Cooking Lucid

20 Cheap Chicken Dinners

Chicken thighs and drumsticks make cheap dinners delicious. Twenty budget chicken recipes.

Easy Home Bibimbap Bowls
Easy

Easy Home Bibimbap Bowls

A weeknight-friendly bibimbap with seasoned ground beef, quick sautéed vegetables, warm rice, and a sunny fried egg on top. Mix it all together with spicy gochujang sauce — no special equipment required.

35 min4 servings
dinnerkid-friendlyquick
Korean Ground Beef Bowl
Easy

Korean Ground Beef Bowl

Sweet and savory Korean-inspired ground beef over steamed rice in 20 minutes. This is one of the most popular weeknight dinners for a reason — it's cheap, fast, and insanely good.

20 min4 servings
dinnerquickbudget
Homemade Chicken Noodle Soup
Easy

Homemade Chicken Noodle Soup

The best homemade chicken noodle soup — rich broth, tender chicken, and perfectly cooked egg noodles. Ready in 45 minutes and better than any can.

45 min6 servings
dinnerkid-friendlycomfort-food
Easy Spaghetti Night
Easy

Easy Spaghetti Night

Classic family spaghetti with a rich meat sauce. Done in 30 minutes with pantry staples.

30 min6 servings
dinnerkid-friendlybudget
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Easy

Air Fryer Sheet Pan Chicken Fajitas

Simplify fajita night with this easy air fryer sheet pan recipe. Chicken and colorful veggies get perfectly roasted for a delicious and low-fuss Mexican-inspired meal.

30 min4 servings
ChickenMain CourseFajitas
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Easy

Air Fryer Honey Balsamic Glazed Chicken Thighs

These air fryer chicken thighs are coated in a sweet and tangy honey balsamic glaze, resulting in incredibly tender and flavorful meat with a beautiful caramelized finish.

28 min4 servings
ChickenMain CourseAir Fryer
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Easy

Air Fryer Lemon Herb Chicken Breast

Enjoy tender, juicy chicken breast with a bright lemon herb flavor thanks to the air fryer. This quick and healthy recipe is perfect for any night of the week.

20 min4 servings
ChickenMain CourseAir Fryer
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Medium

Air Fryer Crispy Chicken Thighs with Root Vegetables

Achieve incredibly crispy chicken thighs and tender roasted root vegetables with this simple air fryer recipe. It's a wholesome, flavorful meal perfect for busy weeknights.

45 min4 servings
ChickenMain CourseAir Fryer
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Easy

Air Fryer Crispy Buffalo Chicken Tenders

Whip up these irresistible air fryer buffalo chicken tenders for a quick and satisfying family dinner. Perfect for dipping, these tenders are crispy on the outside and juicy on the inside.

30 min4 servings
ChickenMain CourseWeeknight Dinner
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Medium

Air Fryer Greek Chicken Pitas

Create flavorful Greek chicken skewers that are tender inside and slightly crisp outside, perfect for stuffing into warm pita bread. This recipe brings Mediterranean zest to your table with minimal effort.

27 min4 servings
DinnerChickenGreek
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Easy

Air Fryer Lemon Pepper Chicken Thighs with Broccoli

Juicy, flavorful chicken thighs infused with bright lemon and zesty pepper, roasted alongside tender broccoli florets in the air fryer. This complete meal offers a healthy and delicious option for busy weeknights.

30 min4 servings
DinnerChickenBroccoli
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Easy

Quick Air Fryer Lemon Herb Chicken Breast

Enjoy succulent and flavorful chicken breasts cooked to perfection in your air fryer with a zesty lemon herb coating. This recipe is incredibly fast, making it a go-to for busy weeknights when you need a healthy and delicious meal.

25 min4 servings
DinnerChickenHealthy
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Easy

Air Fryer Honey Garlic Chicken Wings

Get perfectly crispy and juicy chicken wings with a sticky honey garlic glaze in your air fryer. This crowd-pleasing recipe is ideal for a quick family dinner or a fun appetizer that everyone will love.

