21 Simple Chicken Lunch Ideas

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Looking for budget-friendly and simple chicken dishes? Look no further! Here are 21 delicious chicken recipes that won’t break the bank or take hours to prepare.

1. Classic Chicken Stir-Fry

This quick and colorful stir-fry is perfect for busy weeknights.

Ingredients:

  • 2 chicken breasts, cut into strips
  • 2 cups mixed vegetables (bell peppers, broccoli, carrots)
  • 2 tbsp vegetable oil
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1/4 cup soy sauce
  • 1 tbsp cornstarch
  • 1/4 cup water

Method:

  1. Heat oil in a wok or large skillet over medium-high heat.
  2. Add chicken and garlic, cook until chicken is nearly done.
  3. Add vegetables and stir-fry for 3-4 minutes.
  4. Mix soy sauce, cornstarch, and water; add to the pan.
  5. Cook until sauce thickens and chicken is fully cooked.

2. Lemon Garlic Baked Chicken

A zesty, aromatic dish that’s as easy as it is delicious.

Ingredients:

  • 4 chicken thighs
  • 2 lemons, juiced and zested
  • 4 cloves garlic, minced
  • 2 tbsp olive oil
  • 1 tsp dried oregano
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Method:

  1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
  2. Mix lemon juice, zest, garlic, olive oil, and oregano in a bowl.
  3. Place chicken in a baking dish, pour mixture over chicken.
  4. Season with salt and pepper.
  5. Bake for 25-30 minutes until chicken is cooked through.

3. Creamy Chicken and Rice Casserole

A comforting one-dish meal that’s perfect for family dinners.

Ingredients:

  • 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded
  • 1 cup uncooked rice
  • 1 can cream of chicken soup
  • 1 1/2 cups chicken broth
  • 1/2 cup milk
  • 1 cup frozen mixed vegetables
  • 1/2 tsp garlic powder
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Method:

  1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
  2. Mix all ingredients in a large bowl.
  3. Transfer to a greased 9×13 inch baking dish.
  4. Cover with foil and bake for 45 minutes.
  5. Remove foil and bake for an additional 10 minutes.

4. Slow Cooker BBQ Pulled Chicken

An effortless crowd-pleaser that’s great for sandwiches or wraps.

Ingredients:

  • 4 chicken breasts
  • 1 cup BBQ sauce
  • 1/4 cup brown sugar
  • 1/4 cup apple cider vinegar
  • 1 tsp garlic powder
  • 1 tsp onion powder

Method:

  1. Place chicken breasts in the slow cooker.
  2. Mix remaining ingredients and pour over chicken.
  3. Cook on low for 6-7 hours or high for 3-4 hours.
  4. Shred chicken with two forks and mix with sauce.

5. One-Pan Chicken Fajitas

A colorful and flavorful Mexican-inspired dish that’s ready in no time.

Ingredients:

  • 2 chicken breasts, sliced
  • 1 red bell pepper, sliced
  • 1 green bell pepper, sliced
  • 1 onion, sliced
  • 2 tbsp olive oil
  • 2 tsp chili powder
  • 1 tsp cumin
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • Tortillas for serving

Method:

  1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
  2. Toss all ingredients (except tortillas) on a baking sheet.
  3. Spread in a single layer and bake for 20-25 minutes.
  4. Serve with warm tortillas.

6. Chicken and Dumplings

A hearty, comforting soup that’s perfect for cold days.

Ingredients:

  • 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded
  • 4 cups chicken broth
  • 1 can cream of chicken soup
  • 1 cup frozen mixed vegetables
  • 1 cup all-purpose flour
  • 2 tsp baking powder
  • 1/2 tsp salt
  • 1/2 cup milk
  • 2 tbsp butter, melted

Method:

  1. In a large pot, combine chicken, broth, soup, and vegetables. Bring to a boil.
  2. Mix flour, baking powder, and salt in a bowl.
  3. Stir in milk and melted butter to make dumpling dough.
  4. Drop spoonfuls of dough into the simmering soup.
  5. Cover and cook for 15 minutes until dumplings are cooked through.

7. Honey Mustard Chicken

A sweet and tangy dish that’s sure to become a family favorite.

