23 chicken recipes that make meal prep easier on your grocery budget

Keeping meal prep consistent can get expensive fast if the ingredients don’t work in your favor. These 23 chicken recipes that make meal prep easier on your grocery budget focus on affordable cuts and smart cooking that stretch across several meals. Each dish is designed to help you cook once and eat well throughout the week. When your meals are this efficient, the grocery bill stays in check.

A fork in a bowl of yellow rice with grilled chicken, lemon wedges, herbs, and a dollop of white sauce. — Chicken Shawarma Rice with White Sauce. Photo credit: At the Immigrant’s Table.

French Onion Chicken and Rice Casserole

A white plate holds a serving of cheesy casserole garnished with chopped parsley, placed on a blue-striped cloth next to a wooden spoon, an onion, and green leafy parsley in the background. — French Onion Chicken and Rice Casserole. Photo credit: Thermocookery.

French Onion Chicken and Rice Casserole bakes in about 45 minutes using chicken, rice, onions, and broth for a complete dish. The rice absorbs the flavor while the chicken stays tender. The taste is savory with a slightly sweet onion base. It’s a solid meal prep option that reheats well without drying out.
Get the Recipe: French Onion Chicken and Rice Casserole

1-Pot Pomegranate Chicken and Rice

A close-up of a dish featuring seasoned rice topped with cooked chicken pieces. The meal is garnished with fresh parsley, pomegranate seeds, and pistachios, served on a white plate. — 1-Pot Pomegranate Chicken and Rice. Photo credit: At the Immigrant’s Table.

1-Pot Pomegranate Chicken and Rice cooks in about 40 minutes using chicken, rice, and pomegranate for a balanced meal. The rice softens while the chicken cooks through evenly. The flavor blends savory with a light tart finish. It’s a simple option that keeps variety in your weekly meals.
Get the Recipe: 1-Pot Pomegranate Chicken and Rice

Chicken Marbella Ottolenghi

Close up on ottolenghi chicken marbella on plate. — Chicken Marbella Ottolenghi. Photo credit: At the Immigrant’s Table.

Chicken Marbella Ottolenghi cooks in about 1 hour using chicken, olives, prunes, and capers for a layered dish. The chicken stays tender while the sauce develops. The flavor mixes sweet and savory elements. It’s a good way to add something different to your routine.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Marbella Ottolenghi

Broccoli Cheddar Stuffed Chicken Breast

Two pieces of stuffed and grilled chicken breast with a browned, crispy exterior are served on a plate next to a portion of mashed potatoes. The chicken stuffing appears to contain herbs and cheese. — Broccoli Cheddar Stuffed Chicken Breast. Photo credit: Thermocookery.

Broccoli Cheddar Stuffed Chicken Breast bakes in about 35 minutes using chicken, broccoli, and cheese for a filling meal. The chicken stays juicy while the filling melts inside. The flavor is savory with a mild cheese finish. It’s a practical option that keeps meals from feeling repetitive.
Get the Recipe: Broccoli Cheddar Stuffed Chicken Breast

Slow Cooker Greek Chicken

A plate of shredded chicken is garnished with herbs, black olives, and sliced cherry tomatoes. Two lemon wedges and pieces of flatbread accompany the dish. A fork is resting on the edge of the plate. — Slow Cooker Greek Chicken. Photo credit: Thermocookery.

Slow Cooker Greek Chicken cooks in about 4 hours using chicken, lemon, garlic, and herbs for a simple dish. The chicken becomes tender while the flavors build. The taste is savory with a light citrus note. It’s an easy meal prep option that requires little effort.
Get the Recipe: Slow Cooker Greek Chicken

Air Fryer Chicken Shawarma

Two grilled wraps are cut in half, showing fillings of grilled chicken, lettuce, cucumber, and other vegetables. The wraps have visible grill marks and are stacked on a plate with a blurred background. — Air Fryer Chicken Shawarma. Photo credit: Thermocookery.

Air Fryer Chicken Shawarma cooks in about 20 minutes using chicken and spices for a quick protein option. The edges crisp slightly while the inside stays tender. The flavor is warm and savory with a balanced spice mix. It’s a fast way to add variety without extra cleanup.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Chicken Shawarma

Chicken Sausage And Veggies Sheet Pan Recipe

Close-up of roasted meatballs with a mix of colorful, chopped bell peppers and zucchini slices. — Chicken Sausage And Veggies Sheet Pan Recipe. Photo credit: At the Immigrant’s Table.

