30 Best Budget-Friendly Chicken Recipes

Posted by Jenny Potter on February 6, 2017

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, full.

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Braised Chicken Thighs and Legs with Tomato

Sunday night dinner at its finest, this one-pot wonder packed with chicken legs, thighs and bold flavours, tastes just as delicious the next day. Get the recipe for <a href="http://www.foodnetwork.ca/recipe/braised-chicken-thighs-and-legs-with-tomato/18884/" target="_blank">Braised Chicken Thighs and Legs with Tomato</a>
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Slow Cooker Chicken and Broccoli

Healthy broccoli and affordable chicken thighs get a dose of Asian flavour as they slowly simmer in a mixture of soy sauce, fresh ginger, garlic and Sriracha. Get the recipe for <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>
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Chicken and Rice Paprikash Casserole

A one-pot dish that’s filled with tender chicken, wholesome brown rice, red peppers and smoky, Hungarian paprika. This delicious meal freezes well for the perfect make-ahead recipe. Get the recipe for <a href="http://www.foodnetwork.ca/recipe/chicken-and-rice-paprikash-casserole/18197/" target="_blank">Chicken and Rice Paprikash Casserole</a>
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Chicken Fennel Bake

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

Two tasty cruciferous veggies come together in this cheesy bake with chicken drumsticks. Get the recipe for <a href="http://www.foodnetwork.ca/recipe/chicken-broccoli-and-cauliflower-with-cheddar/19134/" target="_blank">Ricardo's Chicken, Broccoli and Cauliflower with Cheddar</a>
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Roasted Lemon Chicken Legs

A simple blend of lemon, olive oil and garlic goes a long way with these moist and flavourful roasted chicken drumsticks. Get the recipe for <a href="http://www.foodnetwork.ca/recipe/roasted-lemon-chicken-legs/15564/" target="_blank">The Pioneer Woman's Roasted Lemon Chicken Legs</a>
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Lemon Chicken with Olives

This one-pot dinner combines chicken drumsticks with lemon slices, olives, tomato and garlic for a filling meal that's (surprisingly) easy on the hips. Get the recipe for <a href="http://www.foodnetwork.ca/recipe/lemon-chicken-with-olives/14061/" target="_blank">Lemon Chicken with Olives</a>
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15-Minute Chicken Pot Pie

Store-bought puff pastry is the secret weapon in this savoury chicken pie, but you wouldn’t know it from the eye-catching presentation that comes together in under 20 minutes. Get the recipe for <a href="http://www.foodnetwork.ca/recipe/15-minute-chicken-pot-pie/18070/" target="_blank">15-Minute Chicken Pot Pie</a>
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Honey Mustard Chicken Drumsticks

A tasty fuss-free dish featuring honey, Dijon mustard and lemon zest, these irresistible drumsticks are just the thing for laidback entertaining. Get the recipe for <a href="http://www.foodnetwork.ca/recipe/honey-mustard-chicken-drumsticks/9309/" target="_blank">Matt Dunigan's Honey Mustard Chicken Drumsticks</a>
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Chicken Drumsticks with Hilopites

If you've never cooked with hilopites before (small pasta squares), this is a great place to start. The noodles pair together perfectly with dark chicken and a seasoned tomato broth resulting in a soup that’s both filling and jam-packed with delicious flavour. Get the recipe for <a href="http://www.foodnetwork.ca/recipe/chicken-drumsticks-with-hilopites/6324/" target="_blank">Chicken Drumsticks with Hilopites</a>
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Michael Smith's French Onion Chicken Stew

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. Get the recipe for <a href="http://www.foodnetwork.ca/recipe/michael-smiths-french-onion-chicken-stew/13225/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Michael Smith's French Onion Chicken Stew</a>
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Slow Cooker Chicken Thighs

Made with soy sauce and ginger, this mouthwatering (and complete) meal is prepped and cooking in just 10 minutes. Get the recipe for <a href="http://www.foodnetwork.ca/recipe/slow-cooker-chicken-thighs/19492/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Slow Cooker Chicken Thighs</a>
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Chicken Spaghetti

Spaghetti is a no-brainer when it comes to cottage meals, but sometimes you just make too much. Use up leftover noodles in this delicious casserole featuring a savoury mushroom sauce, baked with chicken and shredded cheese. Get the recipe for <a href="http://www.foodnetwork.ca/recipe/chicken-spaghetti/15518/" target="_blank"> The Pioneer Woman's Chicken Spaghetti</a>
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Brined Roast Chicken

Get ready to make the most tender, juicy chicken of your life. Brining infuses the chicken with extra flavour and tenderizes at the same time. Get the recipe for <a href="http://www.foodnetwork.ca/recipe/brined-roast-chicken/6147/" target="_blank">Michael Smith’s Brined Roast Chicken</a>
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Michael Smith's Roasted Chicken

Chef Michael Smith knows how to roast a mean chicken, and this thyme-spiced version, cooked until juicy and tender, is no exception. Get the recipe for <a href="http://www.foodnetwork.ca/recipe/michael-smiths-roasted-chicken/9638/" target="_blank">Michael Smith's Michael Smith's Roasted Chicken</a>
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Roast Chicken Noodle Soup

