35+ Budget-Friendly One-Pot Chicken Recipes for Busy Families

Feeding your family doesn’t have to break the bank or take up your whole evening. These one-pot baked boneless, skinless chicken recipes are budget-friendly, full of flavor, and easy to prepare with minimal cleanup. Whether you're working with pantry staples, shopping the sales, or prepping for the week ahead, these meals are perfect for busy parents and weeknights alike. Affordable, family-approved, and all baked in one pan, dinner just got a whole lot easier.

35+ Budget-Friendly One-Pot Baked Chicken Recipes for Busy Families

🍗 Creamy & Cheesy Bakes

1. Cream Cheese Bacon Chicken

2–4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
4–8 bacon slices
8 oz cream cheese

Instructions:
Preheat oven to 375°F. Spread cream cheese over each chicken breast. Wrap with bacon, place in a baking dish, and bake for 40 minutes or until cooked through.
Serve with: Mashed potatoes or steamed broccoli.

2. Pepper Jack Chicken Bake

2–3 chicken breasts
6 slices pepper jack cheese
1 box chicken stuffing mix
1 can cream of chicken soup
1/4 cup milk
6 tbsp melted butter

Instructions:
Preheat oven to 350°F. Layer chicken in dish, top with cheese. Mix soup and milk; pour over cheese. Top with dry stuffing and drizzle butter. Bake 45–60 minutes.
Serve with: A green salad or roasted green beans.

3. Buffalo Chicken Pasta Bake

2 cups shredded cooked chicken
8 oz bow tie pasta
1 cup buffalo sauce
8 oz cream cheese
1 cup mozzarella
1 cup broth

Instructions:
Cook pasta and chicken. In a saucepan, melt cream cheese with buffalo sauce and broth. Combine with pasta and chicken. Pour into a dish, top with cheese, and bake at 350°F for 10 minutes.
Serve with: Celery sticks or a ranch-dressed salad.

4. Chicken Alfredo Stuffed Shells

1 lb. chicken, cooked and chopped
20 jumbo pasta shells
1 3/4 cups ricotta (or blended cottage cheese)
1 cup Alfredo sauce
1 cup mozzarella

Instructions:
Cook pasta and drain. Mix chicken and ricotta. Stuff shells, lay in baking dish over 1/4 cup Alfredo sauce. Cover with foil and bake at 350°F for 30 minutes. Uncover, top with mozzarella, and bake 5 more minutes.
Serve with: Garlic bread or sautéed spinach.

5. Chicken Queso Rice Bowl

1 lb. chicken, sliced
Taco + fajita seasoning
1 cup queso cheese
2 cups cooked cheesy Mexican rice

Instructions:
Season chicken and sauté until cooked. Layer rice, chicken, and warm queso in a dish.
Serve with: Tortilla chips or black beans.

🌶️ Tex-Mex & Mexican Favorites

6. Brown Sugar Italian Chicken

2–4 chicken breasts
1/2 cup brown sugar
1 Italian dressing seasoning packet

Instructions:
Preheat oven to 425°F. Line a pan with foil. Mix brown sugar and seasoning. Coat chicken, place on sheet, and top with remaining mix. Bake 20–40 minutes. Broil 1–2 minutes to caramelize.
Serve with: Rice or roasted veggies.

7. Cheesy Fajita Chicken Bake

2–3 chicken breasts
8 oz cream cheese
1/3 cup salsa
1 fajita seasoning packet
2 bell peppers, sliced
1–2 cups shredded cheese

Instructions:
Preheat oven to 375°F. Mix cream cheese, salsa, seasoning; spread over chicken in a dish. Top with peppers and cheese. Bake 25–30 minutes.
Serve with: Spanish rice or tortillas.

8. Mexican Dorito Chicken Casserole

2 cups cooked shredded chicken
1 can cream of chicken soup
1/2 packet taco seasoning
1/2 cup milk
1/2 cup sour cream
1 can Rotel
2 cups crushed Doritos
1 cup shredded cheese

Instructions:
Preheat oven to 350°F. Mix all except Doritos and cheese. Layer Doritos, chicken mix, and repeat. Top with cheese and bake 30 minutes.
Serve with: Avocado slices or corn.

