17 Cheap Chicken Dinners That My Family Actually Gets Excited About
As a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program and other affiliate programs, Easy Homemade Life may collect a share of sales or other compensation from the links on this page. This comes at no additional cost to you, and all the prices and availability are accurate at the time of publishing.
Feeding a family on a budget doesn’t have to mean boring dinners or endless chicken leftovers. These cheap chicken dinners are easy on the wallet but big on flavor, so no one’s complaining about “chicken again.” They’re no-fuss, crowd-pleasing meals that make weeknights easier, keep grocery costs low, and still get everyone running to the table.
Chicken Quesadillas
Chicken quesadillas are the secret weapon in my budget-friendly dinner lineup because they make leftovers feel brand new. Crisp, golden tortillas packed with cheesy, salsa-kissed chicken turn into a meal that disappears fast. They’re fun to eat, easy to make, and never fail to make dinner feel like a win.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Quesadillas
Honey Mustard Chicken
Honey mustard chicken brings a perfect mix of sweet, tangy, and savory flavors that never fails to win over the dinner table. The chicken turns beautifully golden in the oven, soaking up every drop of that luscious honey mustard glaze. It’s the low-effort, high-flavor dinner that feels special enough for company but simple enough for a weeknight.
Get the Recipe: Honey Mustard Chicken
Sheet Pan Chicken
Sheet pan chicken is my go-to dinner when I want something easy, colorful, and cheap that everyone actually loves. The chicken roasts up tender and juicy while the veggies caramelize in the same pan, soaking up all those delicious drippings. It’s one of those quick dinners that feels wholesome, fills everyone up, and doesn’t leave me with a pile of dishes.
Get the Recipe: Sheet Pan Chicken
Chicken Bacon Ranch Casserole
Chicken bacon ranch casserole delivers everything you want from a cozy dinner, creamy, cheesy, smoky, and full of flavor. Each bite combines tender chicken, crisp bacon, and that tangy ranch sauce that ties it all together in pure comfort. It’s the ultimate budget-friendly meal that feels indulgent but comes together in just 30 minutes, making weeknight dinners something actually to look forward to.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Bacon Ranch Casserole
Herb-Crusted Chicken
Herb-crusted chicken brings big flavor to the table using simple pantry spices and budget-friendly chicken breasts. Each bite is juicy inside and perfectly seasoned on the outside, giving dinner that restaurant-style feel without the restaurant price tag. It’s quick, reliable, and the kind of meal everyone gets excited to see again.
Get the Recipe: Herb-Crusted Chicken
Salsa Chicken in Slow Cooker
Salsa chicken in the slow cooker is one of those set-it-and-forget-it recipes that saves the day when time and budget are tight. Just toss in chicken and salsa, and a few hours later, you’ve got tender, flavorful meat ready for tacos, burritos, or rice bowls. It’s easy, versatile, and stretches beautifully for multiple dinners.
Get the Recipe: Salsa Chicken in Slow Cooker
Parmesan and Garlic Wings
Parmesan and garlic wings are crispy, buttery bites of comfort that instantly upgrade any dinner table. Each wing is tossed in a rich, garlicky coating with just the right hint of parmesan that makes every bite craveable. They’re easy, budget-friendly, and guaranteed to make everyone forget all about ordering takeout wings.
Get the Recipe: Parmesan and Garlic Wings
Chicken Broccoli Alfredo Casserole
Chicken broccoli Alfredo casserole is the definition of creamy comfort made easy. Tender chicken and crisp-tender broccoli get smothered in a rich, cheesy Alfredo sauce that feels like a warm hug in a dish. Ready in just half an hour, it’s a simple, crowd-pleasing dinner that makes even hectic weeknights feel a little more indulgent.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Broccoli Alfredo Casserole
Bacon-Wrapped Chicken Thighs
Bacon-wrapped chicken thighs are what weeknight dinner dreams are made of, crispy, smoky, juicy, and totally fuss-free. The bacon locks in flavor and moisture while adding that irresistible crunch that makes each bite feel indulgent. It’s a simple, affordable dish that somehow tastes like it came from a fancy restaurant.
Get the Recipe: Bacon-Wrapped Chicken Thighs
Sheet Pan Chicken Fajitas
Sheet pan chicken fajitas bring all the bold, smoky flavors of your favorite Tex-Mex spot straight to your oven, no sizzling skillet required. The juicy chicken, colorful peppers, and onions roast together perfectly, filling the kitchen with that irresistible fajita aroma. It’s a family favorite that feels festive, flavorful, and effortless enough for even the busiest weeknights.
Get the Recipe: Sheet Pan Chicken Fajitas
Chicken and Asparagus Bake
Chicken and asparagus bake delivers creamy, cheesy comfort with a wholesome touch. The juicy chicken bakes right alongside tender asparagus, soaking up a rich sauce that makes the whole dish feel special. It’s hearty enough for Sunday dinner but easy enough to throw together on a weeknight without breaking a sweat.
Get the Recipe: Chicken and Asparagus Bake
Popeyes Blackened Chicken Tenders
Popeyes blackened chicken tenders bring bold Cajun spice and juicy tenderness together in a way that keeps everyone coming back for seconds. The smoky, peppery seasoning caramelizes perfectly on the outside, creating a flavor that rivals takeout at a fraction of the cost. They’re perfect for meal prep or an easy dinner that doesn’t taste like “cheap chicken night.”
Get the Recipe: Popeyes Blackened Chicken Tenders
Sweet Hawaiian Crockpot Chicken
Sweet Hawaiian Crockpot chicken is the budget-friendly dinner that practically cooks itself. The combination of tender chicken, pineapple, and a sweet tangy sauce turns simple ingredients into something that feels tropical and exciting. It’s easy, affordable, and always a hit on hectic nights.
Get the Recipe: Sweet Hawaiian Crockpot Chicken
Mediterranean Grilled Chicken
Mediterranean grilled chicken is an easy, flavorful meal that tastes like summer no matter the season. The chicken marinates in olive oil, lemon, and herbs, grilling up perfectly juicy with a zesty finish. It’s a fresh, affordable dinner option that breaks up the weeknight routine without breaking the budget.
Get the Recipe: Mediterranean Grilled Chicken
Chicken Nuggets
Homemade chicken nuggets are a family favorite that costs less than takeout and tastes way better. The air fryer makes them perfectly crispy on the outside and tender inside, with zero grease and all the crunch. They’re quick, fun to make, and always get devoured before they even hit the plate.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Nuggets
Sheet Pan Chicken Thighs
Sheet pan chicken thighs are an affordable meal that feels like more than the sum of its parts. The chicken gets perfectly golden and juicy, while the roasted broccoli adds that smoky edge everyone loves. It’s inexpensive, filling, and a true weeknight lifesaver when dinner needs to happen without stress.
Get the Recipe: Sheet Pan Chicken Thighs
Tomato Mozzarella Baked Chicken
Tomato mozzarella baked chicken brings Italian flair to the table without wrecking the grocery budget. Juicy chicken breasts bake under layers of melty mozzarella, ripe tomatoes, and fresh basil, creating that perfect balance of fresh and cozy flavors. It’s an affordable, family-friendly dinner that feels like something straight from an Italian café, simple, flavorful, and always a hit.
Get the Recipe: Tomato Mozzarella Baked Chicken
