35 Cheap Chicken Recipes for Weeknight Dinners (2024)

Simple Chicken and Noodles

"This is a recipe my grandmother used. She lived on a chicken farm, so it is as basic and simple as it can get. Usually all we have to accompany this recipe is mashed potatoes. It's really nice on cold days and extremely cheap to make." —Clara

Best Cranberry Chicken

"My mom found this recipe for cranberry chicken thighs years ago. It's now a cheap and easy weeknight favorite at my house." —misscarolb

Easy Chicken and Broccoli

"This is a cheap chicken breast recipe that's comforting and quick enough for busy evenings." —Kraft

Adobo Chicken with Ginger

"Chicken adobo is considered the national dish of the Philippines. The combination of soy sauce, vinegar, garlic, ginger, and peppercorns is delicious and actually preserves the chicken! My mother taught me how to cook this using her variation on the original recipe. It's a delicious, cheap, and easy dish." —Liz Cranis

Baked Chicken Thighs With Mushroom Brown Rice

"This easy and delicious one-pan meal that's easy on the budget can also be made with white rice." —trishthedish617

Cheesy Chicken and Potato Soup

"I was messing around in my kitchen one day when I was hungry and came up with this using what I already had. It's cheap, easy, and delicious! Top with extra cheese and bacon bits." —Katy G

Easy Parmesan-Crusted Chicken

"I really enjoyed the cheesiness and the crispy texture in this recipe. I appreciate the few ingredients and how simple and quick it was as well." —Carol Farrington

Emergency Chicken

"This was a perfect quick dinner and delicious!! I have it on a recipe card and will share it with my family." —Janet Lanham

Easy Baked Chicken Drumsticks

"These easy baked chicken drumsticks are crispy on the outside, and moist on the inside—a flavorful, cheap meal to make any time!" —Le12ahw

Easy Slow Cooker Chicken Fajitas

"This easy slow cooker chicken fajitas recipe is so easy and delicious you won't believe it. All four of my kids love this dish, which is not an easy accomplishment!" —BusyMomTo4

Southern Fried Chicken Livers

"Mom made us fried chicken livers because they were cheap, and now the convenience stores sell them in the South! Use a fry screen — these things can pop and will burn you! Serve with pepper gravy or a packet of chicken gravy." —Cindy Capps Lepp

Sheet Pan Mediterranean Frittata

"It's a cheap and easy meal that's fit for company whether served as a weeknight dinner or weekend breakfast. Easy to make with minimal clean up, I would make this over omelets any day!" —Nicole McLaughlin

Chicken Salad Tea Sandwiches

"Finger sandwiches are always popular for English-style tea or for gatherings. These chicken-apple-walnut sandwiches are unbelievably cheap, tasty, and easy to make with a food processor." —Isara

Cilantro-Lime Grilled Chicken

"This marinated grilled chicken is not only fast and easy, it's also budget-friendly and kid-approved!" —muchemwa

Crispy and Tender Baked Chicken Thighs

"Crispy chicken thighs are baked in the oven with a flavorful, homemade spice rub. The bone-in chicken thighs stay moist and juicy while the skin crisps up beautifully. Serve this budget-friendly main dish alongside any side dish for a dinner the whole family will love." —Nicole Burdett

Oven-"Fried" Chicken Thighs

"These oven-'fried' chicken thighs are a perfect go-to dinner! They are budget friendly and can be turned into a complete meal served over rice, quinoa, or a fresh salad." —Lauren Magenta

Buffalo Chicken Rice

"This Buffalo Chicken Wing inspired twist on Dynamite Rice sushi rolls is a great budget-friendly family meal or crowd-pleaser for your next football party!" —Chef John

Easy Sesame Chicken

"This sweet and savory dish is simple to make and budget-friendly. Add broccoli and serve over rice or noodles for a complete meal." —CookingWithSheila

Spicy Chicken Penne alla Vodka

"This spicy chicken penne alla vodka is a restaurant-style pasta dish that is also budget friendly. Most items will likely be in your pantry already, plus it takes very little time to put together. It'll be on the table in about half an hour." —TheDailyGourmet

Crispy Baked Chicken Strips

"A delicious, cost-effective recipe for crispy baked chicken strips. Serve with your favorite dipping sauce." —Keri Morris

More Inspiration

• 18 Cheap and Easy Dinners
• 14 Nights of Dinner Ideas All Under $2 Per Serving
• 20 Budget-Friendly Dinner Ideas for Two

Mexican-Style Pulled Chicken

"My family loves it no matter where I use it (carnitas, burritos, enchiladas... the list goes on). It freezes extremely well, so I always make extra." —Seekerbird

Blackened Ranch Pan-Fried Chicken Thighs

"Using a cast iron skillet means these blackened ranch chicken thighs take only a few minutes to cook. Great for a weeknight dinner." —Yoly

Salsa Simmered Chicken

"A very simple and quick recipe for hectic weeknights." —France C

Crunchy French Onion Chicken

"The family loves it!! Super simple and delicious!" —Meghan

Instant Pot Crispy Barbecue Chicken Wings

"I didn’t think with it being so easy it would taste so amazing. I will be making these often that’s for sure. Cooked perfectly!" —Donna Holland

A Good, Easy Garlic Chicken

"Sprinkle chicken with garlic powder, onion powder, and seasoning salt — then sauté and enjoy. Couldn't be easier! Great recipe for a quick and easy meal, even for the pickiest eater." —Julia Green

Blackened Chicken

"I've always liked blackened chicken and finally decided to try to make it myself. This tastes just like the chicken I get from the restaurants! My wife and I absolutely love it!" —Sean

Crispy Baked Chicken Legs

"Easy to throw together and full of flavor." —France C

Simple Baked Chicken Legs

"We have some family members who love chicken legs, and every now and then, I have enough to treat them. This recipe starts with a simple salt water brine that makes them tender and juicy and removes discoloration that is sometimes." —Bibi

Super Easy Roasted Chicken Thighs

"This recipe is simple and proves the theory of less is more." —Esther Arias

Mamaw's Chicken and Rice Casserole

"I grew up with this chicken and rice casserole recipe. My Grandmother got it from a lady from church at a pot luck a long time ago! She passed it down to my mom and it's always been a family favorite." —katiefbenham

Stupid Simple Roast Chicken

"I have been roasting chickens for almost 30 years and this is the best method I've tried. Juicy, tender, and delicious." — SUSAN360

Slow Cooker Chicken and Salsa

"Easy recipe! Chicken comes out moist and sweet. Slice breast to serve as main course or shred and use in tacos. Very versatile." —CorindaRose

Quick and Easy Chicken Spaghetti

"This chicken spaghetti recipe is quick and easy to make, yet is hearty and delicious. It's a great way to use leftover chicken!" —Beamish

More Inspiration

• 18 Cheap and Easy Dinners
• 14 Nights of Dinner Ideas All Under $2 Per Serving
• 20 Budget-Friendly Dinner Ideas for Two