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    Home » Recipe Roundups

    29 Hearty Chicken Dinners That Won't Break the Bank

    By Emmeline Kemperyd on April 7, 2025, updated March 12, 2025 - Leave a Comment

    Chicken is a versatile and budget-friendly protein that can be transformed into a variety of satisfying meals. From comforting casseroles to hearty soups, there are plenty of delicious chicken dinners that won't strain your wallet. Here are 29 recipes that are sure to please your family while keeping your grocery bill in check.

    Blackened Chicken Thighs

    Blackened Chicken Thighs.
    Photo credit: Dizzy Busy and Hungry.

    Bold and spicy flavors transform tender chicken into a deliciously savory meal. This is a great option for anyone looking for a quick and satisfying dinner.

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    Slow Cooker Chicken Corn Soup

    Slow Cooker Chicken Corn Soup.
    Photo Credit: The Rustic Foodie.

    This Slow Cooker Chicken Corn Soup is a healthy option that's gluten and dairy free. It's prepared in the crockpot with poblano peppers in a flavorful Southwest broth.

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    Mediterranean Chicken, Cucumber and Tomato Salad

    Mediterranean Chicken, Cucumber and Tomato Salad in a wooden bowl.
    Photo Credit: Moderately Messy RD.

    This chicken, cucumber, and tomato salad is full of fresh veggies and protein. It’s quick to prepare, especially if you have leftover chicken, making it a great option for a summer lunch or a busy weeknight dinner.

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    Slow Cooker Cool Ranch Tacos

    Slow Cooker Cool Ranch Tacos.
    Photo Credit: The Magical Slow Cooker.

    These Slow Cooker Cool Ranch Tacos are a fun and tasty way to enjoy dinner. With just four simple ingredients, you can whip up a meal that everyone will love, so consider making extra because they’re sure to disappear quickly!

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    Slow Cooker Tuscan White Bean Soup

    Slow Cooker Tuscan White Bean Soup.
    Photo Credit: The Magical Slow Cooker.

    This Tuscan White Bean Soup is filled with white beans, shredded chicken, fresh herbs, and vegetables, creating a tasty dish that everyone will love. The preparation is quick and simple, making it perfect for a cozy meal.

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    Cilantro Lime Chicken with Avocado Salsa

    Cilantro Lime Chicken with Avocado Salsa.
    Photo Credit: Dutch Oven Daddy.

    Cilantro Lime Chicken with Avocado Salsa is a tasty dish that's fresh and full of flavor. This chicken recipe stands out and is so good that you might want to make extra.

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    Roasted Lemon-Rosemary Chicken and Cauliflower

    Roasted Lemon-Rosemary Chicken and Cauliflower.
    Photo Credit: Big Flavors from a Tiny Kitchen.

    This flavorful one-pan lemon-rosemary chicken with cauliflower is really easy to make. It's a great option for busy weeknights.

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    Chicken Tikka Kebabs

    Chicken Tikka Kebab
    Photo Credit: Piping Pot Curry.

    Chicken Tikka Kebabs are a tasty dish that can be served as an appetizer or a main meal. They feature chicken marinated in yogurt, lime juice, and spices, then grilled on skewers until they're just right.

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    Slow Cooker Chicken Enchilada Soup

    Slow Cooker Chicken Enchilada Soup.
    Photo Credit: That Skinny Chick Can Bake.

    Chicken Enchilada Soup is a simple and tasty dish that you can make in a slow cooker. It's perfect for chilly winter days when you want something warm and comforting.

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    Marry Me Chicken Pasta

    20 Minute Marry Me Chicken Pasta.
    Photo Credit: Midwest Foodie.

    This 20-minute marry me chicken pasta is a simple and satisfying meal. With rotisserie chicken, perfectly cooked pasta, and a creamy sun-dried tomato sauce, you can enjoy a delicious dish in no time.

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    Sun-Dried Tomato Pasta with Chicken and Mozzarella

    Sundried tomato pasta with chicken and mozzarella.
    Photo Credit: Curry Trail.

    This pasta dish features chewy sun-dried tomatoes, creamy chicken, and plenty of baby spinach. It's quick to prepare in under 30 minutes, making it a great option for a cozy dinner on busy weeknights.

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    Buffalo Chicken Sandwich

    Buffalo Chicken Sandwich.
    Photo credit: always use butter.

    Buffalo Chicken Sandwiches come together in under 30 minutes, offering a tasty twist on a classic meal. The spicy chicken paired with a zesty blue cheese coleslaw creates a perfect combination.

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    Poppy Seed Chicken Casserole

    Poppy Seed Chicken Casserole.
    Photo Credit: Quiche My Grits.

    This recipe uses just 6 simple ingredients to create a creamy and savory dish with its own tasty gravy. It's perfect for busy weeknights, potlucks, or Sunday dinners.

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    Shake and Bake Chicken

    Shake and Bake Chicken.
    Photo Credit: A Table Full of Joy.

