Category: Chicken Breast Recipes

Ramen Noodle Salad

This light and fresh ramen noodle salad features crisp cabbage, shredded chicken, crunchy ramen noodles and a simple homemade vinaigrette.

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This Ramen Noodle Salad is something we ate often when I was growing up and I still love it just as much today. Why? Because it’s light, fresh, filling, uses simple and inexpensive ingredients, and holds up well in the fridge so you can eat the leftovers for days (less cooking, more eating!). Keep this recipe bookmarked because it’s going to get you through those long hot days of Summer!

Close up overhead image of ramen noodle salad on an oval platter.

What is Ramen Noodle Salad?

This Ramen noodle salad is simply a mix of finely shredded cabbage, chicken, carrots, green onion, almonds, and …drum roll… uncooked instant ramen noodles for a little extra CRUNCH! The salad also features a simple light dressing that has Asian inspired flavors, like ginger, rice vinegar, and soy sauce. A lot of people call this salad Chinese Chicken Salad, but it’s not an authentic Chinese recipe, so we’re rebranding it with a more accurate name, Ramen Noodle Salad.

What Kind of Cabbage to Use

This salad is usually made with Napa cabbage, which has a slightly lighter and more delicate texture than regular green cabbage, but it’s totally flexible. Napa cabbage was a little on the expensive side when I was at the store this week so I swapped it out for some green cabbage and added a little purple cabbage for color. You can use all green cabbage if you want, or if you want to take an even bigger short cut just use two bags of pre-shredded coleslaw mix (cabbage and carrots) instead of shredding your own. …But freshly shredded always tastes better. ;)

What Else Can I Add?

I love salads because you can add so many different things to them and this Ramen Noodle Salad is no exception! Here are some other fun ingredients you can add to the ramen noodle salad, if you have them on hand:

  • Mandarin oranges
  • Sesame seeds
  • Cashews
  • Avocado
  • Cucumber
  • Edamame
  • Peanuts
  • Shredded broccoli stems

HOW TO STORE THE LEFTOVERS

If you plan to meal prep this ramen noodle salad (highly recommend), you have a couple of options. If you want the ramen noodles to stay super crunchy, don’t stir them into the salad before storing. Simply sprinkle them over each serving just before eating. I kind of like the way the ramen soaks up the flavor of the dressing over time, but you do you! The almonds will also soften slightly as the salad is refrigerated. The salad will last about 3-4 days in the fridge.

Overhead view of three bowls of ramen noodle salad.
Overhead view of ramen noodle salad on an oval serving platter.
Print

Ramen Noodle Salad

This light and fresh ramen noodle salad features crisp cabbage, shredded chicken, crunchy ramen noodles and a simple homemade vinaigrette.
Course Lunch, Salad
Cuisine American
Total Cost $8.33 recipe / $1.39 serving
Prep Time 30 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Servings 6 1.5 cups each
Calories 292kcal
Author Beth – Budget Bytes

Equipment

Ingredients

Vinaigrette

  • 1/4 cup neutral salad oil* $0.16
  • 1/4 cup rice vinegar $0.60
  • 2 Tbsp honey $0.50
  • 2 tsp soy sauce $0.04
  • 1 tsp ground ginger $0.10
  • 1/4 tsp garlic powder $0.02
  • 1 tsp toasted sesame oil $0.10

Salad

  • 6 cups shredded cabbage $1.10
  • 1 carrot $0.14
  • 4 green onions $0.45
  • 1 3oz. package instant ramen $0.39
  • 1/4 cup sliced almonds $0.73
  • 2 cups shredded rotisserie chicken $4.00

Instructions

  • Make the dressing first. Whisk together the salad oil, rice vinegar, honey, soy sauce, ginger, garlic powder, and toasted sesame oil. Set the dressing aside.
  • Shred the cabbage as finely as possible. Shred the carrot and slice the green onions. Crush the instant ramen noodles (discard the seasoning packet or save it for another use).
  • Place the cabbage, carrot, green onion, almonds, crushed ramen noodles, and shredded chicken in a large bowl. Pour the prepared dressing over top. Toss the salad until everything is evenly combined and coated in dressing. Serve immediately or refrigerate until ready to eat.

See how we calculate recipe costs here.

Notes

*Use any light flavored or neutral oil like canola, peanut, sesame (not toasted), light olive oil, or avocado oil. 

Nutrition

Serving: 1.5cups | Calories: 292kcal | Carbohydrates: 22g | Protein: 17g | Fat: 16g | Sodium: 581mg | Fiber: 3g
Close up side view of ramen noodle salad in a serving platter.

How to Make Ramen Noodle Salad – Step by Step Photos

Dressing being whisked in a bowl.

Make the dressing first. Whisk together ¼ cup neutral salad oil, ¼ cup rice vinegar, 2 Tbsp honey, 2 tsp soy sauce, 1 tsp ground ginger, ¼ tsp garlic powder, and 1 tsp toasted sesame oil. Set the dressing aside.

Shredded green and purple cabbage on a cutting board.

Shred about six cups of cabbage for the salad. You can use green cabbage, purple cabbage, Napa cabbage, or any mix of the above. Shred the cabbage as finely as possible.

Shredded carrot and sliced green onion on a cutting board.

Shred one carrot and slice four green onions.

Shredded rotisserie chicken in a bowl.

Shred about two cups of cooked chicken breast. We used a rotisserie chicken, but you could cook your own chicken breast or even use canned chicken breast.

Salad ingredients in the bowl with dressing being poured over top.

Place the shredded cabbage, carrot, green onion, and chicken in a bowl. Crush one 3 oz. package of instant ramen noodles (discard seasoning packet or save for another use). Add the crushed ramen noodles and ¼ cup sliced almonds to the bowl. Pour the prepared dressing over top.

Salad being tossed with wooden utensils.

Toss the salad well until everything is evenly mixed and coated in dressing.

Finished Ramen Noodle Salad in a bowl with wooden spoons.

Serve the ramen noodle salad immediately or refrigerate up to four days. Always give the salad a good stir just before serving to redistribute the dressing.

Overhead view of three bowls of ramen noodle salad.

Enjoy that crunchy fresh goodness!!

More Cabbage Salad Recipes

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Chicken Caesar Wrap

Homemade Chicken Caesar Wraps are a breeze to make, are big on flavor, and make a deliciously light and refreshing lunch.

The post Chicken Caesar Wrap appeared first on Budget Bytes.

The weather is getting warmer, the sun is shining, and I’m starting to crave light, crisp, and fresh foods! These Chicken Caesar Wraps are light and refreshing, but still big on flavor and filling. These tasty wraps are pretty easy to make, even when you make them all from scratch like we did, but we’ve got some shortcuts you can take too, for when you’re low on time or energy!

Front view of a chicken Caesar wrap cut in half and stacked on a cutting board.

What’s in a Chicken Caesar Wrap?

A chicken Caesar wrap has all the fixin’s of a classic chicken Caesar salad (Romaine lettuce, Caesar dressing, chicken, Parmesan, and tomatoes) all wrapped up into a soft flour tortilla. Chicken Caesar salads typically contain croutons as well, but croutons can be large and sharp to bite into in a wrap, so we substituted them with some buttery seasoned breadcrumbs so our wraps would have crunch without the cuts. The combo is absolutely divine!

Low on Time? Use These Shortcuts

I get it, life gets hectic sometimes, so when you’re short on time or energy, use these shortcuts to make these homemade chicken Caesar wraps in less time:

  • Instead of using homemade Caesar dressing, use your favorite bottled dressing (I like Ken’s Steakhouse brand or Girard’s).
  • Use pre-cooked chicken instead of cooking your own. You can use chopped rotisserie chicken (toss with a little Italian dressing for more flavor), or you can chop some baked breaded chicken breasts.
  • If cooking your own chicken, try marinating in more of the Caesar dressing instead of measuring all of the spices below.
  • If you have pre-made croutons on hand, crush them slightly and use in place of the buttered breadcrumbs below.

How to Make Chicken Caesar Wraps Ahead

Premade Chicken Caesar Wraps will stay good for about 4-6 hours before they begin to get a bit soft, so if you plan to pack your Chicken Caesar Wraps for lunch, take the following steps to ensure they don’t get soggy along the way:

  1. Store the chicken, lettuce, tomatoes, and breadcrumbs in separate containers until the day of serving.
  2. The morning of, combine the ingredients and toss with the Caesar dressing, then wrap in the tortilla. Wrap the entire sandwich in plastic wrap or waxed paper, and keep refrigerated until ready to eat.
Chicken Caesar wraps cut and stacked together on a wooden cutting board.
Side view of a chicken Caesar wrap cut in half and stacked on a cutting board.
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Chicken Caesar Wraps

Homemade Chicken Caesar Wraps are a breeze to make, big on flavor, and make a deliciously light and refreshing lunch.
Course Lunch
Cuisine American
Total Cost $8.17 recipe / $2.04 each
Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 5 minutes
Total Time 25 minutes
Servings 4 1 wrap each
Calories 450kcal
Author Beth – Budget Bytes

Ingredients

Parmesan Chicken

  • 1 boneless, skinless chicken breast (about ⅔ lb.) $2.66
  • 2 Tbsps olive oil, divided $0.32
  • 1 Tbsp grated Parmesan $0.10
  • 1/4 tsp Italian seasoning $0.02
  • 1/4 tsp garlic powder $0.02
  • 1/4 tsp salt $0.02
  • 1/4 tsp black pepper $0.02

Buttered Breadcrumbs

  • 1 Tbsp butter $0.13
  • 1/4 cup Panko breadcrumbs $0.13
  • 1/4 tsp Italian seasoning $0.02
  • 1/4 tsp garlic powder $0.02
  • 1/4 tsp salt $0.02
  • 1/4 tsp black pepper $0.02

Wraps

  • 2 cups chopped Romaine lettuce $1.50
  • 1/2 cup grape tomatoes $0.50
  • 1/2 cup Parmesan (grated or shredded) $0.80
  • 1/3 cup Caesar dressing $0.90
  • 4 large flour tortillas $2.15

Instructions

  • Cut the chicken breast into small ½-inch pieces. Place the chicken in a bowl and add 1 Tbsp olive oil, the Parmesan, Italian seasoning, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Toss until the chicken is evenly coated in oil and seasoning.
  • Heat a large skillet over medium. Once hot, add an additional 1 Tbsp olive oil and swirl to coat. Add the seasoned chicken and cook until browned and cooked through (about 5 minutes). If needed, add a couple tablespoons of water to the skillet to loosen the chicken before flipping. Set the chicken aside to cool.
  • Next, prepare the buttered breadcrumbs. Add the butter, panko breadcrumbs, Italian seasoning, garlic powder, salt, and pepper to a small skillet. Cook over medium until everything is evenly mixed and the breadcrumbs are golden brown (about 3 minutes). Set the breadcrumbs aside to cool.
  • Wash, drain, and chop the Romaine lettuce. Slice the grape tomatoes in half. Add the lettuce, tomatoes, Parmesan cheese, cooled chicken, breadcrumbs, and Caesar dressing to a bowl. Toss until everything is evenly mixed.
  • Divide the salad mixture between 4 large flour tortillas. Fold and roll the tortillas up like a burrito (bottom first, fold in the sides, then continue to roll to the top). Use a toothpick to hold them closed, slice in half, then serve.

