How to make 10 Tasty Meals on a budget 🤝💵

How to make 10 Tasty Meals on a budget 🤝💵 is a easy Asian (Stir‑Fry) recipe that serves 10. 300 calories per serving. Recipe by Noel Deyzel on YouTube.

Prep: 30 min | Cook: 15 min | Total: 55 min

Cost: $32.14 total, $3.21 per serving

Ingredients

  • 2.5 lb Chicken Breast (trimmed and cut into bite‑size strips)
  • 2 large Bell Pepper (any color, sliced into strips)
  • 2 medium Onion (peeled and sliced)
  • 4 cup Broccoli Florets (cut into bite‑size pieces)
  • 3 large Carrots (peeled and sliced into thin matchsticks)
  • 1 cup Sweet Stir‑Fry Sauce (store‑bought teriyaki or homemade soy‑honey mix)
  • 2 tsp Half‑Spice Mix (mix of garlic powder, ginger powder, onion powder, and red pepper flakes (½ tsp each))
  • 2 tbsp Vegetable Oil (for high‑heat cooking)

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Chicken

    Trim any fat from the chicken breasts and cut the meat into bite‑size strips. Toss the strips with the half‑spice mix until evenly coated.

    Time: PT5M

  2. Cook the Chicken

    Heat 1 tbsp of vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok over medium‑high heat. Add the seasoned chicken strips and stir‑fry until they are cooked through and lightly browned, about 5‑6 minutes. Transfer to a plate and set aside.

    Time: PT7M

  3. Prep the Vegetables

    While the chicken cooks, slice the bell peppers, onion, carrots, and break the broccoli into florets.

    Time: PT8M

  4. Stir‑Fry the Vegetables

    Add the remaining 1 tbsp oil to the same pan. Toss in the onions and carrots first; stir‑fry for 2 minutes. Then add the bell peppers and broccoli and continue cooking until vegetables are crisp‑tender, about 4‑5 minutes.

    Time: PT7M

  5. Combine Chicken, Sauce, and Veggies

    Return the cooked chicken to the pan. Pour the sweet stir‑fry sauce over everything and toss to coat. Cook for another 2 minutes until the sauce thickens slightly and everything is heated through.

    Time: PT3M

  6. Portion for Meal Prep

    Divide the finished stir‑fry evenly into ten meal‑prep containers. Let cool for a few minutes before sealing.

    Time: PT5M

Nutrition Facts

Calories
300
Protein
25g
Carbohydrates
20g
Fat
10g
Fiber
3g

Dietary info: High‑protein, Gluten‑free (use tamari sauce), Dairy‑free

Allergens: Soy

Last updated: April 17, 2026

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How to make 10 Tasty Meals on a budget 🤝💵

Recipe by Noel Deyzel

A cheap, high‑protein chicken stir‑fry that makes ten ready‑to‑eat meals for about $23 total. Simple ingredients, quick cooking, and perfect for meal‑prep beginners.

EasyAsian (Stir‑Fry)Serves 10

Shop all ingredients on Amazon in one click • Printable PDF with shopping checklist

Source Video
5m
Prep
30m
Cook
10m
Cleanup
45m
Total

Cost Breakdown

$32.14
Total cost
$3.21
Per serving

Critical Success Points

  • Season and coat the chicken evenly before cooking.
  • Cook chicken until fully done but not overcooked.
  • Stir‑fry vegetables quickly over high heat to retain crunch.
  • Combine sauce at the end to avoid over‑reduction.

Safety Warnings

  • Handle raw chicken with clean hands and sanitize all surfaces after use.
  • Use a splatter guard or keep the pan lid slightly ajar to avoid hot oil burns.

Frequently Asked Questions

Everything you need to know about this recipe

Q

What is the cultural significance and history of chicken stir fry in Asian cuisine?

A

Stir‑frying originated in China during the Han dynasty as a quick way to cook small, uniform pieces of food over high heat. It spread throughout East and Southeast Asia, becoming a staple for busy households because it preserves texture, color, and nutrients.

cultural
Q

What are the traditional regional variations of chicken stir fry in Chinese cuisine?

A

In Cantonese cooking, chicken stir‑fry often features a light soy‑based sauce and crisp vegetables. Sichuan versions add bold chilies and peppercorns for heat, while Shanghai styles incorporate a sweeter, caramelized sauce with rice wine.

cultural
Q

How is chicken stir fry traditionally served in Chinese households?

A

It is typically served hot over steamed white rice or alongside noodles, allowing the sauce to soak into the starch. A side of pickled vegetables or a simple soup often completes the meal.

cultural
Q

What occasions or celebrations is chicken stir fry associated with in Asian cultures?

A

Because it is quick and adaptable, chicken stir‑fry is common for everyday family meals, but it also appears at casual gatherings, birthday luncheons, and office potlucks where a fast, crowd‑pleasing dish is needed.

cultural
Q

What other Asian dishes pair well with this budget chicken stir fry?

A

Serve it with steamed jasmine or basmati rice, fried rice, or simple lo mein noodles. A side of cucumber salad with rice‑vinegar dressing adds a refreshing contrast.

cultural
Q

What makes this chicken stir fry special in the context of budget meal‑prep cooking?

A

The recipe uses inexpensive, widely available ingredients and a single, ready‑made sweet sauce, keeping the total cost under $23 for ten meals while still delivering protein, vegetables, and flavor.

cultural
Q

What are the most common mistakes to avoid when making chicken stir fry from Noel Deyzel's video?

A

Common errors include overcooking the chicken, overcrowding the pan which steams instead of fries, and adding the sauce too early, which can make vegetables soggy. Follow the step‑by‑step timing to keep everything crisp.

technical
Q

Why does this recipe use a sweet stir‑fry sauce instead of a traditional soy‑only sauce?

A

The sweet sauce balances the savory chicken and vegetables, creating a flavor profile that appeals to a broad audience and keeps the dish kid‑friendly while still being quick to add at the end of cooking.

technical
Q

Can I make this chicken stir fry ahead of time and how should I store it?

A

Yes, portion the cooked stir‑fry into airtight containers and refrigerate for up to four days or freeze for two months. Reheat in the microwave or a hot skillet, adding a splash of water if the sauce has thickened.

technical
Q

What texture and appearance should I look for when the chicken stir fry is done?

A

The chicken should be opaque and no longer pink, with a lightly browned exterior. Vegetables should be bright‑colored and still crisp when bitten, and the sauce should coat the ingredients with a glossy sheen.

technical
Q

What does the YouTube channel Noel Deyzel specialize in?

A

The YouTube channel Noel Deyzel focuses on affordable, high‑protein meal‑prep recipes and fitness‑friendly cooking tips, often demonstrating how to stretch a small grocery budget into multiple nutritious meals.

channel
Q

How does Noel Deyzel's approach to budget Asian‑inspired cooking differ from other cooking channels?

A

Noel Deyzel emphasizes cost‑per‑meal calculations, large‑batch preparation, and simple ingredient swaps that keep flavor while staying under a strict budget, whereas many other channels prioritize gourmet techniques or specialty ingredients.

channel

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