Looking for some easy budget friendly chicken dinners for busy weeknights? You’ll find them here. I’ve put together some quick recipes for chicken thighs, chicken drumsticks, chicken breasts, and even canned chicken.
All you need are a few pantry and refrigerator items, and you can put together a quick meal that the family will love.Next time you see any cut of chicken on sale, stock up. That way these recipes will also be budget friendly.
Weeknight Chicken Dinner Recipes
Some of these recipes are one-pot or on-pan meals, while others are for chicken that you can pair with your favorite sides. I’ll add links to some side dishes we enjoy.You’ll see recipes to coo in your Crock Pot, air fryer, on the stovetop, and in the oven. I believe in using whatever tools you can to save time.
Of course, the slow cooker needs a head start. So if you have a few minutes early in the day, just throw the ingredients into the pot, turn it on, and go about your day.The air fryer certainly makes quick meals very easy. If you have room on your kitchen counter, you’ll want to leave it out.
1. Air Fryer Garlic Lemon Chicken
Loaded with flavor, this garlic lemon chicken is a breeze to make in your air fryer. Add a side of this potato salad and a steamed vegetable for a complete dinner.
2. Mandarin Orange Ginger Chicken
This is a one-pot meal that is colorful, nutritious, and absolutely delicious! It’s packed with all kinds of yumminess, so make sure you have enough for seconds.
3. Air Fryer Barbecued Chicken
For those times when you want barbecued chicken but don’t feel like firing up the grill, make it in your air fryer. Add a side of these yummy French fries and some country style green beans (from Julia’s Simply Southern).
4. Air Fryer Boneless Chicken Breast
Cook some chicken breasts to use in other recipes later. I like to chop it up and use it in soup or this wonderful chicken salad.
5. Chicken and Gravy Over Mashed Potatoes
This chicken and gravy recipe is absolutely wonderful and oh-so comforting! I usually serve it over mashed potatoes, but you can scoop it over a bed of noodles or rice if you prefer. All you need is a side salad to make this a perfect dinner.If
6. Slow Cooker Chicken Pepper Pot
There’s a reason this chicken pepper pot soup is the national dish of Guyana. It’s absolutely delicious! It’s also easy to make and has everything you need for a complete meal.
7. Crock Pot Hawaiian Chicken
Take your taste buds on a tropical vacation with this Crock Pot Hawaiian chicken. I like to serve it on a bed of rice, but you can substitute your favorite noodles.
8. Chicken Pot Pie
If you like chicken pot pie, you’ll love this version. It’s so easy that you can’t mess it up. The topping is crispy, crunchy, and oh-so wonderful as it delights your taste buds. And you don’t need anything with it … unless you want some of this yummy southern style cornbread.
9. Crock Pot Garlic Chicken
Come home at the end of the day to the wonderful aroma of this Crock Pot garlic chicken. Taste bud pleasing and comforting to the soul, you’ll be so happy you started this dinner before you left for the day. The perfect side is this onion seasoned rice.
10. Chicken Noodle Casserole
Put some chicken and noodles together for this wonderful casserole. You can use rotisserie chicken, leftover chicken, or even canned chicken for this comforting dish.
11. Crock Pot Catalina Chicken
Zesty and flavorful, this Crock Pot Catalina chicken is sure to please the entire family. I like to serve these buttermilk mashed potatoes on the side.
12. Italian Chicken Casserole with Zucchini
This Italian chicken casserole with zucchini is a delicious one-pan meal that satisfies on so many levels. Serve it with a side of Italian or French bread. If you want a side salad, try this wonderful watermelon cucumber salad.
13. Greek Chicken with Zoodles
Trying to cut the carbs? That’s easy when you make this flavor packed Greek chicken with zoodles. I love this with a side of this light and fluffy cloud bread.
14. Slow Cooker Chicken Stroganoff
This slow cooker chicken stroganoff satisfies all of your senses. You’ll smell it when you walk in the door, and it tastes as good as it looks. Serve it with a side of your favorite bread and a tossed dinner salad.
15. Easy Chicken and Rice Casserole
All you have to do is put a few ingredients together, pop it in the oven, and bake. In a matter of minutes, you’ll have this traditional but easy dinner. Add a touch of sophisticated flavor with this balsamic glazed zucchini.
16. Crispy Air Fryer Chicken Thighs
Cook up a batch or these crispy air fryer chicken thighs that are seasoned to perfection. There’s no need to fuss with messy batter or flour. I like to serve it with a side of this nutritious and delicious chickpea salad.
17. Oven Baked Buffalo Wings
Whether you’re hosting a party or planning a favorite food for a family dinner, these baked Buffalo wings are perfect. I like a side of sweet potato fries or these fun and tasty waffle fries on the side.
Quick and Easy Budget Friendly Chicken Dinners for Busy Weeknights
You don’t have to sacrifice flavor, even if you save money at the grocery store and then save time preparing dinner. My family enjoys all of these recipes, so I have them in my regular dinner rotation.