Cheap Lunch Ideas with Chicken

Chicken is a versatile and budget-friendly protein that can be used in a variety of ways to create cheap lunch ideas without sacrificing flavor. Whether you’re meal prepping or looking for a quick lunch option, these chicken-based meals are easy to prepare and won’t break the bank.

Why Choose Chicken for Cheap Lunches?

Chicken is a popular choice for lunch because:

• Affordable: Chicken is generally one of the cheapest protein options.
• Healthy: It’s a lean source of protein, low in fat, and high in nutrients.
• Versatile: Chicken can be used in a variety of recipes, from salads to wraps.

1. Chicken Stir-Fry

A quick and flavorful chicken stir-fry is perfect for busy days and can be made with affordable ingredients.

Ingredients:

• 1 chicken breast ($3.00)
• 1 cup mixed vegetables (carrots, bell peppers, broccoli) ($2.00)
• 2 tablespoons soy sauce ($0.30)
• 1 tablespoon olive oil ($0.20)
• 1 cup rice ($0.50)

Total cost: Approximately $5.50 per serving.

Instructions:

1. Slice the chicken into thin strips.
2. Heat olive oil in a pan and stir-fry the chicken until fully cooked.
3. Add mixed vegetables and soy sauce, and stir-fry until the vegetables are tender.
4. Serve over cooked rice.

2. Chicken Caesar Wrap

A chicken Caesar wrap is a portable and delicious lunch that’s perfect for meal prepping.

Ingredients:

• 1 cooked chicken breast, shredded ($3.00)
• 1 whole wheat tortilla ($1.00)
• 1 tablespoon Caesar dressing ($0.30)
• 1/2 cup romaine lettuce, chopped ($0.50)
• Parmesan cheese ($0.50)

Total cost: Approximately $5.30 per serving.

Instructions:

1. In a bowl, mix the shredded chicken with Caesar dressing.
2. Place the chicken mixture onto the tortilla.
3. Add chopped lettuce and Parmesan cheese.
4. Roll the tortilla into a wrap and slice in half.

3. Baked Chicken with Sweet Potatoes

Baked chicken with sweet potatoes is a healthy and filling lunch option that’s great for meal prepping.

Ingredients:

• 1 chicken thigh ($2.00)
• 1 medium sweet potato, cubed ($1.00)
• Olive oil, salt, and pepper for seasoning ($0.20)

Total cost: Approximately $3.20 per serving.

Instructions:

1. Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. Season the chicken thigh with olive oil, salt, and pepper.
3. Arrange the cubed sweet potatoes on a baking sheet and drizzle with olive oil.
4. Bake the chicken and sweet potatoes for 25-30 minutes until the chicken is cooked through and the sweet potatoes are tender.

4. BBQ Chicken Sandwich

For a tangy and satisfying lunch, try a BBQ chicken sandwich. This recipe is perfect for leftovers and requires minimal prep time.

Ingredients:

• 1 cooked chicken breast, shredded ($3.00)
• 2 tablespoons BBQ sauce ($0.50)
• 1 hamburger bun ($0.50)
• 1/4 cup coleslaw mix ($0.50)

Total cost: Approximately $4.50 per serving.

Instructions:

1. Mix the shredded chicken with BBQ sauce in a bowl.
2. Toast the hamburger bun, if desired.
3. Pile the BBQ chicken onto the bun and top with coleslaw mix.

5. Chicken and Veggie Quesadilla

A chicken and veggie quesadilla is a delicious, cheesy lunch that’s quick to make.

Ingredients:

• 1/2 cooked chicken breast, shredded ($1.50)
• 1/4 cup shredded cheese ($0.50)
• 1 whole wheat tortilla ($1.00)
• 1/4 cup bell peppers, sliced ($0.50)
• Salsa for dipping ($0.50)

Total cost: Approximately $4.00 per serving.

Instructions:

1. Place the tortilla in a hot skillet.
2. Add shredded chicken, cheese, and bell peppers on one half of the tortilla.
3. Fold the tortilla in half and cook until the cheese melts and the tortilla is crispy.
4. Serve with salsa on the side.

Conclusion

These cheap lunch ideas with chicken offer a range of delicious, filling, and budget-friendly meals that are easy to prepare. From a chicken stir-fry to a BBQ chicken sandwich, you can enjoy a variety of chicken-based dishes without spending more than $5-$6 per serving. Try these recipes for your next lunch and enjoy the benefits of a tasty, affordable meal.