Cheap Chicken Recipes for Large Family: Delicious Meals on a Budget

Feeding a large family can feel like a constant balancing act, especially when you're trying to keep costs down. One of the most versatile and budget-friendly proteins out there is chicken. But let's be honest, chicken can get boring if you're just grilling it every week. That's why we've compiled a treasure trove of cheap chicken recipes for large family that are both delicious and easy on the wallet. Get ready to say goodbye to mealtime stress and hello to flavorful, affordable dinners!

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Why Chicken is a Budget-Friendly Hero

Before we dive into the recipes, let's talk about why chicken is such a great choice for large families on a budget. It's not just about the price per pound (although that's definitely a factor!). Chicken offers a lot of bang for your buck in terms of versatility and nutritional value.

Cost-Effectiveness

Compared to other meats like beef or lamb, chicken is generally more affordable. Buying chicken in bulk, especially whole chickens or family packs of chicken breasts or thighs, can save you even more money. Keep an eye out for sales and clearance deals at your local grocery store. Don't be afraid to stock up and freeze portions for later use. This is one of the best ways to ensure you always have a protein option on hand.

Nutritional Value

Chicken is a lean source of protein, packed with essential nutrients like vitamins B6 and B12, niacin, and selenium. It's also relatively low in fat, especially if you opt for skinless chicken breasts. Protein is crucial for building and repairing tissues, supporting a healthy immune system, and keeping you feeling full and satisfied. Including chicken in your family's diet is a great way to ensure they're getting the nutrients they need without breaking the bank.

Versatility

This is where chicken really shines! Chicken can be baked, grilled, fried, roasted, stewed, shredded, diced, and everything in between. It pairs well with a wide variety of flavors and cuisines, from classic comfort food to spicy international dishes. You can use chicken in soups, salads, sandwiches, casseroles, tacos, and so much more. The possibilities are truly endless!

Delicious and Affordable Chicken Recipes

Now for the good stuff! Here are some of our favorite cheap chicken recipes for large family that are guaranteed to please even the pickiest eaters.

1. One-Pan Lemon Herb Roasted Chicken and Veggies

This recipe is a lifesaver on busy weeknights. It's easy to prepare, requires minimal cleanup, and the result is a flavorful and healthy meal that the whole family will love.

Ingredients:

• 1 whole chicken (about 4-5 pounds)
• 1 lemon, sliced
• Fresh herbs (rosemary, thyme, oregano), chopped
• 1 pound baby potatoes, halved
• 1 pound carrots, chopped
• 1 onion, quartered
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• Olive oil
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. Rinse the chicken and pat it dry with paper towels.
3. Place lemon slices and herbs inside the chicken cavity.
4. In a large bowl, toss potatoes, carrots, and onion with olive oil, garlic, salt, and pepper.
5. Arrange the vegetables in a single layer on a large baking sheet.
6. Place the chicken on top of the vegetables.
7. Drizzle the chicken with olive oil and season with salt and pepper.
8. Roast for 1 hour and 15 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and the juices run clear when pierced with a fork.
9. Let the chicken rest for 10 minutes before carving and serving.

Budget Tip: Use whatever vegetables are on sale or in season. You can also substitute dried herbs for fresh to save money.

2. Chicken and Rice Casserole

Casseroles are a classic budget-friendly meal. They're easy to assemble, can be made ahead of time, and are perfect for feeding a crowd. This chicken and rice casserole is a comforting and satisfying dish that's sure to become a family favorite.

Ingredients:

• 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded
• 1 cup cooked rice
• 1 can (10.75 ounces) condensed cream of mushroom soup
• 1 can (10.75 ounces) condensed cream of chicken soup
• 1/2 cup milk
• 1/2 cup frozen peas
• 1/4 cup chopped onion
• 1/4 cup butter, melted
• 1 cup crushed crackers (such as Ritz)

Instructions:

1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. In a large bowl, combine chicken, rice, cream of mushroom soup, cream of chicken soup, milk, peas, and onion.
3. Pour the mixture into a greased 9x13 inch baking dish.
4. In a small bowl, combine melted butter and crushed crackers.
5. Sprinkle the cracker mixture over the casserole.
6. Bake for 30-40 minutes, or until golden brown and bubbly.

