Cluck Yeah! 11 Budget-Friendly Chicken Recipes To Save Dinner

When you’re trying to feed your family on a budget, chicken recipes are a lifesaver. These affordable chicken dishes are not only easy to make but also full of flavor and variety. From crispy oven-baked thighs to comforting chicken noodle soup, you’ll find plenty of options to stretch your grocery budget without skimping on taste.

Table of Contents

Crispy Oven-Baked Chicken Thighs

Crispy brown chicken thigh close up on pan in juices — Image Credit: On My Kid’s Plate

These crispy oven-baked chicken thighs are a weeknight winner! Juicy, flavorful, and perfectly seasoned, they’re a budget-friendly alternative to fried chicken without the mess. CLICK HERE FOR THE RECIPE

Slow Cooker BBQ Chicken Thighs

Wide view of cooked chicken thighs in bbq sauce in a crockpot. — Image Credit: On My Kid’s Plate

Let your slow cooker do the work with these tender BBQ chicken thighs. Packed with smoky-sweet flavors, this dish is perfect for busy days when you still want a home-cooked meal. CLICK HERE FOR THE RECIPE

Oven Baked Chicken Drumsticks

Oven-roasted chicken legs and mixed vegetables including diced potatoes and sliced carrots on a foil-lined baking tray. — Image Credit: On My Kid’s Plate

With crispy skin and juicy meat, these Baked Chicken Drumsticks With Potatoes a hit with the whole family—and best of all, they’re super easy to make.
CLICK HERE FOR THE RECIPE

Oven-Baked Ranch Chicken Thighs

Wide view of crispy ranch chicken thighs on a baking pan. — Image Credit: On My Kid’s Plate

Ranch lovers, rejoice! These oven-baked ranch chicken thighs are juicy, tastyy, and incredibly simple to make. CLICK HERE FOR THE RECIPE

Slow Cooker Chicken Drumsticks

Chicken drumsticks lined up in the base of a slow cooker covered in sauce. — Image Credit: On My Kid’s Plate

These slow cooker chicken drumsticks are fall-off-the-bone tender and full of flavor. They’re a flexible and cost-effective way to feed a hungry family. CLICK HERE FOR THE RECIPE

Chicken Thighs and Rice

A wide view of bone in chicken thighs on top of rice in a pot from above. — Image Credit: On My Kid’s Plate

This one-pot chicken thighs and rice dish combines tender chicken with fluffy, flavorful rice for a satisfying meal. Perfect for a no-fuss dinner the whole family will enjoy. CLICK HERE FOR THE RECIPE

Baked Chicken Thighs with Tender Roasted Vegetables

Baked chicken thighs with peppers, onions, squash and mushrooms on a sheet pan. — Image Credit: On My Kid’s Plate

This hearty sheet-pan dinner pairs juicy baked chicken thighs with a rainbow of roasted veggies. It’s an easy, healthy, and budget-friendly way to feed your favorite people. CLICK HERE FOR THE RECIPE

Slow Cooker BBQ Chicken Wings

Close-up of bbq sauced chicken wings next to sliced celery. — Image Credit: On My Kid’s Plate

Finger-licking good, these slow cooker BBQ chicken wings are a family favorite. They’re perfect for game nights, friday night dinners, or anytime you’re craving tender, saucy wings. CLICK HERE FOR THE RECIPE

Grandma’s Slow Cooker Chicken Noodle Soup

Wide view of inside a slow cooker close up full of chicken noodle soup with big chicken pieces, egg noodles, carrots, peas and corn. — Image Credit: On My Kid’s Plate

Comfort food at its finest, Grandma’s chicken noodle soup is cozy, hearty, and made easy in the slow cooker. This recipe stretches ingredients while keeping everyone full and happy. CLICK HERE FOR THE RECIPE

Honey Garlic Baked Chicken Thighs

Honey garlic chicken thighs lined up in the edge of a baking dish. — Image Credit: On My Kid’s Plate

Sweet and savory, these honey garlic baked chicken thighs are a hit every time. You’ll love how quickly this budget-friendly dish comes together! CLICK HERE FOR THE RECIPE

Garlic Parmesan Chicken Wings

A plate of three chicken wings and carrots with a side of dipping sauce. — Image Credit: On My Kid’s Plate

Crispy, cheesy, and packed with garlic flavor, these wings are perfect for dinner. They’re a crowd-pleaser that won’t break the bank. CLICK HERE FOR THE RECIPE

Instant Pot Whole Rotisserie Chicken

Sliced chicken in a bowl on the left, on the right a close up view of the chicken — Image Credit: On My Kid’s Plate

Juicy, flavorful, and cooked in a flash, this Instant Pot whole chicken makes meal prep a breeze. Serve it as-is or shred it for multiple meals throughout the week. CLICK HERE FOR THE RECIPE