7 Budget-Friendly Healthy Chicken Recipes Under $10 Per Meal

Eating healthy doesn't have to break the bank! This budget-friendly chicken recipe keeps costs low while packing in flavor and nutrition. With just $10 per meal, you can whip up a satisfying dish that’s easy on the wallet and perfect for busy weeknights.

Savory Lemon Garlic Chicken Thighs

When it comes to quick and healthy meals, savory lemon garlic chicken thighs are a winner. This dish is not only budget-friendly but also packed with flavor. The bright notes of lemon paired with the rich taste of garlic create a delightful balance that makes your taste buds dance.

In the image, you can see beautifully cooked chicken thighs, golden brown and garnished with fresh parsley. They are served alongside fluffy rice and vibrant green broccoli, making for a colorful and nutritious plate. The addition of lemon slices adds a fresh touch, enhancing the dish's overall appeal.

This meal is perfect for busy weeknights or when you want to impress guests without breaking the bank. With just a few simple ingredients, you can whip up a delicious dinner that feels special.

Ingredients

• 4 chicken thighs, bone-in and skin-on
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 lemon, juiced and zested
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• Fresh parsley, for garnish
• 2 cups broccoli florets
• 1 cup cooked rice

Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. In a bowl, mix olive oil, minced garlic, lemon juice, lemon zest, oregano, salt, and pepper.
3. Coat the chicken thighs with the marinade, ensuring they are well covered.
4. Place the chicken on a baking sheet and bake for 35-40 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C).
5. While the chicken is baking, steam the broccoli until tender.
6. Serve the chicken thighs with cooked rice and steamed broccoli. Garnish with fresh parsley and lemon slices.

One-Pan Honey Mustard Chicken And Veggies

This One-Pan Honey Mustard Chicken and Veggies is a fantastic meal that combines flavor and convenience. The chicken is juicy and tender, coated in a sweet and tangy honey mustard sauce. The colorful veggies add a vibrant touch and are packed with nutrients. Plus, everything cooks together in one pan, making cleanup a breeze!

To prepare this dish, you’ll need chicken thighs, a mix of your favorite vegetables like bell peppers, zucchini, and carrots, along with honey, mustard, garlic, and some seasonings. The combination of honey and mustard creates a delicious glaze that caramelizes beautifully in the oven.

This recipe is not only budget-friendly, but it also keeps your meal prep simple. You can easily customize the veggies based on what you have on hand. It’s a great way to enjoy a healthy meal without breaking the bank!

Ingredients

• 4 chicken thighs
• 2 tablespoons honey
• 2 tablespoons Dijon mustard
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon olive oil
• 1 bell pepper, sliced
• 1 zucchini, sliced
• 2 carrots, sliced
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Fresh parsley for garnish

Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. In a small bowl, mix honey, Dijon mustard, minced garlic, olive oil, salt, and pepper.
3. Place the chicken thighs in a large baking dish and pour the honey mustard mixture over them, ensuring they are well coated.
4. Add the sliced bell pepper, zucchini, and carrots around the chicken in the same dish.
5. Toss the veggies lightly in the remaining sauce, then spread them out evenly.
6. Bake for 25-30 minutes or until the chicken is cooked through and the veggies are tender.
7. Garnish with fresh parsley before serving. Enjoy your delicious, healthy meal!

Spicy Chicken Taco Bowls

Spicy chicken taco bowls are a fantastic way to enjoy a healthy meal without breaking the bank. This dish is colorful, vibrant, and packed with flavor. The combination of shredded chicken, black beans, corn, and fresh veggies makes it a wholesome choice for any day of the week.

In the image, you can see a beautifully arranged bowl filled with shredded chicken, black beans, sweet corn, diced tomatoes, and creamy avocado slices. The bright colors of the ingredients make it visually appealing, and the fresh cilantro adds a lovely touch. This bowl is not just a feast for the eyes; it’s also a delicious and nutritious meal.

Making these bowls is simple and can be done in under 30 minutes. You can customize them with your favorite toppings, making them a versatile option for everyone. Plus, they are budget-friendly, costing less than $10 per meal!

Ingredients

• 2 cups cooked shredded chicken
• 1 can black beans, rinsed and drained
• 1 cup corn (fresh or frozen)
• 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
• 1 avocado, sliced
• 1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped
• 1 teaspoon chili powder
• 1 teaspoon cumin
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Cooked rice or quinoa (optional)

Instructions

1. In a large bowl, combine the shredded chicken, black beans, corn, chili powder, cumin, salt, and pepper. Mix well.
2. If using, prepare rice or quinoa according to package instructions.
3. To assemble, start with a base of rice or quinoa in each bowl.
4. Top with the chicken mixture, then add cherry tomatoes, avocado slices, and cilantro.
5. Serve immediately and enjoy your spicy chicken taco bowls!

Zesty Chicken Stir-Fry With Broccoli

This zesty chicken stir-fry is a quick and healthy meal that won’t break the bank. The vibrant colors of the bell peppers and fresh broccoli make it not just tasty but visually appealing too. Stir-frying is a fantastic way to lock in flavors and nutrients, making this dish a win for both your taste buds and your health.

In this recipe, tender chicken pieces are tossed with crunchy vegetables, all coated in a light, zesty sauce. It’s perfect for busy weeknights when you want something nutritious and satisfying. Plus, you can whip it up in under 30 minutes!

