Welcome to the Budget Bites Brigade, where we march to the beat of tasty, affordable meals, proving that a tight budget doesn't mean compromising on flavor! This week, we've crafted a culinary adventure that'll take your taste buds on a journey from the sweet and savory hills of Balsamic Peach Chicken to the tropical vibes of Hawaiian Ham & Cheese Sliders—all fitting into my budget of $100. Let's unwrap this bundle of joy, shall we?

Day 1: Balsamic Peach Chicken - A Sweet Start

Kick off the week with a dish that sings summer, no matter the season! Balsamic Peach Chicken combines the tang of balsamic vinegar with the sweetness of peaches, creating a melody of flavors that'll have your family asking for an encore. It's a concert on a plate, and everyone's invited! This recipe calls for chicken thighs, which helps stay budget friendly, but feel free to swap it out for chicken breasts if you prefer!

Day 2: Quick Chicken & Dumplings - Comfort in a Bowl

Next up, we're diving spoon-first into comfort with Quick Chicken & Dumplings. This dish is like a warm hug from the inside, perfect for those evenings when all you need is a little coziness. It's quick, it's hearty, and it's sure to win over even the smallest critics at the table. The dumplings in this recipe are so easy because you’re quartering refrigerated biscuits. This meal does require some planning ahead to have the precooked chicken. I like to do that over the weekend!

Day 3: Mozzarella & Avocado Panini - Crunchy, Creamy, Dreamy

Midweek calls for something special, and our Mozzarella & Avocado Panini answers the call. It's a crunchy, creamy dream, with the rich textures of avocado and melted mozzarella nestled between golden-brown ciabatta bread. Who knew simplicity could taste so luxurious? If you struggle with avocados being the correct freshness, one thing I’ve started doing is actually buying avocado cups. While overall fresh avocados may be cheaper than the cups, for me it is cheaper this way because they never go to waste.

Day 4: Southwest Burgers - A Fiesta of Flavors

Spice up your week with Southwest Burgers, a lively fiesta of flavors right in your kitchen! With just the right kick from the pepper jack cheese, some creaminess from the queso, and a rainbow of toppings, these burgers promise a party on a plate. It's casual dining at its finest, with a side of fun for everyone. The best part with burgers is that you can let everyone choose their own toppings if you have any picky eaters.

Day 5: Green Bean & Pork Stir Fry - A Sizzling Symphony

Day 5 brings the sizzle and snap of our Green Bean & Pork Stir Fry, whisking you away on a flavor-packed journey right in your own kitchen. We start with pork tenderloin, marinated in a blend of soy sauce, honey, garlic, and a hint of red pepper flakes for that perfect balance of sweet, savory, and spicy. The pork is seared to perfection, then tossed with crisp-tender green beans, vibrant bell peppers, and crunchy carrots, all stir-fried to maintain their bright colors and fresh textures. A final drizzle of our honey-soy stir-fry sauce ties all the components together in a glossy, flavor-infused embrace. Garnished with a sprinkle of green onions and a handful of finely chopped peanuts, this dish is a symphony of textures and tastes that promises to be a weeknight winner, proving that budget-friendly can indeed be bold and beautiful on the palate.

Day 6: Hawaiian Ham & Cheese Sliders - Aloha, Flavor!

Say "Aloha" to Hawaiian Ham & Cheese Sliders, a tropical twist on a classic that's guaranteed to bring sunny smiles to the dinner table. With a slather of butter brushed over ham and melted cheese, these sliders are a mini vacation between buns. These sliders come together super fast making them perfect for busy weeknights. Each serving is 2 sliders. Leaving the Hawaiian rolls connected makes it so much easier to build the sandwiches and layer them in the casserole dish. I usually assemble the sandwiches right in the baking dish itself. If you have seasonings at home, get creative! A few you can try are: garlic powder, onion powder, dijon mustard, dried parsley, sesame seeds, Worcestershire sauce, paprika, or honey. Mixing any combination of these seasonings into the melted butter before brushing it onto the sliders will not only add a burst of flavor but also create a memorable, mouthwatering experience that's sure to be a hit!

On a side note, I know this doesn’t scream Easter… But it’s just those of us in our household this year - so rather than going all out we are having these sandwiches to still have ham for our Easter dinner. If you’re staying home for Easter and don’t feel like making a whole traditional meal, consider alternatives. Traditional holiday meals can be so expensive, and if you’d be just as happy without it, there’s no requirement!

Day 7: Italian Chicken Salad Lettuce Wraps - Wrap Up in Style

We wrap up our culinary journey with a refreshing and elegant Italian Chicken Salad Lettuce Wraps, a dish that combines the best of wholesome ingredients and vibrant flavors. The recipe begins with a silky dressing made from olive oil and champagne vinegar, whisked together with Dijon mustard for a tangy twist. This luxurious dressing is then tossed with succulent, precooked shredded chicken, creating a rich and flavorful base. The salad is brought to life with the addition of sweet roasted red peppers, briny black olives, and crunchy celery, offering a delightful textural contrast. Fresh basil and green onions are sprinkled in for a burst of freshness, introducing an aromatic herbaceousness that elevates the salad to new heights. To serve, this colorful, nutrient-packed chicken salad is nestled in crisp hearts of romaine lettuce leaves, creating an elegant presentation that's as pleasing to the eye as it is to the palate. These Italian Chicken Salad Lettuce Wraps are not only a testament to the joy of simple, fresh ingredients but also a fitting finale to a week of budget-friendly, family-pleasing meals.

The Shopping List

Now that you know the meals planned for the week, let’s talk about the shopping list. All prices listed are for my store in Northern Illinois in a suburb between Rockford and Chicago. Prices will vary depending on where you live, but hopefully these meals are still affordable for you! The only ingredients NOT included are salt and pepper. I always encourage you to check for whatever you might already have at home. For example, if you’ve been following along, you should have the 1.5 lbs of chicken breast leftover from last week as I had an 8 lb bag on the list and we only needed 5.5 lbs. If you’re brand new to cooking at home, you will likely need to buy more of the ingredients than someone that consistently cooks at home. The total if you need everything where I live is $134.11, but I was able to get that down to $93.75 for myself since I don’t need the chicken breast, butter, broth (remember to check out the hack using Better than Bouillon!), balsamic vinegar, soy sauce, honey, red onion, seasonings, olive oil or dijon mustard. Notice that aside from the chicken, these are mostly pantry items that tend to last multiple meals, so if you’ve bought them with me before, you’re likely to still have some, too!

Satisfying Sides

I often get asked to provide some sides to go with the meals. These are NOT included in the above shopping list, and are merely suggestions. I hope they provide you with some easy affordable and simple side options! For these recommended sides, it would add an additional $23.82 to your grocery bill.

Join the Brigade of Budget-Friendly Feasts

There you have it, fellow food enthusiasts—a week's worth of dinners that are as kind to your wallet as they are to your palate. Remember, the order of the day (or dish, in this case) is entirely up to you. Feel free to mix and match according to your family's cravings and conveniences.

In the Budget Bites Brigade, we stand united in the belief that delicious doesn't have to mean expensive. We embrace the joy of cooking, the delight of eating together, and the satisfaction of sticking to a budget. So, gather your troops, tie those apron strings, and embark on this week-long feast that promises to be light on the purse but heavy on pleasure. Welcome to the brigade, where every bite is a victory! Let us know which meal you’re most excited to try in the comments!