Chicken dinners don’t have to be costly to be delicious. These 17 recipes show that you can create hearty, flavorful meals on a budget. With simple ingredients and straightforward preparation, these dinners are perfect for feeding your family without overspending. Whether it’s a busy weeknight or a relaxed weekend, these dishes prove that affordable can also mean tasty.
Chicken Colombian Tamales
These Chicken Colombian Tamales are packed with marinated chicken, masa, and vegetables, all wrapped in banana leaves for a rich, savory taste. The tamales take about 3 hours to prepare and cook, making them a hearty option for a satisfying meal. The blend of spices and tender chicken creates a flavorful dish that’s both filling and delicious. Perfect for a special dinner or gathering, this dish highlights the bold flavors of Colombian cuisine.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Colombian Tamales
Colombian Marinated Chicken Drumsticks
Colombian Marinated Chicken Drumsticks are coated in a flavorful marinade of garlic, cumin, and herbs, then grilled to perfection. Ready in just over an hour, the juicy drumsticks are tender and full of rich, savory flavors. This recipe offers a great way to enjoy delicious, seasoned chicken without spending too much time or money. Ideal for a quick weeknight meal or a weekend cookout.
Get the Recipe: Colombian Marinated Chicken Drumsticks
Ajiaco Recipe
Ajiaco is a hearty Colombian chicken soup made with shredded chicken, potatoes, corn, and capers, simmered to create a rich and comforting broth. This traditional dish takes about 2 hours to make, allowing the flavors to meld beautifully. The combination of tender chicken and various potatoes results in a thick, creamy soup with a unique taste. It’s perfect for a cozy dinner that feels both comforting and nourishing.
Get the Recipe: Ajiaco Recipe
Roasted Chicken and Vegetables
Roasted Chicken and Vegetables is a simple yet flavorful one-pan dish featuring garlic herb-seasoned chicken and a variety of vegetables. This meal takes about an hour to prepare and roast, making it a convenient option for a weeknight dinner. The chicken comes out juicy and tender, while the vegetables are perfectly roasted with a slightly crisp exterior. It’s a wholesome, no-fuss meal that’s sure to please everyone at the table.
Get the Recipe: Roasted Chicken and Vegetables
Pomegranate Chicken with Walnuts
Pomegranate Chicken with Walnuts combines tender chicken pieces with a tangy pomegranate sauce and crunchy walnuts. This dish takes around 45 minutes to prepare and cook, offering a unique blend of sweet and savory flavors. The pomegranate adds a refreshing tartness, while the walnuts provide a satisfying crunch. It’s a great option for those looking to try something different yet still delicious.
Get the Recipe: Pomegranate Chicken with Walnuts
Loaded Blackened Skillet Chicken
Loaded Blackened Skillet Chicken is a hearty dish featuring seasoned chicken breasts topped with cheese, bacon, and green onions. This quick recipe takes about 30 minutes to prepare, making it perfect for busy weeknights. The chicken is juicy and flavorful, while the toppings add a deliciously rich and savory touch. It’s a satisfying, all-in-one meal that’s sure to be a hit.
Get the Recipe: Loaded Blackened Skillet Chicken
Chicken Fried Steak Patty Melt
The Chicken Fried Steak Patty Melt is a comforting sandwich featuring crispy chicken-fried steak, melted cheese, and caramelized onions between two slices of bread. Ready in about 30 minutes, this dish offers a tasty combination of savory and cheesy goodness. The crispy coating on the steak adds a delightful crunch, while the melted cheese pulls everything together. It’s a quick and delicious option for a satisfying lunch or dinner.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Fried Steak Patty Melt
Curry Chicken with Onion
Curry Chicken with Onion is a flavorful dish where tender chicken is cooked in a spiced curry sauce with onions. This dish takes about 40 minutes to prepare, resulting in a rich and aromatic meal. The combination of curry spices and sautéed onions gives the chicken a deep, savory flavor. Perfect for those who enjoy a bit of heat and bold flavors in their meals.
