Chicken is a versatile and economical choice for many home cooks. It’s lean, packed with protein, and works well in a variety of dishes. However, cooking with chicken doesn’t have to be monotonous or pricey. This article explores five frugal ways to cook with chicken that are both budget-friendly and absolutely delicious.
1. One-Pot Chicken and Rice
One-pot meals are budget-friendly, minimize cleanup, and maximize flavor as all the ingredients mingle together. This simple chicken and rice dish is hearty, delicious, and easy on the wallet.
Ingredients:
- Chicken thighs (4, bone-in, skin-on)
- Long-grain rice (1 cup)
- Chicken broth (2 cups)
- Onion (1, chopped)
- Garlic cloves (2, minced)
- Green peas (1 cup, frozen)
- Olive oil (2 tablespoons)
- Salt and pepper to taste
Method:
- Season the chicken thighs with salt and pepper. In a large pot, heat the olive oil and brown the chicken thighs on both sides. Remove and set aside.
- In the same pot, sauté the onion and garlic until softened. Add the rice and stir until it’s coated with the oil and starts to toast slightly.
- Return the chicken thighs to the pot, add the chicken broth, cover, and simmer until the rice is cooked and the chicken is done.
- Stir in the green peas and cook for another few minutes until the peas are warmed through.
2. Chicken Vegetable Stir-Fry
A stir-fry is a quick and frugal way to use up leftover vegetables in your fridge. You can use any vegetables you have on hand, making this dish flexible and budget-friendly.
Ingredients:
- Chicken breasts (2, cut into thin strips)
- Mixed vegetables (4 cups, e.g., bell peppers, broccoli, carrots, snow peas)
- Soy sauce (1/4 cup)
- Cornstarch (1 tablespoon)
- Garlic cloves (2, minced)
- Ginger (1 tablespoon, minced)
- Vegetable oil (2 tablespoons)
- Salt and pepper to taste
Method:
- In a small bowl, whisk together the soy sauce, cornstarch, garlic, and ginger. Set aside.
- In a large skillet or wok, heat the vegetable oil. Add the chicken strips and stir-fry until they’re cooked through. Remove and set aside.
- In the same skillet, add the mixed vegetables and stir-fry until they’re crisp-tender.
- Return the chicken to the skillet, add the soy sauce mixture, and stir until everything is coated and the sauce has thickened.
3. Chicken Lentil Soup
A comforting bowl of soup can be a perfect meal for a chilly day. This chicken lentil soup is not just hearty and warming, but also packed with protein and fiber, making it a nutritious and budget-friendly choice.
Ingredients:
- Chicken breasts (2, boneless, skinless)
- Green lentils (1 cup)
- Onion (1, diced)
- Carrots (2, chopped)
- Celery stalks (2, chopped)
- Garlic cloves (2, minced)
- Chicken broth (4 cups)
- Cumin (1 teaspoon)
- Olive oil (2 tablespoons)
- Salt and pepper to taste
Method:
- In a large pot, heat the olive oil. Add the onions, carrots, and celery and cook until softened. Add the garlic and cook for another minute.
- Add the chicken breasts, lentils, chicken broth, and cumin to the pot. Bring to a boil, then reduce the heat to low, cover the pot, and simmer until the lentils are tender and the chicken is cooked through.
- Remove the chicken, shred it with two forks, and return it to the soup. Season with salt and pepper to taste, and serve hot.
4. BBQ Chicken Pizza
Making pizza at home can be a fun and frugal activity. Using a store-bought pizza base and BBQ sauce, this chicken pizza is quick to prepare and light on your pocket.
Ingredients:
- Store-bought pizza base (1)
- BBQ sauce (1/2 cup)
- Chicken breast (1, cooked, shredded)
- Red onion (1/2, thinly sliced)
- Mozzarella cheese (1 cup, shredded)
- Cilantro leaves (for garnish)
Method:
- Preheat your oven according to the pizza base package instructions. Spread the BBQ sauce over the pizza base.
- Top with the shredded chicken, sliced red onion, and shredded mozzarella cheese.
- Bake according to the package instructions, until the cheese is bubbly and slightly golden.
- After removing the pizza from the oven, garnish with fresh cilantro leaves.
Adding Variety to Your Chicken Dishes
Now that you have these four frugal recipes to start with, let’s discuss some ways you can add variety to these dishes to keep them exciting:
Try Different Spices and Herbs:
One of the simplest ways to change the flavor of a dish is by using different spices and herbs. For example, you can add paprika, turmeric, or a spice blend like curry powder or Italian seasoning to your chicken lentil soup. Herbs such as rosemary, thyme, and basil can also add unique flavors.
Experiment with Sauces and Condiments:
Sauces and condiments can add depth to your dishes. For example, you could use a different sauce for your BBQ chicken pizza. Try a tomato sauce, pesto, or even a white garlic sauce. For the chicken wraps, you could add a tangy yogurt sauce, guacamole, or salsa for additional flavors.
Swap Vegetables:
Feel free to swap out the vegetables in these recipes based on what’s in season or on sale at your local market. This can be a great way to save money and add variety to your meals. For instance, you could use bell peppers, zucchini, or mushrooms in your stir-fry or pizza.
Remember, cooking at home doesn’t have to be expensive or boring. By being creative and flexible with your ingredients, you can prepare affordable and delicious meals that everyone will enjoy. These budget-friendly chicken recipes are just the beginning. Feel free to experiment and find your own frugal ways to cook with chicken.