35 min4 servings
DinnerChickenWings
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Easy

Crispy Air Fryer Chicken Fajita Bowls

Whip up a flavorful weeknight dinner with these vibrant chicken fajita bowls. Packed with tender chicken and colorful veggies, they're a healthy and satisfying meal perfect for busy families seeking delicious, easy-to-prepare dishes.

35 min4 servings
DinnerChickenMexican
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Easy

Air Fryer Lemon Herb Chicken and Asparagus

Experience tender, flavorful chicken breast paired with perfectly cooked, slightly crisp asparagus, all infused with bright lemon and aromatic herbs. This light and healthy air fryer meal comes together in minutes, perfect for any night of the week.

25 min4 servings
chickenasparagusair fryer
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Medium

Air Fryer Honey Garlic Chicken Meatballs

Discover sweet and savory honey garlic chicken meatballs, perfectly cooked in the air fryer until golden and juicy. This easy recipe is a crowd-pleaser, ideal for a quick dinner or appetizer.

32 min4 servings
chickenmeatballsair fryer
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Easy

Air Fryer Chicken Breast with Italian Herbs

Juicy, tender chicken breast infused with savory Italian herbs and cooked to perfection in the air fryer for a healthy and flavorful meal. This simple recipe is ideal for busy weeknights and pairs well with almost any side dish.

20 min4 servings
chickenpoultryair fryer
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Easy

Crispy Air Fryer Chicken Thigh Tacos

Enjoy incredibly crispy, seasoned chicken thighs transformed into flavorful taco fillings with minimal oil. These air fryer tacos are a weeknight favorite, offering a satisfying crunch and bold taste.

28 min4 servings
chickentacosair fryer
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Easy

Spicy Air Fryer Chicken Thighs with Smoked Paprika

Get incredibly juicy and tender chicken thighs with a perfectly crisp, smoky, and slightly spicy skin. This easy air fryer recipe delivers maximum flavor with minimal effort, perfect for a busy weeknight dinner.

35 min4 servings
chickenpoultryair fryer
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Medium

Air Fryer Chicken Breast with Roasted Root Vegetables

Tender, juicy air fryer chicken breast paired with hearty, caramelized root vegetables for a complete and wholesome meal. This recipe offers a balanced flavor profile and is perfect for a healthy weeknight dinner.

45 min4 servings
ChickenVegetablesAir Fryer
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Easy

Air Fryer Lemon Herb Chicken & Asparagus

Bright and flavorful lemon herb chicken paired with tender asparagus, perfect for a quick weeknight dinner. This healthy meal is ready in under 30 minutes, making it ideal for busy families.

25 min4 servings
Weeknight DinnerChickenAir Fryer
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Medium

Air Fryer Crispy Chicken Taquitos with Avocado Crema

Crunchy, golden taquitos filled with seasoned chicken, made effortlessly in the air fryer for a fun and delicious meal. Serve with a cooling avocado crema for a delightful contrast.

30 min4 servings
ChickenDinnerAir Fryer
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Easy

Air Fryer Honey Garlic Chicken Thighs

Juicy and tender chicken thighs coated in a sticky, sweet, and savory honey garlic sauce, cooked to perfection in the air fryer. This easy recipe is a weeknight winner that everyone will love.

30 min4 servings
ChickenDinnerAir Fryer
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Medium

Air Fryer Cheesy Chicken and Broccoli Florets

A quick and easy weeknight meal featuring tender chicken breast and vibrant broccoli florets tossed with a creamy cheese sauce. This air fryer dish is a comforting and satisfying option for the whole family.

33 min4 servings
ChickenVegetableDinner
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Easy

Air Fryer Crispy Chicken Drumsticks with Paprika Rub

Achieve perfectly crisp, juicy chicken drumsticks with a simple paprika rub in your air fryer, ideal for a quick weeknight meal. These drumsticks are a crowd-pleasing main that pairs well with any side dish.

