26 Budget-Friendly Chicken Recipes for Easy Weeknight Dinners

Finding quick and affordable meals can be a real game-changer for busy weeknights. Chicken is a versatile and budget-friendly ingredient that fits the bill perfectly. Whether you’re craving something hearty, spicy, or comforting, there’s a chicken recipe out there that will make your taste buds happy without breaking the bank. Here, I’ve gathered 35 cheap chicken recipes that are not only easy to make but also delicious and satisfying. Enjoy exploring these tasty options and add some new favorites to your weeknight rotation!

Chicken and Noodles

This classic recipe from a chicken farm is as straightforward as it gets. It combines chicken with simple noodles, making it an ideal comfort food for cold days. Ingredients include chicken, noodles, and basic seasonings. Start by boiling the chicken and then add noodles to the broth. This dish is known for its hearty, satisfying taste and minimal ingredients, making it extremely budget-friendly. The simplicity of this dish allows the natural flavors of the chicken to shine through.

Cranberry Chicken

This family-favorite recipe uses chicken thighs and a cranberry sauce that brings a tangy sweetness to the dish. Ingredients include chicken thighs, cranberry sauce, and a few seasonings. Bake the chicken with the sauce until it’s tender and flavorful. The result is a delightful balance of savory and sweet, perfect for a quick weeknight dinner. The combination of tart cranberries with juicy chicken creates a unique and memorable taste.

Chicken and Broccoli

A quick and comforting chicken breast recipe, this dish pairs chicken with fresh broccoli. Ingredients are chicken breasts, broccoli, and a few simple seasonings. Sauté the chicken and then steam the broccoli in the same pan. The dish is light, healthy, and perfect for a busy evening, with a fresh, slightly crispy texture. The vibrant green broccoli adds a pop of color and nutrition to the plate.

Adobo Chicken with Ginger

This Filipino classic combines soy sauce, vinegar, garlic, ginger, and peppercorns for a dish that’s both flavorful and preservative. Ingredients include chicken, soy sauce, vinegar, garlic, and ginger. Cook the chicken with the sauce until it’s tender and infused with the rich flavors. It’s a savory, tangy dish that’s easy on the budget. The ginger adds a warm, aromatic note that complements the tangy sauce beautifully.

Baked Chicken Thighs with Mushroom Brown Rice

This one-pan meal features chicken thighs baked with mushroom brown rice. Ingredients include chicken thighs, mushrooms, brown rice, and seasonings. Bake the chicken and rice together until both are cooked through. The dish is earthy and hearty, making it a wholesome, budget-friendly option. The mushrooms add a deep, umami flavor that enhances the overall richness of the dish.

Cheesy Chicken and Potato Soup

A comforting soup made with chicken, potatoes, and cheese, this dish is perfect for a cozy night in. Ingredients include chicken, potatoes, cheese, and a few seasonings. Cook everything together until the potatoes are tender and the cheese is melted. The result is a rich, creamy soup that’s both filling and inexpensive. The cheese adds a velvety texture and a savory depth to the soup.

Parmesan-Crusted Chicken

This recipe features chicken breasts or tenders coated in Parmesan cheese and breadcrumbs. Ingredients include chicken breasts, Parmesan cheese, breadcrumbs, and a few seasonings. Bake the chicken until it’s crispy and golden brown. The dish is cheesy and crunchy, making it a delicious, budget-friendly meal. The Parmesan crust provides a savory, nutty flavor that pairs perfectly with the juicy chicken.

Baked Chicken Drumsticks

These drumsticks are crispy on the outside and moist on the inside. Ingredients include chicken drumsticks, a seasoning mix, and oil. Bake the drumsticks until they are golden and crispy. The result is a flavorful, budget-friendly meal that’s easy to prepare. The crispy skin adds a satisfying crunch with every bite.

Slow Cooker Chicken Fajitas

This slow cooker recipe is perfect for busy weeknights, combining chicken with peppers and onions. Ingredients include chicken breasts, bell peppers, onions, and fajita seasoning. Cook everything in the slow cooker until the chicken is tender. Serve with tortillas for a delicious, hands-off meal. The slow cooking process allows the flavors to meld together beautifully.

Southern Fried Chicken Livers

A Southern classic, this dish uses chicken livers fried to crispy perfection. Ingredients include chicken livers, flour, and seasonings. Fry the livers until they are golden and crispy. Serve with gravy for a truly Southern experience. The crispy exterior contrasts wonderfully with the rich, tender liver inside.

Sheet Pan Mediterranean Frittata

This easy and cheap frittata is perfect for any meal. Ingredients include eggs, chicken, vegetables, and Mediterranean spices. Bake everything on a sheet pan until it’s set. The result is a light, flavorful dish that’s great for breakfast or dinner. The Mediterranean spices add a fragrant and vibrant flavor profile.

