Some days, lunch is a whole production — pots, pans, timers, chopping boards, and a kitchen that looks like a cooking show gone wrong. Which are the days more times than not that David is home to make lunch or Charlie is cooking. And then there are days like today.
The kind where my shoulder hurts. The kind where the teens are hungry. The kind where the budget is tight. The kind where you need something fast, filling, and chaos‑proof. The one where you put work on hold to go with hubby because he didn’t want to go by himself.
That’s where today’s $5 Lunch comes in — the Crispy Chicken Plate from Aldi. It’s simple. It’s satisfying. It’s teen‑approved. And it won’t break your budget or your spirit. This is also where did I date myself or did I date my husband comes in and I did both this evening.
This meal is built from three Aldi staples:
🍽️ What’s on the $5 Plate?
- Kirkwood Crispy Chicken Strips
- Cheese Club Express Mac & Cheese Cups 4pk
- Little Salad Bar Garden Salad (or mixed greens)
Total cost: under $5 Total prep time: 10 minutes Total dishes: one plate and one fork Total stress: zero Making this an easy cleanup for the kids especially if you use paper plates, napkins and forks. (mom hack).
This is the kind of lunch that saves you on the days when life is loud and your body is tired.
🔥 Why This Meal Works (Especially for Moms)
⭐ 1. It’s fast–
The chicken strips go in the air fryer if you have one we do but we do not use it, so we use our oven. The mac cup goes in the microwave. The salad goes on the plate. Done.
⭐ 2. It’s filling.
Teens don’t get hungry — they get hollow. This plate fills them up without filling your sink with dishes.
⭐ 3. It’s budget‑friendly.
Aldi is the MVP of “feeding people without crying at the register.” This meal proves it.
⭐ 4. It’s flexible.
If the children won’t eat Salad swap it for Fruit or a Veggie they will eat and this recipe still works.
⭐ 5. It’s real life.
Not Pinterest. Not curated. Not fancy. Just food that gets everyone fed.
🥗 How to Build the Plate
Step 1 — Chicken Strips–
Air fry for 8–10 minutes until crispy. If you’re tired, oven works too. If you’re really tired, microwave them — no judgment here.
Step 2 — Mac & Cheese Cup
Add water. Microwave. Stir. Try not to burn your tongue.
Step 3 — Side Salad
Grab a handful of greens. Add tomatoes if you’re feeling fancy. Pour dressing. Done.
Step 4 — Plate It
Put everything together and call it lunch. Bonus points if you add a biscuit or a dipping sauce.
👨👩👦 C & D’s Review
C: “This is perfect for streaming days.” D: “It tastes like Saturday.” Mom: “It tastes like peace.”
This is the kind of lunch that keeps everyone happy without you having to stand in the kitchen like a short‑order cook.
💛 Why This Belongs in the $5 Lunch Series
- fast
- cheap
- filling
- family‑tested
- mom‑approved
Thank you,
Glenda, Charlie and David Cates
