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Everyday Cooking

Our 30 Best Budget-Friendly Chicken Recipes to Have on Rotation

Last updated on November 13, 2020 by Food Network Canada Editors

Just because you're on a budget, doesn’t mean you can’t enjoy rich and delicious dishes. Using affordable cuts like juicy chicken thighs and drumsticks will help you maximize flavour, while keeping your grocery bill in check. From honey-mustard barbecued chicken to creamy chicken pot pie, these budget-friendly recipes are sure to leave you (and your wallet!) satisfied.

  • Slow Cooker Chicken Shawarma With Cabbage Slaw
     
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    Slow Cooker Chicken Shawarma With Cabbage Slaw

    <p>It's time to elevate your standard chicken supper with this warming shawarma variation finished with a zippy cabbage slaw. There's only 15 minutes of prep time involved, so really, there's little reason not to give this recipe a test-drive this week.</p> <p>Get the recipe for <strong><a href="https://www.foodnetwork.ca/everyday-cooking/blog/slow-cooker-chicken-shawarma/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Slow Cooker Chicken Shawarma With Cabbage Slaw</a></strong></p>
  • Braised Chicken Thighs and Legs With Tomato
     
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    Braised Chicken Thighs and Legs With Tomato

    <p>This one-pot wonder is Sunday night dinner at its finest, and stars chicken legs and thighs together with memorably bold flavours. More good news? It tastes just as delicious as <a href="https://www.foodnetwork.ca/everyday-cooking/photos/easy-leftover-chicken-recipes/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">leftovers the next day</a>.</p> <p>Get the recipe for <a href="http://www.foodnetwork.ca/recipe/braised-chicken-thighs-and-legs-with-tomato/18884/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer"><strong>Braised Chicken Thighs and Legs With Tomato</strong></a></p>
  • 30-Minute Keto Kung Pao Chicken
     
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    30-Minute Keto Kung Pao Chicken

    <p>A nourishing, protein-packed chicken dish that's keto-friendly, affordable <em>and</em> can be thrown together in 30 minutes flat? Consider our "what to cook tonight" dinner woes resolved. See here for more reliable <a href="https://www.foodnetwork.ca/healthy-eating/photos/keto-chicken-dinner-recipes/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">keto chicken recipes</a> to bookmark.</p> <p>Get the recipe for <strong><a href="https://www.foodnetwork.ca/healthy-eating/blog/keto-kung-pao-chicken-recipe/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">30-Minute Keto Kung Pao Chicken</a></strong></p>
  • Rigatoni With Chicken Thighs
     
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    Rigatoni With Chicken Thighs

    <p>Chopped chicken thighs are cooked in a simmering homemade sauce starring garlic, onions, chicken broth and crushed tomatoes, served over tubed-shaped rigatoni noodles and finished with freshly grated Parmesan. Ree Drummond leaves our stomachs growling, yet again. Here are more of her <a href="https://www.foodnetwork.ca/everyday-cooking/photos/ree-drummond-easy-dinner-recipes/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">easiest dinner recipes</a>.</p> <p>Get the recipe for <a href="http://www.foodnetwork.ca/recipe/rigatoni-with-chicken-thighs/18159/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer"><strong>The Pioneer Woman's Rigatoni with Chicken Thighs</strong></a></p>
  • Immune-Boosting Chicken Soup
     
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    Immune-Boosting Chicken Soup

    <p> Whether you're feeling under the weather or simply want a comfort food classic, this <a href="https://www.foodnetwork.ca/healthy-eating/top-10-foods-to-boost-your-immune-system/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">immune-boosting</a> soup is one you should always have on hand. The freezer-friendly staple is made even easier by the fact that you can toss in a variety of frozen veggies (think: carrots, spinach and corn) for an even speedier prep. </p> <p> Get the recipe for <strong><a href="https://www.foodnetwork.ca/healthy-eating/blog/best-healthy-soup-recipe/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Immune-Boosting Chicken Soup</a></strong> </p>
  • Chicken and Rice Paprikash Casserole
     
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    Chicken and Rice Paprikash Casserole

    <p>A one-pot dish that’s filled with tender chicken, wholesome brown rice, red peppers and smoky, Hungarian paprika. This delicious meal freezes like a dream for the perfect make-ahead dish. See here for more of our favourite <a href="https://www.foodnetwork.ca/everyday-cooking/photos/best-freezer-friendly-chicken-recipes/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">freezer-friendly chicken recipes</a>.</p> <p>Get the recipe for <strong><a href="http://www.foodnetwork.ca/recipe/chicken-and-rice-paprikash-casserole/18197/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Chicken and Rice Paprikash Casserole</a></strong></p>
  • One-Pan Crispy Chicken and Rice, 3 Ways
     
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    One-Pan Crispy Chicken and Rice, 3 Ways