Chicken Salad Tea Sandwiches

These finger sandwiches are perfect for gatherings or a light dinner. Ingredients include chicken, apples, walnuts, and mayonnaise. Mix everything together and serve on small bread slices. The sandwiches are light, crunchy, and slightly sweet, making them a delightful treat. The combination of apple and walnut adds a pleasant crunch and sweetness.

Cilantro-Lime Grilled Chicken

This marinated grilled chicken is both fast and budget-friendly. Ingredients include chicken breasts, cilantro, lime, and seasonings. Marinate the chicken and then grill it until it’s done. The result is a fresh, zesty dish that’s perfect for any meal. The lime juice adds a refreshing citrus note that brightens the flavor.

Baked Chicken Thighs

These chicken thighs are baked with a flavorful spice rub. Ingredients include chicken thighs, a homemade spice mix, and oil. Bake until the skin is crispy and the meat is juicy. The dish is savory and satisfying, making it a great budget-friendly option. The homemade spice mix adds a personalized touch to the flavor.

Oven Fried Chicken Thighs

These thighs are baked to achieve a “fried” texture. Ingredients include chicken thighs, breadcrumbs, and seasonings. Bake until crispy. Serve with your favorite sides for a complete meal that’s both healthy and delicious. The baking method keeps the chicken moist while providing a crispy exterior.

Spicy Chicken Penne alla Vodka

This pasta dish is both spicy and creamy. Ingredients include chicken, penne pasta, vodka sauce, and red pepper flakes. Cook the chicken and pasta, then combine with the sauce. The result is a restaurant-quality dish that’s perfect for a weeknight dinner. The red pepper flakes add a pleasant heat to the creamy vodka sauce.

Crispy Baked Chicken Strips

These chicken strips are baked to crispy perfection. Ingredients include chicken breasts, breadcrumbs, and seasonings. Bake until golden brown. Serve with your favorite dipping sauce for a fun and tasty meal. The baked method ensures a healthier alternative to fried chicken strips.

Mexican-Style Pulled Chicken

This versatile chicken can be used in various dishes. Ingredients include chicken breasts, taco seasoning, and salsa. Cook until tender, then shred. Use in tacos, burritos, or enchiladas for a flavorful, budget-friendly meal. The shredded chicken absorbs the seasonings well, making it flavorful and juicy.

French Onion Chicken

This family favorite combines chicken with French onion soup mix. Ingredients include chicken breasts, French onion soup mix, and breadcrumbs. Bake until crispy. The dish is savory and crunchy, making it a hit with everyone. The French onion mix gives a deep, savory flavor that pairs perfectly with the crispy coating.

Instant Pot Crispy Barbecue Chicken Wings

These wings are cooked in the Instant Pot for quick results. Ingredients include chicken wings, barbecue sauce, and seasonings. Cook until crispy. The wings are sweet, tangy, and perfect for any occasion. The Instant Pot ensures the chicken is tender while the barbecue sauce caramelizes beautifully.

Garlic Chicken

This quick recipe uses garlic powder, onion powder, and seasoning salt. Ingredients include chicken breasts and seasonings. Sauté the chicken until done. The dish is simple, yet flavorful, making it a great option for a quick meal. The garlic powder adds a robust, aromatic flavor that enhances the chicken.

Blackened Chicken

This dish brings the flavors of a restaurant to your home. Ingredients include chicken breasts and a blackening spice mix. Cook until blackened. The chicken is spicy and savory, perfect for a special dinner. The blackened seasoning creates a delicious crust that locks in the juices.

Baked Chicken Legs

These chicken legs are easy to make and full of flavor. Ingredients include chicken legs, a seasoning blend, and oil. Bake until crispy. The result is a delicious, budget-friendly meal. The seasoning blend adds a depth of flavor that makes the chicken irresistible.

Roasted Chicken Thighs

This simple recipe proves that less is more. Ingredients include chicken thighs, salt, and pepper. Roast until done. The chicken is tender and flavorful, perfect for a quick dinner. The minimal seasoning allows the natural flavor of the chicken to shine through.

Chicken and Rice Casserole

A family recipe, this casserole is comforting and easy. Ingredients include chicken, rice, and cream of mushroom soup. Bake until bubbly. The dish is creamy and hearty, making it a nostalgic favorite. The rice absorbs all the flavors, making each bite delicious.

Chicken Spaghetti

This hearty spaghetti is quick to make. Ingredients include chicken, spaghetti, and tomato sauce. Cook everything together until done. The dish is flavorful and filling, perfect for a busy night. The combination of chicken and pasta makes it a complete and satisfying meal.

This article originally appeared on RetailShout

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