College life is busy. Money is tight. But you still deserve real food.
This $5–$7 stovetop meal feeds 2–3 people, uses one pot, and tastes like home.
⭐ What You Need
- 2–3 chicken legs or any other pieces
- 1 or 2 sausage link
- 1 red onion
- 1 can green beans drained for a filler
- 1 can cream of celery
- 1–2 cups chicken broth (or water)
- Rice
- Seasonings: garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, black pepper, seasoned salt
🔥 Step-By-Step (Simple + Student-Friendly)
- Brown your chicken — Season well. Sear in a pot until golden. Remove.
- Cook sausage + onions — Slice sausage, brown it, add onions, cook until soft.
- Make the creamy base — Add cream of celery + 1 cup broth. Stir smooth. Season again.
- Add chicken back in — Cover and simmer 30 minutes.
- Add green beans — Stir in the drained can. Cook 5–10 minutes.
- Thicken it — Simmer uncovered until the gravy is thick and smothered.
- Serve over rice — Spoon everything on top. Eat. Smile. Repeat.
💡 Why Students Love This
- Cheap
- One pot
- No oven
- Leftovers hit even harder
- Feels like a home-cooked meal
🧾 Printable Recipe Card
Servings: 2–3 | Time: 40–45 minutes | Cost: $5–$7
Ingredients
- 2–3 chicken legs or any other pieces
- 1 or 2 sausage link
- 1 red onion
- 1 can green beans drained for a filler
- 1 can cream of celery
- 1–2 cups broth or water
- Rice
- Seasonings
Directions
- Season and brown chicken; remove.
- Brown sausage; add onions.
- Stir in cream of celery + 1 cup broth.
- Add chicken; simmer 30 minutes.
- Add green beans; cook 5–10 minutes.
- Simmer uncovered to thicken.
- Serve over rice.
Notes
- Add Cajun seasoning for heat.
- Add butter for extra richness.
- Water works if you don't have broth.
Want more meals like this? Check out our Budget Meal of the Week, printable recipe cards, and college cooking tips!