9. Chicken Enchilada Rice Casserole

2 cups cooked rice
1 cup cooked chicken
1/2 cup red enchilada sauce
1/2 cup refried beans
1/2 cup corn
1 cup shredded Monterey Jack cheese

Instructions:
Mix all but cheese. Pour into a dish, top with cheese and bake at 350°F for 20 minutes.
Serve with: Sour cream and tortilla chips.

10. Ranch Chicken Enchiladas

2 cups cooked shredded chicken
1/2 cup ranch
1/4 cup sour cream
1 cup cheese
8 tortillas

Instructions:
Mix filling, roll into tortillas, place in dish, and cover with sauce and cheese. Bake at 350°F for 15 minutes.
Serve with: Spanish rice or guacamole.

🍅 Italian-Inspired Chicken Bakes

11. Italian Tomato Basil Chicken Bake

3–4 chicken breasts
1 can diced tomatoes (with basil, garlic, oregano)
1 tbsp olive oil
1 tsp garlic powder
1 tsp Italian seasoning
1/2 cup shredded mozzarella

Instructions:
Preheat oven to 375°F. Place chicken in baking dish. Pour tomatoes over chicken, drizzle with oil, and sprinkle with seasonings. Bake for 25–30 minutes. Add cheese and broil for 2 minutes.
Serve with: Pasta or garlic toast.

12. Chicken Parmesan Bake

2 cups cooked shredded chicken
2 cups marinara
1/2 cup grated Parmesan
1 cup mozzarella
1/2 cup seasoned breadcrumbs

Instructions:
Layer chicken and marinara in a baking dish. Top with Parmesan, breadcrumbs, and mozzarella. Bake at 375°F for 20–25 minutes.
Serve with: Spaghetti or salad.

13. Creamy Italian Chicken & Potatoes

4 chicken thighs or breasts
4 small potatoes, quartered
1 packet dry Italian dressing mix
1/2 cup sour cream or cream cheese
1/4 cup water

Instructions:
Preheat oven to 400°F. Mix dressing, sour cream, and water. Place chicken and potatoes in dish and coat with mixture. Cover and bake 45 minutes.
Serve with: Steamed green beans or salad.

🥔 Comfort Food Classics

14. Chicken and Stuffing Bake

2 cups cooked chicken
1 box stuffing mix
1 can cream of chicken soup
1/2 cup sour cream
1/2 cup milk

Instructions:
Mix soup, sour cream, and milk. Spread in dish. Top with chicken, then prepared stuffing. Bake at 350°F for 30 minutes.
Serve with: Cranberry sauce or green peas.

15. Chicken and Biscuit Bake

2 cups cooked shredded chicken
1 can cream of chicken soup
1/2 cup milk
1 cup frozen peas/carrots
1 can refrigerated biscuits

Instructions:
Mix chicken, soup, milk, and veggies. Spread in dish. Top with biscuit dough and bake at 375°F for 25–30 minutes.
Serve with: Apple slices or a side salad.

16. Southern Chicken Cornbread Casserole

2 cups cooked chicken
1 box Jiffy cornbread mix
1 can creamed corn
1 egg
1/2 cup milk
1/2 cup shredded cheese

Instructions:
Mix cornbread batter. Layer cooked chicken in dish, pour batter over top, and bake at 375°F for 30 minutes. Add cheese on top in the last 5 minutes.
Serve with: Collard greens or baked beans.

17. Broccoli Cheddar Chicken Bake

2–3 chicken breasts
2 cups cooked rice
1 cup steamed broccoli
1 can cream of mushroom or chicken soup
1 cup shredded cheddar

Instructions:
Mix rice, broccoli, soup, and half the cheese. Spread in dish, top with chicken and remaining cheese. Bake at 375°F for 30 minutes.
Serve with: Fresh fruit or side salad.

🍍 Sweet & Savory Chicken Dishes

18. Baked Pineapple Dijon Chicken

2 chicken breasts
1/3 cup Dijon mustard
1/4 cup brown sugar
1/2 cup crushed pineapple (drained)

Instructions:
Preheat oven to 375°F. Place chicken in a dish. Mix mustard, sugar, and pineapple. Pour over chicken and bake for 30–35 minutes.
Serve with: Rice or couscous.