35 min4 servings
ChickenDinnerAir Fryer
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Easy

Air Fryer Honey Mustard Chicken and Potatoes

Enjoy a complete meal with this simple air fryer recipe featuring tender chicken thighs coated in a tangy honey mustard glaze alongside crispy potato wedges. It's a weeknight dinner winner!

40 min4 servings
DinnerChickenPotatoes
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Easy

Air Fryer Teriyaki Glazed Chicken Thighs

Tender, juicy chicken thighs coated in a sweet and savory teriyaki glaze, achieving a perfect caramelized finish in the air fryer. This recipe is incredibly simple and packed with flavor.

23 min4 servings
DinnerChickenAir Fryer
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Medium

Air Fryer BBQ Chicken Meatball Subs

Juicy, flavorful chicken meatballs tossed in BBQ sauce and nestled in soft rolls, all made quick and easy with your air fryer. A fun twist on classic meatball subs perfect for a busy evening.

30 min4 servings
DinnerChickenAir Fryer
Photo coming soon
Easy

Air Fryer Parmesan Crusted Chicken Breast

Achieve perfectly crispy and golden chicken breasts with minimal effort using your air fryer. This easy recipe delivers juicy, flavorful results ideal for a quick weeknight meal.

30 min4 servings
DinnerChickenAir Fryer
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Easy

Air Fryer Teriyaki Glazed Chicken and Pineapple Skewers

Sweet and savory teriyaki glazed chicken chunks and juicy pineapple pieces threaded onto skewers and air-fried for a quick, tropical-inspired meal. Easy to make and always a hit with the whole family.

30 min4 servings
AsianChickenAir Fryer
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Easy

Air Fryer Honey Mustard Chicken Tenders

Make healthier, kid-friendly chicken tenders in the air fryer! Crispy on the outside and tender on the inside, coated with a delicious honey mustard glaze. A perfect weeknight meal or packed lunch.

25 min4 servings
AmericanChickenAir Fryer
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Easy

Crispy Air Fryer Chicken Wings with Buffalo Sauce

Achieve perfectly crispy chicken wings without deep frying using your air fryer! Tossed in a classic spicy buffalo sauce, these wings are an irresistible appetizer or a fun, casual dinner.

35 min4 servings
AmericanChickenAir Fryer
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Medium

Air Fryer Chicken and Veggie Skewers with Peanut Sauce

Colorful skewers loaded with marinated chicken and fresh vegetables, air-fried until tender and slightly charred. Drizzled with a creamy peanut sauce, these skewers are a fun and flavorful meal perfect for any night.

35 min4 servings
AsianChickenAir Fryer
Photo coming soon
Easy

Crispy Air Fryer Chicken Parmesan with Zucchini Noodles

Enjoy a healthy twist on a classic Italian favorite with these crispy air fryer chicken parmesan cutlets served over tender zucchini noodles. A quick and satisfying weeknight meal that's lighter and faster.

35 min4 servings
ItalianChickenAir Fryer
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Easy

Sheet Pan Air Fryer Chicken Sausage and Veggies

A complete meal with minimal cleanup! Chicken sausage, bell peppers, onions, and broccoli florets get roasted together in the air fryer until tender and slightly caramelized.

33 min4 servings
dinnersausagechicken
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Medium

Air Fryer Chicken Taquitos with Avocado Crema

Crispy, golden taquitos filled with seasoned shredded chicken, perfect for a fun and easy weeknight dinner or appetizer, served with a cool avocado crema.

30 min4 servings
dinnerchickenair fryer
Photo coming soon
Medium

Air Fryer Buffalo Chicken Meatballs

Turn classic buffalo chicken wings into easy-to-eat meatballs, packed with flavor and a kick of heat, perfect for dipping or serving over rice.

40 min4 servings
appetizerdinnerchicken
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Easy

Crispy Air Fryer Lemon Herb Chicken Thighs with Roasted Potatoes

Enjoy tender, juicy chicken thighs infused with bright lemon and herbs, paired with perfectly crisp air fryer potatoes for a complete weeknight meal.

