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    Home » Chicken

    25 Cheap Chicken Recipes for Easy Dinners on a Budget

    Published: Jun 8, 2025 by Emmeline Kemperyd · post_comments]

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    Chicken is a versatile and budget-friendly protein that can be used in countless easy dinner recipes. Whether you're looking for quick weeknight meals or something a bit more special, these 25 chicken recipes are perfect for keeping your grocery bill low while still enjoying delicious home-cooked meals. From simple stir-fries to hearty casseroles, there's something here for everyone. We know "cheap" can mean different things to different people, so here you will find recipes fitting a variety of budgets - but all without any unnecessarily expensive ingredients.

    Crockpot Honey Mustard Chicken

    Crockpot Honey Mustard Chicken.
    Photo Credit: The Feathered Nester.

    This honey mustard chicken recipe is a simple way to prepare dinner. With just a few ingredients like mustard, honey, and garlic, you can create a tasty meal without much effort. It's perfect for busy nights when you want something delicious but don't want to spend a lot of time in the kitchen.

    Get the Recipe

    Crispy Air Fryer Fried Chicken Tenders

    Air fried chicken tenders.
    Photo credit: Emmeline Kermperyd.

    Air fried chicken tenders are quick and simple to prepare, taking less than 20 minutes from start to finish. With just a few basic ingredients and plenty of flavor, they're bound to be a hit with everyone at the table. Enjoy them as a main dish alongside your favorite sides, or serve them as a tasty snack with some dips.

    Get the recipe

    Chicken Potato Soup

    Chicken Potato Soup.
    Photo Credit: Quiche My Grits.

    Chicken Potato Soup is a warm and filling meal packed with tender potatoes and a creamy, cheesy flavor. It comes together in just 30 minutes, making it a great option for a quick dinner. Plus, the leftovers are even better the next day, perfect for lunch or another cozy dinner.

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    Air Fryer Chicken Leg Quarters

    Air Fryer Chicken Leg Quarters.
    Photo credit: always use butter.

    Air Fryer Chicken Leg Quarters come together in just 15 minutes, offering a great mix of crispy skin and juicy meat. The marinade, featuring lime juice, adds extra flavor and helps keep the chicken tender. This dish is perfect for a quick and satisfying meal any night of the week.

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    Chicken Enchiladas with Green Sauce

    Chicken enchiladas with green sauce.
    Photo credit: always use butter.

    Chicken enchiladas with green sauce are quick to prepare and are a great option for a cozy meal any night. This dish combines tender chicken with garlic, all wrapped in soft tortillas and smothered in melted cheese and zesty green chile sauce. You can make everything from scratch or take a shortcut if you prefer. It's a simple yet satisfying meal that everyone will enjoy.

    Get the recipe

    Chicken Pot Pie Soup

    Chicken Pot Pie Soup.
    Photo Credit: Cooking in My Genes.

    This chicken pot pie soup is perfect for chilly days. It combines all the comforting flavors of a classic pot pie into a cozy soup. It's a simple and satisfying dish that warms you up and fills you up.

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    Thin Basil Chicken Breasts

    Thin Basil Chicken Breasts.
    Photo credit: always use butter.

    Thin chicken breasts can be cooked in an air fryer for a simple and tasty dinner. In just 6 minutes, you can have a flavorful meal seasoned with garlic and basil. This dish is perfect for busy nights when you want something quick and satisfying.

    Get the recipe

    One-Pan Maple Dijon Chicken

    One-Pan Maple Dijon Chicken
    Photo Credit: Simply Stacie.

    Maple Dijon Chicken is a great choice for dinner tonight. It features tender chicken baked alongside butternut squash, purple potatoes, and broccoli, all cooked on a single pan. This dish is not only healthy and tasty, but it's also simple to prepare.

    Get the recipe

    Sheet Pan Chicken Fajitas

    Sheet Pan Chicken Fajitas
    Photo Credit: Seasonal Cravings.

    Sheet Pan Chicken Fajitas are a great option when you're short on time and need to whip up a meal for the family. They're simple to prepare and will be ready to eat quickly. This dish combines chicken and colorful veggies, all cooked together on one pan, making cleanup a breeze.

    Get the recipe

    Grilled Lemon Basil Chicken

    Grilled lemon chicken.
    Photo credit: always use butter.

    This Lemon Chicken Marinade is quick and easy to whip up using simple, healthy ingredients. It's perfect for grilling, pan frying, or baking in the oven. With a mix of olive oil, lemon, and basil, the chicken turns out juicy, tender, and full of flavor.

    Get the recipe

    Crock Pot Chicken Tacos

    Crock-Pot Chicken Tacos.
    Photo Credit: Valerie's Kitchen.

    This recipe delivers tender and tasty shredded chicken that's perfect for quick tacos on a hectic day. It's really flexible and can be used in many different Mexican dishes.

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    Chicken Alfredo Lasagna

    Chicken Alfredo Lasagna on a white dish.
    Photo Credit: Midwest Foodie.

    Chicken Alfredo Lasagna brings together the creamy goodness of Alfredo sauce with tender noodles, lots of melted cheese, and shredded rotisserie chicken. It's a comforting dish that's easy to prepare and perfect for a satisfying meal. This recipe is great for busy nights when you want something tasty without spending too much time in the kitchen.

    Get the recipe

    Chicken Teriyaki Stir-fry

    Chicken teriyaki.
    Photo credit: always use butter.

