17 Chicken Recipes That Will Make You Rethink "Cheap Eats"

Chicken dinners don’t have to be boring or expensive. We’ve gathered 17 recipes that prove you can make delicious and satisfying meals without spending a fortune. These dishes are packed with flavor and easy to prepare, making them perfect for any night of the week. Get ready to rethink what cheap eats can be with these chicken recipes.

A plate of enchiladas topped with cheese, sour cream, avocado, cilantro, and a lime wedge on a decorative plate. — Cilantro Lime Chicken & Rice. Photo credit: Renee Nicole’s Kitchen.

Carolina BBQ Chicken Salad

An overhead shot of a wooden serving bowl filled with salad next to cornbread on a cutting board. — Carolina BBQ Chicken Salad. Photo credit: Renee Nicole’s Kitchen.

Carolina BBQ Chicken Salad is a quick and tangy meal ready in 30 minutes. This salad features shredded chicken, mixed greens, and a zesty BBQ dressing. It offers a delightful mix of smoky, sweet, and savory flavors. Perfect for a light yet satisfying meal that doesn’t feel cheap.
Get the Recipe: Carolina BBQ Chicken Salad

Chicken Pot Pie with Tarragon Gravy

Chicken Pot Pie with Tarragon Gravy is a comforting dish that takes about an hour to prepare. This pie is filled with tender chicken, vegetables, and a creamy tarragon-infused gravy. The flaky crust adds a perfect crunch. It’s a hearty, savory meal that transforms basic ingredients into something special.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Pot Pie with Tarragon Gravy

Chicken Shawarma Plate

The Chicken Shawarma Plate is a flavorful and satisfying dish ready in 40 minutes. It features marinated chicken, served with a side of fresh vegetables and warm pita bread. The combination of spices makes each bite savory and aromatic. This dish proves that budget meals can be full of flavor.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Shawarma Plate

Cilantro Lime Chicken & Rice

Cilantro lime chicken on a plate next to avocado and cilantro garnish. — Cilantro Lime Chicken & Rice. Photo credit: Renee Nicole’s Kitchen.

Cilantro Lime Chicken & Rice is a vibrant, quick meal ready in 35 minutes. The dish features juicy chicken breast marinated in lime juice and cilantro, paired with fluffy rice. The zesty and fresh flavors make it a hit. It’s a simple yet flavorful way to enjoy chicken and rice.
Get the Recipe: Cilantro Lime Chicken & Rice

Creamy Balsamic Chicken Skillet

Creamy Balsamic Chicken Skillet is a rich, savory dish ready in 30 minutes. The main ingredients include chicken breasts, balsamic vinegar, and a creamy sauce. It delivers a perfect balance of tangy and creamy flavors. This one-pan meal is quick, easy, and tastes anything but cheap.
Get the Recipe: Creamy Balsamic Chicken Skillet

Grilled Maple Mustard Chicken

Grilled chicken breast served with a side of mixed greens salad on a dark plate. — Grilled Maple Mustard Chicken. Photo credit: Renee Nicole’s Kitchen.

Grilled Maple Mustard Chicken is a sweet and tangy dish that takes about 25 minutes to make. It features chicken breasts glazed with a mix of maple syrup and mustard. The result is a perfect blend of sweetness and tanginess. This quick meal is perfect for a flavorful dinner without breaking the bank.
Get the Recipe: Grilled Maple Mustard Chicken

Roasted Chicken and Vegetables

Roasted Chicken and Vegetables is a wholesome dish ready in 45 minutes. It includes chicken thighs, seasonal vegetables, and a mix of herbs. The roasting brings out deep, savory flavors. It’s a complete meal that’s both nutritious and delicious.
Get the Recipe: Roasted Chicken and Vegetables

Chicken Colombian Tamales (Tamales Colombiano)

Colombian tamales on a plate. — Chicken Colombian Tamales (Tamales Colombiano). Photo credit: At the Immigrant’s Table.