    <p>These three mouthwatering one-pan chicken and rice recipes are here to keep you inspired all week long. We're talking chicken and squash risotto, chicken with barley, olive and capers, as well as an Indian-inspired yogurt and raisin version. While the recipes call for three different varieties of rice, tighten your grocery list by sticking to one type of grain for all. (Here are all our <a href="https://www.foodnetwork.ca/everyday-cooking/photos/easy-tasty-ways-use-leftover-rice/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">favourite ways to use up leftover rice</a>).</p> <p>Get the recipe for <strong><a href="https://www.foodnetwork.ca/everyday-cooking/blog/one-pan-chicken-and-rice-3-ways/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">One-Pan Crispy Chicken and Rice, 3 Delicious Ways</a></strong></p>
  • Chicken, Broccoli and Cauliflower With Cheddar
     
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    Chicken, Broccoli and Cauliflower With Cheddar

    <p>Two tasty cruciferous veggies come together with chicken drumsticks to create this cheesy <a href="https://www.foodnetwork.ca/everyday-cooking/photos/one-pan-dinners-7-ingredients/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">no-fuss sheet pan supper</a> you'll be dreaming about for days, including the limited prep and clean-up involved.</p> <p>Get the recipe for <strong><a href="http://www.foodnetwork.ca/recipe/chicken-broccoli-and-cauliflower-with-cheddar/19134/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Chicken, Broccoli and Cauliflower With Cheddar</a></strong></p>
  • Chicken Fennel Bake
     
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    Chicken Fennel Bake

    <p> Featuring chicken thighs, potatoes, carrots and fennel, this home-cooked meal prepared by Ree Drummond takes over an hour to cook so that all the delicious flavours meld together. Trust us, it's worth the wait! </p> <p> Get the recipe for <a href="http://www.foodnetwork.ca/recipe/chicken-fennel-bake/18449/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer"><strong>The Pioneer Woman's Chicken Fennel Bake</strong></a> </p>
  • Simple Miso Chicken With Glazed Carrots
     
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    Simple Miso Chicken With Glazed Carrots

    <p>The combination of miso, sesame oil and honey amounts to pure deliciousness. This is also a quick one-pan meal with little mess, and it comes together in just 45 minutes. We love pairing the chicken with glazed carrots and brown rice to make for a filling, complete supper that'll quickly be added to your recipe arsenal.</p> <p>Get the recipe for <strong><a href="https://www.foodnetwork.ca/everyday-cooking/blog/simple-miso-chicken-glazed-carrots/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Simple Miso Chicken With Glazed Carrots</a></strong></p>
  • Slow Cooker Chicken and Broccoli
     
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    Slow Cooker Chicken and Broccoli

    <p>Nutrient-packed broccoli and wallet-friendly <a href="https://www.foodnetwork.ca/everyday-cooking/photos/15-best-chicken-thigh-recipes/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">chicken thighs</a> are a glorious duo that make dinner decisions way less daunting. This recipe from Ree Drummond herself gets a dose of Asian flavour as it's slowly simmered in a mixture of soy sauce, fresh ginger, garlic and Sriracha.</p> <p>Get the recipe for <strong><a href="http://www.foodnetwork.ca/shows/the-pioneer-woman/recipe/slow-cooker-chicken-and-broccoli/19481/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">The Pioneer Woman’s Slow Cooker Chicken and Broccoli</a></strong></p>
  • Maple Syrup Nashville Hot Chicken Wings
     
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    Maple Syrup Nashville Hot Chicken Wings

    <p>If you're feeling rather adventurous this week and can handle a bit of heat, may we direct you toward this taste bud-altering Nashville hot chicken dish? We gave it a sweet Canadian twist with the <a href="https://www.foodnetwork.ca/shows/great-canadian-cookbook/photos/sweet-ways-canadians-eat-maple-syrup/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">addition of maple syrup</a>, but don't assume that'll help you cope with the spice!</p> <p>Get the recipe for <strong><a href="https://www.foodnetwork.ca/comfort-food/blog/nashville-hot-chicken-wings/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Maple Syrup Nashville Hot Chicken Wings</a></strong></p>
  • Chicken Enchilasagna
     
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    Chicken Enchilasagna

    <p>Lasagna, meet enchilada! We love the Italian/Mexican-inspired combination of this hearty, comfort food recipes from Ree Drummond. Want more inspo? Here are <a href="https://www.foodnetwork.ca/fun-with-food/photos/comfort-food-mashups-worth-the-calories/#!Apple-Pie-Butter-Tarts" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">more indulgent comfort food mashups</a> you need to make at least once.</p> <p>Get the recipe for <a href="http://www.foodnetwork.ca/recipe/chicken-enchilasagna/20527/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer"><strong>The Pioneer Woman's Chicken Enchilasagna</strong></a></p>
  • Curry Chicken Pot Pie
     
