25 Budget Recipes That Taste Expensive but Cost Less

Cook delicious meals without overspending. These 25 budget recipes use affordable ingredients while delivering rich flavor and satisfying portions.

Ingredients

• 1 lb Chicken Thighs (bone-in, skin-on for maximum flavor and lowest cost)
• 2 cups Long Grain White Rice (rinsed until the water runs clear to prevent gumminess)
• 1 large Yellow Onion (sliced thin for caramelization)
• 4 cloves Garlic (smashed and minced)
• 1 tbsp Tomato Paste (sautéed until dark red)
• 1 tsp Dried Oregano (crushed between your palms to release oils)
• 2 cups Chicken Stock (preferably homemade from leftover bones)
• 1 tbsp Apple Cider Vinegar (to brighten the finish)

Instructions

1. Step 1: Pat the chicken thighs extremely dry with paper towels; any moisture will prevent the skin from shattering like glass when it hits the pan.
2. Step 2: Place chicken skin-side down in a cold stainless steel skillet, then turn the heat to medium-high; this renders the fat slowly for a deeper crunch.
3. Step 3: Once the skin is deep mahogany (about 8-10 minutes), flip and sear the bottom for 2 minutes, then remove chicken from the pan and set aside.
4. Step 4: In the rendered fat, sauté the onions until they soften and turn translucent, then add the tomato paste and cook until it smells slightly sweet and looks like rust.
5. Step 5: Add the rice directly to the fat and toast it for 2 minutes until the edges look translucent; this prevents the grains from sticking together later.
6. Step 6: Pour in the stock, scrape the bottom of the pan to release the 'fond' (the brown bits), return the chicken to the top, cover, and simmer on low for 15-18 minutes.
7. Step 7: Remove from heat and let it sit, covered, for 5 minutes—this 'carry-over' steam is what makes the rice perfectly fluffy.