Ingredients:

  • 4 chicken breasts
  • 1/4 cup Dijon mustard
  • 1/4 cup honey
  • 2 tbsp olive oil
  • 1 tsp paprika
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Method:

  1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
  2. Mix mustard, honey, olive oil, and paprika in a bowl.
  3. Place chicken in a baking dish and pour mixture over it.
  4. Season with salt and pepper.
  5. Bake for 25-30 minutes until chicken is cooked through.

8. Chicken Fried Rice

A quick and easy way to use up leftover chicken and rice.

Ingredients:

  • 2 cups cooked chicken, diced
  • 3 cups cooked rice
  • 2 eggs, beaten
  • 1 cup frozen peas and carrots
  • 2 tbsp soy sauce
  • 2 tbsp vegetable oil
  • 2 green onions, chopped

Method:

  1. Heat oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat.
  2. Add eggs and scramble, then remove from pan.
  3. Add chicken, rice, and vegetables to the pan. Stir-fry for 3-4 minutes.
  4. Add soy sauce and scrambled eggs. Mix well.
  5. Garnish with green onions before serving.

9. Chicken Quesadillas

A cheesy, satisfying meal that’s ready in minutes.

Ingredients:

  • 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded
  • 8 large tortillas
  • 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
  • 1 can black beans, drained and rinsed
  • 1/4 cup salsa
  • 2 tbsp vegetable oil

Method:

  1. Mix chicken, beans, and salsa in a bowl.
  2. Spread mixture on half of each tortilla, top with cheese.
  3. Fold tortillas in half to close.
  4. Heat oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
  5. Cook quesadillas for 2-3 minutes per side until golden and cheese is melted.

10. Garlic Parmesan Chicken Tenders

A crispy, flavorful alternative to regular chicken nuggets.

Ingredients:

  • 1 lb chicken tenders
  • 1 cup breadcrumbs
  • 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 2 tsp garlic powder
  • 2 eggs, beaten
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Method:

  1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
  2. Mix breadcrumbs, Parmesan, garlic powder, salt, and pepper in a bowl.
  3. Dip each chicken tender in beaten egg, then coat with breadcrumb mixture.
  4. Place on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
  5. Bake for 15-20 minutes until golden and cooked through.

Certainly! Here are the remaining 11 cheap and easy chicken recipes to complete the blog post:

11. Chicken and Black Bean Burritos

A satisfying and protein-packed meal that’s perfect for lunch or dinner.

Ingredients:

  • 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded
  • 1 can black beans, drained and rinsed
  • 1 cup cooked rice
  • 1 cup salsa
  • 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
  • 4 large tortillas

Method:

  1. Mix chicken, beans, rice, and salsa in a bowl.
  2. Warm tortillas in the microwave for 30 seconds.
  3. Divide mixture among tortillas, top with cheese.
  4. Roll up burritos, tucking in the sides.
  5. Heat in a skillet or microwave until cheese melts.

12. Lemon Pepper Chicken

A zesty, light dish that’s perfect for summer evenings.

Ingredients:

  • 4 chicken breasts
  • 2 tbsp olive oil
  • 2 tbsp lemon juice
  • 2 tsp lemon pepper seasoning
  • Salt to taste

Method:

  1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
  2. Mix olive oil, lemon juice, and lemon pepper seasoning.
  3. Place chicken in a baking dish and pour mixture over it.
  4. Season with salt.
  5. Bake for 25-30 minutes until chicken is cooked through.

13. Chicken Noodle Soup

A comforting classic that’s perfect for cold days or when you’re feeling under the weather.

Ingredients:

  • 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded
  • 6 cups chicken broth
  • 2 cups egg noodles
  • 1 cup carrots, sliced
  • 1 cup celery, sliced
  • 1 onion, diced
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 tsp dried thyme
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Method:

  1. In a large pot, sauté onion, carrots, celery, and garlic until softened.
  2. Add broth, chicken, and thyme. Bring to a boil.
  3. Add noodles and cook until tender, about 6-8 minutes.
  4. Season with salt and pepper before serving.

14. Buffalo Chicken Wraps

A spicy, tangy wrap that’s perfect for a quick lunch or dinner.

Ingredients:

  • 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded
  • 1/4 cup buffalo sauce
  • 1/4 cup ranch dressing
  • 4 large tortillas
  • 1 cup shredded lettuce
  • 1/2 cup diced tomatoes

Method:

  1. Mix chicken with buffalo sauce in a bowl.
  2. Warm tortillas in the microwave for 30 seconds.
  3. Spread ranch dressing on each tortilla.
  4. Top with buffalo chicken, lettuce, and tomatoes.
  5. Roll up tightly and serve.

