Looking for delicious chicken meals that are easy on your wallet and simple to prepare? These 13 chicken recipes are perfect for anyone who wants to enjoy great food without spending a lot of time or money. Each dish is designed to be both tasty and affordable, making them ideal for busy weeknights or relaxed weekends. With these recipes, you can enjoy a variety of flavors and styles without breaking the bank or your back.
Carolina BBQ Chicken Salad
Carolina BBQ Chicken Salad combines tender, shredded chicken with a tangy BBQ sauce, fresh greens, and crunchy vegetables. Ready in about 30 minutes, this budget-friendly salad is both refreshing and satisfying. The main ingredients include chicken, BBQ sauce, mixed greens, and a variety of vegetables. It offers a delightful mix of sweet, smoky, and savory flavors without breaking the bank.
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Chicken Pot Pie with Tarragon Gravy
Chicken Pot Pie with Tarragon Gravy features a flaky crust filled with tender chicken, vegetables, and a creamy tarragon-flavored gravy. This comforting dish takes about an hour to prepare and is easy on your wallet. Key ingredients include chicken, tarragon, pie crust, and mixed vegetables. The result is a rich, hearty pie perfect for a cozy meal that doesn’t require a lot of effort.
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Chicken Shawarma Plate
Chicken Shawarma Plate offers marinated chicken served with rice, vegetables, and a flavorful garlic sauce. This Middle Eastern-inspired dish takes around 45 minutes to prepare and is a cost-effective way to enjoy exotic flavors. Main ingredients are chicken, shawarma spices, rice, and fresh vegetables. It delivers a well-balanced taste with a mix of spices and fresh flavors, making it an affordable and easy meal.
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Cilantro Lime Chicken & Rice
Cilantro Lime Chicken & Rice is a zesty dish featuring marinated chicken and fluffy rice cooked with cilantro and lime. This meal can be ready in about 40 minutes and is light on your budget. Key ingredients include chicken, cilantro, lime, and rice. It provides a fresh, tangy flavor that’s both light and satisfying, proving that delicious meals don’t have to be expensive.
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Creamy Balsamic Chicken Skillet
Creamy Balsamic Chicken Skillet is a savory dish with chicken cooked in a rich balsamic cream sauce, ready in just 30 minutes. This quick and economical meal uses simple ingredients like chicken, balsamic vinegar, cream, and garlic. The flavors are rich and slightly tangy with a creamy texture. It’s a delicious option for a weeknight dinner that won’t strain your finances.
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Grilled Maple Mustard Chicken
Grilled Maple Mustard Chicken combines the sweetness of maple syrup with the tang of mustard for a deliciously balanced flavor. This dish takes about 25 minutes to make and is kind to your wallet. The main ingredients are chicken, maple syrup, mustard, and a few herbs. It’s a simple yet flavorful grilled option that’s perfect for any occasion without costing a fortune.
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Roasted Chicken and Vegetables
Roasted Chicken and Vegetables is a one-pan meal featuring chicken and a variety of seasoned vegetables. It takes about 45 minutes to prepare and cook, making it both time-efficient and budget-friendly. Key ingredients include chicken, root vegetables, and herbs. The dish offers a harmonious blend of flavors with tender chicken and perfectly roasted veggies, all without breaking the bank.
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Chicken Colombian Tamales (Tamales Colombiano)
Chicken Colombian Tamales are traditional tamales filled with seasoned chicken, vegetables, and masa, wrapped in banana leaves. This dish takes a bit longer, around 2 hours, but it’s a cost-effective way to enjoy a special meal. Main ingredients include chicken, masa, vegetables, and banana leaves. The flavors are rich and comforting, perfect for a special meal that won’t break the bank.
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Chicken Marbella
Chicken Marbella is a Mediterranean dish featuring chicken baked with prunes, olives, and capers. It takes about an hour to prepare and cook, offering a luxurious taste without a high price tag. Main ingredients include chicken, prunes, olives, and capers. The result is a savory and slightly sweet dish with complex flavors that are both affordable and easy to make.
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Colombian Marinated Chicken Drumsticks
Colombian Marinated Chicken Drumsticks are packed with flavor from a marinade of spices and herbs. This dish takes around 1 hour including marinating time and is an economical choice for a family meal. Key ingredients include chicken drumsticks, garlic, cumin, and lime. The drumsticks are juicy and flavorful, providing a satisfying meal that won’t strain your budget.
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Grilled Chicken Kofta Kebab
Grilled Chicken Kofta Kebab features seasoned ground chicken shaped into skewers and grilled to perfection. This dish takes about 30 minutes to prepare and cook, making it a quick and affordable option. The main ingredients are ground chicken, spices, and herbs. The kebabs are juicy, flavorful, and great for grilling, offering a delicious meal that won’t break the bank.
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Oven-Baked Buttermilk Chicken and Potatoes
Oven-Baked Buttermilk Chicken and Potatoes is a comforting dish with tender, marinated chicken and crispy potatoes. It takes about 1 hour to prepare and bake, and it’s a cost-effective way to enjoy a hearty meal. Key ingredients include chicken, buttermilk, potatoes, and seasonings. The flavors are rich and satisfying, making it a perfect weeknight meal that won’t empty your wallet.
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Sheet Pan Paprika Chicken and Veggies
Sheet Pan Paprika Chicken and Veggies is a simple, flavorful dish featuring chicken and vegetables seasoned with paprika. This meal takes around 40 minutes to prepare and cook, offering a convenient and budget-friendly dinner option. Main ingredients include chicken, paprika, and a variety of vegetables. It’s a tasty and balanced meal that proves you don’t need to spend a lot to eat well.
Get the Recipe: Sheet Pan Paprika Chicken and Veggies