Take your Dutch oven for a spin with this no-fuss recipe. You can stretch a rotisserie chicken into this hearty pot of delicious soup you can enjoy all week long. Get the recipe for <a href="http://www.foodnetwork.ca/recipe/moroccan-chicken-with-lentils/4816/" target="_blank">Michael Smith's Roast Chicken Noodle Soup</a>
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Spicy Roasted Chicken Legs

Kick things up a notch with these flavourful yet easy to make chicken legs. They make a great and inexpensive dinner option! Get the recipe for <a href="http://www.foodnetwork.ca/recipe/spicy-roasted-chicken-legs/16009/" target="_blank">The Pioneer Woman's Spicy Roasted Chicken Legs</a>
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White Bean and Chicken Chili

A lighter <a href="https://www.foodnetwork.ca/comfort-food/photos/10-best-chili-recipes-to-feed-a-crowd/">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. Get the recipe for <a href="http://www.foodnetwork.ca/recipe/white-bean-and-chicken-chili/15916/" target="_blank">Giada De Laurentiis' White Bean and Chicken Chili</a>
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Chicken and Rice Soup

Last night’s leftovers become a cozy bowl of goodness that will prepare you for the chilly nights ahead. Get the recipe for <a href="http://www.foodnetwork.ca/recipe/chicken-and-rice-soup/15694/" target="_blank">Nancy Fuller’s Chicken and Rice Soup</a>
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Curry Chicken Pot Pie

Forget pot pies that take hours to assemble — this quickened-up recipe employs store-bought puff pastry, cooked chicken (use up those leftovers) and tons of frozen veggies. Get the recipe for <a href="http://www.foodnetwork.ca/recipe/curry-chicken-pot-pie/15930/" target="_blank">Alton Brown's Curry Chicken Pot Pie</a>
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Chicken Tortilla Casserole

We can’t get enough of Ree Drummond’s Mexican inspired lasagna. Layers of cheese, salsa verde, rice, corn and beans and juicy chicken breast come together to make a comforting make-ahead dish. Get the recipe for <a href="http://www.foodnetwork.ca/recipe/chicken-tortilla-casserole/17686/" target="_blank">The Pioneer Woman’s Chicken Tortilla Casserole</a>
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Italian Baked Chicken and Pastina

A simple weeknight dinner that's packed with flavour, this cheesy chicken pasta bake is seriously comforting and delicious. Get the recipe for <a href="http://www.foodnetwork.ca/recipe/italian-baked-chicken-and-pastina/18132/" target="_blank">Giada De Laurentiis' Italian Baked Chicken and Pastina</a>
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Roasted Chicken Cacciatore

Chicken is marinaded overnight in a purée of tomato-vegetable juice, fennel seeds, oregano, salt, onion powder, paprika and garlic for a flavour-packed dish that just happens to be light. Get the recipe for <a href="http://www.foodnetwork.ca/recipe/roasted-chicken-cacciatore/17004/" target="_blank">Giada De Laurentiis' Roasted Chicken Cacciatore</a>
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Slow Cooker Chicken Cacciatore

Serve this classic Italian stew plain or over whole-wheat penne. For a spicier flavour, add a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes. Get the recipe for <a href="http://www.foodnetwork.ca/recipe/slow-cooker-chicken-cacciatore/14229/" target="_blank">Slow Cooker Chicken Cacciatore</a>
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Chicken Pot Pie

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. Get the recipe for <a href="http://www.foodnetwork.ca/recipe/anna-olsons-chicken-pot-pie/17001/" target="_blank">Anna Olson's Chicken Pot Pie</a>
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Slow Cooker Chicken Noodle Soup

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. Get the recipe for <a href="http://www.foodnetwork.ca/recipe/slow-cooker-chicken-noodle-soup/19555/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Slow Cooker Chicken Noodle Soup</a>
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Tandoori-Baked Chicken Thighs

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

Chopped chicken thighs are cooked in a sauce featuring garlic, onions, chicken broth and crushed tomatoes, served over large rigatoni noodles and finished with grated Parmesan cheese. Get the recipe for <a href="http://www.foodnetwork.ca/recipe/rigatoni-with-chicken-thighs/18159/" target="_blank">The Pioneer Woman's Rigatoni with Chicken Thighs</a>
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Asian Chicken Salad Wrapped in Rice Paper

Made in just 15 minutes, this is a flavourful lunch option consisting of a sweet and spicy soy dressing, rice vermicelli noodles, shredded chicken breasts, snow peas, carrots and cilantro. Assemble at your desk or in the morning in just minutes! Get the recipe for <a href="http://www.foodnetwork.ca/recipe/asian-chicken-salad-wrapped-in-rice-paper/8001/" target="_blank">Michael Smith's Asian Chicken Salad Wrapped in Rice Paper</a>
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Chicken and Rice Soup

A perennial, cold-weather comfort food. Make a double batch of this hearty, <a href="https://www.foodnetwork.ca/everyday-cooking/photos/freezer-friendly-fall-dinner-recipes/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">freezer-friendly</a> soup, so you’ll always have a bowl on hand when you are feeling under the weather. Get the recipe for <a href="http://www.foodnetwork.ca/recipe/chicken-rice-soup/15639/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">The Pioneer Woman’s Chicken and Rice Soup</a>
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