one of my favorite things to eat—I'm sure it will become a much-loved recipe with your family, as well. —Linette Serenil, Upland, California
Nutrition Facts:
1/2 cup: 286 calories, 21g fat (18g saturated fat), 0 cholesterol, 161mg sodium, 27g carbohydrate (17g sugars, 1g fiber), 2g protein.
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Portobello Bruschetta with Rosemary Aioli
Total Time
1 hour 35 min
Servings
2 dozen
From the Recipe Creator:
By caramelizing onions, broiling peppers and whipping up a homemade aioli with fresh herbs, you will add dimensions of flavor not found in store-bought bruschetta. —Stephanie Metzger, Camp Hill, Pennsylvania
Nutrition Facts:
1 appetizer: 109 calories, 7g fat (1g saturated fat), 1mg cholesterol, 75mg sodium, 11g carbohydrate (7g sugars, 1g fiber), 1g protein.
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Mini BLT Appetizers
Total Time
30 min
Servings
about 2-1/2 dozen
From the Recipe Creator:
Five simple ingredients are all you need to wow friends and family with a tasty appetizer. I love to make these as much as I love to share them. —Nick Berg, Milwaukee, Wisconsin
Nutrition Facts:
1 appetizer: 27 calories, 2g fat (0 saturated fat), 3mg cholesterol, 55mg sodium, 1g carbohydrate (1g sugars, 0 fiber), 0 protein.
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Pan-Roasted Chicken and Vegetables
Total Time
1 hour
Servings
6 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
This one-dish roast chicken with vegetables tastes as if it took hours of hands-on time to put together, but the simple ingredients can be prepped in mere minutes. The rosemary gives it a rich flavor, and the meat juices cook the veggies to perfection. It’s unbelievably easy! —Sherri Melotik, Oak Creek, Wisconsin
Nutrition Facts:
1 chicken thigh with 1 cup vegetables: 357 calories, 14g fat (3g saturated fat), 87mg cholesterol, 597mg sodium, 28g carbohydrate (3g sugars, 4g fiber), 28g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 4 lean meat, 1-1/2 starch, 1 vegetable, 1 fat.
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Garbanzo-Stuffed Mini Peppers
Total Time
20 min
Servings
32 pieces
From the Recipe Creator:
Mini peppers are so colorful and are the perfect size for a two-bite appetizer. They have all the crunch of pita chips but without the extra calories. —Christine Hanover, Lewiston, California
Nutrition Facts:
1 piece: 15 calories, 0 fat (0 saturated fat), 0 cholesterol, 36mg sodium, 3g carbohydrate (1g sugars, 1g fiber), 1g protein.
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Rosemary Flatbreads
Total Time
50 min
Servings
6 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
My family loves this as a pizza crust. But with a touch of olive oil and fresh herbs it makes a lovely flatbread appetizer. —Sue Brown, West Bend, Wisconsin
Nutrition Facts:
1 flatbread: 197 calories, 5g fat (1g saturated fat), 0 cholesterol, 322mg sodium, 33g carbohydrate (1g sugars, 1g fiber), 5g protein.
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Lime & Gin Coconut Macaroons
Total Time
35 min
Servings
about 2-1/2 dozen
From the Recipe Creator:
I took these lime and coconut macaroons to our annual cookie exchange, where we name a queen. I won the crown! —Milissa Kirkpatrick, Angel Fire, New Mexico
Nutrition Facts:
1 cookie: 133 calories, 7g fat (6g saturated fat), 0 cholesterol, 67mg sodium, 17g carbohydrate (15g sugars, 1g fiber), 2g protein.
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Ginger Butternut Squash Bisque
Total Time
1 hour 5 min
Servings
6 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
This soup is filling enough for my husband, and it’s vegetarian, which I love. The couple who introduced us made it for us on a freezing night and we’ve been hooked ever since. —Cara McDonald, Winter Park, Colorado
Nutrition Facts:
1 cup: 386 calories, 21g fat (14g saturated fat), 0 cholesterol, 749mg sodium, 48g carbohydrate (10g sugars, 10g fiber), 7g protein.
