Chicken is a versatile and budget-friendly protein that can be used in countless delicious recipes. If you’re on a tight budget but still want to enjoy flavorful and satisfying meals, look no further! These 15 cheap chicken dinner recipes are not only delicious but also easy on the wallet. From comforting casseroles to flavorful stir-fries, these recipes will help you stretch your budget without sacrificing flavor. Let’s dive into these affordable chicken dinner ideas that are perfect for any night of the week.
1. One-Pot Chicken and Rice
This classic one-pot meal is both comforting and easy to make. Just brown chicken pieces in a skillet, then add rice, chicken broth, and your favorite seasonings. Simmer until the rice is cooked and the chicken is tender for a delicious and satisfying dinner.
2. Chicken Stir-Fry
Stir-fries are a great way to use up leftover veggies and protein, making them perfect for stretching your budget. Simply sauté chicken breast strips with your favorite vegetables—such as bell peppers, broccoli, and carrots—in a flavorful sauce, then serve over rice or noodles for a quick and tasty meal.
3. Chicken and Vegetable Soup
Soup is not only comforting but also an affordable way to enjoy chicken. Simmer chicken pieces with onions, carrots, celery, and your favorite herbs and spices in chicken broth until tender for a hearty and nutritious meal that’s perfect for chilly nights.
4. Chicken Tacos
Tacos are a fun and budget-friendly dinner option that’s perfect for busy weeknights. Simply season chicken breast strips with taco seasoning, then cook until golden brown and serve in tortillas with your favorite toppings—such as lettuce, tomatoes, cheese, and salsa—for a quick and tasty meal.
5. Baked Chicken Drumsticks
Chicken drumsticks are an inexpensive cut of meat that’s perfect for feeding a crowd. Simply season with your favorite herbs and spices, then bake until crispy and golden brown for a delicious and satisfying dinner that’s sure to please everyone.
6. Chicken and Rice Casserole
Casseroles are a great way to stretch your budget and feed a crowd. Combine cooked chicken with rice, cream of chicken soup, and your favorite vegetables—such as peas and carrots—then top with cheese and bake until bubbly for a comforting and filling meal.
7. Chicken Pasta Bake
Pasta bakes are a delicious and budget-friendly dinner option that’s perfect for busy weeknights. Simply cook pasta until al dente, then toss with cooked chicken, marinara sauce, and shredded cheese before baking until bubbly and golden brown for a satisfying and comforting meal.
8. Grilled Chicken Salad
Grilled chicken salad is a light and healthy dinner option that’s perfect for warmer weather. Simply grill chicken breast strips until cooked through, then slice and serve over a bed of mixed greens with your favorite toppings—such as tomatoes, cucumbers, and avocado—for a refreshing and satisfying meal.
9. Chicken and Rice Soup
Similar to chicken and vegetable soup, chicken and rice soup is a hearty and comforting meal that’s perfect for chilly nights. Simply simmer chicken pieces with onions, carrots, celery, and rice in chicken broth until tender for a delicious and satisfying dinner.
10. Chicken Fried Rice
Homemade chicken fried rice is a tasty and budget-friendly dinner option that’s perfect for using up leftover rice and veggies. Simply stir-fry cooked chicken pieces with cooked rice, scrambled eggs, frozen mixed vegetables, and soy sauce for a quick and flavorful meal.
11. Honey Mustard Chicken
Honey mustard chicken is a sweet and tangy dinner option that’s sure to please everyone at the table. Simply coat chicken breast pieces in a mixture of honey, mustard, and spices, then bake until golden brown and serve with your favorite sides for a delicious and satisfying meal.
12. Chicken and Black Bean Quesadillas
Quesadillas are a fun and easy dinner option that’s perfect for busy weeknights. Simply layer cooked chicken breast strips with canned black beans, shredded cheese, and salsa between two tortillas, then cook in a skillet until crispy and golden brown for a quick and tasty meal.
13. Chicken Pot Pie
Homemade chicken pot pie is a comforting and satisfying dinner option that’s perfect for chilly nights. Simply combine cooked chicken with mixed vegetables and cream of chicken soup, then top with pie crust and bake until golden brown for a delicious and filling meal.
14. Lemon Garlic Chicken
Lemon garlic chicken is a flavorful and easy dinner option that’s perfect for busy weeknights. Simply marinate chicken breast pieces in a mixture of lemon juice, garlic, and herbs, then grill or bake until cooked through and serve with your favorite sides for a delicious and satisfying meal.
15. Chicken and Rice Burrito Bowls
Burrito bowls are a customizable and budget-friendly dinner option that’s perfect for using up leftover rice and veggies. Simply layer cooked chicken breast strips with cooked rice, black beans, corn, avocado slices, and salsa in bowls, then top with your favorite toppings for a quick and tasty meal.