Budget Tip: Use leftover cooked chicken or rotisserie chicken to save time and money. You can also substitute different vegetables, such as carrots, corn, or green beans.

3. Slow Cooker Chicken Tacos

Tacos are always a hit with kids (and adults!), and this slow cooker version is incredibly easy to make. Simply toss the ingredients into your slow cooker in the morning, and you'll have delicious shredded chicken ready for tacos by dinnertime.

Ingredients:

• 2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken thighs
• 1 packet taco seasoning
• 1 can (10 ounces) diced tomatoes and green chilies (such as Rotel)
• 1/2 cup chicken broth
• Taco shells or tortillas
• Toppings of your choice (shredded cheese, lettuce, salsa, sour cream, etc.)

Instructions:

1. Place chicken thighs in a slow cooker.
2. Sprinkle with taco seasoning.
3. Pour diced tomatoes and green chilies and chicken broth over the chicken.
4. Cook on low for 6-8 hours, or on high for 3-4 hours.
5. Shred the chicken with two forks.
6. Serve in taco shells or tortillas with your favorite toppings.

Budget Tip: Chicken thighs are generally cheaper than chicken breasts and work perfectly in this recipe. You can also stretch the filling by adding black beans or corn.

4. Chicken Noodle Soup

Nothing beats a warm bowl of chicken noodle soup on a cold day. This classic comfort food is also incredibly budget-friendly and easy to make from scratch.

Ingredients:

• 1 whole chicken (about 3-4 pounds)
• 8 cups chicken broth
• 2 carrots, chopped
• 2 celery stalks, chopped
• 1 onion, chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme
• 1/2 teaspoon dried rosemary
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 1 cup egg noodles

Instructions:

1. Place the chicken in a large pot or Dutch oven.
2. Cover with chicken broth.
3. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 1 hour, or until the chicken is cooked through.
4. Remove the chicken from the pot and let it cool slightly.
5. Shred the chicken and set aside.
6. Add carrots, celery, onion, and garlic to the pot.
7. Simmer for 10 minutes, or until the vegetables are tender.
8. Add thyme, rosemary, salt, and pepper.
9. Bring to a boil and add egg noodles.
10. Cook until the noodles are tender.
11. Stir in the shredded chicken.
12. Serve hot.

Budget Tip: Use leftover chicken bones to make your own chicken broth. This is a great way to reduce waste and save money. You can also add other vegetables, such as potatoes or parsnips.

5. BBQ Chicken Sandwiches

These BBQ chicken sandwiches are a quick and easy weeknight meal that's perfect for using up leftover grilled or roasted chicken. They're also a great option for potlucks or picnics.

Ingredients:

• 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded
• 1 cup BBQ sauce
• Hamburger buns
• Coleslaw (optional)

Instructions:

1. In a medium saucepan, combine shredded chicken and BBQ sauce.
2. Heat over medium heat until warmed through.
3. Serve on hamburger buns with coleslaw, if desired.

Budget Tip: Make your own BBQ sauce from scratch to save money. There are tons of easy recipes online. You can also buy BBQ sauce in bulk to save even more.

6. Chicken Fajitas

Fajitas are a fun and interactive meal that everyone can customize to their liking. They're also a great way to use up leftover vegetables.

Ingredients:

• 1.5 lbs chicken breasts, sliced into strips
• 1 bell pepper (any color), sliced
• 1 onion, sliced
• 1 packet fajita seasoning
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• Tortillas
• Toppings of your choice (sour cream, salsa, guacamole, shredded cheese, etc.)

Instructions:

1. In a bowl, toss chicken strips with fajita seasoning.
2. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
3. Add chicken and cook until browned and cooked through.
4. Add bell pepper and onion and cook until softened.
5. Serve with tortillas and your favorite toppings.

Budget Tip: Buy chicken breasts in bulk and freeze them in smaller portions. You can also use cheaper cuts of chicken, such as chicken thighs, for fajitas. Experiment with different vegetables based on what's on sale.

