17 budget-friendly chicken dinners that taste like a million bucks

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Craving delicious and affordable chicken dinners? Look no further! These 17 budget-friendly recipes will satisfy your cravings without breaking the bank.

Slow cooker bbq chicken legs in the crock pot after cooking.
Slow Cooker BBQ Chicken Legs. Photo credit: Upstate Ramblings.

Chicken and Waffle Casserole

Piece of chicken and waffle casserole on a plate.
Chicken and Waffle Casserole. Photo credit: Upstate Ramblings.

Enjoy a delightful twist on a classic favorite with this chicken and waffle casserole. Made with just 5 simple ingredients, this breakfast casserole strikes the perfect balance between sweet and savory flavors.
Get the Recipe: Chicken and Waffle Casserole

Air Fryer Chicken Sandwich

Copycat Chick-fil-A sandwich with tomato, lettuce and cheese.
Air Fryer Chicken Sandwich. Photo credit: Upstate Ramblings.

Satisfy your Chick-Fil-A cravings with this homemade air fryer chicken sandwich. Enjoy a juicy and crispy chicken sandwich with ease, thanks to this simple copycat recipe.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Chicken Sandwich

Avgolemono Soup

A bowl of soup with chunks of chicken, rice, and vegetables, garnished with lemon slices and fresh herbs.
Avgolemono Soup. Photo credit: Upstate Ramblings.

Sick of boring chicken soup? Spice up your weeknights with Avgolemono soup! This easy recipe uses leftover chicken and transforms it into a creamy, lemony masterpiece. Perfect for busy weeknights!
Get the Recipe: Avgolemono Soup

Slow Cooker BBQ Chicken Ranch Sandwiches

A chicken sandwich topped with coleslaw on a seeded bun, served with French fries and a pickle spear on a white plate.
Slow Cooker BBQ Chicken Ranch Sandwiches. Photo credit: Upstate Ramblings.

These budget-friendly slow cooker BBQ ranch chicken sandwiches are a hit with the whole family. The perfect combination of BBQ and ranch flavors creates a mouth-watering chicken dinner that everyone will love.
Get the Recipe: Slow Cooker BBQ Chicken Ranch Sandwiches

Million Dollar Chicken Casserole

A dish of creamy baked chicken casserole and cheese topped with golden, crispy crackers, garnished with parsley, served on a glass dish with a fork.
Million Dollar Chicken Casserole. Photo credit: Upstate Ramblings.

Treat your family to the ultimate comfort food with this Million Dollar Chicken Casserole. Creamy, cheesy, and topped with a crispy cracker crust, this delectable chicken dinner is perfect for busy weeknights.
Get the Recipe: Million Dollar Chicken Casserole

Olive Garden Gnocchi Soup

Bowl of copycat Olive Garden chicken gnocchi soup in a bowl with breadsticks in the background.
Olive Garden Gnocchi Soup. Photo credit: Upstate Ramblings.

Enjoy a comforting bowl of copycat Olive Garden chicken gnocchi soup. Creamy broth combines with chicken and vegetables in this easy slow cooker recipe.
Get the Recipe: Olive Garden Gnocchi Soup

Air Fryer Hot Honey Chicken

Hot honey chicken on a bed of rice.
Air Fryer Hot Honey Chicken. Photo credit: Upstate Ramblings.

Treat yourself to a delicious and spicy-sweet dinner with this air fryer hot honey chicken. Glazed with a sticky honey sauce, this dish is ready in less than 30 minutes.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Hot Honey Chicken

Slow Cooker BBQ Chicken Legs

Slow cooker bbq chicken legs in the crock pot after cooking.
Slow Cooker BBQ Chicken Legs. Photo credit: Upstate Ramblings.

Savor tender and flavorful slow cooker BBQ chicken legs with minimal effort. These juicy drumsticks are coated in a tangy and smoky barbecue sauce for a delicious weeknight meal.
Get the Recipe: Slow Cooker BBQ Chicken Legs

Rotisserie Chicken Salad

Chicken salad sandwich on a white plate.
Rotisserie Chicken Salad. Photo credit: Upstate Ramblings.

Enjoy a healthy and delicious meal with this rotisserie chicken salad, packed with crisp vegetables, tangy dressing, and tender chicken. Make a healthy chicken salad for dinner or lunch.
Get the Recipe: Rotisserie Chicken Salad

Crock Pot Ramen

Top view of slow cooker chicken ramen in the Crock Pot.
Crock Pot Ramen. Photo credit: Upstate Ramblings.

Discover the convenience of crock pot ramen, a one-pot wonder that simplifies your meal prep. Simply toss in the ingredients, set it, and return to a steaming bowl of flavorful ramen.
Get the Recipe: Crock Pot Ramen

Chicken Tamale Pie

A plate of chicken tamale pie casserole topped with a dollop of sour cream, garnished with chopped parsley, on a white plate.
Chicken Tamale Pie. Photo credit: Upstate Ramblings.

Discover your new weeknight hero with this Chicken Tamale Pie. Featuring a fluffy cornbread crust, leftover chicken, enchilada sauce, and melted cheese, this satisfying chicken dinner is both easy and delicious.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Tamale Pie

Chicken Tortilla Soup

Mexican chicken tortilla soup in a white bowl.
Chicken Tortilla Soup. Photo credit: Upstate Ramblings.

Enjoy the comforting taste of Chick-fil-A’s famous tortilla soup in your own home with this delicious homemade recipe. Capture the essence of their renowned flavor in every spoonful.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Tortilla Soup

Slow Cooker Creamy Chicken

Slow Cooker Creamy Chicken on a white plate on rice topped with parsley.
Slow Cooker Creamy Chicken. Photo credit: Upstate Ramblings.

Prepare a delicious meal quickly with this slow cooker creamy chicken recipe, perfect for busy days. Featuring a delightful blend of spices, creamy sauce, and tender chicken, this dish is sure to please.
Get the Recipe: Slow Cooker Creamy Chicken

Pesto Chicken Pasta

Close-up of creamy macaroni and cheese with visible greens and mushrooms, being scooped with a wooden spoon.
Pesto Chicken Pasta. Photo credit: Upstate Ramblings.

This easy chicken and pesto pasta recipe is the perfect weeknight comfort food. Tender chicken tossed in a vibrant pesto sauce with pasta creates a delicious and satisfying chicken dinner in just 30 minutes.
Get the Recipe: Pesto Chicken Pasta

Crock Pot Chicken Tacos

Three slow cooker tacos with chicken, lime, avocado and tomatoes.
Crock Pot Chicken Tacos. Photo credit: Upstate Ramblings.

Add some excitement to your taco nights with these delicious crock pot chicken tacos. Cooked with honey and lime, this stress-free recipe is perfect for busy weeknights.
Get the Recipe: Crock Pot Chicken Tacos

Air Fryer Boneless Chicken Breast

Cut chicken breasts pieces baked.
Air Fryer Boneless Chicken Breast. Photo credit: Upstate Ramblings.

Enjoy juicy and flavorful boneless chicken breast with this simple air fryer recipe. With minimal ingredients and a cooking time of 30 minutes, this dish is perfect for a hassle-free weeknight meal.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Boneless Chicken Breast

Huli Huli Chicken

Pineapple slices arranged over cooked chicken pieces in a slow cooker.
Huli Huli Chicken. Photo credit: Upstate Ramblings.

Enjoy a taste of Hawaii with this easy Slow Cooker Huli Huli Chicken. Tender chicken thighs simmered in a sweet & savory sauce, topped with caramelized pineapple, make for a delightful and hassle-free chicken dinner.
Get the Recipe: Huli Huli Chicken

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