Chicken pulls its weight best when big flavor meets smart spending. These recipes show how far simple cuts can go with the right seasoning and a little confidence in the kitchen. We lean into techniques that stretch every dollar while still delivering meals that feel full and satisfying. Dinner stays bold, affordable, and way better than the price tag suggests.

Air fryer chicken legs cooked until the skin is crisp and the meat stays juicy.
Air Fryer Chicken Legs. Photo credit: Girl Carnivore.

Grilled Greek Chicken

Grilled Greek chicken with charred edges and a bright herb marinade.
Grilled Greek Chicken. Photo credit: Or Whatever You Do.

Chicken grills up juicy with lemon, garlic, and oregano baked in. Itโ€™s bright, savory, and built for piling onto plates fast.
Get the Recipe: Grilled Greek Chicken

One Pan Chicken and Veggies

Chicken and vegetables cooked together in one pan until browned and tender.
One Pan Chicken and Veggies. Photo credit: Girl Carnivore.

Chicken roasts alongside vegetables that soak up all the drippings. This is dinner that finishes together and eats like it planned ahead.
Get the Recipe: One Pan Chicken and Veggies

Air Fryer Chicken Thighs

Air fryer chicken thighs cooked crisp on the outside and tender inside.
Air Fryer Chicken Thighs. Photo credit: Girl Carnivore.

The skin crisps while the meat stays juicy and rich. Itโ€™s hard to beat how fast these disappear once they hit the plate.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Chicken Thighs

Chicken Marbella Ottolenghi

Chicken Marbella baked with sweet, tangy Mediterranean flavors.
Chicken Marbella Ottolenghi. Photo credit: At the Immigrant’s Table.

Sweet prunes, briny olives, and tender chicken cook into bold contrast. Every bite balances savory depth with just enough sweetness.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Marbella Ottolenghi

Baked Buffalo Chicken Wings

Baked buffalo chicken wings with crisp skin and spicy sauce.
Baked Buffalo Chicken Wings. Photo credit: The Kitchen Magpie.

Wings bake until crisp, then get coated in sharp buffalo sauce. They bring heat without needing a fryer.
Get the Recipe: Baked Buffalo Chicken Wings

Air Fryer Pickle Brined Chicken Wings

Air fryer pickle-brined wings with a tangy, crispy finish.
Air Fryer Pickle Brined Chicken Wings. Photo credit: Girl Carnivore.

Pickle brine keeps the wings juicy with a subtle tang. The air fryer finishes them crisp and snack-ready.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Pickle Brined Chicken Wings

Campfire Grilled Chicken Panini

Campfire grilled chicken panini pressed with melted cheese and smoky flavor.
Campfire Grilled Chicken Panini. Photo credit: Girl Carnivore.

Grilled chicken melts into bread with smoky char and gooey cheese. It eats like the best sandwich you make outdoors.
Get the Recipe: Campfire Grilled Chicken Panini

Chicken Enchilada Soup

Chicken enchilada soup simmered thick with shredded chicken and spice.
Chicken Enchilada Soup. Photo credit: Girl Carnivore.

Chicken simmers in a chili-spiked broth loaded with comfort. Every spoonful eats hearty without slowing you down.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Enchilada Soup

Air Fryer Orange Chicken

Air fryer orange chicken coated in a sticky, citrusy glaze.
Air Fryer Orange Chicken. Photo credit: Girl Carnivore.

Crispy chicken gets tossed in sticky, citrusy sauce. It hits sweet and savory without the takeout wait.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Orange Chicken

Slow Cooker Sweet Chili Chicken Wings

Slow cooker sweet chili wings coated in a sticky, spicy glaze.
Slow Cooker Sweet Chili Chicken Wings. Photo credit: Girl Carnivore.

Wings cook until tender in a glossy sweet-heat glaze. We like how they show up ready to grab without babysitting.
Get the Recipe: Slow Cooker Sweet Chili Chicken Wings

Chicken Piccata Meatballs

Chicken piccata meatballs cooked with a bright lemon butter sauce.
Chicken Piccata Meatballs. Photo credit: Girl Carnivore.

Bright lemon and capers cut through juicy chicken meatballs. They eat lighter than they look but still satisfy.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Piccata Meatballs

Lemon Garlic Chicken in Cast Iron

Lemon garlic chicken roasted in cast iron with a golden crust.
Lemon Garlic Chicken in Cast Iron. Photo credit: Girl Carnivore.