Get the Recipe: Curry Chicken with Onion
Grilled Chicken Kofta Kebab
Grilled Chicken Kofta Kebab features ground chicken mixed with herbs and spices, shaped into skewers, and grilled for a smoky flavor. This dish is ready in about 30 minutes, making it a quick and tasty option for dinner. The kebabs are juicy and well-seasoned, offering a flavorful bite in every piece. Serve them with a side of fresh vegetables or rice for a complete meal.
Get the Recipe: Grilled Chicken Kofta Kebab
Copycat Ruth’s Chris Stuffed Chicken
Copycat Ruth’s Chris Stuffed Chicken is a rich and indulgent dish featuring chicken breasts stuffed with creamy cheese and herbs. This recipe takes around 45 minutes to prepare and bake, resulting in a decadent meal that feels gourmet. The chicken is tender and moist, with the cheese filling adding a luxurious, savory flavor. Perfect for a special occasion or a fancy weeknight dinner.
Get the Recipe: Copycat Ruth’s Chris Stuffed Chicken
Sheet Pan Paprika Chicken and Veggies
Sheet Pan Paprika Chicken and Veggies is an easy, one-pan meal featuring chicken thighs seasoned with paprika and roasted alongside vegetables. This dish takes about 45 minutes to prepare and cook, offering a simple yet flavorful dinner option. The paprika adds a smoky depth to the juicy chicken, while the vegetables come out tender and well-roasted. It’s a convenient and tasty choice for a busy night.
Get the Recipe: Sheet Pan Paprika Chicken and Veggies
Spicy Romano Chicken Pasta
Spicy Romano Chicken Pasta is a creamy pasta dish with tender chicken, Romano cheese, and a kick of spice. Ready in about 30 minutes, this dish combines the richness of the cheese with the heat of the spices for a flavorful meal. The chicken is juicy and pairs well with the creamy, cheesy pasta. It’s a quick and satisfying dinner that’s sure to please pasta lovers.
Get the Recipe: Spicy Romano Chicken Pasta
Creamy Balsamic Chicken Skillet
Creamy Balsamic Chicken Skillet is a quick and delicious dish featuring chicken breasts cooked in a creamy balsamic sauce. This meal takes about 30 minutes to prepare, making it an excellent option for a busy night. The balsamic adds a tangy sweetness to the creamy sauce, complementing the tender chicken perfectly. Serve it with a side of vegetables or over rice for a complete meal.
Get the Recipe: Creamy Balsamic Chicken Skillet
Air Fryer Panko Chicken
Air Fryer Panko Chicken offers a crispy and golden crust on the outside with tender chicken inside, all made in under 30 minutes. This recipe uses panko breadcrumbs for an extra crunch, making it a healthier alternative to traditional fried chicken. The air fryer method keeps the chicken juicy while giving it a satisfying crispiness. It’s a great option for a quick and easy meal that still feels indulgent.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Panko Chicken
Chicken Marbella
Chicken Marbella is a savory dish featuring chicken baked with olives, capers, and prunes, creating a unique blend of flavors. This dish takes about an hour and a half to prepare and bake, allowing the ingredients to meld into a rich, flavorful sauce. The chicken is tender and juicy, with the sweet and salty elements adding depth to the dish. It’s a classic recipe that’s perfect for a dinner party or special occasion.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Marbella
Air Fryer Chicken Tenders
Air Fryer Chicken Tenders are a quick and easy option for a crispy, golden chicken meal that’s ready in about 20 minutes. These tenders are coated in a seasoned breadcrumb mixture, making them crunchy on the outside and juicy on the inside. The air fryer method cuts down on oil, offering a healthier twist on a favorite. Perfect for a fast dinner or snack that everyone will love.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Chicken Tenders
Oven-Baked Buttermilk Chicken and Potatoes
Oven-Baked Buttermilk Chicken and Potatoes is a comforting dish featuring chicken marinated in buttermilk and baked with potatoes. This meal takes about an hour and a half to prepare and cook, resulting in tender chicken with a crispy skin and perfectly roasted potatoes. The buttermilk marinade adds a subtle tang, enhancing the overall flavor. It’s a satisfying, home-cooked meal that’s perfect for any night of the week.
Get the Recipe: Oven-Baked Buttermilk Chicken and Potatoes