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Cozy Family Meal for 4 Under 50 Dollars Easy Budget Dinner Recipe

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A quick, budget-friendly, and comforting family meal featuring chicken thighs, vegetables, and rice simmered together for a cozy dinner that serves 4.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1.5 pounds boneless, skinless chicken thighs (can substitute ground turkey or chicken breast)
  • 1 large onion, diced
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 2 medium carrots, sliced
  • 1 red bell pepper, chopped
  • 1 cup frozen peas
  • 1.5 cups uncooked long-grain white rice (can substitute brown rice with extra cooking time)
  • 3 cups low-sodium chicken broth
  • 1 cup canned diced tomatoes with juices
  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • 1 teaspoon dried oregano
  • Salt and black pepper to taste
  • Optional: pinch of crushed red pepper flakes
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella or cheddar cheese (optional but recommended)

Instructions

  1. Prep your ingredients: Dice the onion, mince the garlic, slice the carrots, and chop the red bell pepper. Rinse the rice under cold water until the water runs clear.
  2. Heat 2 tablespoons olive oil over medium heat in a large skillet. Add diced onion and garlic, sauté until softened and fragrant, about 3 minutes.
  3. Add chicken thighs cut into bite-sized pieces. Cook, stirring occasionally, until browned on all sides but not fully cooked through, about 5-7 minutes.
  4. Add carrots, red bell pepper, smoked paprika, oregano, salt, and pepper. Stir and cook for 2-3 minutes to soften vegetables and bloom spices.
  5. Pour in rinsed rice, chicken broth, and canned diced tomatoes with juices. Stir to combine and bring to a gentle boil.
  6. Reduce heat to low, cover skillet with lid or foil, and simmer for 20-25 minutes until rice is tender and liquid absorbed. Check at 20 minutes and add more broth if needed.
  7. Stir in frozen peas and cook for 3 minutes until warmed through.
  8. Sprinkle shredded cheese evenly over the top, cover again, and let melt for 2 minutes.
  9. Fluff rice gently with a fork, adjust seasoning if needed, and serve hot.

Notes

Brown the chicken well for better flavor. Rinse rice to remove excess starch and prevent gumminess. Keep lid on while simmering to cook rice evenly and keep chicken juicy. Add cheese at the end for a creamy finish. For a crispier bottom, remove lid and increase heat for last 5 minutes, watching carefully to avoid burning. Leftovers store well refrigerated for up to 3 days; reheat with splash of broth and add fresh cheese or herbs.

Nutrition

Keywords: budget dinner, family meal, chicken thighs, easy dinner, cozy meal, quick recipe, one-pan dinner, affordable dinner

Find it online: https://zorbmeal.com/cozy-family-meal-for-4-under-50-dollars-easy-budget-dinner-recipe/