40 min4 servings
dinnerchickenair fryer
Photo coming soon
Easy

Air Fryer BBQ Pulled Chicken Sandwiches

Tender chicken breasts shredded and tossed in smoky BBQ sauce, then crisped slightly in the air fryer. Perfect for quick sliders or full-sized sandwiches.

30 min6 servings
ChickenSandwichesDinner
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Easy

Air Fryer Chicken Fajita Bowls

Quick and flavorful chicken fajita bowls featuring tender, seasoned chicken and crisp-tender bell peppers and onions, cooked entirely in the air fryer. A customizable and healthy weeknight meal.

30 min4 servings
ChickenMexicanDinner
Photo coming soon
Easy

Air Fryer Lemon Herb Chicken Skewers with Zucchini

Tender marinated chicken and fresh zucchini chunks grilled to perfection in the air fryer. Bright lemon and herb flavors make this a light and satisfying meal.

35 min4 servings
ChickenDinnerHealthy
Photo coming soon
Easy

Air Fryer Crispy Chicken Tenders with Honey Mustard Dip

Quick and crispy chicken tenders perfect for a weeknight meal, served with a homemade honey mustard sauce for dipping. A family favorite that's ready in under 30 minutes.

25 min4 servings
ChickenDinnerKid-Friendly
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Medium

Chicken and Chickpea Power Bowls with Tahini Dressing

Fuel your body with these vibrant chicken and chickpea power bowls, loaded with protein and nutrients. A simple tahini dressing ties together tender chicken, hearty chickpeas, and fresh veggies for a satisfying meal.

45 min4 servings
Healthy BowlsChickenChickpeas
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Medium

Thai Green Curry with Chicken and Brown Rice

A fragrant and flavorful Thai green curry featuring tender chicken, crisp vegetables, and a rich, spicy coconut milk broth. Serve with fluffy brown rice for a satisfying and protein-rich weeknight meal.

40 min4 servings
CurryThaiChicken
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Medium

Chicken and Chorizo Paella Skillet

A vibrant and flavorful one-pan paella featuring tender chicken, spicy chorizo, rice, and vegetables simmered in a savory broth. This quick version captures the essence of Spanish flavors for a satisfying family dinner.

50 min5 servings
PaellaChickenChorizo
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Easy

Greek Lemon-Dill Chicken and Quinoa Bowls

Bright and fresh quinoa bowls packed with marinated chicken, crisp vegetables, and a zesty lemon-dill dressing. A wholesome and protein-rich meal that’s perfect for a light yet satisfying dinner.

45 min4 servings
BowlsChickenGreek
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Easy

Quick Chicken Stir-Fry with Mixed Vegetables and Brown Rice

A fast and flavorful chicken stir-fry packed with colorful vegetables and a savory sauce, served over brown rice. This high-protein meal is perfect for busy weeknights when you need a healthy dinner in a hurry.

35 min4 servings
Stir-fryChickenVegetables
Photo coming soon
Easy

Lemon Herb Baked Chicken with Quinoa and Roasted Asparagus

Bright and flavorful lemon herb chicken breasts baked to perfection alongside tender asparagus and fluffy quinoa. This healthy dinner is a quick and easy way to get a complete, protein-rich meal on the table.

45 min4 servings
Baked ChickenQuinoaVegetables
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Easy

Chicken and Chickpea Curry

A fragrant and creamy chicken and chickpea curry that’s both comforting and quick to prepare. Serve over basmati rice for a complete, protein-rich Indian-inspired meal.

45 min5 servings
ChickenCurryChickpeas
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Easy

Lemon Herb Chicken & Orzo Skillet

A vibrant, one-pan meal bursting with fresh lemon and savory herbs, perfect for a quick and satisfying weeknight dinner. This dish combines tender chicken and pasta for a complete, protein-packed family favorite.

50 min5 servings
ChickenOne-PanWeeknight Dinner

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the cheapest cut of chicken?

Chicken thighs and drumsticks cost less than breast and have more flavor.