Chicken sears golden in garlicky butter with fresh lemon. The pan sauce alone earns its place at the table.
Get the Recipe: Lemon Garlic Chicken in Cast Iron

Sheet Pan Chicken

Sheet pan chicken baked with simple seasoning and crisp edges.
Sheet Pan Chicken. Photo credit: Girl Carnivore.

Chicken and vegetables roast evenly with minimal effort. Itโ€™s simple, reliable, and always clears the pan.
Get the Recipe: Sheet Pan Chicken

Grilled Spatchcock Chicken

Grilled spatchcock chicken flattened and cooked with crisp golden skin.
Grilled Spatchcock Chicken. Photo credit: Girl Carnivore.

Flattening the bird keeps it juicy and evenly cooked. The grill adds crisp skin and real backyard flavor.
Get the Recipe: Grilled Spatchcock Chicken

Instant Pot Pulled Chicken

Instant Pot pulled chicken cooked until tender and easy to shred.
Instant Pot Pulled Chicken. Photo credit: Girl Carnivore.

Chicken cooks down fast and shreds clean with bold seasoning. Itโ€™s made for piling into tacos, bowls, or sandwiches.
Get the Recipe: Instant Pot Pulled Chicken

Chicken Parmesan Meatballs

Chicken Parmesan meatballs baked with a golden cheesy finish.
Chicken Parmesan Meatballs. Photo credit: Girl Carnivore.

Chicken meatballs get coated in sauce and melty cheese. They eat like comfort food without the heavy lift.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Parmesan Meatballs

Skillet Lemon Chicken

Skillet lemon chicken seared with a bright, citrusy glaze.
Skillet Lemon Chicken. Photo credit: Girl Carnivore.

A quick skillet sear locks in juicy meat with citrus punch. This is weeknight chicken that doesnโ€™t feel rushed.
Get the Recipe: Skillet Lemon Chicken

Creamy Garlic Chicken

Creamy garlic chicken simmered in a rich sauce and cooked in one pan.
Creamy Garlic Chicken. Photo credit: Girl Carnivore.

Chicken simmers in a rich garlic cream sauce that clings to every bite. Itโ€™s indulgent without being complicated.
Get the Recipe: Creamy Garlic Chicken

Oven Baked Leg Quarters

Oven-baked chicken leg quarters with browned skin and juicy meat.
Oven Baked Leg Quarters. Photo credit: Girl Carnivore.

Dark meat roasts until the skin turns crisp and flavorful. This is budget-friendly chicken done the right way.
Get the Recipe: Oven Baked Leg Quarters

Sheet Pan Chicken Thighs with Lemons and Potatoes

Sheet pan chicken thighs roasted with lemons and potatoes.
Sheet Pan Chicken Thighs with Lemons and Potatoes. Photo credit: Girl Carnivore.

Thighs roast alongside potatoes that absorb lemony drippings. The tray comes out complete and ready to serve.
Get the Recipe: Sheet Pan Chicken Thighs with Lemons and Potatoes

Smoked Whole Chicken

Smoked whole chicken with browned skin and visible smoke ring around the meat.
Smoked Whole Chicken. Photo credit: Girl Carnivore.

Smoke keeps the meat juicy while the skin picks up deep flavor. We love carving this straight off the board.
Get the Recipe: Smoked Whole Chicken

Smoked Chicken Quarters

Smoked chicken quarters browned with crisp skin arranged on platter.
Smoked Chicken Quarters. Photo credit: Girl Carnivore.

Dark meat stays rich and tender with a clean smoke finish. These hold up well even when the clock runs long.
Get the Recipe: Smoked Chicken Quarters

Air Fryer Chicken Legs

Air fryer chicken legs cooked until the skin is crisp and the meat stays juicy.
Air Fryer Chicken Legs. Photo credit: Girl Carnivore.

The air fryer crisps the skin fast while keeping the meat juicy. Itโ€™s an easy win when timeโ€™s tight.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Chicken Legs

Categories:

About the Author

Kita Roberts is the meat maven and award-winning recipe developer behind Girl Carnivoreยฎ, with 15+ years of grilling, smoking, and cooking experience. Her recipes are tested on everything from backyard grills to professional smokers – and always built for real home cooks.
As the lead creative force behind Girl Carnivoreยฎ, she is widely recognized as an authority on all things meat.

SUBSCRIBE!

Signup and get free recipes sent to your inbox every week!

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *