Cheap Family Dinners: 30 Easy Budget Meals Everyone Will Love

Cheap family dinners are a lifesaver, aren’t they? I remember countless evenings, juggling work, school, and hungry mouths to feed. That’s where this recipe for One Pan Lemon Herb Roasted Chicken and Veggies comes in. It’s a simple, flavorful, and budget friendly way to get a complete meal on the table with minimal fuss. These cheap family dinners can be absolutely delicious, and this recipe proves it!

Why You Will Love This cheap family dinners Recipe

This One Pan Lemon Herb Roasted Chicken and Veggies recipe is a weeknight champion for several reasons! First, the cleanup is ridiculously easy because everything cooks together on one pan. Second, the flavor is incredible, the lemon and herbs infuse the chicken and vegetables with a bright, savory taste. It’s a great way to get even picky eaters enjoying their veggies! The ease of this recipe makes it one of the best affordable dinner ideas.

The real magic, though, is how budget friendly it is. Chicken thighs are often cheaper than chicken breasts, and you can use whatever seasonal vegetables are on sale. Plus, it’s a complete meal in one, so you’re not spending extra on sides. It is perfect for those looking for budget meals!

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Ingredients Needed for This cheap family dinners Recipe

• Chicken:

* 6 bone in, skin on chicken thighs * 1 tablespoon olive oil

• Vegetables:

* 1 pound baby potatoes, halved * 1 pound carrots, peeled and chopped * 1 red onion, cut into wedges * 1 bell pepper (any color), chopped

• Lemon Herb Marinade:

* 1/4 cup olive oil * 2 tablespoons lemon juice * 2 cloves garlic, minced * 1 tablespoon dried Italian herbs * 1 teaspoon salt * 1/2 teaspoon black pepper * 1 lemon, thinly sliced

How to Make This cheap family dinners Recipe

1. 1. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Lightly grease a large baking sheet or roasting pan.
2. 2. In a large bowl, whisk together the olive oil, lemon juice, minced garlic, Italian herbs, salt, and pepper. This is your delicious marinade!
3. 3. Add the halved potatoes, chopped carrots, red onion wedges, and chopped bell pepper to the bowl with the marinade. Toss well to coat all the vegetables evenly.
4. 4. Arrange the marinated vegetables in a single layer on the prepared baking sheet.
5. 5. Pat the chicken thighs dry with paper towels. This helps the skin crisp up nicely. Drizzle the chicken thighs with the tablespoon of olive oil and season lightly with salt and pepper.
6. 6. Place the chicken thighs on top of the vegetables on the baking sheet. Tuck the lemon slices around the chicken and vegetables.
7. 7. Roast in the preheated oven for 45 50 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C), and the vegetables are tender. For extra crispy skin, broil for the last 2 3 minutes, watching carefully to prevent burning.
8. 8. Let the chicken and vegetables rest for a few minutes before serving. This allows the juices to redistribute, resulting in a more flavorful and tender dish. This dish is a perfect example of affordable dinner ideas that don’t compromise on taste. If you’re looking for more budget meals, why not try these Cheap Meals? You might also enjoy these Cheap 5 Ingredient Crockpot Dinners perfect for busy weeknights!

How to Serve This cheap family dinners Recipe

Serve this One Pan Lemon Herb Roasted Chicken and Veggies family style directly from the baking sheet. It’s rustic and beautiful!

• Pair with: A simple green salad or a crusty loaf of bread to soak up the delicious pan juices.
• Toppings: A sprinkle of fresh parsley or a dollop of Greek yogurt adds a refreshing touch.
• Plating: Arrange the chicken and vegetables artfully on a platter for a more elegant presentation.

How to Store This cheap family dinners Recipe

• Refrigeration: Store leftover chicken and vegetables in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 4 days.
• Freezing: While the vegetables might become a bit softer after freezing, you can freeze leftovers in an airtight container for up to 2 months.
• Reheating: Reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until warmed through, or microwave in short intervals, stirring occasionally. Reheating in the oven will help to retain the crispiness of the chicken skin.

Tips to Make This cheap family dinners Recipe

Want to make this recipe even better for your family? Here are my top tips.

• Ingredient Swaps: Use any vegetables you have on hand, such as broccoli, zucchini, or sweet potatoes.
• Success Tips: Don’t overcrowd the baking sheet, or the vegetables will steam instead of roast. If necessary, use two baking sheets.
• Common Mistakes to Avoid: Overcooking the chicken can make it dry. Use a meat thermometer to ensure it reaches the correct internal temperature.
• Pro Tips: Marinate the chicken and vegetables for at least 30 minutes (or even overnight) to deepen the flavor.

Helpful Notes for This cheap family dinners Recipe

• Chicken Thighs: I prefer bone in, skin on chicken thighs because they are more flavorful and stay moist during roasting. However, you can use boneless, skinless thighs if you prefer. Just adjust the cooking time accordingly.
• Italian Herbs: Feel free to use fresh herbs instead of dried. Use about 3 tablespoons of chopped fresh herbs.
• Lemon: The lemon not only adds flavor but also helps to tenderize the chicken.

Variation of This cheap family dinners Recipe

• Seasonal Twists: Use seasonal vegetables like butternut squash and Brussels sprouts in the fall or asparagus and cherry tomatoes in the spring.
• Optional Versions: Add a touch of heat with a pinch of red pepper flakes to the marinade.
• Creative Modifications: Try using different herbs, such as rosemary, thyme, or oregano, to change the flavor profile.

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