3 Easy Dinners from One Bag of Popcorn Chicken (MM#36)
Some nights are just plain busy, which makes it a great time to lean on a few smart shortcuts like pre breaded popcorn chicken. It is quick, easy, and works just as well in the air fryer as it does in the oven.
While popcorn chicken is great with fries, it is also an easy way to upgrade dinner by turning those humble bites into three semi homemade meals that actually feel different.
For this mini menu, our total came to just $29.16 for 13 items. If you already have basics like honey, soy sauce, and garlic cloves on hand, you can easily get your total even lower than ours.
Grocery Items Needed for the Mini Menu
If you want to see the full shopping list on Walmart in your area, all you have to do is click my Walmart Grocery list and change the zip code to your area. *This is an affiliate link, and I do make a small commission on any purchases, but at no additional cost to you!*
**** Please note, that every once in a while, an item that I pick turns out to be regional. This means that it may be a much higher price in some areas. Always double check the list and if you see an item that is much higher than normal, just adjust as needed.
Loaded Chicken Nachos
Crispy popcorn chicken is layered over tortilla chips with melted cheese and finished with shredded lettuce and any toppings you have on hand. Swap in leftover taco cheese, add canned beans for extra bulk, or skip the lettuce if you’re short and use salsa instead.
Chicken Caesar Salad
Popcorn chicken is served over chopped lettuce with Caesar dressing and parmesan for a super simple dinner that can be made using the air fryer or the oven. If you want to add a little more to the meal, consider making garlic bread or cheesy bread to serve alongside the salad.
Honey Garlic Chicken with Noodles
Crispy popcorn chicken is tossed in a simple honey garlic sauce and served over thin spaghetti for a budget-friendly twist on a takeout-style meal. Rice or any pasta shape works just as well, and broccoli can be swapped for any frozen veggies like a stir fry blend!
Free Printable List & Recipes
Here is a 1-page cheat sheet that includes the grocery list as well as all the recipes you need to make this budget mini menu work!
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