Cheap Dinner Ideas with Chicken and Rice

Chicken and rice is a classic pairing that’s budget-friendly and versatile. Whether you’re looking for something simple or a dish with bold flavors, these cheap dinner ideas with chicken and rice are sure to satisfy.

1. Chicken Fried Rice

This easy and delicious chicken fried rice is a great way to use up leftover rice and turn it into a tasty meal.

Ingredients:

• 2 cups cooked rice ($1.00)
• 1 chicken breast, diced ($2.00)
• 1 cup frozen mixed vegetables ($1.00)
• 2 tablespoons soy sauce ($0.25)
• 1 egg, beaten ($0.25)

Total cost for 4 servings: Approximately $4.50

Instructions:

1. Heat a tablespoon of oil in a large pan and cook the diced chicken until fully cooked. Remove from the pan and set aside.
2. In the same pan, cook the mixed vegetables until tender, then add the cooked rice and stir.
3. Push the rice and veggies to the side, pour in the beaten egg, and scramble it.
4. Add the chicken back to the pan, along with the soy sauce, and stir until everything is heated through.

2. Baked Chicken and Rice Casserole

This baked chicken and rice casserole is a hearty and comforting dish that requires minimal effort.

Ingredients:

• 2 chicken breasts ($4.00)
• 1 cup rice ($0.50)
• 2 cups chicken broth ($2.00)
• 1 can cream of mushroom soup ($1.50)

Total cost for 4 servings: Approximately $8.00

Instructions:

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the rice in a baking dish, then pour the chicken broth and cream of mushroom soup over the rice.
2. Lay the chicken breasts on top of the rice mixture and season with salt, pepper, and any herbs you like.
3. Cover the dish with foil and bake for 1 hour, or until the rice is tender and the chicken is cooked through.

3. Chicken and Rice Soup

This chicken and rice soup is warm, comforting, and perfect for a cozy dinner.

Ingredients:

• 1 chicken breast, shredded ($2.00)
• 1 cup rice ($0.50)
• 1 onion, diced ($0.50)
• 2 carrots, diced ($0.50)
• 4 cups chicken broth ($2.00)

Total cost for 4 servings: Approximately $5.50

Instructions:

1. In a large pot, sauté the onion and carrots until softened.
2. Add the chicken broth and bring to a boil, then stir in the rice and reduce the heat to a simmer.
3. Cook the rice until tender, then add the shredded chicken and heat through.

4. Chicken and Rice Stir-Fry

A chicken and rice stir-fry is quick, easy, and packed with flavor.

Ingredients:

• 1 chicken breast, sliced ($2.00)
• 2 cups cooked rice ($1.00)
• 1 cup mixed vegetables ($1.00)
• 2 tablespoons soy sauce ($0.25)

Total cost for 4 servings: Approximately $4.25

Instructions:

1. Cook the sliced chicken in a large pan until browned and fully cooked. Remove from the pan and set aside.
2. Stir-fry the vegetables in the same pan, then add the cooked rice and soy sauce.
3. Add the chicken back to the pan and stir until everything is heated through.

5. One-Pot Chicken and Rice

This one-pot chicken and rice recipe is a simple, all-in-one meal that’s perfect for busy weeknights.

Ingredients:

• 2 chicken thighs ($3.00)
• 1 cup rice ($0.50)
• 2 cups chicken broth ($2.00)
• 1 onion, diced ($0.50)

Total cost for 4 servings: Approximately $6.00

Instructions:

1. In a large pot, sauté the chicken thighs until browned on both sides. Remove from the pot and set aside.
2. In the same pot, cook the onion until softened, then add the rice and chicken broth.
3. Place the chicken thighs on top of the rice, cover, and simmer for 20-25 minutes, until the rice is tender and the chicken is fully cooked.

Conclusion

These cheap dinner ideas with chicken and rice are not only budget-friendly but also versatile and easy to prepare. Whether you’re making a quick stir-fry, a comforting chicken and rice soup, or a filling baked casserole, these recipes will keep you satisfied without breaking the bank.