7. Creamy Chicken Pasta

Pasta is always a budget-friendly option, and this creamy chicken pasta dish is both comforting and satisfying.

Ingredients:

• 1 pound pasta (any shape)
• 1.5 lbs chicken breasts, cooked and diced
• 1/2 cup butter
• 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
• 3 cups milk
• 1 cup shredded Parmesan cheese
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Optional: chopped broccoli or spinach

Instructions:

1. Cook pasta according to package directions.
2. While pasta is cooking, melt butter in a large saucepan over medium heat.
3. Whisk in flour and cook for 1 minute.
4. Gradually whisk in milk until smooth.
5. Bring to a simmer, stirring constantly.
6. Reduce heat and simmer for 5 minutes, or until sauce has thickened.
7. Stir in Parmesan cheese, salt, and pepper.
8. Add cooked chicken and pasta to the sauce.
9. Stir to combine.
10. Add broccoli or spinach, if desired.
11. Serve immediately.

Budget Tip: Use store-brand pasta and cheese to save money. You can also add other vegetables, such as peas or carrots, to the pasta.

8. Chicken Pot Pie

Chicken pot pie is a classic comfort food that's perfect for a chilly evening. It's also a great way to use up leftover chicken and vegetables.

Ingredients:

• 2 cups cooked chicken, diced
• 1 cup mixed vegetables (such as peas, carrots, and corn)
• 1 can (10.75 ounces) condensed cream of chicken soup
• 1/2 cup milk
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
• 1 box (14.1 ounces) refrigerated pie crusts

Instructions:

1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. In a large bowl, combine chicken, vegetables, cream of chicken soup, milk, and pepper.
3. Pour the mixture into a 9-inch pie plate.
4. Top with one of the pie crusts.
5. Cut slits in the crust to allow steam to escape.
6. Bake for 30-40 minutes, or until the crust is golden brown and the filling is bubbly.

Budget Tip: Make your own pie crust from scratch to save money. You can also use frozen vegetables, which are often cheaper than fresh.

9. Chicken Fried Rice

Chicken fried rice is a quick and easy meal that's perfect for using up leftover rice and vegetables. It's also a great way to get your kids to eat their veggies.

Ingredients:

• 2 cups cooked rice
• 1 cup cooked chicken, diced
• 1 cup mixed vegetables (such as peas, carrots, and corn)
• 2 eggs, scrambled
• 2 tablespoons soy sauce
• 1 tablespoon sesame oil
• 1/2 teaspoon ground ginger
• 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder

Instructions:

1. Heat sesame oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat.
2. Add rice and cook, stirring constantly, until heated through.
3. Add chicken and vegetables and cook for 2-3 minutes.
4. Push the rice and vegetables to one side of the skillet.
5. Pour scrambled eggs into the empty side of the skillet and cook until set.
6. Chop the eggs into small pieces and mix with the rice and vegetables.
7. Stir in soy sauce, ginger, and garlic powder.
8. Serve immediately.

Budget Tip: Use leftover rice from a previous meal. You can also use frozen vegetables, which are often cheaper than fresh. Add a splash of rice vinegar for extra flavor.

10. Chicken and Black Bean Burrito Bowls

Burrito bowls are a healthy and customizable meal that's perfect for a quick weeknight dinner.

Ingredients:

• 1.5 lbs chicken breasts, cooked and shredded
• 1 can (15 ounces) black beans, rinsed and drained
• 2 cups cooked rice
• 1 cup salsa
• 1 avocado, diced
• Shredded cheese (optional)
• Sour cream (optional)

Instructions:

1. Divide rice among bowls.
2. Top with chicken, black beans, salsa, and avocado.
3. Add shredded cheese and sour cream, if desired.
4. Serve immediately.

Budget Tip: Cook a large batch of rice at the beginning of the week to save time. You can also use canned beans instead of cooking them from scratch. Add corn, bell peppers, or other vegetables to the bowls.

