When it comes to family dinners, chicken is often the go - to choice for most households. It's versatile, easy to cook, and can be transformed into a wide variety of mouth - watering dishes. And the best part? You can enjoy delicious chicken meals without breaking the bank. In this article, we'll explore a collection of cheap chicken recipes where each serving costs or less.
Let's start with one of the simplest yet most satisfying chicken recipes: Baked Chicken with Vegetables. This dish is not only budget - friendly but also packed with nutrients. To make it, you'll need some chicken thighs (which are usually more affordable than chicken breasts), a variety of vegetables like carrots, potatoes, and onions, and some basic seasonings such as salt, pepper, and olive oil. Preheat your oven to 375°F. Cut the vegetables into bite - sized pieces and place them in a baking dish. Drizzle some olive oil over the vegetables and sprinkle with salt and pepper. Mix well to coat the vegetables evenly. Next, place the chicken thighs on top of the vegetables. You can season the chicken with a bit more salt and pepper if you like. Bake in the preheated oven for about 45 minutes to an hour, or until the chicken is cooked through and the vegetables are tender. This one - pan meal is perfect for a busy weeknight and can easily feed a family of four.
Another great option is Chicken and Rice Casserole. This classic comfort food is a hit with both kids and adults. For this recipe, you'll need some boneless, skinless chicken breasts, long - grain white rice, a can of cream of mushroom soup, and some frozen mixed vegetables. First, cook the rice according to the package instructions. While the rice is cooking, cut the chicken breasts into small pieces and cook them in a skillet over medium - high heat until they are no longer pink in the center. In a large bowl, combine the cooked chicken, cooked rice, cream of mushroom soup, and frozen mixed vegetables. Stir well to combine all the ingredients. Pour the mixture into a baking dish and bake in a preheated 350°F oven for about 30 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and bubbly. This casserole is not only inexpensive but also very filling.
Chicken Tacos are also a fantastic and affordable chicken recipe. You can make your own taco seasoning at home using a combination of chili powder, cumin, paprika, garlic powder, and salt. Start by cooking some ground chicken in a skillet over medium heat. Once the chicken is cooked through, add the homemade taco seasoning and a little bit of water. Stir well and let the chicken simmer for a few minutes to allow the flavors to meld. Warm up some taco shells and fill them with the chicken mixture. You can top the tacos with shredded lettuce, diced tomatoes, shredded cheese, and a dollop of sour cream. These tacos are customizable, so you can adjust the toppings according to your family's preferences. And since you're using ground chicken, which is usually cheaper than other cuts of chicken, you can make a large batch of tacos for a relatively low cost.
Chicken Noodle Soup is a timeless and economical choice. To make this soup, you'll need a whole chicken, some chicken broth, noodles, carrots, celery, and onions. Place the whole chicken in a large pot and cover it with water. Bring the water to a boil, then reduce the heat and let the chicken simmer for about an hour, or until the chicken is cooked through. Remove the chicken from the pot and let it cool. Strain the broth and return it to the pot. Add the chopped carrots, celery, and onions to the broth and let them cook for about 10 - 15 minutes, or until they are tender. While the vegetables are cooking, shred the chicken meat. Add the shredded chicken and the noodles to the pot and let the soup cook for a few more minutes, or until the noodles are cooked. This soup is not only cheap to make but also very comforting, especially on a cold day.
Lastly, we have Chicken Stir - Fry. This is a quick and easy recipe that can be made with a variety of vegetables. You'll need some chicken breast strips, a mix of colorful vegetables such as bell peppers, broccoli, and snow peas, and some soy sauce, garlic, and ginger for flavor. Heat some oil in a wok or a large skillet over high heat. Add the chicken strips and cook them until they are browned on the outside. Push the chicken to the side of the wok and add the chopped vegetables. Stir - fry the vegetables for a few minutes until they are crisp - tender. Then, add the soy sauce, minced garlic, and grated ginger to the wok. Stir well to combine all the ingredients and let the stir - fry cook for another minute or two. Serve the chicken stir - fry over steamed rice. This dish is not only delicious but also a great way to use up any leftover vegetables in your fridge.
In conclusion, there are numerous cheap chicken recipes that can help you create delicious and budget - friendly dinners for your family. Whether you're in the mood for a one - pan meal, a casserole, tacos, soup, or stir - fry, chicken can be the star ingredient that satisfies everyone's taste buds without emptying your wallet. So, the next time you're planning your weekly meals, consider these affordable chicken recipes and enjoy a delicious and economical dining experience.