Chicken Sausage And Veggies Sheet Pan Recipe bakes in about 30 minutes using sausage, vegetables, and seasoning. The vegetables soften while the sausage browns. The flavor is savory with a mild roasted finish. It’s a balanced option that works well for multiple meals.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Sausage And Veggies Sheet Pan Recipe

Cheesy Chicken and Potato Bake

A rectangular glass baking dish filled with a baked casserole topped with melted, browned cheese sits on a white surface beside a folded gray cloth and a wooden utensil. — Cheesy Chicken and Potato Bake. Photo credit: Thermocookery.

Cheesy Chicken and Potato Bake cooks in about 45 minutes using chicken, potatoes, and cheese for a filling dish. The potatoes soften while the cheese melts throughout. The flavor is savory with a creamy finish. It’s a dependable option that reheats well for leftovers.
Get the Recipe: Cheesy Chicken and Potato Bake

Chicken Borscht

A bowl of borscht topped with sour cream and fresh dill, with a spoon in the bowl. — Chicken Borscht. Photo credit: At the Immigrant’s Table.

Chicken Borscht cooks in about 1 hour using chicken, beets, cabbage, and broth for a hearty soup. The vegetables soften while the broth develops. The flavor is earthy with a slight tang. It’s a different option that adds variety to meal prep.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Borscht

Chicken Sancocho

Chicken Sancocho cooks in about 1 hour using chicken, root vegetables, and broth for a filling soup. The ingredients cook down into a thick base. The flavor is savory with a mild richness. It’s a strong option for prepping meals that feel complete.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Sancocho

Chicken Butternut Squash Casserole

A person lifts a spoonful of cooked macaroni and cheese from an oval black baking dish. The dish is topped with a breadcrumb crust, and a blue cloth is partially visible underneath. The table surface is white. — Chicken Butternut Squash Casserole. Photo credit: Thermocookery.

Chicken Butternut Squash Casserole bakes in about 40 minutes using chicken, squash, and seasoning. The squash softens while the chicken stays tender. The flavor is slightly sweet with a savory base. It’s a good option for adding seasonal variety to your meals.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Butternut Squash Casserole

Instant Pot Chicken With Sweet Peppers

Instant Pot Chicken With Sweet Peppers cooks in about 30 minutes using chicken, peppers, and seasoning. The chicken stays tender while the peppers soften. The flavor is savory with a light sweetness. It’s a quick meal prep option that keeps things simple.
Get the Recipe: Instant Pot Chicken With Sweet Peppers

Chicken And Rice Casserole

Chicken plov on a plate with a fork. — Chicken And Rice Casserole. Photo credit: At the Immigrant’s Table.

Chicken And Rice Casserole cooks in about 45 minutes using chicken, rice, and spices for a complete meal. The rice absorbs the liquid while the chicken cooks through. The flavor is savory with a mild spice finish. It’s a reliable dish that works well for leftovers.
Get the Recipe: Chicken And Rice Casserole

Creamy Citrus Chicken With Rosemary

A creamy citrus‑rosemary chicken thigh on a white plate. — Creamy Citrus Chicken With Rosemary. Photo credit: At the Immigrant’s Table.

Creamy Citrus Chicken With Rosemary cooks in about 30 minutes using chicken, citrus, cream, and herbs. The sauce coats the chicken while it stays tender. The flavor is slightly tangy with a savory finish. It’s a simple way to change up your usual routine.
Get the Recipe: Creamy Citrus Chicken With Rosemary

Sheet Pan Paprika Chicken And Veggies

Hands holding paprika chicken and vegetables on a sheet pan. — Sheet Pan Paprika Chicken And Veggies. Photo credit: At the Immigrant’s Table.

Sheet Pan Paprika Chicken And Veggies bakes in about 35 minutes using chicken, vegetables, and paprika. The vegetables soften while the chicken cooks evenly. The flavor is savory with a mild smoky note. It’s a balanced meal prep option that’s easy to portion.
Get the Recipe: Sheet Pan Paprika Chicken And Veggies

Air Fryer BBQ Chicken Drumsticks

A plate of glazed barbecue chicken drumsticks garnished with small parsley leaves. The chicken is coated in a shiny, dark sauce, suggesting a rich, flavorful marinade. The dish is arranged to highlight the crispy, caramelized skin. — Air Fryer BBQ Chicken Drumsticks. Photo credit: Thermocookery.

