Stretch a 10-lb Bag of Chicken into 3 Delicious Dinners (No Oven Needed!)

If you’re looking for a way to stretch your grocery budget without sacrificing flavor, this mini menu is for you! I grabbed a 10-lb bag of chicken leg quarters and turned it into 3 completely different meals (all cooked without using the oven too).

With just a crockpot, stovetop, and air fryer, I made dinner quick, easy, and budget-friendly. And the best part? The total for everything came to just $21.97! Whether you’re feeding a hungry family or just need a few simple meal ideas that won’t heat up your kitchen, these recipes are a lifesaver.

3 Meals for Under $30 – Grocery Items Needed

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.

Crockpot BBQ Chicken & Mashed Potato Bowls

This cozy, comforting bowl is like a homemade take on fast food (Hello KFC!) but cheaper and better! The chicken cooks all day in BBQ sauce until it’s fall-off-the-bone tender. Served over mashed potatoes with a scoop of corn, it’s a hearty dinner that hits the spot.

Air Fryer Ranch Chicken with Rice & Veggies

Crispy, juicy chicken leg quarters seasoned with ranch and cooked to perfection in the air fryer and no oven required! Paired with simple rice and veggies, it’s a full plate of flavor with minimal fuss.

Crockpot Creamy Chicken & Noodles

This is the ultimate comfort meal on a budget. Slow-cooked chicken, creamy sauce, and tender noodles come together in one pot for a filling family dinner. You can even sneak in some frozen veggies to make it a one-bowl wonder!

Possible Variations

If you don’t like or want chicken legs this week, these meals can easily be made with any cut of chicken! Try it with thighs, breasts, tenderloins, and more. That is totally up to you!

Feel free to adjust this mini menu to what will work best for you and your family.

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!

Don’t forget to check out our full week menus, as well as join our email newsletter for more fun and affordable meal ideas!