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    Home » Recipe Roundups

    18 Cheap Chicken Dinners That Hit the Spot

    By Emmeline Kemperyd on June 4, 2025, updated June 3, 2025 - Leave a Comment

    Finding affordable meals that are still satisfying can be a challenge, but chicken is a versatile option that fits the bill perfectly. From hearty casseroles to easy air fryer meals, there are plenty of budget-friendly chicken dinners that are sure to please everyone at the table. Here are 18 delicious recipes that won't break the bank and will leave you feeling full and happy. 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.

    Sheet Pan Chicken Fajitas

    Sheet Pan Chicken Fajitas.
    Photo Credit: The Cookin' Chicks.

    Sheet pan chicken fajitas are a great option for a quick and tasty dinner. Just throw everything onto a sheet pan and let the oven handle the cooking. This dish is packed with flavor and is super easy to prepare. It's a meal that everyone in the family will enjoy. Perfect for busy nights when you want something satisfying without spending too much time in the kitchen.

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    Air Fryer Chicken Wings

    Air Fryer Chicken Wings.
    Photo credit: Chew Out Loud.

    Air Fryer Chicken Wings are incredibly crispy and delicious, and you won't even need a deep fryer to make them. This recipe shows you how to achieve that perfect crunch with minimal oil and time. It's a simple way to enjoy wings that everyone will love. Perfect for a quick snack or a fun meal, these wings are sure to impress. Enjoy a tasty dish that’s easy to whip up any day of the week.

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    Sheet Pan Chicken And Veggies Dinner

    Sheet Pan Chicken And Veggies Dinner.
    Photo Credit: Budget Delicious.

    This simple sheet-pan chicken dinner with vegetables is ready in just 30 minutes, making it ideal for busy families who want a healthy meal. You can easily prepare everything on one pan, which means less cleanup afterward. Just toss the ingredients together, pop them in the oven, and you’re all set. It’s a straightforward way to enjoy a warm dinner without spending too much time in the kitchen. This is a great option for those nights when you need something quick and satisfying.

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    Cheesy Chicken Enchiladas

    Cheesy Chicken Enchiladas.
    Photo Credit: My Rad Kitchen.

    Cheesy Chicken Enchiladas are a great choice for a cozy meal. They are warm, saucy, and packed with gooey cheese. With tender shredded chicken wrapped in corn tortillas and covered in flavorful enchilada sauce, these enchiladas are quick to prepare. They work well for a weeknight dinner or a festive gathering. Plus, you can easily add your favorite toppings and tweak the flavors to suit your taste.

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    Chicken Biscuit Bake Casserole

    Chicken Biscuit Bake Casserole.
    Photo Credit: Quihce My Grits.

    Chicken Biscuit Bake Casserole brings a taste of the South right to your table. This dish features tender chicken, mixed vegetables, and creamy gravy, all topped with warm, flaky biscuits. It's a comforting meal that everyone will enjoy. Perfect for busy nights, this one-pan recipe is simple to prepare. You'll appreciate how easy it is to whip up a hearty dinner.

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    Chicken Burgers

    Air fryer chicken patties.
    Photo credit: always use butter.

    This chicken burger is a great option for a quick and satisfying meal. It's simple to prepare and doesn't require a lot of ingredients. Perfect for busy nights, this dish is both filling and delicious. You can easily customize it with your favorite toppings. Enjoy a tasty burger without spending too much time in the kitchen.

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    Greek Lemon Chicken Thighs

    Greek Lemon Chicken Thighs.
    Photo Credit: In The Kitch.

    Skillet Greek lemon chicken thighs offer a simple and tasty meal that brings Mediterranean flavors right to your table. This dish features juicy chicken thighs that are golden and crispy, paired with tender baby potatoes. Everything cooks together in one pan, making cleanup a breeze. The chicken is simmered in chicken broth with aromatic herbs, enhancing the overall flavor. It's a great option for a satisfying dinner without a lot of work.

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    Ming Tsai's Chicken Fried Rice

    Ming Tsai's Chicken Fried Rice.
    Photo Credit: G-Free Foodie.

    Chef Ming Tsai's Chicken Fried Rice is easy to make and really tasty. This dish combines chicken and rice in a way that everyone will enjoy. It's a great option for a quick meal that doesn't require much effort. Plus, it's gluten-free, so it's suitable for those with dietary restrictions. This is a fantastic choice for a satisfying dinner.

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    Spanish Chicken And Rice

    Spanish Chicken And Rice.
    Photo Credit: My Life Cookbook.