19. Maple Mustard Chicken Thighs

4–6 boneless chicken thighs
2 tbsp Dijon mustard
2 tbsp maple syrup
1 tsp garlic powder

Instructions:
Mix sauce ingredients and pour over chicken in baking dish. Bake at 375°F for 40 minutes. Broil for 2–3 minutes to caramelize.
Serve with: Roasted carrots or sweet potatoes.

🧀 Extra-Cheesy Comfort Favorites

20. Loaded Baked Potato Chicken

2 cups cubed cooked chicken
2 cups cooked diced potatoes
1/2 cup sour cream
1/2 cup shredded cheese
4 slices crumbled bacon
Green onions

Instructions:
Mix all ingredients (reserving some cheese and bacon). Spread in dish, top with reserved cheese/bacon. Bake at 375°F for 25 minutes.
Serve with: Side salad or applesauce.

21. Spinach Artichoke Chicken Bake

2–3 chicken breasts
1 cup chopped spinach
1 cup chopped artichokes
1/2 cup cream cheese
1/2 cup shredded mozzarella

Instructions:
Mix spinach, artichokes, and cream cheese. Spread over chicken in dish. Top with mozzarella. Bake at 375°F for 30–35 minutes.
Serve with: Garlic bread or rice.

22. French Onion Chicken Bake

2–3 chicken breasts
1 can French onion soup
1 cup Swiss or mozzarella cheese
1 cup croutons or French fried onions

Instructions:
Place chicken in dish, pour soup over, and top with cheese and croutons. Bake at 375°F for 30 minutes.
Serve with: Mashed potatoes or sautéed green beans.

🍽️ Odds & Ends: Quick Meal Preps

23. Cheesy Chicken Crescent Bake

2 cups cooked chicken
1 can cream of chicken soup
1/2 cup shredded cheese
1 can crescent rolls

Instructions:
Roll chicken and cheese into crescents. Place in dish and pour soup over top. Bake at 375°F for 25 minutes.
Serve with: Steamed broccoli or salad.

24. Chicken Ranch Mac Bake

2 cups cooked macaroni
1 1/2 cups cooked chicken
1 packet ranch seasoning
1 cup shredded cheese
1/2 cup sour cream

Instructions:
Mix all ingredients in a bowl. Spread in baking dish and bake at 375°F for 20 minutes.
Serve with: Cucumber slices or carrot sticks.

25. Chicken & Rice Enchilada Bake

2 cups cooked rice
1 cup cooked chicken
1/2 cup enchilada sauce
1/2 cup sour cream
1/2 cup shredded cheese

Instructions:
Mix all ingredients. Spread in dish. Bake at 350°F for 20 minutes.
Serve with: Avocado slices or salsa.

🌮 Tex-Mex & Southwestern Flavors

26. Southwest Chicken Rice Bake

2 cups cooked chicken
1 cup cooked rice
1 can black beans (drained)
1 cup salsa
1/2 cup shredded cheddar or Mexican blend cheese

Instructions:
Mix everything in a baking dish. Top with cheese. Bake at 375°F for 25 minutes.
Serve with: Sour cream, avocado slices, or tortilla chips.

27. Fiesta Chicken Tortilla Bake

2 cups cooked chicken
1 can corn (drained)
1/2 cup enchilada sauce
1 cup crushed tortilla chips
1/2 cup shredded cheese

Instructions:
Layer crushed chips, chicken, corn, and sauce in dish. Top with cheese. Bake at 375°F for 25 minutes.
Serve with: Cilantro and lime wedges.

28. Creamy Green Chile Chicken Bake

2 chicken breasts
1/2 cup sour cream
1 small can diced green chiles
1/2 cup shredded Monterey Jack cheese

Instructions:
Mix sour cream and green chiles, spread over chicken, top with cheese. Bake at 375°F for 30 minutes.
Serve with: Spanish rice or black beans.

🥦 Veggie-Packed & Light Options

29. Lemon Herb Chicken & Veggie Tray Bake

2 chicken breasts (cubed)
1 zucchini, sliced
1 bell pepper, chopped
1 cup cherry tomatoes
1 tbsp olive oil
1 tsp lemon juice + herbs (thyme, parsley)

Instructions:
Toss all ingredients and spread in a sheet pan. Bake at 400°F for 25–30 minutes.
Serve with: Couscous or quinoa.