15. Chicken Alfredo Pasta

A creamy, comforting pasta dish that’s sure to satisfy.

Ingredients:

  • 2 cups cooked chicken, diced
  • 8 oz fettuccine pasta
  • 1 cup heavy cream
  • 1/2 cup butter
  • 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Method:

  1. Cook pasta according to package instructions.
  2. In a large skillet, melt butter and sauté garlic.
  3. Add cream and simmer until slightly thickened.
  4. Stir in Parmesan cheese until melted.
  5. Add chicken and cooked pasta, toss to coat.

16. Baked Chicken Parmesan

A healthier version of the Italian classic that’s just as delicious.

Ingredients:

  • 4 chicken breasts
  • 1 cup breadcrumbs
  • 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 1 tsp Italian seasoning
  • 2 eggs, beaten
  • 1 cup marinara sauce
  • 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese

Method:

  1. Preheat oven to 425°F (220°C).
  2. Mix breadcrumbs, Parmesan, and Italian seasoning.
  3. Dip chicken in eggs, then coat with breadcrumb mixture.
  4. Place on a baking sheet and bake for 20 minutes.
  5. Top with marinara and mozzarella, bake for 5 more minutes.

17. Teriyaki Chicken Bowl

A flavorful Asian-inspired dish that’s perfect for meal prep.

Ingredients:

  • 2 chicken breasts, cubed
  • 1/2 cup teriyaki sauce
  • 2 cups cooked rice
  • 1 cup steamed broccoli
  • 1 carrot, julienned
  • 2 tbsp vegetable oil

Method:

  1. Heat oil in a skillet over medium-high heat.
  2. Cook chicken until browned and cooked through.
  3. Add teriyaki sauce and simmer for 2-3 minutes.
  4. Serve chicken over rice with broccoli and carrots.

18. Greek Chicken Salad

A light, refreshing salad that’s perfect for warm days.

Ingredients:

  • 2 cups cooked chicken, diced
  • 4 cups mixed salad greens
  • 1 cucumber, diced
  • 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
  • 1/2 cup feta cheese, crumbled
  • 1/4 cup Kalamata olives
  • 1/4 cup Greek dressing

Method:

  1. In a large bowl, combine all ingredients except dressing.
  2. Drizzle with Greek dressing and toss to coat.
  3. Serve immediately.

19. Chicken and Broccoli Casserole

A cheesy, comforting casserole that’s great for family dinners.

Ingredients:

  • 2 cups cooked chicken, diced
  • 2 cups broccoli florets
  • 1 can cream of chicken soup
  • 1/2 cup milk
  • 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
  • 1 cup crushed crackers

Method:

  1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
  2. Mix chicken, broccoli, soup, milk, and half the cheese in a bowl.
  3. Transfer to a greased baking dish.
  4. Top with remaining cheese and crushed crackers.
  5. Bake for 25-30 minutes until bubbly and golden.

20. Slow Cooker Salsa Chicken

An effortless dish that’s perfect for tacos or burrito bowls.

Ingredients:

  • 4 chicken breasts
  • 1 jar (16 oz) salsa
  • 1 packet taco seasoning
  • 1 can black beans, drained and rinsed
  • 1 cup corn kernels

Method:

  1. Place chicken in the slow cooker.
  2. Mix salsa and taco seasoning, pour over chicken.
  3. Cook on low for 6-7 hours or high for 3-4 hours.
  4. Shred chicken and stir in beans and corn.
  5. Cook for an additional 15 minutes before serving.

21. Chicken Caesar Wrap

A portable version of the classic salad that’s perfect for lunch on-the-go.

Ingredients:

  • 2 cups cooked chicken, diced
  • 4 large tortillas
  • 2 cups romaine lettuce, chopped
  • 1/4 cup Caesar dressing
  • 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 1/4 cup croutons, crushed

Method:

  1. Mix chicken, lettuce, dressing, and Parmesan in a bowl.
  2. Warm tortillas in the microwave for 30 seconds.
  3. Divide mixture among tortillas.
  4. Sprinkle with crushed croutons.
  5. Roll up tightly and serve.

There you have it! 21 cheap and easy chicken recipes that are sure to please. Whether you’re cooking for yourself or a family, these recipes offer variety, flavor, and affordability. Enjoy!

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