Dinner for Two without Breaking the Bank: Crispy Garlic-Parmesan Chicken, Sweet Potatoes, and Broccoli
Because eating well shouldn't require a second mortgage or seventeen obscure ingredients.
When it comes to cooking, there’s nothing better than making a dish that tastes like you put way more effort— and money— into it than you actually did.
For approximately 4.87$, I was able to make the most delicious garlic-parmesan baked chicken, sweet potatoes, and steamed broccoli with parmesan for my family of two. And in an economy where a fast-food meal costs more than a tank of gas then when I was in high school, I’ll take my delicious and affordable chicken as a huge WIN!
Since we’re being super budget conscious right now, my husband and I decided to go shopping in our pantry and fridge before the store. Much to our delight, we had a small package of chicken thighs, some seasonings, butter, and handful of other staples that were begging to be turned into something delicious. All we needed to buy were some breadcrumbs, sweet potatoes, and broccoli.
And the best part? The whole dinner didn’t taste like a budget dinner. It was genuinely delicious, and we’re already looking forward to making it again.
So, without further ado, here’s how you can make it, too!
THE MAIN EVENT: Garlic-Parmesan Chicken
Ingredients
· 2 boneless, skinless chicken thighs
· 1/4 cup plain breadcrumbs
· 2 Tbsp parmesan cheese (not the real kind)
· 1/4 tsp garlic powder
· 1/4 tsp onion powder
· 1/4 tsp smoked paprika
· 1/4 tsp Italian seasoning
· ⅛ tsp salt
· ⅛ tsp black pepper
· A few spoonfuls of mayonnaise
Garlic Butter *Note: this is to drizzle over the top of the chicken so the breadcrumbs are crispy! Do not skip it!!
Ingredients
· 1-3 tablespoon butter
· 1/4 tsp garlic powder
· Dried parsley (to taste)
Instructions
Dig out the ole air fryer and set it to 350°F. (If you don’t have an air fryer, do whatever you gotta do!)
Cover the chicken thighs with a small sheet saran wrap. Then, pound them a bit thinner.
In a shallow bowl, combine the ¼ cup breadcrumbs, 2 TBSP parmesan, and all the seasonings (¼ garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, Italian seasoning; ⅛ salt and black pepper).
Spread a thin layer of mayonnaise over each thigh. (You can do it on both sides or just one. I just did it on one side because I didn’t want to flip by chicken).
Press the chicken with the mayonnaise side into the breadcrumb mixture. Make sure it’s thoroughly coated.
Line your air fryer with parchment paper and spray with olive oil spray. Then, place the non-breaded side down.
Make the garlic butter and then drizzle it over the chicken.
Air fry the chicken for 15-25 minutes or until done. (Chicken must reach at least 165°F internally).
When it’s all done, it should be crispy, tender, and full of flavor!
THE SIDEKICKS: Roasted Sweet Potatoes
Ingredients
· 3 medium-sized sweet potatoes
· 1/4 teaspoon smoked paprika
· 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
· 1/4 teaspoon onion powder
· 1/4 teaspoon salt
· ⅛ teaspoon black pepper
· 3-4 TBSP parmesan (the fake kind)
· Olive Oil
Instructions
Rinse the sweet potatoes and then cube them.
When they’re all cubed, put into a bowl and toss with olive oil and seasonings (3-4 TBSP parmesan; ¼ garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, Italian seasoning; ⅛ salt and black pepper).
Air fry at 400°F for 12–18 minutes, shaking halfway through.
THE SIDEKICK: Steamed Parmesan Broccoli
Ingredients
· 1 crown of broccoli
· 1/4 to 1/2 cup real Parmesan cheese
· Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
Cut the broccoli into florets.
Boil in lightly salted water for 3–5 minutes, until bright green and tender.
Drain thoroughly.
Plate and sprinkle grated parmesan on top
A Little Reminder About Making Dinner
You don't need a complicated recipe or an enormous grocery budget to make something delicious and satisfying. At the end of the day, simple and affordable doesn’t have to mean boring and unhealthy.
I hope you enjoy!
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