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    Home » Recipe Roundups

    19 Delicious Chicken Dishes Made for Tight Budgets

    By Emmeline Kemperyd on October 12, 2024, updated June 26, 2025 - Leave a Comment

    Chicken is a versatile and budget-friendly protein that can be transformed into a variety of satisfying meals. From hearty stews to grilled treats, there are plenty of delicious ways to enjoy chicken without breaking the bank. These recipes are perfect for anyone looking to create flavorful dishes while keeping an eye on their grocery budget!

    Baked BBQ Chicken Drumsticks

    BBQ drumsticks.
    Photo credit: Food Folks and Fun.

    This recipe is full of great BBQ flavor and is super simple to make. You can enjoy a tasty chicken dish without the hassle of using a grill.

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    Baked Parmesan Crusted Chicken

    Baked parmesan crusted chicken.
    Photo credit: Emmeline Kemperyd.

    Parmesan-crusted chicken is an easy and tasty meal that you can bake in the oven. In just under 30 minutes, you can serve your family a cheesy and crispy dish they'll love.

    Get the recipe

    Spanish Chicken Stew

    Spanish chicken stew with rice.
    Photo credit: always use butter.

    This chicken stew is made with rotisserie chicken, brightened up with lemon and rosemary. It's an affordable dish that you'll want to make again and again!

    Get the recipe

    Baked Chicken Tenders

    Baked Chicken Tenders.
    Photo credit: always use butter.

    Oven-baked chicken tenders can be made in just 25 minutes with simple ingredients you likely have on hand. These healthier options are great for dipping in your favorite sauce or enjoying right out of the oven.

    Get the recipe

    Creamy Chicken Tomato Soup

    Creamy Chicken Tomato Soup
    Photo Credit: Tried and True Recipe.

    This creamy chicken tomato soup is easy to whip up and really satisfying. With carrots, potatoes, and beans, it makes for a hearty meal perfect for any evening.

    Get the recipe

    Instant Pot Chicken Stew

    Chicken stew.
    Photo credit: always use butter.

    This  is an easy meal that fits right into a busy schedule. After just 10 minutes of prep, it cooks itself, and in under 45 minutes, you’ll have a warm and filling dish to share.

    Get the recipe

    Spinach and Cream Cheese Stuffed Chicken

    Stuffed chicken breast.
    Photo credit: Tia Clara.

    This cream cheese-stuffed chicken is a great way to spice up your usual chicken dinner. Filled with a creamy spinach mixture, these juicy chicken breasts are perfect for a quick and satisfying meal.

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    Thin Basil Chicken Breasts

    Thin Basil Chicken Breasts.
    Photo credit: always use butter.

    With a simple seasoning of garlic and basil, this meal is ready in just 6 minutes of cooking.

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    Spicy Chicken Broccoli Cheddar Soup

    Spicy Chicken Broccoli Cheddar Soup
    Photo Credit: Tried and True Recipe.

    This spicy chicken and broccoli cheddar soup is a great choice for a cozy evening at home. It's a comforting dish that's easy to make and perfect for those on a budget.

    Get the recipe

    Instant Pot Chicken & Potatoes

    Chicken and tomatoes.
    Photo credit: always use butter.

    This  is a quick meal that comes together in less than 45 minutes. With fresh tomatoes, tomato paste, and oregano, it creates a delicious sauce that's great for those hectic nights.

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    Smoked Chicken Drumsticks

    Smoked drumsticks.
    Photo credit: Food Folks and Fun.

    Smoked Chicken Drumsticks are an easy and affordable dish that anyone can make. In just 70 minutes, you can enjoy these flavorful drumsticks straight from the smoker.

    Get the recipe

    Air Fryer Chicken Leg Quarters

    Air Fryer Chicken Leg Quarters.
    Photo credit: always use butter.

    This chicken cooks in just 15 minutes, for a crispy and juicy meal. A marinade with lime juice gives this simple dish a burst of flavor.

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    Greek Chicken Souvlaki

    Chicken souvlaki.
    Photo credit: Recipes from Europe.

    Chicken Souvlaki is a great meal that won't break the bank. This Greek dish has tender chicken marinated in a flavorful blend of oil and spices, then grilled on skewers for a satisfying meal.

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    Sun-dried Tomato Chicken Pasta

    A skillet of pasta.
    Photo credit: always use butter.

    This pasta dish is packed with flavor from sun-dried tomatoes and herbs, making it a great choice for dinner. It's an easy and affordable chicken meal that you'll want to make again and again.

    Get the recipe

    Chicken and Yellow Lentil Soup

    Chicken and Yellow Lentil Soup
    Photo Credit: Tried and True Recipe.

    This chicken and yellow lentil soup is a warm and satisfying dish that's perfect for any day. It's a simple, homemade meal that you'll find yourself making time and time again.

    Get the recipe

    Grilled Lemon Basil Chicken

    Grilled lemon chicken.
    Photo credit: always use butter.

    This lemon chicken marinade is simple to make with just a few ingredients like olive oil, lemon, and basil. It works great for grilling, frying, or baking, ensuring your chicken turns out juicy and full of flavor.

    Get the recipe

    Balsamic Marinated Chicken

    Balsamic marinated chicken.
    Photo credit: Striped Spatula.

    This is a tasty and juicy option that makes weeknight dinners a breeze. It works well in salads or alongside your favorite sides, and can be grilled, baked, or air fried.

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    Chicken Enchiladas with Green Sauce

    Chicken enchiladas with green sauce.
    Photo credit: always use butter.

    Chicken enchiladas with green sauce are a simple and satisfying meal that you can whip up in no time. In just 10 minutes of prep, you'll have soft chicken, melted cheese, and zesty green chile sauce all rolled in a warm tortilla.

    Get the recipe

    Creamy Chicken Soup with Peas

    Creamy Chicken Soup with Peas
    Photo Credit: Tried and True Recipe.

    This creamy chicken soup with peas and mushrooms is a comforting dish that won't break the bank. The fresh peas, parsley, and lemon give it a nice, bright flavor that balances the richness.

    Get the recipe

    More Recipe Roundups

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      22 Set It and Forget It Slow Cooker Dinners You Can Just Dump and Forget
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      22 Quick and Easy Summer Dinners for All Those Lazy Evenings
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      22 Simple Dump-And-Go Dinners That Get the Job Done
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      17 Irresistible Feta Cheese Dishes to Try This Summer

    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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