Ingredients

• 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breast, cut into bite-sized pieces
• 2 cups broccoli florets
• 1 red bell pepper, sliced
• 1 green bell pepper, sliced
• 1 yellow bell pepper, sliced
• 2 tablespoons soy sauce
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon ginger, minced
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

1. Heat olive oil in a large pan or wok over medium-high heat.
2. Add the chicken pieces and cook until browned and cooked through, about 5-7 minutes.
3. Stir in the garlic and ginger, cooking for another minute until fragrant.
4. Add the broccoli and bell peppers to the pan, stirring frequently for about 5 minutes until the vegetables are tender-crisp.
5. Pour in the soy sauce, mixing everything well. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
6. Serve hot over rice or noodles, and enjoy your delicious, budget-friendly meal!

Baked Chicken Parmesan With Spinach

Baked Chicken Parmesan with Spinach is a delightful dish that combines juicy chicken, rich marinara, and gooey cheese. This meal is not only tasty but also budget-friendly, costing under $10 per serving. The vibrant spinach adds a healthy twist, making it a great choice for a wholesome dinner.

In the image, you can see a beautifully plated chicken breast topped with marinara sauce and melted cheese. It's served alongside a generous portion of sautéed spinach and a side of pasta. The colors are inviting, with the bright green of the spinach contrasting nicely against the red sauce and golden chicken.

This recipe is perfect for a weeknight dinner. It’s simple to prepare, and the flavors are sure to impress. Plus, it’s a great way to sneak in some greens!

Ingredients

• 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
• 1 cup marinara sauce
• 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 2 cups fresh spinach
• 1 cup cooked spaghetti
• 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Olive oil for cooking

Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Season the chicken breasts with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning. Coat them in breadcrumbs.
3. In a skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add the chicken and cook for about 5 minutes on each side until golden brown.
4. Transfer the chicken to a baking dish. Pour marinara sauce over each piece and sprinkle with mozzarella and Parmesan cheese.
5. Bake in the oven for 20-25 minutes until the chicken is cooked through and the cheese is bubbly.
6. While the chicken bakes, sauté the spinach in a separate pan until wilted.
7. Serve the chicken alongside the sautéed spinach and cooked spaghetti. Enjoy your delicious meal!

Southwest Chicken Salad

This Southwest Chicken Salad is a colorful and nutritious meal that won't break the bank. With grilled chicken, fresh veggies, and a zesty dressing, it's perfect for lunch or dinner. The vibrant colors in the salad make it visually appealing, while the combination of flavors keeps it exciting. You can easily customize it based on what you have at home, making it a versatile option for any day of the week.

The salad features grilled chicken breast sliced and arranged beautifully on a bed of greens. It’s topped with ripe avocado, sweet corn, black beans, and juicy cherry tomatoes. The creamy dressing drizzled on top adds a delightful kick. This meal is not just healthy; it’s also filling and satisfying.

Making this salad is simple and quick. You can have it ready in about 30 minutes, making it a great choice for busy weeknights. Plus, it’s budget-friendly, costing under $10 per meal!

Ingredients

• 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 teaspoon chili powder
• 1 teaspoon cumin
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 4 cups mixed greens
• 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
• 1 avocado, sliced
• 1 cup corn (fresh or canned)
• 1 cup black beans, drained and rinsed
• 1/4 cup green onions, chopped
• 1/2 cup Southwest dressing

Instructions

1. Season the chicken breasts with olive oil, chili powder, cumin, salt, and pepper.
2. Grill the chicken over medium heat for about 6-7 minutes on each side, or until fully cooked. Let it rest for a few minutes before slicing.
3. In a large bowl, combine mixed greens, cherry tomatoes, corn, black beans, and green onions.
4. Top the salad with sliced grilled chicken and avocado.
5. Drizzle with Southwest dressing before serving.

Buffalo Chicken Wraps

Buffalo chicken wraps are a fun and tasty way to enjoy a healthy meal without breaking the bank. These wraps are filled with tender chicken, fresh veggies, and a spicy kick that makes every bite exciting. The vibrant colors of the tomatoes and lettuce make this dish not only delicious but also visually appealing.

To make these wraps, start by cooking some chicken breast and tossing it in buffalo sauce. Then, layer it in a tortilla with crisp lettuce and juicy tomatoes. A side of dipping sauce adds an extra layer of flavor. This meal is perfect for lunch or dinner and can be made in under 30 minutes!

Ingredients

• 2 chicken breasts
• 1/4 cup buffalo sauce
• 4 large tortillas
• 1 cup lettuce, shredded
• 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
• 1/4 cup ranch or blue cheese dressing (for dipping)
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

1. Cook the Chicken: Season the chicken breasts with salt and pepper. Grill or pan-fry them over medium heat for about 6-7 minutes on each side, or until fully cooked. Let them rest for a few minutes before slicing.
2. Toss in Sauce: In a bowl, combine the sliced chicken with buffalo sauce until well coated.
3. Assemble the Wraps: Lay a tortilla flat and add a layer of lettuce, followed by the buffalo chicken and cherry tomatoes. Roll the tortilla tightly to enclose the filling.
4. Serve: Cut the wraps in half and serve with ranch or blue cheese dressing on the side for dipping.