Air Fryer BBQ Chicken Drumsticks cook in about 25 minutes using chicken and barbecue sauce for a quick dish. The outside caramelizes slightly while the inside stays juicy. The flavor is sweet and savory with a smoky finish. It’s a simple option that keeps meals interesting.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer BBQ Chicken Drumsticks

Mediterranean Chicken Bowl

A colorful Mediterranean bowl with grilled chicken, couscous, tomatoes, cucumber, chickpeas, olives, and tzatziki. — Mediterranean Chicken Bowl. Photo credit: At the Immigrant’s Table.

Mediterranean Chicken Bowl comes together in about 30 minutes using chicken, grains, and vegetables for a balanced meal. The ingredients stay fresh while the chicken adds protein. The flavor is savory with a light herb finish. It’s a practical option for prepping lunches.
Get the Recipe: Mediterranean Chicken Bowl

Creamy Sun-Dried Tomato Chicken Casserole

A close-up of a baked pasta dish in a rectangular metal pan with a golden breadcrumb topping, pieces of pasta, baked cheese, and green herbs visible. — Creamy Sun-Dried Tomato Chicken Casserole. Photo credit: Thermocookery.

Creamy Sun-Dried Tomato Chicken Casserole bakes in about 40 minutes using chicken, sun-dried tomatoes, and cream. The sauce thickens while the chicken stays tender. The flavor is savory with a slight tang. It’s a good way to add variety to your weekly meals.
Get the Recipe: Creamy Sun-Dried Tomato Chicken Casserole

Easy Weeknight Slow Cooker Chicken Marinara

A bowl of penne pasta topped with shredded meat and garnished with fresh basil leaves. A fork is placed in the bowl. Red tomatoes and additional fresh basil leaves are on the marble surface nearby. — Easy Weeknight Slow Cooker Chicken Marinara. Photo credit: Thermocookery.

Easy Weeknight Slow Cooker Chicken Marinara cooks in about 4 hours using chicken, marinara sauce, and seasoning. The chicken becomes tender while the sauce develops. The flavor is savory with a tomato base. It’s a simple option that works well for meal prep.
Get the Recipe: Easy Weeknight Slow Cooker Chicken Marinara

Colombian Marinated Chicken Drumsticks

Chicken drumsticks on a plate. — Colombian Marinated Chicken Drumsticks. Photo credit: At the Immigrant’s Table.

Colombian Marinated Chicken Drumsticks bake in about 40 minutes using chicken, spices, and marinade. The chicken stays juicy while the outside browns. The flavor is savory with a mild spice. It’s a reliable option that holds up well for leftovers.
Get the Recipe: Colombian Marinated Chicken Drumsticks

Crispy Easy Air Fryer Chicken Wings With Italian Seasoning

Close-up of a plate of seasoned and grilled chicken wings garnished with herbs. Lemon wedges are visible in the background, adding a hint of color. The wings appear crispy and well-cooked, resting on a dark plate. — Crispy Easy Air Fryer Chicken Wings With Italian Seasoning. Photo credit: Thermocookery.

Crispy Easy Air Fryer Chicken Wings With Italian Seasoning cook in about 25 minutes using chicken wings and herbs. The skin turns crisp while the inside stays tender. The flavor is savory with a light herb finish. It’s a quick option that adds variety to your meals.
Get the Recipe: Crispy Easy Air Fryer Chicken Wings With Italian Seasoning

Chicken Hash Brown Casserole

A dish in a black baking pan filled with baked casserole. The top is golden brown with crispy edges and garnished with sliced green onions. A portion has been removed, revealing a creamy interior. — Chicken Hash Brown Casserole. Photo credit: Thermocookery.

Chicken Hash Brown Casserole bakes in about 45 minutes using chicken, potatoes, and cheese for a filling dish. The potatoes soften while the cheese melts. The flavor is savory with a creamy texture. It’s a dependable option for prepping multiple servings.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Hash Brown Casserole

Chicken Shawarma Rice with White Sauce

Chicken Shawarma Rice with White Sauce cooks in about 35 minutes using chicken, rice, and sauce for a complete meal. The rice absorbs the flavor while the chicken stays tender. The taste is savory with a slight tang from the sauce. It’s a strong option for keeping meal prep interesting
Get the Recipe: Chicken Shawarma Rice with White Sauce