See how we calculate recipe costs here.

Nutrition

Serving: 1wrap | Calories: 450kcal | Carbohydrates: 21g | Protein: 25g | Fat: 29g | Sodium: 1112mg | Fiber: 2g
Close up of a hand holding a chicken Caesar wrap cut in half.

How to Make Chicken Caesar Wraps – Step by Step Photos

Raw seasoned chicken breast in a bowl.

Cut one chicken breast (about ⅔ lb.) into ½-inch pieces. Toss with 1 Tbsp olive oil, then add 1 Tbsp grated Parmesan, ¼ tsp Italian seasoning, ¼ tsp garlic powder, ¼ tsp salt, and ¼ tsp black pepper. Toss until the chicken is evenly coated in cheese and spices.

Cooked chicken in a skillet.

Heat a large skillet over medium. Once hot, add another tablespoon of olive oil and swirl to coat the surface. Add the chicken and cook until browned and cooked through (about 5 minutes). If needed, add a couple of tablespoons of water to loosen the chicken before flipping it to brown on the second side. The water will quickly evaporate, allowing the chicken to brown again.

Wrap filling ingredients in a bowl.

Allow the chicken to cool while you prepare the remaining ingredients. Wash, drain, and chop 2 cups of Romaine lettuce. Slice ½ cup cherry tomatoes in half. Combine the lettuce, tomatoes, ½ cup Parmesan cheese, the cooled chicken, and ⅓ cup Caesar dressing in a bowl. Toss until everything is evenly combined.

Buttered Breadcrumbs being added to the salad bowl.

Add 1 Tbsp butter, ¼ cup panko breadcrumbs, ¼ tsp Italian seasoning, ¼ tsp garlic powder, ¼ tsp salt, and ¼ tsp black pepper to a small skillet. Heat over medium while stirring until the butter has melted and the breadcrumbs have toasted slightly. Add the buttered breadcrumbs to the bowl with the other ingredients.

Finished Caesar wrap filling in a bowl.

Toss the filling once again until everything is evenly mixed.

Chicken caesar wraps filled but not rolled on a wooden cutting board.

To soften the tortillas slightly and make them more pliable, stack them and heat in the microwave for about 15 seconds. Divide the salad mix between two large tortillas.

Chicken Caesar wraps being folded and wrapped.

To fold the chicken Caesar wraps, start by folding the bottom side up and over the filling. Fold in each side to close up the ends, then continue to roll up over the folded sides until you have a burrito-shaped wrap.

Stacked chicken Caesar wraps on a cutting board with chips in the background.

Place a toothpick in the wrap to keep it closed, or wrap it tightly in plastic wrap or waxed paper. Enjoy within a few hours for the most crunch!

More Sandwich Recipes

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Peanut Noodles with Chicken

These Peanut Noodles with Chicken are an easy meal with a rich, creamy, sweet, and savory flavor that is completely addictive.

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Are you looking for a quick, creamy, lusciously rich, and easy dinner? I got you. These Peanut Noodles with Chicken are straight-up addictive with their sweet-savory-spicy-rich sauce and tender chunks of chicken breast. Plus, the whole recipe comes together in a cinch, so this is a great last-minute meal for those days when you just need something easy and GOOD. I think you’re going to love this one!

Overhead view of peanut noodles with chicken in a skillet with tongs.

What Are Peanut Noodles

This dish features noodles (any kind) and small bites of tender chicken breast drenched in a creamy sauce that’s inspired by Thai peanut sauce. The sauce is a rich mix of creamy coconut milk, savory peanut butter, spicy sriracha sauce, fresh garlic and ginger, a little soy sauce and brown sugar, and a splash of lime juice to keep everything bright. This easy sauce is absolutely divine and you’re going to want to spoon it over everything!

Can I Sub the Chicken?

Absolutely! If you’re not a chicken fan you can easily substitute it with shrimp, cubed tofu, or even just leave it out and enjoy the noodles plain. It’s all about that sauce, anyway. ;)

What to Serve with Peanut Noodles

I would consider these peanut noodles a meal in and of themselves, but if you’re a side dish kind of person I would suggest pairing these rich noodles with something super light. Try Sesame Cucumber Salad, Sesame Slaw, or Roasted Broccoli Salad with Almonds.

How Are the Leftovers?

This dish is definitely the best when eaten right away because the creamy, luscious sauce tends to get soaked up by the noodles when it’s stored in the refrigerator. That being said, I probably wouldn’t turn down a plate of these noodles after reheating, but I also wouldn’t expect them to be as saucy and creamy. So if you’re big on texture making a half batch might be a better option than counting on eating the leftovers.

Peanut noodles on a plate with a fork twirled in the noodles.
Close up overhead view of peanut noodles in the skillet with tongs.
Print

Peanut Noodles with Chicken

These Peanut Noodles with Chicken are an easy meal with a rich, creamy, sweet, and savory flavor that is completely addictive.
Course Dinner, Lunch
Cuisine American, Thai
Total Cost $9.20 recipe / $2.30 serving
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Total Time 25 minutes
Servings 4
Calories 727kcal
Author Beth – Budget Bytes

Ingredients

  • 1/3 cup smooth natural-style peanut butter $0.40
  • 2 Tbsp sriracha $0.23
  • 2 Tbsp brown sugar $0.08
  • 1 fresh lime (2 Tbsp juice) $0.59
  • 1 Tbsp soy sauce $0.06
  • 1 clove garlic, minced $0.08
  • 1 tsp grated fresh ginger $0.10
  • 1 13.5oz. can coconut milk $2.99
  • 1 boneless, skinless chicken breast (about ⅔ lb.) $3.33
  • 1 Tbsp cooking oil $0.04
  • 8 oz. noodles* $0.89
  • 1/4 cup chopped peanuts $0.19
  • 1/4 cup chopped cilantro $0.22

Instructions

  • Prepare the peanut sauce first. In a medium bowl, whisk together the peanut butter, sriracha, brown sugar, soy sauce, 2 Tbsp lime juice, soy sauce, minced garlic, and grated ginger.
  • Add the coconut milk to the peanut sauce and whisk until smooth again.
  • Cut the chicken breast into small ½ to 1-inch sized pieces.
  • Heat a large skillet over medium-high. Once hot, add the cooking oil and swirl to coat the surface of the skillet. Add the chicken and cook until browned on all sides. Be careful not to overcook the chicken.
  • Add the prepared peanut sauce into the skillet, turn the heat down to medium-low, and stir to dissolve any browned bits off the bottom of the skillet. Let the chicken simmer in the sauce over low, stirring occasionally, while you cook the noodles.
  • Cook your noodles according to the package directions, then drain in a colander.
  • Add the cooked and drained noodles to the skillet with the peanut sauce and chicken. Toss until everything is evenly mixed and coated in sauce.
  • Top the noodles with chopped peanuts and cilantro, then enjoy!

See how we calculate recipe costs here.

Notes

*We used fettuccine for this dish but you can use any type of long noodle like spaghetti, rice noodles, or ramen noodles. 

Nutrition

Serving: 1serving | Calories: 727kcal | Carbohydrates: 56g | Protein: 34g | Fat: 43g | Sodium: 632mg | Fiber: 4g
Close up overhead view of peanut noodles in the skillet with tongs.

How to Make Peanut Noodles with Chicken – Step by Step Photos

Peanut sauce ingredients in the bowl, not mixed together.

Make the peanut sauce first so the ingredients have a few minutes to mingle and the sauce is ready to go when you need it later. Add ⅓ cup smooth natural-style peanut butter, 2 Tbsp sriracha, 2 Tbsp brown sugar, 1 Tbsp soy sauce, 1 clove of garlic (minced), 1 tsp grated fresh ginger, and 2 Tbsp lime juice to a bowl.

Coconut milk being poured into the peanut sauce.

Whisk the ingredients together until smooth, then add in one 13.5 oz. can of coconut milk. Whisk until smooth again and then set the sauce aside.

Chicken cut into chunks on an orange cutting board.

Cut one large boneless, skinless chicken breast (about ⅔ lb.) into small ½ to 1-inch chunks.

Cooked chunks of chicken in a skillet.

Heat 1 Tbsp cooking oil in a large skillet. Once hot, add the chicken and cook until browned on all sides. It’s okay if the chicken isn’t cooked through at this point. Avoid overcooking the chicken or it will become tough.

Peanut sauce being poured into the skillet with the chicken.

