5 Budget-Friendly Meal Prep Chicken Breast Recipes for Quick Dinners Ideas Under $10

Looking for quick, budget-friendly meal options? These meal prep chicken breast recipes are perfect for anyone wanting to save time and money while still enjoying delicious dinners that won’t break the bank. Each recipe is designed to keep costs under $10, making weeknight cooking a breeze and helping you stick to your budget.

Honey Mustard Chicken Thighs

Honey mustard chicken thighs are a fantastic choice for meal prep. They are juicy, flavorful, and easy to make. The combination of honey and mustard creates a sweet and tangy glaze that pairs perfectly with tender chicken. This dish not only tastes great but also looks appealing on the plate, making it a winner for family dinners.

In the image, you can see beautifully cooked chicken thighs, glistening with a honey mustard glaze. They are served alongside vibrant broccoli and fluffy rice, creating a balanced meal that’s both nutritious and satisfying. This dish is perfect for those busy weeknights when you want something delicious without spending too much time in the kitchen.

Let’s get into the ingredients and steps to make these delightful honey mustard chicken thighs!

Ingredients

• 4 chicken thighs, bone-in and skin-on
• 1/4 cup honey
• 1/4 cup Dijon mustard
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
• Broccoli (for serving)
• Rice (for serving)

Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. In a bowl, mix together honey, Dijon mustard, olive oil, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
3. Place the chicken thighs in a baking dish and pour the honey mustard mixture over them, making sure they are well coated.
4. Bake in the preheated oven for about 30-35 minutes, or until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C).
5. While the chicken is baking, steam or boil the broccoli until tender.
6. Prepare the rice according to package instructions.
7. Once the chicken is done, let it rest for a few minutes before serving. Garnish with fresh parsley.
8. Serve the honey mustard chicken thighs with broccoli and rice for a complete meal.

Creamy Tuscan Chicken Skillet

This Creamy Tuscan Chicken Skillet is a delightful dish that brings the flavors of Italy right to your dinner table. The image shows tender chicken breasts simmered in a rich, creamy sauce, adorned with vibrant spinach and sun-dried tomatoes. It’s not just about looks; this meal is packed with flavor and can be made in under 30 minutes, making it perfect for busy weeknights.

The creamy sauce is made with simple ingredients, and the sun-dried tomatoes add a burst of sweetness that complements the savory chicken. Plus, it’s a one-pan meal, which means less cleanup for you!

Here’s how to whip up this delicious dish:

Ingredients

• 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 1/2 cup chicken broth
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 cup fresh spinach
• 1/2 cup sun-dried tomatoes, chopped
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Fresh parsley for garnish

Instructions

1. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Season the chicken breasts with salt and pepper, then add them to the skillet. Cook for about 6-7 minutes on each side until golden brown and cooked through. Remove from the skillet and set aside.
2. In the same skillet, add minced garlic and sauté for about 30 seconds until fragrant. Pour in the chicken broth and scrape up any bits from the bottom of the pan.
3. Add the heavy cream and bring to a simmer. Stir in the Parmesan cheese until melted and smooth.
4. Mix in the spinach and sun-dried tomatoes, cooking until the spinach wilts.
5. Return the chicken to the skillet, spooning the sauce over the top. Let it simmer for another 2-3 minutes to heat through.
6. Garnish with fresh parsley before serving. Enjoy your creamy, flavorful meal!

Teriyaki Chicken Meal Prep Bowls

Teriyaki chicken meal prep bowls are a fantastic way to enjoy a delicious and healthy dinner without spending too much time in the kitchen. These bowls are filled with tender grilled chicken, colorful veggies, and a savory teriyaki sauce that ties everything together. Plus, they are budget-friendly, making them perfect for anyone looking to save money on meals.

The image showcases beautifully arranged meal prep containers filled with grilled chicken breast, fluffy couscous, and a vibrant mix of bell peppers, broccoli, and purple cabbage. The colors not only make the dish visually appealing but also ensure you’re getting a variety of nutrients. This meal is great for those busy weekdays when you need something quick and satisfying.

To make these teriyaki chicken meal prep bowls, you’ll need a few simple ingredients. The combination of chicken, vegetables, and a tasty sauce makes for a balanced meal that you can enjoy throughout the week. Let’s get into the ingredients and steps to whip up this easy recipe!