    Shake and Bake Chicken is a classic dinner option that's easy to prepare. The tasty crumb coating ensures that everyone will enjoy the chicken.

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    Baked Drumsticks and Potatoes

    Oven Baked One Pan Chicken Drumsticks and Potatoes.
    Photo Credit: Haute & Healthy Living.

    One pan chicken drumsticks and potatoes are a simple and satisfying dinner option for busy nights. With zesty chicken legs and nicely roasted potatoes, this meal is comforting and quick to prepare, allowing you to whip up a healthy dinner in no time.

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    Slow Cooker Peanut Chicken

    Slow Cooker Peanut Chicken.
    Photo Credit: The Almond Eater.

    Peanut chicken is a great option for a simple weeknight dinner. With just 5 minutes of prep and a tasty Thai-inspired peanut sauce, this dish is full of flavor and protein.

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    Instant Pot Chicken & Potatoes

    Chicken and tomatoes.
    Photo credit: always use butter.

    Instant Pot Chicken and Potatoes is a tasty meal that you can whip up in under 45 minutes. With a rich tomato sauce made from fresh ingredients, this dish is perfect for busy nights.

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    Air Fryer Chicken Fajitas

    Air Fryer Chicken Fajitas.
    Photo Credit: Deliciously Homecooked.

    This air fryer chicken fajitas recipe offers a simple and tasty take on a classic Mexican favorite. With the air fryer, you can whip up crispy and delicious fajitas with little oil and cleanup.

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    Zucchini Feta Stuffed Chicken

    Zucchini Feta Stuffed Chicken.
    Photo Credit: Wholesome Made Easy.

    Zucchini Feta Stuffed Chicken is a great way to spice up your dinner routine. Juicy chicken breasts are filled with a tasty blend of cream cheese, zucchini, and feta cheese.

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    Pizza Stuffed Chicken

    Pizza Stuffed Chicken.
    Photo Credit: Season and Thyme.

    Pizza Stuffed Chicken features tender chicken breasts filled with cheese, pepperoni, and a generous amount of marinara sauce. This simple 5-ingredient meal is quick to make and is bound to be a hit with the whole family.

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    Oven-Baked Lemon Pepper Chicken Thighs

    Oven-Baked Lemon Pepper Chicken Thighs.
    Photo Credit: Food Exit.

    Oven-Baked Lemon Pepper Chicken Thighs are a tasty meal that highlights juicy chicken thighs seasoned with a bright mix of lemon pepper, garlic, paprika, and herbs. This dish is perfect for a simple yet satisfying dinner.

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    Greek Sheet Pan Chicken

    Greek Sheet Pan Chicken.
    Photo Credit: Valerie's Kitchen.

    Feta stuffed chicken breasts roast on a baking sheet with vibrant vegetables and halved lemons in this Greek Sheet Pan Chicken. It's a simple dish that's full of fresh flavors.

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    Slow Cooker Chicken Alfredo

    Slow Cooker Chicken Alfredo.
    Photo Credit: Fit As a Mama Bear.

    This creamy chicken dish cooked in a slow cooker is sure to be a hit with your family. It's simple to prepare, making it perfect for busy weeknights.

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    Slow Cooker Chicken Chili

    Slow Cooker Chicken Chili.
    Photo Credit: Primavera Kitchen.

    This chili is warm and tasty, and it's super simple to prepare. Just throw all the ingredients in the slow cooker and let it do the work for you.

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    Slow Cooker Balsamic Chicken

    Slow Cooker Balsamic Chicken.
    Photo Credit: The Magical Slow Cooker.

    Turn ordinary chicken breasts into tasty balsamic chicken with just a few ingredients. This delicious recipe captures the balsamic flavor thanks to Italian seasoning, minced garlic, and balsamic vinegar. Your whole family is sure to think this recipe is absolutely delicious!

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    Pesto Chicken

    Pesto chicken with a side of salad.
    Photo credit: I Heart Nap Time.

    Pesto chicken is simple and quick to prepare with just two ingredients. You’ll enjoy tender grilled chicken breast paired with a rich and creamy basil pesto sauce.

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    Buffalo Chicken Thighs

    BUFFALO CHICKEN THIGHS.
    Photo credit: The Food Blog.

    Buffalo chicken wings are a favorite for many, and this recipe offers a healthier, boneless version you can easily make at home. It's a great way to enjoy that spicy buffalo flavor without the mess of traditional wings.

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    Chicken & Balsamic Tomato

    Chicken & Balsamic Tomato.
    Photo Credit: My Protein Eats.

    Chicken & Balsamic Tomato is a tasty dish that features juicy chicken breasts paired with flavorful tomatoes cooked in balsamic vinegar. It's a simple meal that's perfect for busy nights.

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    Huli Huli Chicken

    Huli Huli Chicken.
    Photo Credit: Chew Out Loud.

    Huli Huli Chicken is a delicious grilled chicken dish that you can easily prepare at home. This Hawaiian favorite, which means "turn-turn," is sure to impress with its tender and flavorful meat.

    Get the Recipe

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    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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