11 Budget Chicken Recipes and Drinks That Save Ingredients

Cooking chicken on a budget doesn’t have to mean giving up flavor or important nutrition. In fact, smart and thoughtful home cooks often find that using just a few simple, good-quality ingredients can actually lead to meals that taste even better, with a natural and comforting flavor. These easy chicken recipes, paired with simple and pleasant drink options, can help you stretch your grocery budget a little further and filling meals that feel both wholesome and enjoyable.

1. Chicken and Rice Pot

Start with 500g chicken thighs, 2 cups jasmine rice, and 3 cups chicken broth for this simple weeknight meal. Add 1 diced onion, 2 tablespoons olive oil, and 1 teaspoon garlic powder to build flavor layers. Heat oil in a large pot and brown chicken pieces for 5 minutes each side. Remove chicken, then cook onion until soft. Add rice, broth, and seasonings, then return chicken to pot. Cover and simmer for 20 minutes until rice absorbs liquid and chicken reaches 74°C (165°F) internal temperature. This complete meal uses minimal dishes and ingredients.

2. Chicken Bone Broth Tea

Transform leftover chicken bones into a nutritious hot drink using 1kg chicken bones, 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar, 1 onion, and 2 celery stalks. This warming beverage costs little to make. Place bones in slow cooker with 3 liters water and vinegar. Let sit 30 minutes, then add chopped vegetables. Cook on low for 12 hours, skimming foam occasionally. Strain liquid and season with 1 teaspoon salt and 1/2 teaspoon black pepper. Serve hot in mugs as a comforting drink that provides protein and minerals while using scraps you’d normally throw away.

3. Spicy Chicken Lettuce Wraps

Ground chicken becomes an exciting meal with just 600g chicken, 1 head butter lettuce, 3 tablespoons soy sauce, 2 teaspoons chili flakes, and 1 tablespoon sesame oil. Fresh and light, these wraps satisfy without heaviness. Cook ground chicken in a hot pan with sesame oil for 8 minutes, breaking into small pieces. Add soy sauce and chili flakes, cooking 2 more minutes until fragrant. Serve chicken mixture in lettuce cups with 2 sliced green onions on top. Each person can assemble their own wraps, making this interactive and fun for families while keeping costs low.

4. Chicken Skin Crackling Snack

Don’t waste chicken skin when you can turn it into crispy snacks using skin from 4 chicken breasts, 1 teaspoon salt, and 1/2 teaspoon paprika. This zero waste approach saves money and reduces garbage. Remove skin carefully and cut into 2 inch strips. Season both sides with salt and paprika, then arrange on parchment lined baking sheet without overlapping. Bake at 200°C (400°F) for 15 minutes until golden and crispy. Drain on paper towels and serve immediately as a crunchy snack or salad topping. Store leftovers in airtight container for up to some days.

5. Chicken Water Infusion Drink

Make a refreshing beverage using cooking liquid from 1 whole chicken, 1 lemon, 2 cucumber slices, and 1 tablespoon honey. This unusual drink uses liquid that normally gets discarded. After boiling chicken, strain and cool the cooking liquid completely. Remove fat layer from surface, then add fresh lemon juice and honey, stirring until dissolved. Pour over ice with cucumber slices and serve chilled. The mild chicken flavor combines surprisingly well with citrus and cucumber. Add 1/4 teaspoon ginger powder for more zing if desired. Refrigerate unused portion for up to some days.

6. Chicken Curry

Simplify curry with 800g chicken chunks, 1 can coconut milk, and 3 tablespoons curry powder. This streamlined version delivers rich flavors without lengthy ingredient lists or complicated steps. Cut chicken into uniform pieces and season with 1 teaspoon salt. Brown in large skillet for 6 minutes, then add curry powder and cook 1 minute until fragrant. Pour in coconut milk and simmer 15 minutes until chicken cooks through and sauce thickens. Serve over rice or with flatbread. The coconut milk creates creaminess while curry powder provides complex spice blend in one ingredient.

7. Chicken Fat Fried Rice

Save chicken fat from roasting and use it to fry rice with 3 cups cooked rice, 2 eggs, 1 cup leftover chicken, and 2 tablespoons soy sauce. This technique adds incredible flavor while using kitchen scraps. Heat 2 tablespoons saved chicken fat in large wok or skillet. Scramble eggs first, then remove. Add rice and stir fry for 3 minutes until heated through. Return eggs to pan with shredded chicken and soy sauce. Toss ingredients together for some minutes until well combined. The chicken fat gives this fried rice a rich, savory taste that regular oil cannot match.

8. Chicken Gizzard Stew

Budget conscious cooks appreciate gizzards for their low cost and high protein content. Use 500g chicken gizzards, 2 potatoes, 1 onion, 2 tablespoons tomato paste, and 2 cups water for this hearty stew. Clean gizzards thoroughly and cut into small pieces. Brown with diced onion in heavy pot for 8 minutes. Add tomato paste and cook 2 minutes more. Add cubed potatoes and water, then simmer covered for 45 minutes until gizzards become tender. Season with 1 teaspoon salt and 1/2 teaspoon black pepper. This filling stew costs very little but provides substantial nutrition.

9. Chicken Neck Soup

Chicken necks cost little but make excellent soup base with 1kg chicken necks, 2 carrots, 1 onion, 2 celery stalks, and 2 bay leaves. This old fashioned approach enhances the bird. Roast necks at 220°C (425°F) for 30 minutes until browned. Transfer to large pot with chopped vegetables and 3 liters water. Simmer 2 hours, skimming foam regularly. Strain broth and pick meat from necks to return to soup. Season with 1 teaspoon salt and serve hot. The neck bones release gelatin to the broth while providing affordable protein.

10. Chicken Liver Pate Toast

Change inexpensive chicken livers into elegant appetizers using 300g chicken livers, 2 tablespoons butter, 1 shallot, and 6 bread slices. This sophisticated dish costs far less than store bought versions. Clean livers and soak in cold water for 30 minutes. Saute minced shallot in butter until soft, then add drained livers. Cook 5 minutes until just pink inside. Blend mixture until smooth and season with 1/2 teaspoon salt. Spread on toasted bread and serve immediately. The rich, creamy texture and intense flavor make this seem much more expensive than it actually is.

11. Chicken Foot Gelatin Drink

Chicken feet contain natural gelatin that produces a nutritious drink when simmered with 1kg chicken feet, 2 liters water, 1 tablespoon ginger, and 1 teaspoon salt. This traditional remedy supports joint health affordably. Clean feet thoroughly and blanch in boiling water for 3 minutes. Drain and transfer to slow cooker with fresh water and sliced ginger. Cook on low for 8 hours. Strain liquid and chill until it sets into jelly consistency. Reheat portions as needed and drink warm. The natural gelatin provides collagen while the ginger adds warming properties. This medicinal drink costs little to make.