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Mediterranean Mashed Potatoes
Total Time
40 min
Servings
16 servings (3/4 cup each)
From the Recipe Creator:
It's hard for our family to imagine eating mashed potatoes any other way but this. It tastes great on its own or drizzled with tahini sauce. —Nikki Haddad, Germantown, Maryland
Nutrition Facts:
3/4 cup: 192 calories, 9g fat (1g saturated fat), 0 cholesterol, 262mg sodium, 26g carbohydrate (2g sugars, 2g fiber), 3g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 1-1/2 starch, 1-1/2 fat.
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Mango Sticky Rice
Total Time
15 min
Servings
8 servings (3 cups sauce)
From the Recipe Creator:
As a nice contrast to traditional desserts, this Thai mango sticky rice recipe is a refreshing treat with a sweet and simple sauce that perks up your post-dinner taste buds.—Monnie Norasing, Mansfield, Texas
Nutrition Facts:
1/2 cup rice with 1/3 cup sauce: 341 calories, 10g fat (9g saturated fat), 0 cholesterol, 86mg sodium, 60g carbohydrate (21g sugars, 1g fiber), 4g protein.
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Best Ever Veggie Burger
Total Time
40 min
Servings
4 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
It was so hard finding a veggie burger that tasted good, didn’t fall apart on the grill and was easy to make so I decided to create my own. —Sarah Tramonte, Taste Recipes Associate Culinary Producer
Nutrition Facts:
1 burger: 357 calories, 28g fat (3g saturated fat), 0 cholesterol, 479mg sodium, 22g carbohydrate (2g sugars, 7g fiber), 9g protein.
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Peanut Butter Noodles
Total Time
30 min
Servings
4 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
To get that luscious taste of Thai cuisine, combine ginger, basil, lime and peanut butter in a sauce for linguine. It's so good, we've never had leftovers. —Allil Binder, Spokane, Washington
Nutrition Facts:
2 cups: 365 calories, 13g fat (2g saturated fat), 0 cholesterol, 567mg sodium, 57g carbohydrate (6g sugars, 10g fiber), 14g protein.
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Rustic Cranberry Tarts
Total Time
35 min
Servings
2 tarts (6 servings each)
From the Recipe Creator:
I like to serve colorful desserts for gatherings with family and friends. These beautiful tarts are filled with cranberry and citrus flavor, and they’re easy to make and serve. —Holly Bauer, West Bend, Wisconsin
Nutrition Facts:
1 piece: 260 calories, 9g fat (4g saturated fat), 6mg cholesterol, 144mg sodium, 45g carbohydrate (24g sugars, 2g fiber), 2g protein.
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Summer Garden Fish Tacos
Total Time
40 min
Servings
4 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
I like to serve fish tacos with quinoa and black beans for a complete and satisfying meal. If you’ve got them, add colorful summer toppings like bright peppers, green onions or purple carrots. —Camille Parker, Chicago, Illinois
Nutrition Facts:
2 tacos: 278 calories, 10g fat (2g saturated fat), 55mg cholesterol, 214mg sodium, 26g carbohydrate (5g sugars, 5g fiber), 25g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 3 lean meat, 1-1/2 starch, 1 vegetable, 1/2 fat.
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Rhubarb Bread
Total Time
1 hour
Servings
2 loaves (16 pieces each)
From the Recipe Creator:
This is quite a good bread - our family really enjoys it! It's also very quick and easy to prepare, once you have the rhubarb diced. —Grace Capen, Sacramento, California
Nutrition Facts:
1 piece: 129 calories, 6g fat (1g saturated fat), 7mg cholesterol, 109mg sodium, 17g carbohydrate (10g sugars, 0 fiber), 2g protein.
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BBQ Chicken Bites
Total Time
25 min
Servings
1-1/2 dozen
From the Recipe Creator:
Chicken bites wrapped in bacon get a kick from Montreal seasoning and sweetness from barbecue sauce. We love the mix of textures. —Kathryn Dampier, Quail Valley, California
Nutrition Facts:
1 appetizer: 47 calories, 2g fat (0 saturated fat), 13mg cholesterol, 249mg sodium, 3g carbohydrate (3g sugars, 0 fiber), 5g protein.