Pour the prepared peanut sauce into the skillet with the chicken. Turn the heat down to low and stir to dissolve any browned bits off the bottom of the skillet. Let the chicken simmer in the sauce over low, stirring occasionally, as you cook the noodles.

Cooked linguine added to the skillet.

Cook 8 oz. noodles according to their package direction, then drain in a colander. You can use linguine, spaghetti, rice noodles, ramen noodles, or any kind of long noodle.

Finished peanut noodles in the skillet without toppings.

Add the cooked and drained noodles to the skillet and stir to combine.

Peanut noodles in the skillet topped with chopped peanuts and cilantro.

Top the peanut noodles with ¼ cup chopped peanuts and ¼ cup chopped fresh cilantro.

Overhead view of a plate full of peanut noodles with a fork on the side.

Enjoy the peanut noodles hot. If you have any leftover lime, cut it into wedges and squeeze a bit over top just before eating.

Overhead view of peanut noodles in the skillet with open tongs.

SO GOOD.

More Recipes with Peanut Sauce

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Quick & Easy Chicken Breast Recipes

For a quick lunch or easy dinner, try these budget-friendly, quick and easy chicken breast recipes to mix it up and never get bored!

The post Quick & Easy Chicken Breast Recipes appeared first on Budget Bytes.

Oh, chicken breast, how do I love thee? Let me count the ways! They’reIt’s good served hot or cold. You can poach, saute, bake, or fry them. Best of all, their mild flavor and versatility make them the perfect vehicle for all sorts of flavor combinations and ingredients. Whether you’re craving a hearty salad for lunch, a saucy stovetop dinner, an oven-baked family dinner, or a delicious, indulgent one-pot dish — you can count on the humble chicken breast to be the absolute star in your weekly meal plan! And with this roundup of Quick & Easy Chicken Breast Recipes, you will never tire of them. 

A collage of chicken breast recipes, from top left to right: one-pot chicken teriyaki and rice, one-pot cajun chicken pasta, pesto chicken and vegetables, creamy pesto chicken, bbq cheddar baked chicken, and easy lemon pepper chicken.

Easy CHICKEN SALADS

Boneless, skinless chicken breast is one of the best, budget-friendly sources of protein available at the supermarket. And since chicken breasts are great served hot or cold, they’re a meal prep mainstay! Picking up a store-bought rotisserie chicken is a simple, time-saving way to eat a meal without spending all night at the stove. Here are three classic chicken salad recipes that transform chicken into a satisfying meal in just 15 minutes: 

Chicken Salad with Apples

Side view of a bowl of chicken salad with apples, croissants in the background
This chicken salad is packed with sweet and crunchy apples, tart dried cranberries, and a light and creamy homemade dressing.
4.85 from 20 votes
$10.35 recipe / $2.59 serving Get the Recipe

This Chicken Salad with Apples and cranberries is such a classic way to serve chicken. It makes a perfect lunch, or light and easy dinner. It’s easy to prepare, super filling, and the perfect cold meal. It’s full of different textures and flavors, and is easy to switch up depending on your taste!

Broccoli Cheddar Chicken Salad

Close up side view of a bowl of Broccoli Cheddar Chicken Salad
This chunky chopped Broccoli Cheddar Chicken Salad is a great fresh salad that can be eaten on its own or turned into several different easy lunch ideas!
4.88 from 24 votes
$4.84 recipe / $1.61 serving Get the Recipe

Broccoli is a lot like chicken breast. It’s filling, versatile, and can be prepared and served in so many ways! Next time you have some fresh broccoli on hand, you’ve got to try out this Broccoli Cheddar Chicken Salad! It’s so good, you’ll be singing broccoli’s praises as you devour every last bite. 

Crunchy Kale and Chicken Salad

dressing being poured over kale and chicken salad
This Crunchy Kale and Chicken Salad is full of flavor, texture, and a tangy-sweet homemade dressing. It's perfect for your weekly meal prep!
4.94 from 15 votes
$6.19 recipe / $1.55 serving Get the Recipe

Kale is super yummy on its own, but pairing it with a ton of other flavors and ingredients as we do in this Crunchy Kale and Chicken Salad is a great way to turn it into a satisfying meal! That being said, if you’re not a fan of kale, you can swap it with whatever crunchy green you like best. This recipe also includes a wonderfully easy honey mustard vinaigrette that will amp up the flavor of almost any salad in your arsenal. 

Easy SKILLET and BAKED CHICKEN recipes

Cooking chicken breast on the stovetop or in the oven is an excellent way to get dinner on the table in around 30 minutes. They thaw and cook quickly. And since almost everything is good with chicken, it’s the easiest choice to pair with whatever other ingredients you have on hand. Check out these easy chicken dinners to shake up your weekly meal plan: 

Creamy Pesto Chicken

Overhead view of a skillet full of creamy pesto chicken.
Creamy pesto chicken is a fast, easy, and impressive main dish for dinner, whether you just want to treat yourself or impress guests!
4.92 from 59 votes
$10.70 recipe / $2.68 serving Get the Recipe

You can put pesto on just about anything, but it is particularly delicious with chicken breast! This Creamy Pesto Chicken has a super lush, decadent sauce, and you won’t want to waste a single drop! Make sure to serve it with garlic bread, or spoon it over pasta or rice to soak it all up.

Easy Pesto Chicken and Vegetables

Easy pesto chicken and vegetables in a skillet with a spatula
This Easy Pesto Chicken and Vegetables meal prep is super fast and easy, and holds up well in the fridge for tasty lunches all week!
4.84 from 24 votes
$11.07 recipe / $2.77 serving Get the Recipe

Pesto is a super versatile ingredient and makes a great sauce for more than just pasta! So add a dollop to your next stir fry! This Easy Pesto Chicken and Vegetables is a lighter dish, but is absolutely bursting with flavor. Since the variety of vegetables you can add to this recipe is nearly endless, it’s the perfect way to clean out the fridge!

Easy Lemon Pepper Chicken

Overhead view of lemon pepper chicken in the skillet with lemon slices
These Easy Lemon Pepper Chicken Breasts are so tender and juicy, and you'll want to spoon that delicious pan sauce over EVERYTHING. 
5 from 36 votes
$7.58 recipe / $1.90 serving Get the Recipe

The best way to keep chicken breast feeling fresh in your dinner rotation is to pair it with punchy ingredients, like lemon, to really make it shine. The best part about this Easy Lemon Pepper Chicken? There’s no need for fresh lemons! Instead, we use budget-friendly alternatives that are easier to always have on hand.

BBQ Cheddar Baked Chicken

BBQ Cheddar Baked Chicken on a plate with potato salad and bean salad, a fork grabbing a slice of chicken
Forget boring or bland baked chicken breasts, this BBQ Cheddar Baked Chicken is going to be the star of your dinner plate.
5 from 9 votes
$8.89 recipe / $2.22 serving Get the Recipe

Want to talk about an iconic chicken dinner recipe? It’s this BBQ Cheddar Baked Chicken. There’s absolutely no better, easier way to serve up chicken breast baked in the oven than smothering it in your favorite barbeque sauce and cheddar cheese. Sending it on a trip to the oven ensures it gets sticky, caramelized, and decadent.

ONE-POT chicken recipes

Cooking one-pot meals is “like riding a bike.” Once you learn how to make them, they really are that easy. Here are a few of our most popular one-pot recipes with chicken breast: 

One Pot Creamy Cajun Chicken Pasta

One Pot Creamy Cajun Chicken Pasta in the pan.
Cook a complete dinner in one pot with this Creamy Cajun Chicken Pasta, using mostly pantry-stable items. Perfect for busy weeknights! 
4.68 from 293 votes
$9.41 recipe / $2.35 serving Get the Recipe

If there was a Budget Bytes Recipe Hall of Fame, this One-Pot Creamy Cajun Chicken Pasta would absolutely be one of them! This fantastic recipe unites our foolproof one-pot methods with classic Cajun spices. The heat level of this dish is very moderate, so it’s approachable for everyone, but feel free to kick it up a notch if that’s what you like! 

One Pot Creamy Pesto Chicken Pasta

Close up of one pot creamy pesto chicken pasta in a shallow bowl with a black fork.
This super lush and Creamy Pesto Chicken Pasta is perfect for busy weeknights. Everything cooks in one pot and is done in under 30 minutes! 
4.83 from 153 votes
$10.41 recipe / $2.60 serving Get the Recipe

One of our go-to ways to cook chicken breast is simmering it in a creamy, decadent pesto sauce. Add whatever veggies we have on hand to round it out into a full meal. Since serving it with pasta is an obvious choice, we might as well cook it in one pot! While this One-Pot Creamy Pesto Chicken Pasta won’t do the dishes for you, but it really helps!

One Pot Teriyaki Chicken and Rice

Close up of One Pot Teriyaki Chicken and Rice in the skillet.
This One Pot Teriyaki Chicken and Rice is an easy and satisfying meal that the whole family will love. It also meal preps well for lunches all week! 
4.49 from 39 votes
$6.26 recipe / $1.57 serving Get the Recipe

This Asian-inspired One-Pot Teriyaki Chicken and Rice is packed with veggies but requires very little chopping. The leftovers are also amazing, which makes it an easy choice for meal prep. Don’t be deterred if you’re a rice-cooking novice, you can always prepare the rice in a separate pot! 

no winner-winner chicken dinner?

We have tons more to peruse! Here are some of our MOST POPULAR quick chicken recipes:

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Chicken Alfredo Bake

Transform stovetop Chicken Alfredo into a delicious, decadent casserole with this easy Chicken Alfredo Bake recipe!

The post Chicken Alfredo Bake appeared first on Budget Bytes.

This Chicken Alfredo Bake is the ultimate, crowd-pleasing casserole! This creamy and indulgent pasta bake will become one of your favorite dishes to prepare, too, because it’s super easy to make ahead and then assemble just before baking. Not to mention, it’s so cheesy and delicious that everyone will ask for seconds! (That’s right, no leftovers in sight!)

