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    Home » Chicken

    23 Cheap Chicken Dinners Your Family Will Ask for All the Time

    Published: Jul 15, 2025 by Emmeline Kemperyd · post_comments]

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    Finding affordable and delicious chicken dinners can be a game changer for busy families. With 23 easy recipes, you can whip up meals that everyone will love without breaking the bank. These dishes are not only budget-friendly but also quick to prepare, making weeknight dinners a breeze. 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.

    Mexican Citrus Chicken

    Citrus marinated chicken.
    Photo credit: Confetti & Bliss.

    This Mexican citrus chicken marinade brings a fresh and tangy flavor that feels like summer. It's perfect for grilling, whether you're inside or outside. The marinade helps create tender, juicy chicken that's both healthy and satisfying.

    Get the recipe

    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

    Crockpot Whole Chicken

    Crockpot Whole Chicken.
    Photo Credit: Chew Out Loud.

    This chicken turns out super tender and flavorful, and it's really simple to make. You'll be surprised that this rotisserie-style chicken is made right in your slow cooker. Prepare it ahead of time for quick and easy dinners during the week.

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    Salsa Chicken

    Salsa Chicken.
    Photo Credit: Living Chirpy.

    Salsa Chicken is a quick and healthy meal that's packed with flavor. It requires very little prep time, making it a go-to choice for busy evenings. This dish is easy to throw together and is sure to please everyone at the table.

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    Slow Cooker Chipotle Chicken Meatballs

    Slow Cooker Chipotle Chicken Meatballs.
    Photo Credit: The Magical Slow Cooker.

    Slow-cooking chicken meatballs in a chipotle sauce brings a nice spicy flavor that everyone enjoys. This dish is great for busy nights when you want something delicious without spending too much time cooking.

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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 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

    Chicken Broccoli Casserole

    Chicken Broccoli Casserole.
    Photo Credit: Dutch Oven Daddy.

    This dish combines the creamy goodness of mac and cheese with the flavors of broccoli and chicken alfredo, creating a satisfying meal. It's a simple comfort food that you can whip up in under 30 minutes. Perfect for busy nights, this recipe brings together familiar ingredients for a tasty dinner that everyone will enjoy.

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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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    Slow Cooker French Onion Chicken

    Slow Cooker French Onion Chicken.
    Photo Credit: Garden in the Kitchen.

    Chicken breasts are slowly cooked in a flavorful onion broth, creating a warm and satisfying dish. Topped with melted Gruyere cheese, this meal is all about comfort and simplicity. It's perfect for a cozy dinner at home.

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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

    Broccoli Chicken Pasta Casserole

    Broccoli Chicken Pasta Casserole.
    Photo Credit: Healthy Fitness Meals.

    Broccoli Chicken Pasta Casserole is a great option for a weeknight dinner. It's hearty, cheesy, and packed with vegetables and tender chicken, creating a simple and enjoyable meal for everyone.

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    Slow Cooker Chicken with Sweet Peach Barbecue Glaze

    Chicken with sweet barbecue glaze served with mashed potatoes.
    Photo Credit: Modern Honey.

    This simple slow cooker dish features tender chicken breasts smothered in a sweet peach barbecue sauce. With just five ingredients, it's a breeze to prepare. This is a great option for busy nights when you want something delicious without a lot of work.

    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

    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

    Slow Cooker Queso Chicken

    Slow cooker queso chicken tacos.
    Photo Credit: Maria's Mixing Bowl.

    Slow cooker queso chicken is a rich, cheesy, zesty chicken mixture that's perfect for everything from quesadillas to sandwiches.

    Get the recipe

    Slow Cooker Hot Chicken

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

    This recipe simplifies making flavorful chicken with a kick. You only need a few seasonings along with Frank's hot sauce to bring it all together. It's a great option when you want something spicy and satisfying.

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    20 Minute Mini Baked Chicken Tacos

    20 Minute Mini Baked Chicken Tacos
    Photo Credit: Midwest Foodie.

    Mini baked chicken tacos are quick and easy to make, taking only about 20 minutes with just a few basic ingredients. They're great for serving a group and simple enough for a weeknight meal. Using street taco corn tortillas, you fill them with seasoned chicken and cheese, then bake until they're crispy and delicious. Everyone in the family will enjoy these tasty tacos.

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    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

    Sheet Pan Chicken and Vegetables

    Sheet Pan Chicken and Vegetables.
    Photo Credit: Living Chirpy.

    Sheet Pan Chicken and Vegetables is an easy way to whip up a healthy and filling meal. This dish is great for busy weeknights when you need something quick and tasty. Just toss everything on a sheet pan, and you have a complete dinner with minimal effort.

    Get the Recipe

    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 Soup with Butternut Squash

    Chicken Soup with Butternut Squash.
    Photo Credit: Like Hot Keto.

    This chicken soup is simple to prepare and all done in one pot. The winter squash brings a nice sweetness that gives it a cozy, comforting feel, perfect for chilly days. It's a great option for a filling meal that won't take much time or effort.

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    Slow Cooker Chicken Paprika

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

    This dish is all about comfort and flavor, with tender chicken cooked in a savory paprika sauce along with garlic and onion. It's a simple and satisfying option for dinner that doesn't require much effort. This classic recipe is definitely worth a shot!

    Get the Recipe

    More Chicken

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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
    • Jamaican jerk chicken.
      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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