Hey everyone, Jason Griffith here! College life is a wild ride, and between classes, studying, and a social life, cooking can often feel like a chore. But it doesn’t have to be! A few simple, go-to recipes can make all the difference, saving you money, time, and from the dreaded instant ramen diet. I’m a big believer that good food doesn’t have to be complicated, especially when you have a tiny dorm kitchen or a limited budget. Here are my top 5 easy, cheap, and delicious recipes that every college student should have in their back pocket.
Why I Love These Recipes
I’ve chosen these five recipes because they hit all the right notes for a college student. They are incredibly affordable, using pantry staples and fresh ingredients that won’t break the bank. They are fast, with most of them being ready in under 30 minutes, which is perfect for a busy schedule. They are also incredibly versatile, so you can easily swap out ingredients and customize them to your liking. Most importantly, they’re truly delicious and will feel like a homemade meal, even when you’re miles away from home.
1. One-Pan Chicken and Rice
This recipe is a one-pan wonder that’s perfect for a satisfying dinner or a great meal prep for the week. The chicken cooks right in the same pan as the rice, soaking up all the delicious flavors.
Ingredients
- 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breast or thighs, diced
- 1 cup long-grain white rice, rinsed
- 2 cups chicken broth
- 1/2 cup frozen peas and carrots
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- Salt and black pepper to taste
Instructions
- In a large skillet, add the diced chicken and season with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder.
- Add the rinsed rice and chicken broth to the skillet. Bring to a boil, then reduce the heat to low.
- Cover the skillet with a tight-fitting lid and let it simmer for 15-20 minutes, or until the rice has absorbed all the liquid.
- Stir in the frozen peas and carrots and let it sit, covered, for 5 more minutes. Fluff with a fork and serve.
This recipe is so simple and delicious, you’ll be making it on repeat. If you want to check out a similar recipe, try my Mexican Chicken and Rice Casserole for a fun twist!
2. The Ultimate Quesadilla
A quesadilla is the ultimate fast food, and it’s so much better when you make it yourself. It’s cheap, easy, and endlessly customizable.
Ingredients
- 2 large flour tortillas
- 1 cup shredded cheese (cheddar, Monterey Jack, or a blend)
- 1/2 cup cooked shredded chicken or black beans
- 1/4 cup diced onion
- 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
- Sour cream, salsa, and guacamole for dipping
Instructions
- In a skillet over medium heat, heat the vegetable oil. Place one tortilla in the skillet.
- Sprinkle half of the shredded cheese evenly over the tortilla. Add the cooked chicken or black beans and diced onion.
- Sprinkle the remaining cheese over the top and place the second tortilla on top.
- Cook for 2-3 minutes per side, or until the tortilla is golden brown and the cheese is melted.
- Remove from the skillet, slice, and serve with your favorite toppings.
For another easy and cheesy crowd-pleaser, you can check out my recipe for Sheet Pan Quesadillas.
3. Quick & Easy Tuna Salad
This isn’t your average tuna salad! By swapping out the mayo for something a little healthier and adding some fresh veggies, you get a light, tangy, and incredibly satisfying meal.
Ingredients
- 1 (5-ounce) can of tuna, packed in water, drained
- 1/4 cup plain Greek yogurt
- 1/4 cup finely chopped celery
- 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- Your favorite bread or crackers for serving
Instructions
- In a medium bowl, combine the drained tuna, Greek yogurt, and chopped celery.
- Stir in the fresh lemon juice, salt, and black pepper.
- Mix everything together until it’s well combined.
- Serve immediately in a sandwich, on a bed of lettuce, or with crackers.
This recipe is so much better than the classic, and it’s a great way to have a quick, healthy lunch. If you’re a fan of this, you might also like my recipe for a light, tangy chicken salad I actually crave (and there’s no mayo in sight).
4. The Ultimate Microwaved Baked Potato
Who has time to wait for an oven to heat up? Not a college student! This hack will give you a perfectly cooked baked potato in minutes, and you can top it with whatever you want.
Ingredients
- 1 large russet potato
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- Your favorite toppings (shredded cheese, chili, sour cream, bacon bits, green onions)
Instructions
- Wash the potato and poke it all over with a fork.
- Rub the potato with olive oil and season generously with salt and black pepper.
- Wrap the potato in a damp paper towel and microwave it for 5 minutes.
- Flip the potato and microwave it for another 3-5 minutes, or until it’s tender when you squeeze it.
- Carefully cut the potato open, fluff the inside with a fork, and top with all your favorite toppings.
This is a complete meal on its own, and it’s a fantastic way to use up leftovers. For another easy and cheesy comfort food, you can check out my recipe for Easy Cheesy Chicken Sliders with Marinara Garlic Butter.
5. Classic Ramen Noodle Upgrade
Instant ramen is a college staple, but you can easily take it to the next level with a few simple additions. This upgrade will make your ramen feel like a gourmet meal.
Ingredients
- 1 packet instant ramen noodles
- 1 cup frozen mixed vegetables
- 1 large egg
- 1/4 cup cooked shredded chicken or diced ham
- 1 teaspoon sesame oil
- Sliced green onions for garnish
Instructions
- Cook the ramen noodles according to the package directions.
- Add the frozen mixed vegetables to the pot during the last 2 minutes of cooking.
- Crack the egg directly into the pot and stir it gently to create a soft-scrambled egg.
- Drain some of the liquid, leaving about a cup in the pot. Stir in the seasoning packet, cooked chicken, and sesame oil.
- Serve immediately and garnish with sliced green onions.
This is a great way to add some protein and vegetables to a simple meal. For another easy, savory meal, you might also like my recipe for Cajun Chicken Sausage Gumbo.
Final Thoughts
These five recipes are a fantastic starting point for any college student. They’re cheap, easy, and incredibly delicious. They’ll help you save money, eat healthier, and feel a little more at home in your tiny dorm kitchen.
What’s your favorite college recipe? I’d love to hear your ideas in the comments below! Be sure to follow me for more recipes that are as simple as they are delicious.
5 Easy College Recipes Every Student Should Know
Ingredients
- 1 lb boneless chicken
- 1 cup long-grain white rice
- 2 cup frozen peas and carrots
- 2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 2 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 2 cup cooked shredded chicken or black beans
- 4 cup diced onion
- 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
- 4 cup plain Greek yogurt
- 4 cup finely chopped celery
- 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 cup frozen mixed vegetables
- 4 cup cooked shredded chicken or diced ham
- 1 teaspoon sesame oil
Instructions
- In a large skillet, heat the vegetable oil over medium heat.
- Add the diced onion and sauté until translucent.
- Stir in the garlic powder, onion powder, and mixed vegetables; cook for 5 minutes.
- Add the cooked rice and protein of choice (chicken or beans) to the skillet and mix well.
- Sprinkle the shredded cheese over the mixture and allow it to melt.
- In a separate bowl, mix the Greek yogurt, lemon juice, celery, and season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Serve the fried rice hot, topped with the yogurt mixture.
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