Tight Budget Healthy Chicken

Whip up a wholesome and affordable dinner with this "Tight Budget Healthy Chicken" recipe! Packed with flavor and nutrition, this dish features tender, golden-seared chicken thighs baked to perfection with a medley of frozen mixed vegetables. A simple yet aromatic spice blend of garlic powder, paprika, and thyme infuses the chicken with bold flavors, while a splash of fresh lemon juice adds just the right zing. Best of all, it’s ready in just 40 minutes and uses budget-friendly ingredients you likely already have in your pantry. Serve it over cooked rice for a comforting, well-rounded meal that’s easy on the wallet yet big on taste—perfect for busy weeknights or meal prep.

Nutriscore Rating: 74/100

Prep Time:10 mins

Cook Time:30 mins

Total Time:40 mins

Servings: 4

Ingredients

• 4 pieces Chicken thighs (bone-in, skin-on or skinless)
• 2 tablespoons Olive oil
• 1 teaspoon Garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon Paprika
• 1 teaspoon Dried thyme
• 1 teaspoon Salt
• 0.5 teaspoons Black pepper
• 1 tablespoon Fresh lemon juice
• 0.25 cup Water or low-sodium chicken broth
• 2 cups Frozen mixed vegetables
• 2 cups Cooked rice (optional, for serving)

Directions

Step 1

Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).

Step 2

Pat the chicken thighs dry with paper towels. This helps ensure they cook evenly and get a light, flavorful crust.

Step 3

In a small mixing bowl, combine garlic powder, paprika, dried thyme, salt, and black pepper.

Step 4

Drizzle 1 tablespoon of olive oil over the chicken thighs and rub the spice mixture evenly over the chicken to coat it on all sides.

Step 5

Heat a large, oven-safe skillet over medium-high heat. Add the remaining 1 tablespoon of olive oil to the pan.

Step 6

Once the oil is hot, place the chicken thighs into the skillet, skin-side down, and sear for 3-4 minutes until golden brown. Flip the chicken and sear the other side for another 3 minutes.

Step 7

Remove the skillet from heat. Drizzle the chicken with fresh lemon juice, and pour the water or chicken broth around the base of the chicken (not directly over it).

Step 8

Add the frozen mixed vegetables to the skillet around the chicken thighs.

Step 9

Transfer the skillet to the preheated oven and bake uncovered for 20-25 minutes, or until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).

Step 10

Remove the skillet from the oven and let the chicken rest for 5 minutes before serving.

Step 11

Serve the chicken and vegetables over cooked rice (if desired) for a filling and budget-friendly meal.

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	1216.2 grams (1216.2g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	1841

Total Fat 83.20g	107%
Saturated Fat 18.80g	94%
Polyunsaturated Fat 2.70g
Cholesterol 324mg	108%
Sodium 2803mg	122%
Total Carbohydrate 163.90g	60%
Dietary Fiber 17.50g	63%
Total Sugars 15.20g
Protein 100.10g	200%

Vitamin D 28IU	140%
Calcium 228mg	18%
Iron 9mg	48%
Potassium 1905mg	41%

*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.

Source of Calories

Fat: 41.5%

Protein: 22.2%

Carbs: 36.3%