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    Curry Chicken Pot Pie

    <p>Forget pot pies that take hours to assemble — this quickened-up recipe employs <a href="https://www.foodnetwork.ca/everyday-cooking/photos/brilliant-ways-with-puff-pastry/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">store-bought puff pastry</a>, cooked chicken (use up those leftovers!) and tons of frozen veggies.</p> <p>Get the recipe for <a href="http://www.foodnetwork.ca/recipe/curry-chicken-pot-pie/15930/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer"><strong>Alton Brown's Curry Chicken Pot Pie</strong></a></p>
  • Ina Garten’s Skillet-Roasted Lemon Chicken
     
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    Ina Garten’s Skillet-Roasted Lemon Chicken

    <p>Three cheers for the Barefoot Contessa and her game-changing lemon skillet chicken recipe that is here to alleviate the stress that so often accompanies busy weeknights!</p> <p>Get the recipe for <strong><a href="https://www.foodnetwork.ca/shows/barefoot-contessa-back-to-basics/blog/ina-garten-skillet-roasted-lemon-chicken/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Ina Garten’s Skillet-Roasted Lemon Chicken</a></strong></p>
  • Gochujang Glazed Korean Chicken Skewers With Quick Cucumber Salad
     
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    Gochujang Glazed Korean Chicken Skewers With Quick Cucumber Salad

    <p>This popular street food from South Korea will ignite your taste buds! Paired with a tangy cucumber salad, the delectable dish comes together in a half hour, and is made perfect thanks to an easy homemade gochujang sauce that makes ketchup and hot sauce look... boring.</p> <p>Get the recipe for <strong><a href="https://www.foodnetwork.ca/everyday-cooking/blog/30-minute-korean-chicken-skewers/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Gochujang Glazed Korean Chicken Skewers With Quick Cucumber Salad</a></strong></p>
  • Chicken and Rice Soup
     
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    Chicken and Rice Soup

    <p>Last night’s leftovers will soon become a big warm bowl of comfort thanks to this simple, budget-friendly recipe set to prepare you for all those chilly nights to come. See here for <a href="https://www.foodnetwork.ca/everyday-cooking/photos/tasty-budget-friendly-meals/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">more cheap meal ideas that don't skimp on taste.</a></p> <p>Get the recipe for <a href="http://www.foodnetwork.ca/recipe/chicken-and-rice-soup/15694/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer"><strong>Nancy Fuller’s Chicken and Rice Soup</strong></a></p>
  • Grilled Sweet and Spicy Chicken Thighs and Rice
     
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    Grilled Sweet and Spicy Chicken Thighs and Rice

    <p>Jamaican jerk sauce adds a ton of bold flavour to this vibrant chicken and rice dish. After you let the chicken marinade, you can whip up this tasty dish in less than an hour. The perfect <a href="https://www.foodnetwork.ca/everyday-cooking/photos/weeknight-dinners-taste-better-as-leftovers/#!instant-pot-chicken-adobo" rel="noopener" target="_blank">weeknight meal</a>.</p> <p>Get the recipe for <strong><a href="https://www.foodnetwork.ca/recipe/sunnys-grilled-sweet-and-spicy-chicken-thighs-and-rice/22194/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Sunny Anderson's Grilled Sweet and Spicy Chicken Thighs and Rice</a></strong></p>
  • Slow Cooker Chicken Thighs
     
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    Slow Cooker Chicken Thighs

    <p>Featuring soy sauce and ginger, this mouthwatering (and complete) meal is prepped and cooking in <a href="https://www.foodnetwork.ca/healthy-eating/photos/healthy-10-minute-meals/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">just 10 minutes</a>!</p> <p>Get the recipe for <strong><a href="http://www.foodnetwork.ca/recipe/slow-cooker-chicken-thighs/19492/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Slow Cooker Chicken Thighs</a></strong></p>
  • Chicken Spaghetti Casserole
     
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    Chicken Spaghetti Casserole

    <p>Spaghetti is a no-brainer for quick and satisfying suppers that no one will protest, but sometimes you just make too much! Make the most of leftover noodles in this <a href="http://foodnetwork.ca/comfort-food/photos/30-must-try-casserole-recipes/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">delicious casserole recipe</a> featuring a savoury mushroom sauce, baked with chicken and shredded cheese.</p> <p>Get the recipe for <a href="http://www.foodnetwork.ca/recipe/chicken-spaghetti/15518/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer"><strong> The Pioneer Woman's Chicken Spaghetti Casserole</strong></a></p>
  • Chicken Tortilla Casserole
     
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    Chicken Tortilla Casserole

