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    Home » Chicken

    24 Deliciously Cheap Chicken Meals for Busy Weeknights

    Published: Jul 5, 2025 by Emmeline Kemperyd · post_comments]

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    Finding quick and affordable meals can be a challenge, especially on busy weeknights. Chicken is a versatile and budget-friendly option that can be transformed into a variety of satisfying dishes. Here are 24 easy chicken recipes that won't break the bank and will help you get dinner on the table in no time. 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.

    Slow Cooker Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta

    Slow Cooker Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta.
    Photo Credit: The Magical Slow Cooker.

    This one-pot meal is sure to please everyone at the table. The combination of garlic parmesan wing sauce with cream of chicken soup, cream cheese, and milk creates a rich and tasty dish. With just a few common ingredients, you can whip up a satisfying dinner that everyone will enjoy.

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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

    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

    Slow Cooker Root Beer Chicken

    Slow Cooker Root Beer Chicken.
    Photo Credit: The Magical Slow Cooker.

    This Slow Cooker Root Beer Chicken is a simple and fun way to prepare chicken for dinner. It offers a unique flavor that everyone in the family will love. Perfect for those hectic evenings, this dish requires minimal effort while still delivering a tasty meal.

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    Slow Cooker Crack Chicken

    Slow Cooker Crack Chicken.
    Photo Credit: The Cookin' Chicks.

    Slow Cooker Crack Chicken combines shredded chicken, cream cheese, Ranch seasoning, and bacon for a tasty meal. It's creamy and cheesy, making it a favorite among many. Preparing this dish is straightforward, allowing you to enjoy a filling dinner without spending hours cooking. Whether you're hosting friends or just having a quiet night in, this recipe is sure to hit the spot. You'll appreciate how easy it is to make this satisfying dish.

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    One Pot Chicken And Rice

    One Pot Chicken And Rice Dinner from Dutch oven.
    Photo Credit: Scarlati Family Kitchen.

    This one pot chicken and rice dish is simple to make using fresh ingredients in a Dutch oven or cast iron skillet. It starts on the stovetop and finishes cooking in the oven, creating a hearty meal that everyone in the family will enjoy. Perfect for a cozy Sunday dinner, this recipe is both satisfying and easy to prepare.

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    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

    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.

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    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.

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    Slow Cooker Whole Mayo Chicken

    Slow Cooker Whole Chicken with Mayo.
    Photo Credit: The Magical Slow Cooker.

    This slow cooker mayo chicken is packed with flavor and is sure to please everyone at the table, including the kids. It's an easy dish that requires minimal effort, making it perfect for busy nights. With its simple ingredients and delicious taste, this chicken will quickly become a family favorite.

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    Slow Cooker Chicken Curry

    Slow Cooker Chicken Curry..
    Photo Credit: 4 Sons R Us.

    This easy crockpot chicken is packed with tender chicken, fresh veggies, and a mix of spices that come together perfectly. It's a simple dish that you'll find yourself making again and again. Perfect for busy nights, this recipe requires minimal effort while delivering a satisfying meal.

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    Skillet Chicken with Cream of Mushroom Soup

    Skillet Chicken with Cream of Mushroom Soup.
    Photo Credit: Midwest Foodie.

    Skillet chicken with cream of mushroom soup turns plain chicken breast and a classic pantry item into a simple one-pan meal that's full of flavor. This dish is quick to prepare and perfect for busy nights when you want something satisfying without a lot of work. It's a great way to enjoy a hearty dinner with minimal fuss.

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    Crockpot Chicken Corn Chowder

    Crockpot Chicken Corn Chowder.
    Photo Credit: An Edible Mosaic.

    This creamy chicken corn chowder is easy to prepare in a Crockpot, combining tender chicken, potatoes, and a mix of vegetables. It's a warm and filling dish that's perfect for a comforting meal. Just toss everything in and let it cook, making it a great option for busy nights.

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    Slow Cooker Orange Chicken

    Slow Cooker Orange Chicken.
    Photo Credit: Chef Savvy.

    Slow Cooker Orange Chicken is an easy and delicious meal that you can make at home. It's a gluten-free option that doesn't have any added sugar or MSG, so it's a healthy choice for everyone in the family. This dish is perfect for busy nights when you want something tasty without spending too much time in the kitchen.

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    Slow Cooker Burritos

    Slow Cooker One Pot Chicken Burrito Filling.
    Photo Credit: The Magical Slow Cooker.

    This chicken burrito filling combines fresh veggies, salsa, Tex-Mex spices, and quick-cooking rice. It's simple to prepare and packed with flavor, making it a hit with everyone. Perfect for a quick meal, this dish is both satisfying and easy to whip up.

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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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    Marinated Baked Chicken Breast

    Baked Chicken Breast.
    Photo Credit: Cucina by Elena.

    Juicy chicken breasts can be achieved easily with a good marinade and cooking at a higher temperature. This is a simple recipe that works well for any meal.

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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 Cajun Chicken Pasta

    Slow Cooker Cajun Chicken Pasta.
    Photo Credit: FoodnService.

    This pasta dish is simple and comforting, taking just 10 minutes to prepare while the slow cooker handles the rest. With its bold Cajun flavors and tender penne pasta, it's a satisfying option for a family dinner during the week. It's a great way to enjoy a hearty meal without spending too much time in the kitchen.

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    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.

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    Jalapeño Popper Chicken Casserole

    Jalapeño Popper Chicken Casserole.
    Photo Credit: Zona Cooks.

    Jalapeño Popper Chicken Casserole brings together juicy chicken, crispy hash browns, creamy cheese, zesty jalapeños, and savory bacon. It's a cozy meal that's full of flavor and sure to satisfy. This dish is great for a family dinner or when you want something hearty and delicious.

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    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

    Chicken Pesto Pasta Salad

    A bowl of chicken pesto pasta salad.
    Photo Credit: Frozen Bananas.

    This pasta salad is quick to prepare and really tasty. It comes together in less than 20 minutes, making it perfect for a fast meal. With simple ingredients, it's a great option for busy days when you want something satisfying without spending too much time in the kitchen.

    Get the recipe

    Slow Cooker Chicken Corn Soup

    Slow Cooker Chicken Corn Soup.
    Photo Credit: The Rustic Foodie.

    Slow Cooker Chicken Corn Soup is a simple and healthy dish that's both gluten and dairy free. Made in the crockpot, it features poblano peppers in a flavorful Southwest broth. This soup is perfect for a cozy meal and is easy to prepare with minimal effort.

    Get the Recipe

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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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    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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