    This Spanish chicken and rice dish is a straightforward one-pan meal that everyone in the family will love. Juicy chicken thighs are seasoned with a flavorful mix of spices and combined with rice and vegetables. It’s simple to prepare and packed with flavor, making it a great choice for a weeknight dinner. This meal is perfect for busy evenings when you want something delicious without spending too much time in the kitchen. Enjoy a satisfying dinner that brings everyone together.

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    Zucchini Enchilada Casserole

    Zucchini Enchilada Casserole.
    Photo Credit: Flavor Mosaic.

    This zucchini enchilada casserole is a tasty and filling dish. It combines fresh zucchini, black beans, corn, and chicken, all layered together and topped with green sauce and cheese. It's a great option for a satisfying meal that won't break the bank. Perfect for busy nights when you want something hearty without a lot of work. Enjoy this comforting casserole any day of the week!

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    Sticky Air Fryer Drumsticks

    Sticky Keto Drumsticks (Air Fryer).
    Photo Credit: My Life Cookbook.

    These sticky keto drumsticks are a simple and tasty option for dinner. Made in the air fryer, they come out crispy and full of flavor. The marinade is sweet and spicy, using just five ingredients and no sugar. With only 1.5g of net carbs per chicken leg, they fit perfectly into a low carb diet. You can have this delicious meal ready in just 20 minutes!

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    Dutch Oven Chicken and Potatoes

    Dutch Oven Chicken and Potatoes.
    Photo Credit: Rustic Foodie.

    Dutch Oven Chicken and Potatoes are cooked together in the oven, creating a simple and tasty meal. The chicken is tender and juicy, while the potatoes soak up all the delicious flavors. A Dijon mustard sauce adds a nice touch to the dish, making it even more enjoyable. This is a great option for a cozy dinner at home. Everything cooks in one pot, so cleanup is easy.

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    Baked Chicken Tenders

    Baked Chicken Tenders.
    Photo credit: always use butter.

    Oven baked chicken tenders are quick and easy to prepare, taking only 25 minutes from start to finish. Using simple ingredients you probably already have at home, these tenders are a healthier option compared to frying, as they don’t require any oil or dairy. They’re perfect for dipping in your favorite sauce or just enjoying straight out of the oven. This dish is a great choice for busy nights when you want something tasty without spending too much time in the kitchen. Everyone will love them, and they’re sure to disappear fast!

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    Costco Chicken Meatballs

    Costco Chicken Meatballs.
    Photo Credit: My Rad Kitchen.

    Costco Chicken Meatballs are a straightforward and protein-rich choice for any meal. They combine ground chicken with parmesan, fresh basil, and garlic, resulting in a soft texture and a tasty, cheesy flavor. Baked instead of fried, they offer a healthier twist on a classic dish. These meatballs can be enjoyed on their own, paired with marinara sauce, or tossed into salads and wraps. Their versatility makes them a great addition to your dinner table.

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    Crockpot Salsa Chicken

    Crockpot Salsa Chicken.
    Photo credit: Chew Out Loud.

    Crockpot Salsa Chicken is a great option for meal prep. Just throw everything into the slow cooker and let it cook for 6-8 hours. When you come back, you'll find a dish that's really tender and full of flavor. This chicken is versatile and can be used in tacos, burrito bowls, salads, or wraps throughout the week. It's an easy way to have delicious meals ready to go.

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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 and full of flavor. This dish is a great option for busy nights when you want something delicious without a lot of work. Enjoy a tasty meal that everyone will love.

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    Chicken Tetrazzini

    Chicken Tetrazzini.
    Photo Credit: Maria's Mixing Bowl.

    Easy Chicken Tetrazzini is a comforting dish that works well for weeknight dinners or when you want to impress guests. It features a creamy sauce, plenty of cheese, and tender chicken mixed with pasta. This meal is sure to satisfy everyone at the table. It's simple to prepare and doesn't require a lot of time in the kitchen. Enjoy a hearty and filling dinner that brings everyone together.

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    Air Fryer Chicken and Vegetables

    Air Fryer Chicken and Vegetables.
    Photo Credit: Through the Fibro Fog.

    This air fryer chicken and vegetables dish is packed with flavor from herbs and spices. It's simple to prepare and can be ready in under 30 minutes, making it perfect for a quick weeknight meal. The combination of juicy chicken and fresh veggies creates a satisfying dinner option. You can enjoy a delicious meal without spending too much time in the kitchen. This recipe is great for busy evenings when you want something tasty and easy.

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      22 Delicious Crockpot Chicken Meals You Can Just Set and Forget
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      22 Quick Summer Salads That Are Bursting with Flavor

    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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    Hi, I'm Emmeline! I love tasty food, but I'm always in a hurry. And I have the quick and easy recipes to prove it!

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