Top 10 budget family chicken recipes
Feed the family on a budget with our cheap chicken recipes. These simple midweek meals make the most of low-cost cuts of meat, leftovers and easy flavour twists
Save the pennies with our selection of delicious chicken recipes to serve four, all of which use a few simple ingredients without compromising on flavour. Cheaper cuts of meat such as chicken thighs, chicken legs and chicken wings are better value and often tastier than chicken breasts, though we have ideas to make the most of the latter as well. The more portions of meat you buy, the less expensive they are, so look for big packs and freeze any leftovers for another time.
From warming curries and stews to speedy stir-fries and pasta dishes,, these 10 great-value chicken suppers are sure to become family favourites.
Get more money-saving meal ideas with our top 10 budget family meals and top 10 healthy budget meals, plus follow our budget family meal plan for a week of costed meals to feed four. For more recipe inspiration and cookery advice, browse our collection of budget recipes and visit our main budget section.
1. Sweet potato & chicken curry
This vibrant chicken curry is packed with veg and counts as a whole three of your five-a-day! Super-simple and ready in just half an hour, it makes a perfect midweek meal. Why not make a larger batch to freeze portions for another night?
Our nutty chicken curry recipe also makes a quick and budget-friendly option.
2. Carbonara with chicken
If you have some hungry mouths to feed, this luxuriously rich and creamy chicken and bacon pasta dish will do just the trick. Our twist on a classic carbonara features chicken breast, which we've made go further by cutting into strips. A pack of pancetta provides plenty of flavour without costing the earth, while butter and eggs create a gorgeously silky sauce. Serve with a fresh green salad for a family-pleasing dinner.
Discover more budget-friendly pasta recipes.
3. Easy chicken stew
A warming chicken casserole makes a satisfying and healthy weeknight dinner. Brimming with chunky veg and gently spiced with a hint of mustard, this nourishing one-pot delivers on both taste and texture. Serve with a crusty loaf of bread to mop up the juices.
Try more chicken casserole recipes.
4. Chicken, leek & brown rice stir-fry
Use up any leftover roast chicken in this speedy yet satisfying stir-fry. It's full of nutritious ingredients such as kale, leeks, brown rice and peppers, while chorizo provides plenty of flavour. Ready in just 20 minutes, it's ideal for a busy Monday night supper and you can easily throw in any extra leftover veg.
Check out more chicken stir-fry recipes and discover more inventive leftover chicken recipes.
5. Slow cooker pulled chicken
If you need to feed a crowd, this slow cooker pulled chicken recipe is perfect for cooking in large quantities and dividing between burger buns or taco shells. Use budget-friendly chicken thighs for an easy alternative to pulled pork and cook them slowly in a smoky tomato sauce. Top with coriander leaves, chillies and guacamole for a crowd-pleasing summer meal.
Browse more summer budget recipes.
6. Lemon & herb chicken traybake with butter beans & potato wedges
With just 15 mins prep time, this tempting traybake is a saviour on busy weeknights. Using chicken thighs, tinned tomatoes, and butter beans, it makes a filling family dinner. Flavour with mixed dried herbs and plenty of garlic and garnish each chicken thigh with a slice of lemon. Serve with golden and crispy potato wedges.
To make the most of the oven time, we recommend roasting some vegetables alongside this traybake, which you can serve as sides in the week. See our collection of roast vegetable recipes for ideas.
7. Roast chicken soup
Stir up a hearty soup for a satisfying family supper. This rustic recipe uses shredded leftover roast chicken and can also be made in the slow cooker to tenderise the meat even further. Swirl creamy garlic yogurt through the mixture, then serve with cheesy cheddar & sage scones on the side. Bliss in a bowl!
Get inspired with more chicken soup recipes.
8. Easy teriyaki chicken
Cook this flavourful chicken teriyaki in just 20 minutes. Chicken thighs are coated in a satisfyingly sticky sauce made from storecupboard ingredients like honey and soy. Serve with sticky rice and steamed greens for a cheaper, healthier alternative to a takeaway.
Discover another rice & chicken recipe to add to your repertoire.
9. Sticky Chinese five-spice chicken traybake
Honey, five-spice powder and hoisin sauce combine together to make a seriously delicious seasoning for juicy chicken thighs in this family-friendly dinner. Even better, it all cooks in one dish to save on washing up too.
Discover more family traybake recipes.
10. Spicy oven-baked chicken & chips
Cajun seasoning and fresh lime adds spice and freshness to this easy midweek dinner of chicken wings and chips. Serve with your favourite sauces for dipping and a fresh salad.
Try more oven-baked dinners.
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What budget chicken recipes do your family enjoy? Leave a comment below...