A golden brown chicken alfredo bake in a round, white enamel casserole dish on a wooden background surrounded by a yellow and gray striped dish towel in the bottom left, a wooden cutting board with shaved Parmesan cheese in the top left corner, a clove of garlic, sprigs of parsley, and small wooden bowl of breadcrumbs in the top right corner, and a small wooden bowl of uncooked pasta in the bottom right corner. The right side of the casserole has been stirred with a large wooden spoon that's resting in the dish.

What is a chicken alfredo bake?

This Baked Chicken Alfredo is a fun spin on one of our most popular dinner recipes: Chicken Alfredo. We take the stovetop version of this dish to the next level by sending it on a trip to the oven…blanketed with seasoned breadcrumbs and tons of shredded cheese! (Because what could be better?!) 

Ingredients & substitutions

  • Chicken: We used boneless, skinless chicken breasts in this recipe, but you could also use boneless, skinless chicken thighs or 2 cups of rotisserie chicken. 
  • Alfredo Sauce: We made a double batch of our Homemade Alfredo Sauce (what we call an “Ameri-fredo sauce”) in the same skillet we used to cook the chicken. It can also be substituted with around 3 cups (or 24 oz.) of store-bought alfredo sauce. (But I promise, ours is better!)
  • Pasta: We used rotini in our pasta bake because it grabs onto that creamy sauce oh-so-well! Any medium-sized pasta like fusilli, penne, macaroni, or rigatoni works, too.
  • Frozen Vegetables: We added some frozen broccoli because the dish needed something fresh to balance out all the other rich ingredients. If you don’t like broccoli, try frozen peas, or a frozen vegetable mix (like ones with diced carrots, peas, and corn).
  • Buttered Breadcrumbs: Making buttery, seasoned breadcrumbs from scratch with panko will ensure the topping is as crispy and delicious as possible. Seasoning them yourself also gives you full control over the flavor. But they could be replaced with store-bought, seasoned Italian breadcrumbs or fresh breadcrumbs if desired.

MAKE AHEAD & AVOID LEFTOVERS

This is one of the dreamiest recipes of all time…but it isn’t quite as creamy and dreamy once reheated. For that reason, we suggest making a half batch instead of planning on a lot of leftovers. On the other hand, since every individual element of this recipe can be made ahead and kept in the fridge for up to 4 days, you could still make up the whole recipe and just bake it up at different times! Here’s how to prepare this pasta bake ahead of time:

  • Mix up the prepared chicken, cooked pasta, and thawed broccoli. Split the mixture into smaller portions. Store each serving in a glass container separately from the alfredo sauce. (If you want to mix the sauce in ahead of time, I guess you could — but it may soak into the cooked pasta over time.)
  • When you’re ready to bake up a serving, let it sit a room temperature for a few minutes (to slightly warm the glass dish), mix in the alfredo sauce, and top with cheese and breadcrumbs.
  • Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the center of the pasta bake reaches an internal temperature of 165℉, and the toppings achieve the same visual cues in the recipe).
A large serving of chicken alfredo bake in a flat, white bowl, and a black fork is resting on the right side of the bowl. The bowl is sitting on a wood background surround with a yellow and gray striped dish cloth, a dark wooden cutting board with Parmesan Cheese shavings on it, and a sprig of parsley and a bowl of untoasted breadcrumbs.

I swear, y’all….this recipe is SUPER EASY to throw together. (Despite the long ingredient list and the number of steps!) It’s also a great blueprint for making just about any pasta bake you can dream up!

A golden brown chicken alfredo bake in a round, white enamel casserole dish on a wooden background surrounded by a yellow and gray striped dish towel in the bottom left, a wooden cutting board with shaved Parmesan cheese in the top left corner, a clove of garlic, sprigs of parsley, and small wooden bowl of breadcrumbs in the top right corner, and a small wooden bowl of uncooked pasta in the bottom right corner.
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Chicken Alfredo Bake

Transform stovetop chicken alfredo into a super-cheesy, decadent casserole with this Chicken Alfredo Bake recipe! It’s super easy to make (or make ahead!), and so delicious there won’t be any leftovers!
Course Dinner, Pasta
Cuisine American, Italian
Total Cost $12.80 recipe / $2.13 serving
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 1 hour 10 minutes
Bake Time 30 minutes
Total Time 1 hour 55 minutes
Servings 6 1 cup each
Calories 829kcal
Author Marion – Budget Bytes

Equipment

Ingredients

Parmesan Chicken:

  • 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 1 1/3 lbs. total) $3.89
  • 2 Tbsp olive oil, divided $0.26
  • 1 Tbsp grated Parmesan cheese $0.08
  • 1/2 tsp Italian seasoning $0.05
  • 1/2 tsp red pepper flakes $0.05
  • 1/2 tsp salt $0.01
  • 1/2 tsp black pepper $0.01
  • 3 Tbsp water $0.00

Buttered Breadcrumbs:

  • 2 Tbsp butter $0.30
  • 1/2 cup panko breadcrumbs $0.35
  • 1/4 tsp Italian seasoning $0.03
  • 1/4 tsp garlic powder $0.03
  • 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes $0.03
  • 1/4 tsp salt $0.01
  • 1/4 tsp black pepper $0.01

Alfredo Sauce/Pasta Bake:

  • 4 Tbsp butter $0.60
  • 4 cloves garlic, minced $0.30
  • 2 cups heavy cream $2.00
  • 2 cups Italian shredded cheese blend, divided $2.49
  • 1/4 tsp Italian seasoning $0.03
  • 1/4 tsp garlic powder $0.03
  • 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes $0.03
  • 1/4 tsp salt $0.01
  • 1/4 tsp black pepper $0.01
  • 8 oz. rotini, uncooked $0.66
  • 10 oz. frozen broccoli florets $1.49

Instructions

Parmesan Chicken:

  • Cut the chicken breasts into 1” chunks. Coat the chicken with 1 tablespoons of oil and season it with the grated Parmesan cheese, Italian seasoning, garlic powder, red pepper flakes, salt, and black pepper.
  • Heat 1 tablespoons of oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Sear the chicken until the bottom of each piece is brown and the sides start to turn white (about 5 minutes).
  • Add 3 tablespoons of water to the pan, releasing the chicken pieces from the bottom of the skillet, and flip each one. Continue cooking until the chicken is evenly browned on all sides and fully cooked in the center (about 5 minutes). Remove the chicken from the skillet, leaving behind any stuck-on bits of chicken to flavor the alfredo sauce.

Buttered Breadcrumbs:

  • Melt the butter in a small skillet over medium heat. Once the butter has completely melted, stir in the panko breadcrumbs, Italian seasoning, garlic powder, red pepper flakes, salt, and black pepper.
  • Toast the breadcrumbs, stirring occasionally, until all the butter is absorbed and the breadcrumbs are toasted and golden but not brown (about 5 minutes).
  • Transfer the breadcrumbs to a bowl to stop the cooking process and set them aside to cool.

Alfredo Sauce:

  • Melt the butter over medium heat in the same large skillet used to cook the chicken (without wiping it out). Add the minced garlic and sauté until fragrant (about 2 minutes).
  • Whisk in the heavy cream, Italian seasoning, garlic powder, red pepper flakes, salt, and black pepper. Let it come up to a boil, stirring occasionally (about 5 minutes).
  • Turn the heat down to low, and add 1.5 cups of shredded cheese a handful at a time, whisking until the cheese is fully melted before adding more (about 5 minutes). The alfredo sauce will continue to thicken as it cools.

Assembly:

  • Preheat the oven to 375℉. Thaw the frozen broccoli in a colander, breaking down any large florets into bite-size pieces. Set aside.
  • At the same time, boil a large pot of water on high heat. Once the water is rapidly boiling, add the rotini and cook until it is just tender (about 7 minutes). Do not overcook the pasta, as it will soften further in the oven. Drain the pasta in a colander and set aside.
  • Mix together the cooked chicken, cooked pasta, thawed broccoli, and alfredo sauce in a casserole dish. Top the casserole with ½ cup of shredded cheese and the toasted breadcrumbs.
  • Bake the casserole until all the cheese is melted and the breadcrumbs are golden brown (about 25-30 minutes).

See how we calculate recipe costs here.

Nutrition

Serving: 1.5cups | Calories: 829kcal | Carbohydrates: 40g | Protein: 40g | Fat: 58g | Sodium: 760mg | Fiber: 3g
A side shot of a chicken alfredo bake with broccoli in a round, white enamel cast iron baking dish with a black rim. A wooden serving spoon is lifting out a heaping spoonful of the pasta slightly above the casserole dish. There is a yellow and gray striped dish cloth slightly visible in the bottom left side of the image, and blurred in the background are a black bowl of uncooked pasta and a bunch of Italian parsley.

How to Make Chicken Alfredo Bake – Step by Step Photos

A white bowl of uncooked chicken breast chunks seasoned with grated Parmesan cheese, salt, black pepper, Italian seasoning and red pepper flakes. The bowl is sitting on a marble background.

Cut 2 chicken breasts into 1” chunks. Combine 1 tablespoon of grated Parmesan cheese, 1/2 teaspoon of Italian seasoning, 1/2 teaspoon of garlic powder, 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes, 1/2 teaspoon of salt, and 1/2 teaspoon of black pepper. Coat the chunks of chicken in 1 tablespoon of olive oil and then toss them in the seasoning mixture.

A large stainless steel skillet is sitting on a white marble background. In the skillet are chunks of cooked chicken breast and some olive oil.

Heat a large skillet over medium heat. Add 1 tablespoon of olive oil. Saute the chicken until the bottom of each piece is brown and the sides start to turn white (About 10 minutes). Add 3 tablespoons of water to release the chicken from the skillet, and flip each piece. Continue cooking the chicken until cooked through and no pink remains (About 5 minutes). Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside to cool. Also, reserve the pan (without wiping it out!) to use when cooking the alfredo sauce.

