15 Budget Stretching Chicken Recipes

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One of the best ways to save money while still feeding your family nutritious meals is by learning how to make these 15 Budget Stretching Chicken Recipes out of a whole chicken. With food costs on the rise, finding ways to stretch your grocery budget without sacrificing quality is key.

Image showing raw chicken pieces and cooked shredded chicken with text: "15 Budget Stretching Chicken Recipes - Save Money on Dinner!"

Not only is buying a whole chicken often more economical, but it also provides a variety of options for multiple meals, making it a versatile choice for budget-conscious families. From roasting to using the leftover chicken for soups, salads, and casseroles, a whole chicken can help you create delicious, healthy easy dinner ideas that your kids will love.

Ways to use a whole chicken

Roast the chicken for a hearty family dinner.
Use the leftovers for chicken salads, sandwiches, or wraps.
Shred the meat for tacos, enchiladas, or quesadillas.
Make a comforting chicken soup or stew with the carcass and leftover meat.
Simmer the bones to make homemade broth for soups, risottos, or sauces.

A plate of shredded cooked chicken, rests on a decorated white ceramic plate on a wooden table, with a fork partially visible.

Why buy whole chickens?

Buying whole chickens is a smart strategy for saving money and reducing food waste. Budget stretching whole chickens are typically cheaper per pound than pre-cut pieces, and they offer more flexibility.

You can roast the entire bird and use the meat for several meals, while also taking advantage of the bones to make homemade chicken stock. This approach ensures that every part of the chicken is used, making it a budget-friendly option for feeding a family multiple times from one purchase.

For a great time saver in the kitchen, you can get an already cooked rotisserie chicken as well that is fully flavored and a great way to put delicious meals on the table. If you need to take a shortcut, don’t let that send you to expensive takeout, just use the shortcut.

You can make a ton of budget stretching chicken recipes with one from the grocery store as well. It still helps with a tight budget and producing healthy recipes. So don’t throw in the towel for perfection.

Grab one of these ideas, pair it with a side salad, or simple vegetable, and have an easy meal in minutes. And the best part is you get to stay home and enjoy your family more. And you can feel good about healthy eating.

For more money-saving ideas, check out this idea to stretch a single chicken breast to feed a whole family!

Close-up of a mixed rice dish with peas, carrots, and shredded chicken on a white plate, reminiscent of the comforting flavors found in a broccoli tuna casserole.

Healthy kid friendly meals on a budget

Chicken Fried Rice: Shredded chicken tossed with vegetables, scrambled eggs, and rice, seasoned with soy sauce for a quick, satisfying weeknight meal.
Chicken Pot Pie: Shredded chicken in a creamy gravy with vegetables like carrots and peas, all tucked under a flaky pie crust for a comforting, homestyle dish.
Freezer Chicken Broccoli Rice Casserole is warm, filling, and comforting with broccoli and so much flavor. Cheese makes everything better!
Chicken Nachos: Crispy tortilla chips topped with shredded chicken, melted cheese, beans, and jalapeños, served with sour cream, salsa, and guacamole for a perfect snack or meal.
Chicken Enchiladas: Tender shredded chicken rolled in tortillas, then baked until bubbly for a comforting, Mexican-inspired dish.
Chicken Tacos: Shredded chicken mixed with taco seasoning, served in soft tortillas with fresh toppings like avocado, lettuce, salsa, and cheese for a simple, crowd-pleasing meal.
BBQ Chicken Sandwiches: Shredded chicken tossed in tangy barbecue sauce, piled onto toasted buns, and served with coleslaw for a tasty and easy-to-make sandwich.
Chicken Quesadillas: Shredded chicken and melted cheese stuffed between crispy tortillas, often served with sour cream, guacamole, or salsa for dipping.
Chicken Salad: A light and fresh dish where shredded chicken is combined with Greek yogurt or mayo, celery, and herbs, perfect for sandwiches, wraps, or lettuce cups.
Buffalo Chicken Wraps: Shredded chicken coated in spicy buffalo sauce, wrapped in a tortilla with lettuce, blue cheese, and celery for a spicy twist on a handheld favorite.
Chicken Soup: Classic comfort food, shredded chicken simmered in broth with noodles or rice, carrots, and celery for a wholesome, warm bowl of soup.
Chicken Pasta Bake: Shredded chicken mixed with pasta, topped with cheese, and baked until golden for a hearty, cheesy casserole.
Chicken Tostadas: Crispy tortillas topped with shredded chicken, beans, lettuce, cheese, and salsa, offering a crunchy and satisfying alternative to tacos.
Chicken Lettuce Wraps: A healthier option where shredded chicken is tossed with Asian-inspired seasonings and served in crisp lettuce leaves, perfect for a light and flavorful meal.
Chicken Chili: A hearty chili made with shredded chicken, beans, tomatoes, and spices, simmered to perfection for a flavorful and filling dish.
Chicken Caesar Salad: Shredded chicken tossed with crunchy romaine lettuce, Caesar dressing, Parmesan cheese, and croutons, ideal for a light but satisfying meal.