30. Garlic Parmesan Chicken & Broccoli

2 chicken breasts, cubed
2 cups broccoli florets
2 tbsp olive oil
1/2 tsp garlic powder
1/4 cup grated Parmesan

Instructions:
Toss everything and spread in baking dish. Bake at 400°F for 25 minutes.
Serve with: Brown rice or mashed cauliflower.

31. Tomato Zucchini Chicken Bake

2 chicken breasts
1 zucchini, sliced
1 cup diced tomatoes
1 tsp Italian seasoning
1/2 cup shredded mozzarella

Instructions:
Layer chicken and veggies. Sprinkle seasoning and cheese. Bake at 375°F for 30 minutes.
Serve with: Orzo or garlic toast.

🧂 International-Inspired Chicken Bakes

32. Mediterranean Chicken Bake

2 chicken breasts
1/2 cup cherry tomatoes
1/4 cup sliced olives
1/4 cup crumbled feta
1 tbsp olive oil
1 tsp oregano

Instructions:
Layer all ingredients in dish. Bake at 375°F for 30 minutes.
Serve with: Couscous, pita, or cucumber salad.

33. Greek Lemon Chicken Orzo Bake

2 cups cooked chicken
1 1/2 cups cooked orzo
1/4 cup lemon juice
1 tsp Greek seasoning
1/2 cup feta or mozzarella

Instructions:
Mix all ingredients, spread in dish, and bake at 375°F for 20 minutes.
Serve with: Tzatziki or roasted vegetables.

🥘 Creamy & Cozy Family Favorites

34. Creamy Mushroom Chicken & Rice Bake

2 chicken breasts, cubed
2 cups cooked rice
1 can cream of mushroom soup
1/2 cup milk
1/2 cup shredded Swiss or mozzarella

Instructions:
Mix everything in a baking dish, top with cheese. Bake at 375°F for 25–30 minutes.
Serve with: Steamed peas or side salad.

35. Chicken Alfredo Bake

2 cups cooked chicken
2 cups cooked pasta
1 cup Alfredo sauce
1/2 cup shredded mozzarella
1/2 tsp garlic powder

Instructions:
Combine all ingredients in baking dish. Top with extra cheese. Bake at 375°F for 25 minutes.
Serve with: Broccoli or garlic knots.

🧄 Bonus: Simple, Versatile Chicken Marinade Bakes

36. Garlic Butter Chicken Bake

2–3 chicken breasts
2 tbsp melted butter
1 tsp garlic powder
1 tsp parsley
1/2 tsp paprika

Instructions:
Brush garlic butter over chicken, sprinkle seasonings, bake at 375°F for 30 minutes.
Serve with: Rice pilaf or roasted veggies.

37. Honey Mustard Chicken Bake

2 chicken breasts
2 tbsp honey
2 tbsp Dijon mustard
1/2 tsp garlic powder

Instructions:
Mix sauce, pour over chicken, bake at 375°F for 30 minutes.
Serve with: Mashed potatoes or steamed green beans.

💡 Budget Tip:

- Buy chicken in bulk when on sale and freeze in portions. Ingredients like rice, pasta, cheese, and spices are cheaper this way.

- Substitute ricotta with blended cottage cheese, sour cream with plain yogurt, and use store-brand cheese or canned soups.

- Look for markdown produce, and shop your grocery store’s weekly ad for meat, dairy, and canned good deals.

- Stretch meals. Add inexpensive sides like canned veggies, potatoes, or rice to make meals go further.

- Use what you have. Substitute ingredients based on what’s already in your pantry.

🧊 Freezer-Friendly Meal Prep Tips

- Assemble, don't bake: Freeze casseroles before baking, tightly wrapped in foil.

- Label with name and date.

- Use within 3 months for best quality.

- Bake from frozen at 375°F, adding 10–15 extra minutes to baking time.

- Add cheese toppings halfway through baking for best texture.

Final Thoughts

These budget-friendly one-pot baked chicken recipes are not only simple and satisfying, but they’re also incredibly versatile. With easy swaps, affordable ingredients, and tips to stretch your grocery dollars, you can cook meals your whole family will love, without the stress.

Pin this post for later and follow me on Pinterest for more easy dinner ideas and mom life tips!

Written by Diana Chastain from Nanny to Mommy.

Nanny to Mommy