Chicken Colombian Tamales are a traditional dish that takes about 2 hours to prepare. These tamales are filled with seasoned chicken, cornmeal, and vegetables wrapped in banana leaves. The flavors are rich and earthy. They are perfect for a special meal that brings a taste of Colombia to your table.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Colombian Tamales (Tamales Colombiano)

Chicken Marbella

Chicken Marbella is a sophisticated dish ready in 1 hour and 20 minutes. It features chicken marinated in prunes, olives, and capers, creating a sweet and savory blend. The unique combination of ingredients makes it a standout meal. This dish shows that you can have gourmet flavors on a budget.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Marbella

Colombian Marinated Chicken Drumsticks

Chicken drumsticks on a plate. — Colombian Marinated Chicken Drumsticks. Photo credit: At the Immigrant’s Table.

Colombian Marinated Chicken Drumsticks are a flavorful meal ready in 50 minutes. The drumsticks are marinated in a mix of spices and herbs, giving them a bold taste. They are then baked to perfection. This dish is a great way to enjoy a budget-friendly yet delicious chicken meal.
Get the Recipe: Colombian Marinated Chicken Drumsticks

Grilled Chicken Kofta Kebab

Chicken skewers on skewers with lemon wedges. — Grilled Chicken Kofta Kebab. Photo credit: At the Immigrant’s Table.

Grilled Chicken Kofta Kebab is a quick and flavorful dish ready in 30 minutes. These kebabs feature ground chicken mixed with spices, grilled to perfection. They offer a taste of Middle Eastern cuisine. It’s a simple, tasty meal that’s perfect for a budget-friendly dinner.
Get the Recipe: Grilled Chicken Kofta Kebab

Oven-Baked Buttermilk Chicken and Potatoes

Buttermilk chicken and potatoes on a plate. — Oven-Baked Buttermilk Chicken and Potatoes. Photo credit: At the Immigrant’s Table.

Oven-Baked Buttermilk Chicken and Potatoes is a comforting meal ready in an hour. The chicken is marinated in buttermilk, making it tender and juicy, while the potatoes roast alongside. The result is a crispy, flavorful dish. This recipe proves that comfort food doesn’t have to be expensive.
Get the Recipe: Oven-Baked Buttermilk Chicken and Potatoes

Sheet Pan Paprika Chicken and Veggies

Hands holding paprika chicken and vegetables on a sheet pan. — Sheet Pan Paprika Chicken and Veggies. Photo credit: At the Immigrant’s Table.

Sheet Pan Paprika Chicken and Veggies is a simple and healthy meal ready in 40 minutes. This dish includes chicken thighs seasoned with paprika, roasted with a variety of vegetables. The flavors are smoky and robust. It’s an easy, nutritious dinner that’s kind to your wallet.
Get the Recipe: Sheet Pan Paprika Chicken and Veggies

Chicken Chop Suey

Chicken Chop Suey is a quick, stir-fry dish ready in 30 minutes. It features chicken pieces, crunchy vegetables, and a savory sauce. The combination of textures and flavors makes it satisfying. It’s a budget-friendly way to enjoy a classic takeout favorite at home.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Chop Suey

Chicken Divan

A casserole dish with cheese and broccoli on a napkin. — Chicken Divan. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes.

Chicken Divan is a creamy casserole dish ready in 45 minutes. It includes chicken, broccoli, and a rich cheese sauce. The flavors are comforting and familiar. This dish is perfect for a hearty, budget-friendly family meal.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Divan

Air Fryer BBQ Wings

Air Fryer BBQ Wings are a quick and tasty dish ready in 25 minutes. These wings are seasoned with BBQ sauce and cooked in an air fryer for a crispy finish. The result is a perfect blend of smoky and tangy flavors. It’s an easy, affordable way to enjoy delicious wings.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer BBQ Wings

Chicken Biryani

Chicken Biryani is a fragrant and flavorful dish ready in 1 hour. It features marinated chicken cooked with basmati rice and a blend of spices. The layers of flavors are rich and aromatic. This dish offers a taste of Indian cuisine on a budget.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Biryani

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17 Chicken Recipes That Will Make You Rethink “Cheap Eats”