Chicken is a versatile and budget-friendly protein that can be used in a variety of dishes. In this article, we’ll explore five delicious and easy chicken dinner recipes that are perfect for busy weeknights or when you’re looking to save money on groceries. From chicken meatballs to sheet pan dinners, these recipes are sure to become family favorites.
1. Chicken Meatballs:
Ingredients for Chicken Meatballs:
- 1 pound ground chicken
- 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
- 1 egg
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/2 teaspoon dried basil
- 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
How to Make Chicken Meatballs:
- Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- In a large bowl, combine the ground chicken, breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, parsley, egg, garlic, salt, pepper, oregano, basil, and red pepper flakes.
- Mix the ingredients together until well combined.
- Shape the mixture into meatballs, about 1 inch in diameter, and place them on the prepared baking sheet.
- Bake the meatballs for 20-25 minutes, or until they are cooked through and lightly browned.
- Serve the meatballs with your favorite sauce and pasta or as a sandwich filling.
About the Main Ingredients:
Ground Chicken: Ground chicken is lean and versatile, making it a healthy alternative to ground beef. It’s also a budget-friendly option that can be used in a variety of dishes, from meatballs to burgers.
Breadcrumbs: Breadcrumbs are used as a binder in the meatballs and help to give them a light and tender texture. You can use store-bought breadcrumbs or make your own by processing stale bread in a food processor.
Parmesan Cheese: Parmesan cheese adds a rich, savory flavor to the meatballs. It also helps to bind the ingredients together and adds a subtle nuttiness.
Fresh Parsley: Fresh parsley adds a bright, herbaceous flavor to the meatballs. It’s a great way to add freshness to the dish and balance out the richness of the other ingredients.
Egg: The egg acts as a binder in the meatballs, helping to hold everything together. It also adds moisture and helps to create a light and fluffy texture.
Garlic: Garlic adds a pungent flavor to the meatballs and complements the other ingredients. It’s a staple in many savory dishes and adds depth of flavor.
2. Chicken Cutlets:
Ingredients for Chicken Cutlets:
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 cup breadcrumbs
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 2 eggs, beaten
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
How to Make Chicken Cutlets:
- Place the chicken breasts between two sheets of plastic wrap and pound them to an even thickness using a meat mallet or rolling pin.
- In a shallow dish, combine the breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, and pepper.
- Dip each chicken breast in the beaten eggs, then coat them in the breadcrumb mixture, pressing gently to adhere.
- Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the chicken cutlets and cook for 4-5 minutes per side, or until they are golden brown and cooked through.
- Serve the chicken cutlets with your favorite side dishes, such as mashed potatoes and steamed vegetables.
About the Main Ingredients:
Boneless, Skinless Chicken Breasts: Chicken breasts are a lean source of protein that can be cooked quickly and easily. They are a versatile ingredient that can be used in a variety of dishes, from salads to stir-fries.
Breadcrumbs: Breadcrumbs are used to coat the chicken cutlets and add a crispy texture. They also help to seal in moisture and flavor during cooking.
Parmesan Cheese: Parmesan cheese adds a rich, savory flavor to the breadcrumb mixture. It also helps to create a crispy crust on the chicken cutlets.
Spices: Garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, and pepper are used to season the breadcrumb mixture. These spices add flavor and depth to the chicken cutlets.
Eggs: Eggs are used to coat the chicken breasts before they are coated in the breadcrumb mixture. The eggs help the breadcrumbs adhere to the chicken and create a crispy coating when cooked.
3. Sheet Pan Chicken Dinner:
Ingredients for Sheet Pan Chicken Dinner:
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 pound baby potatoes, halved
- 1 pound green beans, trimmed
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 teaspoon dried rosemary
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- Lemon wedges, for serving
How to Make Sheet Pan Chicken Dinner:
- Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- In a large bowl, combine the olive oil, garlic, thyme, rosemary, salt, and pepper.
- Add the chicken breasts, potatoes, and green beans to the bowl and toss to coat in the oil mixture.
- Spread the chicken and vegetables out on the prepared baking sheet in a single layer.
- Roast in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and the vegetables are tender.
- Serve the sheet pan chicken dinner with lemon wedges for squeezing over the top.
About the Main Ingredients:
Baby Potatoes: Baby potatoes are small potatoes that cook quickly and have a creamy texture. They are perfect for roasting and absorb the flavors of the herbs and spices.
Green Beans: Green beans add color and freshness to the sheet pan dinner. They cook quickly and provide a crunchy texture.
Olive Oil: Olive oil is used to coat the chicken and vegetables and helps to keep them moist during cooking. It also adds flavor and richness to the dish.
Garlic: Garlic adds a pungent flavor to the chicken and vegetables. It is a staple in many savory dishes and adds depth of flavor.
Dried Herbs: Dried thyme and rosemary add a savory flavor to the chicken and vegetables. They are aromatic herbs that complement the other ingredients.
Lemon Wedges: Lemon wedges are served with the sheet pan chicken dinner for squeezing over the top. The citrusy flavor of the lemon adds brightness to the dish.
4. Chicken Kabobs:
Ingredients for Chicken Kabobs:
- 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into 1-inch cubes
- 1 bell pepper, cut into 1-inch
- 1 onion, cut into 1-inch pieces
- 1 zucchini, sliced
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 2 tablespoons honey
- 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Wooden or metal skewers
How to Make Chicken Kabobs:
- If using wooden skewers, soak them in water for at least 30 minutes to prevent them from burning.
- In a large bowl, whisk together the olive oil, soy sauce, honey, Dijon mustard, garlic powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper.
- Add the chicken cubes to the marinade and toss to coat. Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes, or up to 4 hours.
- Preheat the grill or grill pan over medium-high heat.
- Thread the marinated chicken, bell pepper, onion, and zucchini onto the skewers, alternating between the ingredients.
- Grill the kabobs for 8-10 minutes, turning occasionally, or until the chicken is cooked through and the vegetables are tender.
- Serve the chicken kabobs hot, with your favorite side dishes.
5. Chicken and Rice Casserole:
Ingredients for Chicken and Rice Casserole:
- 1 cup long-grain white rice
- 1 can (10.5 ounces) condensed cream of chicken soup
- 1 1/2 cups chicken broth
- 1/2 cup milk
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1/2 teaspoon dried parsley
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 1/2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 1 cup frozen mixed vegetables
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
How to Make Chicken and Rice Casserole:
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C) and lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
- In a large bowl, combine the rice, cream of chicken soup, chicken broth, milk, onion powder, garlic powder, thyme, parsley, salt, and pepper. Mix well.
- Stir in the chicken pieces and frozen mixed vegetables until evenly combined.
- Pour the mixture into the prepared baking dish and cover tightly with aluminum foil.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 50-60 minutes, or until the rice is tender and the chicken is cooked through.
- Remove the foil and sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese over the top of the casserole.
- Return the casserole to the oven and bake for an additional 5-10 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Serve the chicken and rice casserole hot, garnished with chopped parsley if desired.
These five budget-friendly chicken dinner recipes are sure to please your family and your wallet. They are easy to make and packed with flavor, making them perfect for any night of the week. Enjoy!