A stainless steel skillet filled with toasted, seasoned Panko breadcrumbs sitting on a white marble background.

While the chicken is cooking, melt 2 tablespoons of butter in a small skillet over medium heat. Once the butter has completely melted, stir in 1/2 cup panko breadcrumbs, 1/4 teaspoon of Italian seasoning, 1/4 teaspoon of garlic powder, 1/4 teaspoon of red pepper flakes, 1/4 teaspoon of salt, and 1/4 teaspoon of black pepper. Toast the breadcrumbs, stirring occasionally, until all the butter is absorbed and the breadcrumbs are toasted and golden but not brown. (About 7 minutes.) Set aside to cool.

A large stainless steel skillet on a background of white marble. The skillet is covered with fond after cooking chicken and there is a chunk of unmelted butter in the center and a pile of minced garlic.

In the same large skillet used to cook the chicken (without wiping it out), melt 4 tablespoons of butter on medium heat. Add the minced garlic and saute until fragrant. (About 2 minutes.) Use a metal whisk to scrape up the stuck bits of chicken and seasonings left behind in the pan as you cook the garlic, which will infuse the alfredo sauce with tons of flavor!

A large stainless steel skillet with butter and sautéed garlic, and heavy cream being poured from a glass measuring cup into the skillet from the left side of the pan.

Whisk in 2 cups of heavy cream. Then add 1/4 teaspoon of Italian seasoning, 1/4 teaspoon of garlic powder, 1/4 teaspoon of red pepper flakes, 1/4 teaspoon of salt, and 1/4 teaspoon of black pepper. Let the cream come up to a boil, stirring occasionally. (About 5 minutes.)

A large stainless steel skillet filled with heavy cream mixed with sautéed garlic, butter and seasonings. Grated parmesan cheese is sprinkled across the top of the heavy cream mixture from a small white bowl by a hand hovering over the bottom right side of the skillet.

Turn the heat down to low, and add 1½ cups of shredded cheese a handful at a time, whisking until the cheese is fully melted. (About 5 minutes.)

A large stainless steel skillet on a white marble background. The skillet is filled with a finished homemade alfredo sauce, and a hand in visible in the bottom right of the image and is stirring the mixture with a metal balloon whisk.

The alfredo sauce will continue to thicken as it cools. 

A medium-size stainless steel pot filled with cloudy pasta water and cooked rotini. A wooden spoon with a gray, silicon spoon is being held above the pot to show that the pasta is fully cooked. The pot is sitting on a white marble backdrop.

Preheat the oven to 375℉. Thaw the frozen broccoli in a colander, breaking down any large florets into bite-size pieces. At the same time, boil a large pot of water on high heat. Once the water is rapidly boiling, add the rotini and cook until it is just tender. (About 7 minutes). Do not overcook the pasta, as it will soften further in the oven. Set the cooked pasta and broccoli aside.

A circular, white enamel cast iron with a black rim sitting on a marble background. The casserole dish is filled with a mixture of cooked pasta, cooked chunks of seasoned chicken breast, and broccoli florets. Homemade alfredo sauce is being poured over the mixture from a stainless steel skillet raised above the casserole from the left side of the frame.

Mix together the cooked chicken, cooked pasta, and thawed broccoli in a casserole dish. Pour over the alfredo sauce and stir well.

A round, white enamel cast iron baking dish with a black rim is sitting on a white marble background. The baking dish is filled with a mixture of cooked pasta, broccoli florets, cooked chunks of chicken breast and alfredo sauce. A hand in the lower right corner of the casserole dish is sprinkling toasted breadcrumbs over the pasta bake.

Top the casserole with ½ cup of shredded Italian cheese and then sprinkle over 1/2 cup of buttered breadcrumbs. 

A chicken alfredo bake with broccoli topped with melted cheese and golden brown toasted breadcrumbs in a round, white enamel baking dish with a black rim that's sitting on a white, marble background.

Bake the casserole until all the cheese is melted and the breadcrumbs are golden brown (About 25-30 minutes).

A large serving of chicken alfredo bake in a flat, white bowl, and a black fork is resting on the right side of the bowl. The bowl is sitting on a wood background surround with a yellow and gray striped dish cloth, a dark wooden cutting board with Parmesan Cheese shavings on it, and a sprig of parsley and a bowl of untoasted breadcrumbs.

I’m craving this meal again — just LOOKING at it! ~Marion :)

MORE CREAMY PASTA RECIPES

The post Chicken Alfredo Bake appeared first on Budget Bytes.

Chicken Nachos

This is THE BEST chicken nacho recipe! What’s not to love about crispy corn chips loaded with succulent chicken breast and melted cheese?

The post Chicken Nachos appeared first on Budget Bytes.

Sometimes you just need the crunchy, salty, cheesy goodness of chicken nachos. Am I right??? What’s not to love about crispy corn chips loaded with succulent chicken breast and dripping with tangy melted cheese and sour cream? They’re even better with earthy cilantro, creamy avocado, and the gentle heat from fresh jalapeno. Sigh. This is THE BEST chicken nacho recipe! It’s a perfect marriage of texture and umami bombs.

Overhead shot of sheet pan chicken nachos with sliced jalapeño, avocado, and cilantro.

What Should I Put On My Nachos?

I’m going ’88 Bobby Brown here and saying that when it comes to ingredients for nachos, it’s your prerogative. (If you’re not familiar with My Prerogative, please enjoy three minutes of 80’s perfection.) This recipe uses chicken, fresh jalapeño, cilantro, green onions, and avocado. Some other excellent choices are:

What Cheese Is Best For Nachos?

Not all cheeses melt well. So if you’re looking for an ooey-gooey cheese pull, opt for any combination of cheeses listed below. And if you can, shred your own. The additives in pre-shredded cheeses can prevent them from softening when heated.

  • Cheddar
  • Monterey Jack
  • Pepper Jack
  • Mozzarella
  • Queso Asadero
  • Queso de Oaxaca
  • Queso Quesadilla
  • Queso Chihuahua

All that being said, I still love a sprinkle of Queso Fresco all over my nachos. It doesn’t melt, but it is sooo YUMMY.

Forty five degree angle shot of sheet pan chicken nachos with sliced jalapeño, avocado, and cilantro.

What Sauces Go On Nachos?

You can use a simple salsa with nachos or go for something a little more complex. Drizzle it on top of your nachos or serve it on the side in a wide-mouth bowl for easy dunking. I chose a tangy Salsa Verde for this recipe, but a spicy Salsa Roja is just as good. You can also use any of these easy Budget Bytes recipes:

How To Make Perfect Chicken Nachos

  1. Choose a sturdy corn chip. Thicker chips can hold the weight of all of your toppings. A thin chip will break faster than a drama queen on The Bachelor.
  2. Line Your Sheet Pan. Use parchment or aluminum to make clean-up a breeze. Otherwise, you’ll be spending your night scrubbing burnt cheese.
  3. Layer your nachos. Put toppings on the first layer and then repeat. That way, you lessen the chance of getting a naked chip, i.e., the biggest nacho foul ever.
  4. Pre-cook your meat. Nachos should only be in the oven long enough to melt the cheese, which isn’t long enough to cook raw meat. Cook chicken ahead of time or opt for pre-cooked rotisserie chicken.
  5. Chop toppings into small dice. You want to get a bite with all of your carefully selected flavors. That will only happen with small chunks of meat and veggies. 
Close up of a chicken nacho chip with a touch of sour cream.
Overhead shot of sheet pan chicken nachos with sliced jalapeño, avocado, and cilantro.
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Chicken Nachos

This is THE BEST chicken nacho recipe! What's not to love about crispy corn chips loaded with succulent chicken breast and melted cheese?
Course Appetizer, Dinner, Lunch
Cuisine Mexican
Total Cost ($12.68 recipe / $1.58 serving)
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 10 minutes
Total Time 20 minutes
Servings 8 servings
Calories
Author Monti – Budget Bytes

Equipment

Ingredients

  • 3 tsp taco seasoning $0.21
  • 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breast $2.99
  • 1 Tbsp cooking oil $0.04
  • 15 oz corn tortilla chips (1 large bag) $3.69
  • 2 cups Mexican cheese blend, shredded $2.15
  • 1 jalapeño $0.24
  • 2 green onions $0.23
  • 1/2 cup fresh cilantro $0.23
  • 1 avocado $1.50
  • 1 lime, zested and juiced $0.60
  • 1/2 cup sour cream $0.50
  • 2 Tbsp queso fresco, crumbled $0.25

Instructions

  • Add a rack to the center of your oven and preheat it to 400°F. Pound the chicken breast an inch thick with a heavy skillet. Sprinkle liberally on both sides with taco seasoning.
  • Add cooking oil to a heavy-bottomed skillet set over medium-high heat. Sear the chicken breast for 5 minutes, then flip it and cook for a few minutes more, or until a thermometer reads 165°F.
  • Slice the jalapeño and two green onions. Chop the cilantro. Dice the avocado and drizzle lime juice over it to keep it from browning.
  • When your chicken has reached an internal temperature of 165°F, remove it from the pan and let it rest for five minutes. Chop it into 1/2-inch pieces.
  • Line a sheet pan with parchment paper. Add half a bag of corn chips to the pan. Top with half of the shredded cheese and half of the chopped chicken.
  • Repeat the layering process with the remaining chips, cheese, and chicken. Bake at 400°F until the cheese melts, about 7 to 10 minutes.
  • Sprinkle the nachos with the avocado, jalapeño, green onion, lime zest, and chopped cilantro. Finish with dollops of sour cream and sprinkle with crumbled queso fresco.

See how we calculate recipe costs here.
Overhead shot of sheet pan chicken nachos with sliced jalapeño, avocado, and cilantro.

How to Make Chicken Nachos – Step by Step Photos

Overhead shot of a chicken breast covered in plastic wrap ready to be flattened by a cast iron pan.