Ingredients

• 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken thighs or breasts
• 1/4 cup soy sauce
• 1/4 cup honey or brown sugar
• 2 tablespoons rice vinegar
• 2 cloves garlic minced
• 1 teaspoon grated ginger
• 2 cups cooked rice (white or brown)
• 2 cups mixed vegetables (broccoli, bell peppers, carrots, snap peas)
• 1 tablespoon sesame oil
• Sesame seeds for garnish (optional)
• Chopped green onions for garnish (optional)

Instructions

1. Prepare the Marinade: In a bowl, whisk together soy sauce, honey, rice vinegar, garlic, and ginger.
2. Marinate the Chicken: Place the chicken in a resealable bag or dish and pour the marinade over it. Let it marinate for at least 15 minutes or up to 2 hours in the refrigerator.
3. Cook the Chicken: Heat a skillet over medium heat and add the marinated chicken. Cook for 6-7 minutes on each side or until fully cooked and no longer pink in the center. Remove from heat and slice into strips.
4. Sauté the Vegetables: In the same skillet, add sesame oil and the mixed vegetables. Sauté for 4-5 minutes until tender but still crisp.
5. Assemble the Bowls: Divide the cooked rice among meal prep containers, top with sliced chicken, and add the sautéed vegetables.
6. Garnish: Sprinkle with sesame seeds and chopped green onions if desired. Allow to cool before sealing the containers.

Asian Chicken Lettuce Wraps

Asian Chicken Lettuce Wraps are a fun and healthy dinner option that’s easy to make and budget-friendly. These wraps are filled with juicy chicken, fresh veggies, and a savory sauce, all wrapped in crisp lettuce leaves. They’re perfect for a quick meal that feels special without breaking the bank.

The beauty of these wraps lies in their versatility. You can customize the filling with your favorite vegetables or add some extra spices for a kick. Plus, they’re a great way to use up leftover chicken or veggies from your fridge.

To make these wraps, start by cooking diced chicken breast in a skillet until golden brown. Add in chopped bell peppers, carrots, and green onions for a colorful crunch. Toss everything in a delicious sauce made from soy sauce, sesame oil, and a hint of ginger. Serve the mixture in large lettuce leaves, topped with sesame seeds and fresh cilantro for added flavor.

Ingredients

• 1 lb chicken breast, diced
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 red bell pepper, chopped
• 1 carrot, grated
• 2 green onions, chopped
• 2 tablespoons soy sauce
• 1 tablespoon sesame oil
• 1 teaspoon ginger, minced
• 1 head of butter lettuce or romaine lettuce
• Sesame seeds for garnish
• Fresh cilantro for garnish

Instructions

1. Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add the diced chicken and cook until browned, about 5-7 minutes.
2. Add the chopped bell pepper, grated carrot, and green onions to the skillet. Stir and cook for another 3-4 minutes until the veggies are tender.
3. In a small bowl, mix together soy sauce, sesame oil, and minced ginger. Pour this sauce over the chicken and veggies, stirring to combine. Cook for an additional 2 minutes.
4. Remove from heat and let cool slightly. Spoon the chicken mixture into the lettuce leaves.
5. Garnish with sesame seeds and fresh cilantro before serving.

Chicken Tikka Masala Meal Prep

Chicken Tikka Masala is a classic dish that brings a burst of flavor to your meal prep. This recipe is not only tasty but also budget-friendly, making it perfect for dinner ideas under $10. The creamy tomato sauce paired with tender chicken makes for a satisfying meal that you can easily prepare in advance.

In the image, you can see a vibrant bowl of Chicken Tikka Masala, served with fluffy white rice and warm naan bread. Fresh lime wedges and cilantro add a refreshing touch, enhancing the overall presentation. This meal is not just about looks; it's packed with spices that create a delightful aroma and taste.

Meal prepping this dish means you can enjoy delicious homemade food throughout the week without breaking the bank. Just cook a big batch, divide it into containers, and you’re set for several meals. Let’s get into the ingredients and steps to make this flavorful Chicken Tikka Masala!

Ingredients

• 1 pound chicken breast, cubed
• 1 cup plain yogurt
• 2 tablespoons garam masala
• 1 tablespoon ground cumin
• 1 tablespoon paprika
• 1 teaspoon turmeric
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
• 1 onion, chopped
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 inch ginger, grated
• 1 can (15 oz) tomato sauce
• 1 cup heavy cream
• Cilantro for garnish
• Cooked rice or naan for serving

Instructions

1. Marinate the Chicken: In a bowl, combine yogurt, garam masala, cumin, paprika, turmeric, and salt. Add the chicken cubes and mix well. Cover and let it marinate for at least 30 minutes, or overnight for more flavor.
2. Cook the Chicken: In a large skillet, heat vegetable oil over medium heat. Add the marinated chicken and cook until browned and cooked through, about 8-10 minutes. Remove the chicken and set aside.
3. Sauté Aromatics: In the same skillet, add chopped onion, garlic, and ginger. Sauté until the onion is translucent, about 5 minutes.
4. Add Sauce: Pour in the tomato sauce and bring to a simmer. Stir in the heavy cream and return the chicken to the skillet. Cook for another 5-7 minutes until heated through.
5. Serve: Garnish with fresh cilantro and serve with rice or naan. Divide into meal prep containers for easy lunches or dinners throughout the week.