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Feed a Family of 4 for 10 Dollars Easy Budget Dinner

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A simple, flavorful skillet dinner using budget-friendly pantry staples and fresh veggies that feeds a family of four for $10 or less in about 30 minutes.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1.5 pounds chicken thighs (bone-in, skin-on or skinless)
  • 2 cups dry rice or pasta (brown rice preferred, white rice cooks faster)
  • 12 ounces frozen mixed vegetables
  • 14 ounces canned tomatoes
  • 1 medium onion, chopped
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced (about 1 tablespoon)
  • Salt, pepper, paprika, Italian seasoning to taste
  • 2 tablespoons cooking oil (olive or vegetable)

Instructions

  1. Prep your ingredients: chop onion, mince garlic, measure rice and spices, pat chicken thighs dry.
  2. Heat 1 tablespoon oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add chicken thighs skin-side down and cook 4-5 minutes without moving until golden brown. Flip and cook another 3 minutes. If thick, finish in a 375°F oven for 10 minutes or until internal temp reaches 165°F.
  3. Remove chicken and set aside. Lower heat to medium, add remaining oil. Sauté onions until translucent, about 3 minutes. Add garlic and stir for 30 seconds until fragrant.
  4. Add frozen mixed vegetables and cook until thawed and starting to soften. Pour in canned tomatoes with juice and sprinkle spices. Simmer gently for 5 minutes to blend flavors.
  5. Cook rice or pasta according to package directions while sauce simmers.
  6. Nestle browned chicken back into skillet with veggie sauce. Spoon sauce over cooked rice or pasta and warm together for 1-2 minutes. Serve family-style.

Notes

Do not skip browning the chicken to lock in flavor and juices. Simmer sauce gently to avoid watery consistency. Season in layers for best flavor. Use frozen veggies to save time and money. Cook rice or pasta just shy of al dente to avoid mushiness when combined with sauce. Variations include swapping chicken for ground turkey, canned beans, or making a vegetarian version with extra spices.

Nutrition

Keywords: budget dinner, family meal, chicken thighs, easy recipe, skillet dinner, affordable meals, quick dinner, pantry staples

Find it online: https://lucastable.com/feed-a-family-of-4-for-10-dollars-easy-budget-dinner-ideas-to-save-money/