    Chicken Teriyaki Stir Fry is a quick and easy meal that you can whip up in just 25 minutes, including prep time. It's packed with chicken, broccoli, bell peppers, and carrots, making it a hearty and satisfying dish. This low-carb option can stand alone or be served with noodles or rice if you want to feed a crowd. You can use either homemade or store-bought Teriyaki sauce, and frozen vegetables work just fine too.

    Get the recipe

    Pesto Chicken Quinoa Bowl

    Pesto Chicken Quinoa Bowl.
    Photo credit: Fresh Apron.

    The Pesto Chicken Quinoa Bowl is a simple meal that you can whip up any night. It takes less than 30 minutes to prepare and is packed with great flavors. This dish is perfect for a busy evening when you want something tasty without spending too much time in the kitchen.

    Get the recipe

    Baked Chicken Tenders

    Baked Chicken Tenders.
    Photo credit: always use butter.

    Oven baked chicken tenders come together in just 25 minutes using simple ingredients you probably already have at home. These tenders are a healthier option compared to frying, as they don't use any oil or dairy. They're perfect for dipping in your favorite sauce, or you might just want to enjoy them straight from the oven because they're so delicious.

    Get the recipe

    French Mustard Chicken

    French chicken in a sauce with bread in it.

    Photo credit: Lavender & Macarons

    Prepare to fall madly in love with this creamy mustard chicken. It's a classic French dish that tastes outstanding, and is surprisingly easy to make.

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    Crockpot Chicken and Dumplings

    Crockpot Chicken and Dumplings.
    Photo Credit: Cheerful Cook.

    This dish features tender chicken, fresh vegetables, and fluffy buttermilk biscuit dumplings all simmered in a creamy broth. It's a comforting meal that's simple to put together, perfect for any night of the week. With its hearty ingredients, this recipe is sure to satisfy everyone at the table.

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    Chicken Burgers

    Air fryer chicken patties.
    Photo credit: always use butter.

    This chicken burger is a simple and satisfying meal. It's perfect for a quick dinner that won't break the bank. With just a few ingredients, you can whip up something delicious that everyone will enjoy. This recipe is great for busy nights when you want something tasty without spending too much time in the kitchen.

    Get the recipe

    Slow Cooker Chicken Adobo

    Slow Cooker Chicken Adobo
    Photo Credit: The Magical Slow Cooker.

    Slow Cooker Chicken Adobo offers a tasty twist for dinner. The rich sauce, made with soy sauce, ginger, garlic, and vinegar, goes perfectly with rice and steamed vegetables. It's an easy dish that brings a lot of flavor without requiring much effort.

    Get the Recipe

    Slow Cooker Cream of Chicken and Leek Soup

    Slow Cooker Cream of Chicken and Leek Soup.
    Photo Credit: Living Sweet Moments.

    This creamy chicken soup is a great option for a cozy meal. With just six simple ingredients, it comes together quickly and easily. It's an ideal dinner choice for busy families looking for something satisfying.

    Get the Recipe

    One Pan Jerk Chicken With Red Beans And Coconut Rice

    One Pan Jerk Chicken With Red Beans And Coconut Rice
    Photo Credit: Chicken Fried Kitchen.

    One Pan Jerk Chicken with Red Beans and Coconut Rice is a family favorite. It combines spicy, sweet, and smoky flavors with a savory touch. This dish is not only delicious but also easy to prepare, making it perfect for busy nights.

    Get the recipe

    Crockpot Chicken Cacciatore

    Crockpot Chicken Cacciatore.
    Photo Credit: Bowl Me Over,

    This dish features tender chicken along with bell peppers, onions, and zucchini all simmered in a tasty Italian sauce. It's a simple recipe that fits well into a busy weeknight schedule. Enjoy a hearty meal without spending too much time in the kitchen.

    Get the Recipe

    Slow Cooker BBQ Chicken Thighs

    Slow Cooker BBQ Chicken Thighs.
    Photo Credit: The Dizzy Cook.

    BBQ chicken thighs are simple to prepare, with everything going into the slow cooker. You can serve them as whole pieces or shred them for delicious BBQ chicken sandwiches. This is a great option for weeknight dinners.

    Get the Recipe

    Oven Fried Chicken Tenders

    Oven fried chicken tenders with sauce.
    Photo Credit: Midwest Foodie.

    With just 7 ingredients and only 30 minutes needed, these chicken tenders are simple to prepare and perfect for a family meal. The combination of Cheez-Its and pretzels gives them a fun and familiar flavor that everyone will enjoy. This dish is a great option for busy nights when you want something tasty without spending too much time in the kitchen.

    Get the recipe

    Chicken Drumsticks

    Air fryer drumsticks.
    Photo credit: always use butter.

    These drumsticks are packed with flavor and are sure to please everyone at the table. They're easy to prepare and perfect for a quick weeknight dinner. With simple ingredients and minimal effort, you can enjoy a delicious meal without spending a lot of time in the kitchen.

    Get the recipe

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      18 Chicken Pastas That Disappear Fast
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      23 Crockpot Chicken Recipes That Make You Look Like a Pro
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      18 Amazing Chicken Breast Slow Cooker Recipes to Try
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      12 Crockpot Chicken Thigh Recipes That Taste Amazing
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    About Emmeline Kemperyd

    Emmeline Kemperyd is a writer, food blogger, recipe creator and food photographer and the founder of alwaysusebutter.com. She has 20+ years experience creating and simplifying recipes so they taste good, and are quick, easy, and approachable. She is a regular contributor to MSN and her work has been featured by The Guardian, Well+Good, Vulture, SheKnows, Good Men Project, and The Feed Feed, among others.

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