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Smoked Salmon Deviled Eggs with Dill
Total Time
25 min
Servings
2 dozen
From the Recipe Creator:
My family is of Danish heritage, and my husband makes our smoked salmon. To use it, I came up with these dilly deviled eggs. They're a real treat and nice addition to any meal. —Charlotte Giltner, Mesa, Arizona
Nutrition Facts:
1 deviled egg: 74 calories, 6g fat (1g saturated fat), 95mg cholesterol, 92mg sodium, 0 carbohydrate (0 sugars, 0 fiber), 3g protein.
35/41
Veggie Thai Curry Soup
Total Time
30 min
Servings
6 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
My go-to Thai restaurant inspired this curry soup. Shiitake mushrooms are my favorite, but any fresh mushroom will work. Fresh basil and lime add a burst of bright flavors. —Tre Balchowsky, Sausalito, California. Next, check out our collection of dairy-free soups.
Nutrition Facts:
1-2/3 cups: 289 calories, 9g fat (3g saturated fat), 0 cholesterol, 772mg sodium, 41g carbohydrate (3g sugars, 2g fiber), 11g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 2-1/2 starch, 1 medium-fat meat, 1/2 fat.
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Roasted Chickpeas
Total Time
50 min
Servings
2 cups
From the Recipe Creator:
Looking for a lighter snack that's still a crowd pleaser? You've found it! These zesty, crunchy chickpeas will have everyone happily munching. —Julie Ruble, Charlotte, North Carolina
Nutrition Facts:
1/3 cup: 178 calories, 8g fat (1g saturated fat), 0 cholesterol, 463mg sodium, 23g carbohydrate (3g sugars, 6g fiber), 6g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 1-1/2 starch, 1-1/2 fat.
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Honey Cinnamon Bars
Total Time
35 min
Servings
2 dozen
From the Recipe Creator:
My Aunt Ellie gave us the recipe for these sweet bar cookies with cinnamon and walnuts. Drizzle with icing, and serve with coffee or tea. —Diane Myers, Star, Idaho
Nutrition Facts:
1 bar: 206 calories, 11g fat (1g saturated fat), 8mg cholesterol, 86mg sodium, 25g carbohydrate (16g sugars, 1g fiber), 2g protein.
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Thai Coconut Beef
Total Time
8 hours 15 min
Servings
10 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
My husband and I love Thai food, but going out on weeknights can be challenging with busy schedules. I wanted to create a Thai-inspired dinner that could double as an easy lunch the following day. The beef is fantastic in this dish, but chicken or pork would be equally delicious! —Ashley Lecker, Green Bay, Wisconsin
Nutrition Facts:
1 cup (calculated without rice and toppings): 421 calories, 28g fat (14g saturated fat), 88mg cholesterol, 731mg sodium, 12g carbohydrate (7g sugars, 2g fiber), 32g protein.
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Marinated Almond-Stuffed Olives
Total Time
15 min
Servings
8 cups
From the Recipe Creator:
Marinated stuffed olives go over so well with company that I try to keep a batch of them in the fridge at all times. —Larissa Delk, Columbia, Tennessee
Nutrition Facts:
1/4 cup: 78 calories, 7g fat (0 saturated fat), 0 cholesterol, 455mg sodium, 3g carbohydrate (0 sugars, 1g fiber), 1g protein.
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Easy Apple Cake
Total Time
1 hour
Servings
20 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
After testing many apple cake recipes with fresh apples, I found this old-fashioned easy apple cake that is moist, dense and down-home delicious. Even better, it's quick to fix, and when it's served warm with whipped cream or a dollop of frozen custard, it's one of my family’s very favorites. —Sherry Ashenfelter, Waterville, Ohio
Nutrition Facts:
1 piece: 278 calories, 16g fat (3g saturated fat), 32mg cholesterol, 169mg sodium, 31g carbohydrate (19g sugars, 1g fiber), 4g protein.
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Chicken in Coconut Peanut Sauce
Total Time
5 hours 15 min
Servings
6 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
My youngest son has been out of the country for several years teaching English. When he returned to the United States, I made this home-cooked meal for him that combined Asian and American cuisine. He loved it! —Sheila Suhan, Scottdale, Pennsylvania
Nutrition Facts:
2 chicken thighs with 1 cup sauce: 559 calories, 31g fat (10g saturated fat), 151mg cholesterol, 865mg sodium, 22g carbohydrate (14g sugars, 4g fiber), 50g protein.