    <p>We can’t get enough of Ree Drummond’s Mexican inspired lasagna. Layers of cheese, salsa verde, rice, corn, beans and juicy chicken breast come together to make a comforting make-ahead dish. If you love this dish, then be sure to check out <a href="https://www.foodnetwork.ca/shows/the-pioneer-woman/photos/pioneer-woman-best-tex-mex/#!quesadillas-shrimp-pepepers" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">The Pioneer Woman’s best Tex-Mex recipes</a>.</p> <p>Get the recipe for <a href="http://www.foodnetwork.ca/recipe/chicken-tortilla-casserole/17686/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer"><strong>The Pioneer Woman’s Chicken Tortilla Casserole</strong></a></p>
  • Chicken and Rice Soup
     
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    Chicken and Rice Soup

    <p>Soup is forever a perennial, cold-weather comfort food. Make a double batch of this hearty, freezer-friendly dish, so you’ll always have a bowl on hand to get you through the chilly season.</p> <p>Get the recipe for <a href="http://www.foodnetwork.ca/recipe/chicken-rice-soup/15639/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer"><strong>The Pioneer Woman’s Chicken and Rice Soup</strong></a></p>
  • Lemon Chicken With Olives
     
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    Lemon Chicken With Olives

    <p>This one-pot dinner combines chicken drumsticks with lemon slices, olives, tomato and garlic for a filling meal that's nutritious and brimming with so much flavour.</p> <p>Get the recipe for <a href="http://www.foodnetwork.ca/recipe/lemon-chicken-with-olives/14061/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer"><strong>Lemon Chicken With Olives</strong></a></p>
  • Tandoori-Baked Chicken Thighs
     
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    Tandoori-Baked Chicken Thighs

    <p>Whip up a quick marinade that combines bold Indian spices and yogurt, toss the chicken thighs in and bake. Sunday supper can be as simple as that.</p> <p>Get the recipe for <a href="http://www.foodnetwork.ca/recipe/tandoori-baked-chicken-thighs/13670/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer"><strong>Anna Olson's Tandoori-Baked Chicken Thighs</strong></a></p>
  • White Bean and Chicken Chili
     
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    White Bean and Chicken Chili

    <p>A lighter <a href="https://www.foodnetwork.ca/comfort-food/photos/10-best-chili-recipes-to-feed-a-crowd/" rel="noopener" target="_blank">chili recipe</a> that combines lean chicken and spring greens all in one family-friendly pot of goodness. Simply reheat on the stove from frozen and devour to make chaotic weeknights a little less hectic.</p> <p>Get the recipe for <a href="http://www.foodnetwork.ca/recipe/white-bean-and-chicken-chili/15916/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer"><strong>Giada De Laurentiis' White Bean and Chicken Chili</strong></a></p>
  • Chicken Tinga Tacos
     
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    Chicken Tinga Tacos

    <p>Easy, fresh and packed full of classic Mexican flavour, chicken tinga tacos were made for two. Pre-cooked rotisserie chicken means quick assembly, topped with soft Cotija cheese and colourful pickled shallots. </p> <p>Get the recipe for <strong><a href="https://www.foodnetwork.ca/everyday-cooking/recipe/chicken-tinga-tacos/22920/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Chicken Tinga Tacos</a></strong></p>
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  • Slow Cooker Chicken Noodle Soup
     
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    Slow Cooker Chicken Noodle Soup

    <p>No one feels like cooking when they're battling a cold or a <a href="https://www.foodnetwork.ca/healthy-eating/photos/foods-soothe-sore-throat/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">sore throat</a>, which is why this recipe is perfect for those days when you're feeling under the weather. Let your slow cooker do all the hard work, while you rest and wait for a warm and comforting bowl of goodness.</p> <p>Get the recipe for <strong><a href="http://www.foodnetwork.ca/recipe/slow-cooker-chicken-noodle-soup/19555/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Slow Cooker Chicken Noodle Soup</a></strong></p>
  • Chicken Pot Pie
     
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    Chicken Pot Pie

    <p>This chicken pot pie has a Cheddar topping that's made using <a href="http://www.foodnetwork.ca/recipe/savoury-pie-crust/16998/" target="_blank">Anna Olson's Savoury Pie Crust</a> and a cheesy biscuit-like crumble on top. </p> <p>Get the recipe for <a href="http://www.foodnetwork.ca/recipe/anna-olsons-chicken-pot-pie/17001/" target="_blank"><strong>Anna Olson's Chicken Pot Pie</a></strong></p>
  • French Onion Chicken Stew
     
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    French Onion Chicken Stew

    <p>This French onion soup-inspired slow cooker stew gets filled out with moist chicken thighs, baby spinach and a splash of sherry. Cheese is optional, but definitely recommended.</p> <p>Get the recipe for <a href="http://www.foodnetwork.ca/recipe/michael-smiths-french-onion-chicken-stew/13225/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer"><strong>Michael Smith's French Onion Chicken Stew</strong></a></p>
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