Chicken is versatile, tasty, and affordable. It’s perfect for easy meals. With simple ingredients, you can create amazing chicken dishes.
Let’s explore 14 Budget Friendly Chicken Dinner Recipes for delicious chicken dinners.
Here are the budget-friendly chicken dinner recipes with estimated costs:
1. Lemon Garlic Chicken Thighs
Ingredients:
- 4 chicken thighs ($4)
- 2 tbsp olive oil ($0.30)
- 2 garlic cloves, minced ($0.20)
- 1 lemon, sliced ($0.50)
Instructions:
- Heat oil and fry garlic until fragrant.
- Add chicken thighs and cook until golden.
- Squeeze lemon juice over chicken and serve warm.
Estimated cost: $5.00
2. Chicken and Vegetable Stir-Fry
Ingredients:
- 2 chicken breasts ($4.50)
- 1 cup mixed vegetables ($1)
- 2 tbsp soy sauce ($0.10)
- 1 tbsp olive oil ($0.15)
Instructions:
- Slice chicken and fry in oil until cooked.
- Add vegetables and soy sauce, stir well.
- Cook for 5 minutes and serve with rice.
Estimated cost: $5.75
3. Baked BBQ Chicken Drumsticks
Ingredients:
- 6 chicken drumsticks ($3.50)
- 1/2 cup BBQ sauce ($0.50)
- Salt and pepper to taste ($0.05)
Instructions:
- Preheat oven to 375°F.
- Season drumsticks, coat with BBQ sauce.
- Bake for 35 minutes and enjoy.
Estimated cost: $4.05
4. Chicken Fried Rice
Ingredients:
- 1 cup cooked rice ($0.25)
- 1 chicken breast, diced ($2.25)
- 1 egg ($0.20)
- 2 tbsp soy sauce ($0.10)
Instructions:
- Scramble egg in a pan.
- Add chicken and fry until cooked.
- Mix in rice and soy sauce. Serve hot.
Estimated cost: $2.80
5. Garlic Butter Chicken Breasts
Ingredients:
- 2 chicken breasts ($4.50)
- 2 tbsp butter ($0.30)
- 2 garlic cloves, minced ($0.20)
Instructions:
- Melt butter in a pan, fry garlic.
- Add chicken and cook until golden.
- Serve with your favorite sides.
Estimated cost: $5.00
6. Slow Cooker Chicken Stew
Ingredients:
- 4 chicken thighs ($4.00)
- 2 cups chopped vegetables ($1.50)
- 2 cups chicken broth ($0.80)
- 1 tsp thyme ($0.10)
Instructions:
- Place chicken and vegetables in slow cooker.
- Add broth and thyme, cook for 6 hours.
- Serve warm with bread.
Estimated cost: $6.40
7. Honey Soy Chicken Wings
Ingredients:
- 8 chicken wings ($4.50)
- 2 tbsp soy sauce ($0.10)
- 1 tbsp honey ($0.20)
Instructions:
- Mix honey and soy sauce in a bowl.
- Marinate chicken wings for 1 hour.
- Bake at 400°F for 20 minutes.
Estimated cost: $4.80
8. Creamy Chicken Pasta
Ingredients:
- 1 cup cooked pasta ($0.30)
- 1 chicken breast, sliced ($2.25)
- 1/2 cup cream ($0.60)
- 1/4 cup Parmesan cheese ($0.50)
Instructions:
- Fry chicken until cooked.
- Add cream and cheese, mix well.
- Toss with pasta and serve hot.
Estimated cost: $3.65
9. Chicken Quesadillas
Ingredients:
- 1 cup cooked chicken, shredded ($2.00)
- 2 tortillas ($0.50)
- 1/2 cup shredded cheese ($0.75)
- 1 tbsp salsa ($0.10)
Instructions:
- Place chicken, cheese, and salsa on tortilla.
- Top with another tortilla, cook until crispy.
- Cut into slices and serve.
Estimated cost: $3.35
10. Spicy Chicken Tacos
Ingredients:
- 1 cup cooked chicken, shredded ($2.00)
- 4 taco shells ($0.80)
- 1 tbsp hot sauce ($0.10)
- 1/2 cup lettuce, chopped ($0.50)
Instructions:
- Mix chicken with hot sauce.
- Fill taco shells with chicken and lettuce.
- Serve with your favorite toppings.
Estimated cost: $3.40
11. Oven-Roasted Herb Chicken
Ingredients:
- 1 whole chicken ($6.00)
- 2 tbsp olive oil ($0.30)
- 1 tbsp mixed herbs ($0.10)
- Salt and pepper to taste ($0.05)
Instructions:
- Rub chicken with oil, herbs, salt, and pepper.
- Roast at 375°F for 1 hour.
- Let rest before serving.
Estimated cost: $6.45
12. Chicken Noodle Soup
Ingredients:
- 1 cup shredded chicken ($2.00)
- 2 cups chicken broth ($0.80)
- 1 cup noodles ($0.50)
- 1 carrot, diced ($0.20)
Instructions:
- Boil broth, add chicken and carrot.
- Cook noodles until soft.
- Combine and serve warm.
Estimated cost: $3.50
13. Sweet and Sour Chicken
Ingredients:
- 1 chicken breast, diced ($2.25)
- 1/2 cup pineapple chunks ($0.80)
- 2 tbsp sweet and sour sauce ($0.25)
Instructions:
- Fry chicken until golden.
- Add pineapple and sauce, mix well.
- Cook for 5 minutes and serve.
Estimated cost: $3.30
14. Chicken Salad Wraps
Ingredients:
- 1 cup cooked chicken, shredded ($2.00)
- 2 lettuce leaves ($0.30)
- 2 tbsp mayo ($0.20)
- 1 tortilla ($0.25)
Instructions:
- Mix chicken and mayo in a bowl.
- Place on tortilla, add lettuce.
- Wrap tightly and serve.
Estimated cost: $2.75
Conclusion
These chicken dinners are both budget-friendly and delicious! You can make a variety of meals without breaking the bank. Happy cooking!