10 Deliciously Cheap Chicken Recipes for a Budget-Friendly Dinner

In a world where grocery bills can add up quickly, finding delicious, budget-friendly meals is essential. Chicken, being both versatile and affordable, serves as an excellent base for numerous recipes. This article presents ten scrumptious chicken dishes that not only satisfy your cravings but also help you stick to your budget. We focus on using economical cuts of chicken and simple ingredients that enhance flavor without straining your wallet.

Why Choose Budget Cuts of Chicken?

• Affordability: Cuts like thighs, legs, and wings are often significantly cheaper than breasts.
• Flavor: Many chefs believe that darker meat is juicier and more flavorful than white meat.
• Versatility: These cuts can be adapted to a variety of cuisines, from hearty stews to zesty stir-fries.
• Freezable: Buying in bulk allows you to store extras for future meals, maximizing savings.

With these benefits in mind, let’s explore ten easy and delicious chicken recipes perfect for any weeknight dinner!

1. Sweet Potato & Chicken Curry

This vibrant curry is not only colorful but also packs in three servings of vegetables per portion. It’s a quick meal to prepare—ready in just 30 minutes—and it’s an excellent option for meal prep.

Ingredients:

• 500g chicken thighs, diced
• 2 medium sweet potatoes, peeled and cubed
• 1 can (400ml) coconut milk
• 1 onion, chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tablespoon curry powder
• 1 red bell pepper, sliced
• Fresh spinach (optional)
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. In a large pot, sauté the onion and garlic until fragrant.
2. Add the chicken and brown for about 5 minutes.
3. Stir in the curry powder, followed by the sweet potatoes and bell pepper.
4. Pour in the coconut milk and simmer for 20 minutes, until the sweet potatoes are tender.
5. Add spinach just before serving for an extra nutrient boost.
6. Serve with rice or naan bread.

2. Creamy Chicken Carbonara

This delightful twist on a classic Italian dish utilizes chicken to stretch servings without sacrificing flavor. It’s an indulgent yet economical choice, perfect for families.

Ingredients:

• 400g spaghetti
• 300g chicken breast, sliced
• 150g pancetta
• 2 large eggs
• 100ml cream
• 50g parmesan cheese, grated
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Fresh parsley for garnish

Instructions:

1. Cook the spaghetti according to package instructions.
2. In a skillet, cook pancetta until crispy. Remove and set aside.
3. In the same pan, add chicken and cook until golden brown.
4. In a bowl, whisk together the eggs, cream, and parmesan.
5. Drain the pasta and quickly combine it with the chicken and pancetta in the skillet.
6. Remove from heat and stir in the egg mixture, allowing the residual heat to create a creamy sauce.
7. Garnish with parsley and serve immediately.

3. Hearty Chicken Stew

A comforting chicken stew is ideal for cold evenings. This one-pot meal is filled with vegetables and is perfect for leftovers, making it a filling and nutritious option.

Ingredients:

• 500g chicken thighs, cut into chunks
• 2 carrots, diced
• 2 potatoes, diced
• 1 onion, chopped
• 1 tablespoon mustard
• 1 liter chicken stock
• Fresh herbs (thyme, rosemary)
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. In a large pot, sauté the onion until translucent.
2. Add the chicken and brown on all sides.
3. Stir in the carrots and potatoes, followed by the mustard and chicken stock.
4. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 30-40 minutes.
5. Season with fresh herbs, salt, and pepper.
6. Serve with crusty bread to soak up the flavorful broth.

4. Chicken, Leek & Brown Rice Stir-Fry

This stir-fry utilizes leftover roast chicken, making it a quick and healthy dinner option. It’s also a great way to incorporate any leftover vegetables you have on hand.

Ingredients:

• 300g cooked chicken, shredded
• 1 cup brown rice, cooked
• 2 leeks, sliced
• 1 bell pepper, sliced
• 100g kale, chopped
• 100g chorizo, diced
• Soy sauce to taste

Instructions:

1. In a large skillet or wok, heat oil and add leeks and chorizo, cooking until fragrant.
2. Toss in the bell peppers and kale, cooking until tender.
3. Add the shredded chicken and cooked rice, stirring to combine.
4. Drizzle with soy sauce and serve hot.

5. Slow Cooker Pulled Chicken

This slow cooker pulled chicken recipe is a crowd-pleaser, ideal for gatherings or busy weeknights. It allows you to cook in large quantities and can be used in various dishes, from burgers to tacos.