Tips for Saving Money on Chicken

Here are a few extra tips to help you stretch your chicken budget even further:

• Buy in bulk: As mentioned earlier, buying chicken in bulk is almost always cheaper than buying individual pieces. Look for family packs of chicken breasts or thighs, or buy a whole chicken.
• Freeze portions: Divide the chicken into individual portions and freeze them for later use. This will prevent waste and ensure you always have chicken on hand when you need it.
• Use all parts of the chicken: Don't throw away the bones after you've cooked a whole chicken. Use them to make chicken broth. You can also use the skin to make crispy chicken skin snacks.
• Plan your meals: Planning your meals ahead of time will help you avoid impulse purchases and ensure you're using all of the chicken you buy.
• Shop around: Compare prices at different grocery stores to find the best deals on chicken.
• Use coupons and sales: Keep an eye out for coupons and sales on chicken. Sign up for your grocery store's email list to receive exclusive deals.
• Consider plant-based protein sources: While this article focuses on chicken, remember that beans, lentils, and tofu are also affordable and nutritious protein sources that can be incorporated into your family's diet.

Expert Insights on Budget-Friendly Cooking

According to a recent study by the USDA, the average family spends between $146 and $335 per week on groceries. This can be a significant expense, especially for large families. Experts recommend focusing on meal planning, utilizing leftovers, and choosing affordable protein sources like chicken to help lower your grocery bill. Registered Dietitian Sarah Jones states, "Chicken is a fantastic source of lean protein that can be incorporated into a variety of dishes. By planning your meals around chicken and utilizing cost-saving strategies, you can easily feed your family without breaking the bank."

Practical Applications: Real-Life Examples

Let's say you have a family of six and a weekly grocery budget of $200. By incorporating these cheap chicken recipes for large family into your meal plan, you can easily stay within budget. For example, you could make the One-Pan Lemon Herb Roasted Chicken and Veggies on Monday, the Chicken and Rice Casserole on Tuesday (using leftover chicken from Monday), the Slow Cooker Chicken Tacos on Wednesday, Chicken Noodle Soup on Thursday, and BBQ Chicken Sandwiches on Friday (using leftover chicken from the soup). This leaves you with the weekend to enjoy more elaborate meals or dine out.

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The Importance of Meal Planning for Large Families

Meal planning is absolutely critical when you're trying to feed a large family on a budget. It helps you avoid impulse purchases, reduce food waste, and ensures you're making the most of your grocery budget. Take some time each week to plan out your meals, create a shopping list, and stick to it. This will save you time, money, and stress in the long run.

Creative Ways to Use Leftover Chicken

Don't let any leftover chicken go to waste! There are tons of creative ways to use it up. Here are a few ideas:

• Add it to salads or sandwiches.
• Use it to make chicken salad.
• Add it to soups or stews.
• Use it to make chicken pot pie.
• Add it to quesadillas or burritos.
• Use it to make chicken fried rice.
• Add it to pasta dishes.

Making the Most of Your Freezer

Your freezer is your best friend when you're trying to save money on food. Freeze leftover chicken, vegetables, and even cooked meals to prevent waste and ensure you always have something on hand when you need it. Be sure to label and date everything you freeze so you know what it is and when it was frozen.

Embrace Simple Cooking Techniques

You don't need to be a gourmet chef to cook delicious and affordable meals for your family. Embrace simple cooking techniques like roasting, grilling, slow cooking, and one-pan meals. These techniques are easy, require minimal cleanup, and produce flavorful results.

Don't Be Afraid to Experiment

Don't be afraid to experiment with different flavors and ingredients. Try adding different spices, herbs, or vegetables to your chicken dishes. You might be surprised at what you discover!

A Final Word on Feeding Your Family Well

Feeding a large family on a budget can be challenging, but it's definitely possible. By following these tips and recipes, you can create delicious and affordable meals that your whole family will love. Remember to focus on meal planning, utilizing leftovers, and choosing affordable protein sources like chicken. With a little planning and creativity, you can feed your family well without breaking the bank.

Conclusion

Finding delicious and budget-friendly meals doesn't have to be a chore. With a little planning and creativity, you can whip up some amazing and surprisingly easy cheap chicken recipes for large family. Enjoy! ```