Add a rack to the center of your oven and preheat it to 400°F. To ensure your chicken cooks evenly, cover it with a sheet of plastic wrap, and pound it an inch thick with a heavy skillet. Season your breast liberally with 3 teaspoons of taco seasoning.

Overhead shot of a blackened chicken breast in a stainless steel skillet.

Place a heavy-bottomed skillet over medium-high heat. Add a tablespoon of oil. Once the oil is shimmering hot, add the breast. Cook for 5 minutes without moving it to create a thick sear. Then flip it and cook for a few minutes more, or until a thermometer reads 165°F.

Overhead shot of chopped toppings on a white cutting board.

Chop your fresh ingredients: slice one jalapeño, two green onions, a 1/2 cup of cilantro, and dice an avocado. As soon as you dice the avocado, drizzle it with the lime juice to prevent it from turning brown.

Overhead shot of chopped chicken breast on a white cutting board.

When your chicken has reached an internal temperature of 165°F, remove it from the pan and let it rest for five minutes before chopping it into 1/2-inch pieces.

Overhead shot of a hand putting chicken on the first layer of chicken nachos on a sheet pan..

Line a sheet pan with parchment paper. Then, add half a bag of corn chips to the pan. Next, top with 1 cup of shredded cheese. (If you prefer cheesier nachos, double the amount asked for in the recipe.) Sprinkle the chips with half of the chopped chicken breast.

Overhead shot of baked chicken nachos on a sheet pan.

Next, repeat the layering process with the remaining chips, cheese, and chicken. Bake at 400°F until the cheese melts, about 7 to 10 minutes.

Overhead shot of sheet pan chicken nachos with sliced jalapeño, avocado, and cilantro.

Sprinkle the nachos with the diced avocado, sliced jalapeño, 2 sliced green onions, lime zest, and 1/2 cup of chopped cilantro. Finish with dollops of the 1/2 cup of sour cream and sprinkle with 2 tablespoons of crumbled queso fresco. Finally, serve the whole sheet pan of nachos like a party platter and snack on! Ugh. I’m jealous. I want to have these again right now!

What To Serve With Nachos

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Chicken Pot Pie

Chicken pot pie is a cozy and classic comfort food made with a flakey crust and a rich sauce full of tender chicken and vegetables.

The post Chicken Pot Pie appeared first on Budget Bytes.

I could eat this chicken pot pie every day for the rest of my life. Okay, maybe I’m being a little hyperbolic, but it’s definitely one of those recipes that I can eat for days in a row and I’ll still be sad once the leftovers are gone. Because when a food makes you feel this cozy and good, how can you not want it in your life every day? Either way, I guarantee this scrumptious homemade chicken pot pie is going to be made on REPEAT in my house all through the fall and winter.

Chicken Pot Pie with a slice removed.

What’s in a Chicken Pot Pie?

Chicken pot pie starts with a deliciously flakey pie crust and is filled with a rich and saucy chicken gravy, chunks of tender chicken, and a medley of colorful vegetables. It’s everything you want in a meal on one plate!

This recipe is pretty flexible, allowing you to take some shortcuts if you need to make the prep easier, or you can do everything from scratch to make this pie an ✨EVENT✨!

Pie Crust Options

It’s no secret that the crust is one of the best parts of a chicken pot pie, so we chose not to skimp on the crust. We used our simple 3-ingredient pie crust recipe, which is super buttery and deliciously flakey. If you want to use a store-bought crust, just make sure to buy a double crust (top and bottom crusts) and follow the baking instructions on the box.

You could also bake this “pie” in skillet without a bottom crust and then top it with your favorite biscuits. The filling is fully cooked before it goes into the pie, so simply top with biscuits and then bake until the biscuits are browned and cooked through.

Can I Use Pre-Cooked Chicken for Chicken Pot Pie?

Yes! Chicken pot pie is a great way to use up leftover rotisserie chicken, or even leftover turkey from Thanksgiving! Just skip the first step in the recipe below (cooking the raw chicken) and add your pre-cooked chicken to the filling when the cooked chicken is added back to the gravy with the herbs and spices.

Use Fresh or Frozen Vegetables

To make this chicken pot pie super simple, we used a frozen vegetable medley. Using a frozen veggie mix means less chopping and you won’t have any leftover vegetables to try to use up later. If you do want to slice and chop your own vegetables, use 1-2 carrots, about ½ cup corn kernels, ½ cup chopped green beans, and ½ cup peas. You could also other vegetables, like mushrooms or celery.

Do I Need to Blind Bake the Crust?

When using our 3-ingredient pie crust recipe and a glass pie plate, our chicken pot pie baked to perfection with a golden brown flakey bottom crust without having to pre-bake the bottom crust. That being said, using different crust recipes or store-bought crusts with different types of pie plates may yield different results.

A slice of chicken pot pie being lifted out of the pie pan from the side.
A slice of chicken pot pie taken out of the pie dish.

Chicken Pot Pie

Chicken pot pie is a cozy classic comfort food made with a flakey crust and a rich sauce full of tender chicken and vegetables.
Course Dinner, Main Course
Cuisine American
Total Cost $8.44 recipe / $1.06 serving
Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 1 hour 10 minutes
Total Time 1 hour 30 minutes
Servings 8
Calories 361kcal
Author Beth – Budget Bytes

Equipment

Ingredients

  • 1 boneless, skinless chicken breast (about ⅔ lb.) $3.33
  • 1 Tbsp cooking oil $0.04
  • 1 yellow onion $0.38
  • 4 Tbsp butter $0.50
  • 4 Tbsp flour $0.04
  • 1 cup chicken broth $0.13
  • 1/2 cup whole milk $0.10
  • 1/4 tsp dried thyme $0.03
  • 1/4 tsp rubbed sage $0.03
  • 1/4 tsp black pepper $0.02
  • 3/4 tsp salt $0.05
  • 12 oz. frozen mixed vegetables $1.25
  • 1 double pie crust $2.34
  • l egg (optional) $0.20

Instructions

  • Preheat the oven to 350ºF. Cut the chicken breast into ½-inch pieces.
  • Heat a deep skillet or Dutch oven over medium heat. Once hot, add the cooking oil and diced chicken. Cook just until the chicken is cooked through. Remove the chicken from the skillet.
  • While the chicken is cooking, dice the onion. After removing the chicken from the skillet, add the diced onion and butter. Sauté the onions in the butter until softened.
  • Sprinkle the flour over the onions in the skillet and continue to cook and stir for two minutes more. It's okay if the flour begins to coat the surface of the skillet, but don't let it burn.
  • Add the chicken broth and milk to the skillet. Whisk to combine and dissolve any flour off the bottom of the skillet. Let the liquid come up to a simmer, at which point it will thicken into a gravy.
  • Add the cooked chicken back to the skillet along with the thyme, sage, salt, and pepper. Stir to combine.
  • Finally, add the frozen mixed vegetables and allow them to heat through in the gravy, stirring occasionally, just until the gravy begins to simmer again. Remove the skillet from the heat.
  • Place your bottom crust in a 9-inch pie plate. Prick the bottom several times with a fork. Transfer the chicken, vegetable, and gravy mixture into the pie crust.
  • Add the top crust and crimp the edges closed. Brush a light layer of whisked egg over the surface of the pie crust (optional). Use a knife to cut large vents in the top of the crust.
  • Bake the chicken pot pie for 45-50 minutes, or until the crust is golden brown and flakey. The baking time may vary depending on the type of crust and pie plate used.

Nutrition

Serving: 1slice | Calories: 361kcal | Carbohydrates: 31g | Protein: 13g | Fat: 20g | Sodium: 616mg | Fiber: 3g
Close up overhead view of a chicken pot pie with a slice cut into it.

How to Make Chicken Pot Pie – Step by Step Photos

Cooked diced chicken in a skillet.

Preheat the oven to 350ºF. Dice one boneless skinless chicken breast into ½-inch pieces and season with a pinch of salt and pepper. Heat a deep skillet or Dutch oven over medium. Once hot, add 1 Tbsp cooking oil and the diced chicken breast. Cook the chicken pieces just until cooked through (do not over cook).

Diced onion and butter in a deep skillet.

While the chicken is cooking, dice one yellow onion. Remove the cooked chicken from the skillet and add the diced onion and 4 Tbsp butter. Sauté the onions in the butter over medium heat until softened.

Flour being added to the skillet.

Once the onions are soft, sprinkle in 4 Tbsp of all-purpose flour. Continue to cook and stir for about two minutes more. It’s okay for the flour to begin to coat the bottom of the skillet, just make sure it doesn’t begin to burn.

Milk and broth being added to the skillet.

Add one cup of chicken broth and one cup of whole milk to the skillet. Whisk to combine and dissolve any flour off the bottom of the skillet.

Thickened gravy being whisked.

Allow the liquid to come up to a simmer, at which point it will thicken into a nice gravy.

Chicken and seasoning added back to the gravy.

Add the cooked chicken back to the skillet along with ¼ tsp dried thyme, ¼ tsp rubbed sage, ¼ tsp black pepper, and ¾ tsp salt. Stir to combine.

frozen vegetables stirred into the gravy.

Stir in one 12oz. bag of frozen mixed vegetables. Allow the gravy mixture to heat through and come back up to a simmer, stirring occasionally. Once fully heated through and simmering, remove it from the heat.

Pie filling being added to a pie crust.

Place the bottom crust into a pie plate and prick it several times over the bottom with a fork. Fill the pie crust with the chicken pot pie filling.

Vents being cut into the top pie crust.

Add the top crust and crimp the edges closed. Brush the top of the pie with a thin layer of whisked egg. Use a knife to cut large vents into the top of the pie crust.

Baked Chicken Pot Pie.

Bake the chicken pot pie for 45-50 minutes, or until the pie crust is golden brown and flakey and the filling is bubbling up slightly through the vents. Total cooking time may vary depending on the type of crust and pie dish used. The filling is fully cooked before going into the pie, so adjust the baking time based on the crust.