Ingredients:

• 600g chicken thighs
• 1 can (400g) diced tomatoes
• 1 tablespoon smoked paprika
• 2 teaspoons cumin
• 1 onion, chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Burger buns or taco shells for serving
• Toppings: avocado, cilantro, and jalapeños

Instructions:

1. In the slow cooker, combine the chicken, diced tomatoes, onion, garlic, smoked paprika, cumin, salt, and pepper.
2. Cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours until the chicken is tender and easy to shred.
3. Once cooked, shred the chicken with two forks and mix it back into the sauce.
4. Serve on burger buns or in taco shells, topped with avocado, cilantro, and jalapeños.

6. Lemon & Herb Chicken Traybake

This simple traybake is a lifesaver on hectic weeknights. With just 15 minutes of prep time, it’s easy to throw together and packed with flavor.

Ingredients:

• 500g chicken thighs
• 1 can (400g) butter beans, drained
• 2 potatoes, cut into wedges
• 1 lemon, sliced
• 2 tablespoons mixed dried herbs
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• Olive oil
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. Preheat the oven to 200°C (400°F).
2. In a large baking tray, arrange the chicken thighs, potato wedges, and butter beans.
3. Drizzle with olive oil, sprinkle with herbs, garlic, salt, and pepper, and lay lemon slices on top.
4. Bake for 40-45 minutes until the chicken is cooked through and the potatoes are golden and crispy.
5. Consider roasting additional vegetables alongside for easy side dishes throughout the week.

7. Roast Chicken Soup

This hearty soup is perfect for using up leftover roast chicken. It’s warming, satisfying, and can easily be adapted to include whatever vegetables you have on hand.

Ingredients:

• 300g leftover roast chicken, shredded
• 1 liter chicken stock
• 2 carrots, diced
• 2 celery stalks, diced
• 1 onion, chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 100g noodles (optional)
• Fresh herbs (parsley, thyme)
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. In a large pot, sauté the onion, garlic, carrots, and celery until soft.
2. Add the chicken stock and bring to a simmer.
3. Stir in the shredded chicken and noodles, cooking until the noodles are tender.
4. Season with salt, pepper, and fresh herbs before serving.
5. Serve with crusty bread or homemade scones for a complete meal.

8. Easy Teriyaki Chicken

This quick teriyaki chicken dish can be prepared in just 20 minutes, making it a fantastic option for busy nights. It’s a healthier alternative to takeout, packed with flavor.

Ingredients:

• 500g chicken thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces
• 4 tablespoons soy sauce
• 2 tablespoons honey
• 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
• 2 teaspoons sesame oil
• Steamed greens for serving
• Cooked rice for serving

Instructions:

1. In a bowl, mix together the soy sauce, honey, rice vinegar, and sesame oil.
2. In a large skillet, add the chicken and cook until browned and cooked through.
3. Pour the teriyaki sauce over the chicken, tossing to coat. Let simmer for a couple of minutes until the sauce thickens slightly.
4. Serve with steamed greens and cooked rice for a complete meal.

9. Honey Mustard Chicken Pot with Parsnips

This one-pot wonder is both simple and delicious, simmering in a honey and mustard sauce that enhances the flavors beautifully.

Ingredients:

• 500g chicken thighs, skinless
• 2 parsnips, sliced
• 1 onion, chopped
• 2 tablespoons honey
• 2 tablespoons mustard
• 500ml chicken stock
• Fresh greens for serving

Instructions:

1. In a large pot, heat a little oil and sauté the onion until translucent.
2. Add the chicken thighs and brown on all sides.
3. Stir in the parsnips, honey, mustard, and chicken stock.
4. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for about 45 minutes until the chicken is tender.
5. Serve with steamed greens for a nutritious side.

10. Chicken with Lemon & Courgette Couscous

This light and refreshing dish is perfect for warmer evenings. Using just five ingredients, it’s both quick to prepare and budget-friendly.

Ingredients:

• 500g chicken breasts, flattened
• 1 cup couscous
• 2 courgettes, grated
• Juice of 1 lemon
• Olive oil
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. In a pan, heat olive oil and cook the flattened chicken breasts until golden and cooked through.
2. Prepare couscous according to package instructions, adding grated courgettes and lemon juice.
3. Serve the chicken on a bed of couscous, seasoned with salt and pepper.