Chicken pot pie on a blue background with plates and parsley on the sides.

Let the pie cool for about 10 minutes before slicing and serving.

A slice of chicken pot pie taken out of the pie dish.

Try these other savory pie recipes:

The post Chicken Pot Pie appeared first on Budget Bytes.

Chicken Alfredo

This Chicken Alfredo features pasta drenched in an ultra-rich and creamy sauce and topped with juicy strips of seared chicken.

The post Chicken Alfredo appeared first on Budget Bytes.

When it comes to indulgent comfort foods, I don’t know if anything beats Chicken Alfredo. I just can’t say no to a big ol’ plate of carby pasta drenched in an ultra-rich and creamy sauce and topped with juicy strips of seared chicken, can you? (That was a rhetorical question.) And now that I know how easy it is to make it at home, I have a feeling this is going to become my new favorite special occasion meal. And yes, sometimes just making it through to the end of the week is a special occasion in this house. ;)

close up overhead view of a bowl full of chicken alfredo pasta.

Can I Substitute the Heavy Cream?

While authentic alfredo doesn’t use any heavy cream, this American alfredo does use heavy cream as the base for the sauce, which helps the Parmesan melt in smoothly instead of clumping or sticking to the bottom of the pan. Most other dairy products or dairy substitutes contain too much water to allow the cheese to melt into the sauce properly, so I do not suggest substituting the heavy cream.

Fresh vs. Grated Parmesan

Freshly shredded Parmesan always trumps grated Parmesan from a can, there’s no argument there, but we’re cooking on a budget here so I made sure this recipe tastes great even when using less expensive Parmesan. If you have room in your budget for a wedge of fresh Parmesan, by all means, use it! But just know that you can still make a tasty alfredo even if you can’t afford the good stuff.

What to Serve with Chicken Alfredo

With any heavy dish like this, I like to pair it with a light and simple side salad. The delicate texture and fresh flavor of a simple side salad perfectly balances the thick and creamy alfredo sauce. Some Lemon Garlic Roasted Asparagus or Lemon Pepper Zucchini would also pair well. And of course, it wouldn’t be pasta night without some homemade garlic bread!

How Are the Leftovers?

The rich nature of this sauce means that it does start to thicken up quite a bit as it cools, so you definitely want to serve and enjoy this pasta when it’s hot out of the skillet. That being said, I would never turn down the leftovers of something so creamy and delicious. Just know that the texture when reheated will not be as silky smooth.

Close up side view of chicken alfredo in the skillet.
Overhead view of chicken alfredo in the skillet.

Chicken Alfredo

This Chicken Alfredo features pasta drenched in an ultra-rich and creamy sauce, topped with juicy strips of seared chicken.
Course Dinner
Cuisine American
Total Cost $10.62 recipe / $2.66 serving
Prep Time 5 minutes
Cook Time 35 minutes
Total Time 40 minutes
Servings 4
Calories 756kcal
Author Beth – Budget Bytes

Ingredients

  • 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 1.3 lb. total) $6.49
  • 2 tsp Italian seasoning $0.20
  • 1 Tbsp cooking oil $0.04
  • 2 Tbsp butter $0.22
  • 4 cloves garlic, minced $0.32
  • 1 cup heavy cream $1.25
  • 3/4 cup grated Parmesan $1.08
  • 1/4 tsp salt $0.02
  • 1/4 tsp pepper $0.02
  • 1 Tbsp chopped parsley (optional garnish) $0.10
  • 8 oz. fettuccine $0.88

Instructions

  • Season both sides of the chicken breast with Italian seasoning and a pinch of salt.
  • Heat a large skillet over medium. Once hot, add the cooking oil and swirl to coat the surface. Add the chicken to the skillet and cook for about 7-8 minutes on each side, or until browned on the outside and cooked through.
  • Remove the chicken to a clean plate and turn the heat under the skillet down to medium-low.
  • Add the butter and minced garlic to the skillet. Stir and cook the garlic in the melted butter for about two minutes, dissolving the browned bits from the bottom of the skillet as you stir.
  • Add the heavy cream and whisk to combine, dissolving any remaining browned bits. Allow the cream to come up to a simmer.
  • While waiting for the cream to simmer, bring a pot of water to a boil for the fettuccine. Once boiling, add the pasta and continue to boil until tender (about 7 minutes). Reserve about ½ cup of the starchy cooking water just before draining the pasta.
  • Once the cream is simmering, add the grated Parmesan to the skillet. Continue to whisk and stir until the Parmesan has melted into the sauce and the sauce has begun to simmer. Simmer the sauce for a few minutes, or until it becomes slightly thicker. Add salt and pepper to the sauce to taste.
  • Add the drained pasta to the skillet with the creamy sauce and toss to combine. If the sauce becomes too thick, add a couple of tablespoons of the reserved pasta water and toss to combine with the sauce.
  • Slice the cooked chicken breasts and serve it atop the creamy pasta. Garnish with chopped parsley, if desired.

Nutrition

Serving: 1serving | Calories: 756kcal | Carbohydrates: 46g | Protein: 47g | Fat: 42g | Sodium: 719mg | Fiber: 2g

Love alfredo? Check out our Shrimp Alfredo, too!

Overhead view of chicken alfredo in the skillet.

How to Make Chicken Alfredo – Step by Step Photos

Seasoned chicken breast on a cutting board.

Season two boneless, skinless chicken breasts with two teaspoons of Italian Seasoning and a pinch of salt.

Seared chicken in the skillet.

Heat a large skillet over medium. Once fully preheated, add 1 Tablespoon of cooking oil and swirl to coat the skillet. Add the chicken breasts and cook on each side for 7-8 minutes, or until the chicken is well browned and cooked through. Remove the chicken to a clean plate.

Butter and minced garlic in the skillet.

Turn the heat down to medium-low, then add 2 tablespoons of butter and 4 cloves of minced garlic to the skillet.

Deglazed pan with butter and garlic.

Cook and stir the butter and garlic over medium-low heat for about 2 minutes, dissolving the browned bits as you stir.

Heavy cream being poured into the skillet.

Add one cup of heavy cream to the skillet and stir to combine. Turn the heat up to medium and bring the cream up to a simmer.

A box of fettuccine open on one end with pasta coming out

Meanwhile, bring a pot of water to a boil for the pasta. Once boiling, add 8oz. of pasta and continue to boil until the pasta is tender. Reserve ½ cup of the starchy pasta water before draining the pasta in a colander.

Parmesan being added to the skillet.

While waiting for the pasta to boil, continue with the sauce. Once the cream is simmering, add ¾ cup Parmesan and continue to stir and cook until the sauce comes back up to a simmer.

Finished alfredo sauce in the skillet.

When the sauce comes back up to a simmer the Parmesan will begin to melt. Continue to cook and stir until the sauce thickens slightly (3-5 minutes). Add salt and pepper to the sauce to taste.

Fettuccine being tossed in the cream sauce.

Add the cooked and drained pasta to the alfredo sauce and toss to combine. If the sauce is too thick or too dry, add a few tablespoons of the reserved pasta water and toss to combine.

Sliced chicken added on top of the pasta alfredo.

Slice the chicken breast and add it on top of the pasta, then serve. (You can garnish with chopped parsley if desired).

Overhead view of chicken alfredo in a shallow bowl with a fork.

The post Chicken Alfredo appeared first on Budget Bytes.

Slow Cooker BBQ Chicken

Seasoned chicken breast and tangy BBQ sauce are slow cooked until tender and delicious. Perfect for sandwiches, nachos, pizza, and more.

The post Slow Cooker BBQ Chicken appeared first on Budget Bytes.

This is the time of year when I start to avoid turning on the oven at all costs. So what’s for dinner when it’s too hot to cook? Slow Cooker BBQ Chicken! You can have this tasty chicken in the slow cooker doing its own thing while you’re enjoying a lazy summer day. Plus, unlike a hot oven, the slow cooker won’t make your AC work overtime. ;)

Overhead view of shredded BBQ chicken in a slow cooker with tongs.

This slow cooker BBQ chicken is almost too easy to be true. Just add some seasonings to boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cover them with your favorite BBQ sauce, and press go. A few hours later, the chicken is tender, tangy, so saucy, and delicious!

What Size Slow Cooker to Use

My slow cooker is about 5 quarts and it was only about ¼ full, so you could definitely use a smaller cooker if you want, but I wouldn’t go any larger. Some slow cookers need to be filled a minimum amount to avoid cracking, so make sure to check your owner’s manual first.

What Kind of BBQ Sauce to Use

You can literally use any type of BBQ sauce for this chicken. I tested the recipe using a very basic and inexpensive BBQ sauce just to make sure it was still delicious on a budget, but you could certainly ramp it up by using a fancier BBQ Sauce. You can also play around with different flavors of BBQ sauce, like smoky, honey, pineapple, spicy, etc.

Close up of tongs holding pulled BBQ Chicken.

How Do You Serve Slow Cooker BBQ Chicken?

The classic way to serve this chicken is on a bun, like a classic BBQ chicken sandwich. Make sure to add some coleslaw and pickles to make it extra delish! But you can also use this BBQ chicken for tacos, pizza, bowl meals, on a baked potato or sweet potato, on nachos, or even on a salad.

What to Serve with Slow Cooker BBQ Chicken

Whenever I make BBQ anything I always opt for the classic comfort food sides like potato salad, mac and cheese, three bean salad, or Cowboy Caviar.

Side view of a BBQ Chicken Sandwich.
Side view of Slow Cooker BBQ Chicken in the slow cooker with tongs.

Slow Cooker BBQ Chicken

Seasoned chicken breast and tangy BBQ sauce are slow cooked until tender and delicious. Perfect for sandwiches, nachos, pizza, and more.
Course Dinner, Lunch, Main Course
Cuisine American
Total Cost $8.34 recipe / $2.09 serving
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 2 hours 30 minutes
Total Time 2 hours 40 minutes
Servings 4 1 cup each
Calories 393kcal
Author Beth – Budget Bytes

Equipment

Ingredients

  • 2 tsp smoked paprika $0.20
  • 1 tsp garlic powder $0.10
  • 1/2 tsp salt $0.02
  • 1/2 tsp freshly cracked pepper $0.03
  • 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 1.3 lbs. total) $6.49
  • 18 oz. BBQ sauce $1.50

Instructions

  • Combine the smoked paprika, garlic powder, salt, and pepper in a small bowl.
  • Sprinkle the seasoning over both sides of the chicken breasts.
  • Place the chicken breasts in the slow cooker, then pour the BBQ sauce over top making sure the chicken is fully covered.
  • Place a lid on the slow cooker and cook on high for 2.5 hours or low for 4-5 hours.
  • After cooking, use two forks to shred the chicken. If the chicken does not easily pull apart with the forks, let it cook a little longer.
  • Serve the pulled BBQ chicken on a bun, on nachos, over a baked potato, on pizza, or with your favorite meal.

Nutrition

Calories: 393kcal | Carbohydrates: 53g | Protein: 33g | Fat: 5g | Sodium: 1777mg | Fiber: 2g
Side view of Slow Cooker BBQ Chicken in the slow cooker with tongs.

How to Make Slow Cooker BBQ Chicken – Step by Step Photos

Seasoned chicken breasts on an orange cutting board.

Combine 2 tsp smoked paprika, 1 tsp garlic powder, ½ tsp salt, and ½ tsp pepper in a small bowl. Sprinkle the seasoning mix over both sides of two boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 1.3 lbs. total).

BBQ sauce being poured over chicken in the slow cooker.

Place the chicken in the bottom of the slow cooker and pour one 18oz. bottle of BBQ sauce over the chicken, making sure it’s fully covered.

Cooked chicken in the slow cooker.

Place the lid on the slow cooker on cook on high for 2.5 hours or low for 4-5 hours.

Chicken being shredded with forks in the slow cooker.

Use two forks to shred the chicken. If the chicken doesn’t pull apart easily, you can let it cook a little longer.

Finished Slow Cooker BBQ Chicken in the slow cooker.

Give the chicken a good stir to make sure it’s all well coated in BBQ sauce, then it’s ready to serve!

Side view of shredded bbq chicken in a slow cooker.

Now I need a plate full of BBQ Chicken Nachos. 🤤

The post Slow Cooker BBQ Chicken appeared first on Budget Bytes.

BBQ Chicken Kebabs

These easy and delicious BBQ Chicken Kebabs combine chicken, pineapple, onion, and BBQ sauce for a fresh and easy summer BBQ main dish.

The post BBQ Chicken Kebabs appeared first on Budget Bytes.

This post is sponsored by ALDI. Ingredient prices and availability may vary. Visit ALDI on Facebook, Twitter, Pinterest, or Instagram.

Summer is almost here!! Kick off the summer grilling season this Memorial Day with these super delish BBQ Chicken Kebabs. They’re sweet, savory, and tangy with a little tropical pineapple twist. 🍍 They’re super easy and you can get all the ingredients plus some fresh summer sides to make it a meal in one quick and efficient trip to ALDI, so you can spend more time out enjoying that summer weather. 😎

Overhead view of BBQ Chicken Kebabs on a tray surrounded by side dishes.

What Are Chicken Kebabs Made Of?

These BBQ Chicken Kebabs are made with just a few super simple ingredients. They’ve got seasoned chunks of chicken breast, fresh-cut pineapple, red onion, BBQ sauce, and a few fresh green onions for garnish. They’re light, fresh, and perfect for the summer BBQ season!

What to Serve with Chicken Kebabs

I served up my BBQ Chicken Kebabs with all the classic summer BBQ sides like potato salad, macaroni salad, potato chips, and ice-cold beer, all of which I was able to pick up at ALDI along with the ingredients for the kebabs in one quick shopping trip. I also spotted some mango pico de gallo and had to grab that, too, because I thought that would go great with the pineapple on the kebabs!

When all was said and done, I was able to get all the ingredients for this summer BBQ feast at ALDI (minus a couple of pantry staples) for only $34.60! Now do you see why I’m so obsessed with ALDI?? And if you are up for making your own sides, ALDI has the high-quality ingredients to make those from scratch, too. But hey, it’s summer, so I’m taking it easy and buying a couple of those pre-made items. 😉 Here’s a breakdown of what I bought (prices may vary by location):

  • Simply Nature Organic Chicken Breasts $8.21
  • Fresh Pineapple $1.99
  • Red Onions $2.29
  • Green Onions $0.95
  • Burman’s Original BBQ Sauce $0.95
  • Park Street Deli Mustard Potato Salad $3.69
  • Park Street Deli Macaroni Salad $3.69
  • Park Street Deli Mango Pico de Gallo $3.19
  • Clancy’s Kettle Chips $1.65
  • Holland Lager 1839 $7.99

And I have so many leftovers! 🙌 Seriously, don’t sleep on ALDI. They’ve got you covered for summer with high-quality ingredients, low prices, and a streamlined shopping experience.

ALDI Haul ingredients and sides

Do I Need a Grill?

You can cook these chicken kebabs on an outdoor grill or inside using a grill pan. Cast-iron grill pans that sit on top of your stove’s burners make a really great alternative to outdoor grills, but they can get smoky, so make sure to turn on your exhaust fan! :)

What Kind of BBQ Sauce is Best?

I used Burman’s Original BBQ Sauce from ALDI, but you could have fun and change up the flavor of these kebabs by using just about any flavor of BBQ Sauce. ALDI also had some great regional Burman’s BBQ sauces (Memphis, Texas, Kansas City, and Carolina), or you could opt for a different flavor like a honey BBQ sauce, smoky BBQ sauce, or even a spicy sauce.

BBQ Chicken Kebabs on a plate with sides, chips, and beer.
Overhead view of BBQ Chicken Kebabs on a tray surrounded by side dishes.

BBQ Chicken Kebabs

These easy and delicious BBQ Chicken Kebabs combine chicken, pineapple, onion, and BBQ sauce for a fresh and easy summer BBQ main dish.
Course Dinner, Lunch
Cuisine American
Total Cost $11.66 recipe / $2.33 serving
Prep Time 30 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Total Time 1 hour
Servings 5 two kebabs each
Calories 346kcal
Author Beth – Budget Bytes

Equipment

Ingredients

  • 2 small red onions (or one large) $0.76
  • 1 fresh pineapple $1.99
  • 1.3 lbs. Simply Nature Organic Chicken Breasts $8.21
  • 2 Tbsp cooking oil, divided $0.08
  • 1 tsp smoked paprika $0.10
  • 1 tsp sweet paprika $0.10
  • 1/2 tsp garlic powder $0.05
  • 1/4 tsp salt $0.02
  • 1/4 tsp freshly cracked black pepper $0.02
  • 1/2 cup Burman's Original BBQ Sauce $0.21
  • 2 green onions, sliced $0.12

Instructions

  • Cut the red onions into 1-inch squares. Place the red onion in a bowl, drizzle with 1 Tbsp cooking oil, and toss to coat.
  • Cut the pineapple into 1-inch cubes.
  • Cut the chicken breast into 1-inch cubes, then place the chicken pieces in a bowl. Drizzle 1 Tbsp cooking oil on top, then add the smoked paprika, sweet paprika, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Toss the chicken until it is well coated in oil and spices.
  • Build your kebabs by adding pineapple, onion, and chicken to skewers, alternating as you go. I got ten skewers, but the yield will vary depending on the length of your skewers and size of your pieces.
  • Heat a grill or grill pan over medium. Once hot, add the kebabs and cook for a few minutes on each side.
  • When the kebabs are almost cooked through, brush them on all sides with BBQ Sauce. Cook the chicken kebabs for a minute or two more on each side, or until the chicken is cooked through and the BBQ sauce is slightly caramelized.
  • Sprinkle the sliced green onions over top just before serving.

Nutrition

Serving: 2kebabs | Calories: 346kcal | Carbohydrates: 41g | Protein: 27g | Fat: 9g | Sodium: 553mg | Fiber: 4g
Close up side view of BBQ Chicken Kebabs.

How to Make BBQ Chicken Kebabs – Step by Step Photos

Oil being drizzled over diced red onion in a bowl.

Cut one large or two small red onions into 1-inch pieces. Place them in a bowl, drizzle with 1 Tbsp cooking oil, then toss to coat.

Fresh cut pineapple on a cutting board.

Cut one pineapple into 1-inch chunks. If you need help learning how to cut pineapple, check out my tutorial on How to Cut a Pineapple.

Diced chicken breast on a cutting board.

Cut two boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 1.3 lbs. total) into one-inch pieces.

Seasoned chicken in a bowl.

Drizzle 1 Tbsp cooking oil over the chicken, then add 2 tsp smoked paprika, ½ tsp garlic powder, ¼ tsp salt, and ¼ tsp pepper. Toss until the chicken is well coated in oil and spices.

Raw chicken kebabs on a tray.

Build your chicken kebabs on skewers by alternating between the pineapple chunks, onion, and seasoned chicken.

Kebabs on a grill pan being brushed with BBQ sauce.

Heat a grill or grill pan over medium. Once hot, add the kebabs and cook for a few minutes on each side. Once the kebabs are mostly cooked through, brush them on all sides with BBQ sauce. Cook for a minute or two more on each side, or until cooked through and the BBQ sauce is caramelized.

Overhead view of cooked chicken kebabs surrounded by side dishes.

Sprinkle sliced green onion over the kebabs just before serving. Enjoy with all your favorite BBQ Sides! …And don’t forget, ALDI has everything you need to keep you eating good all summer without breaking your budget!

The post BBQ Chicken Kebabs appeared first on Budget Bytes.