But the thing is, canned chicken is stupid expensive for what you're getting. Mostly because you're paying for convenience. Anytime something is more convenient, it comes at a cost.
So for a while, whenever we would make a trip to Costco, which often isn't very often, I would get the rotisserie chicken for 4.98. Shred it up and use it for a few meals. Great. But that doesn't happen very often. For the best use of the dollar, we would get a tray of breasts usually on sale for anywhere between $5 and $8 for 6 breasts. Toss them in the crock pot shred, and store.
But I have to admit I really like the rotisserie chicken better.
That's when I noticed the Walmart cold rotisserie chickens were often on sale for only $2.02. They were the day-olds put out early in the morning. I'm not a fan of Walmart, but because of its location, we end up there more often. Pulled apart and shredded, remove the wings and legs for a sheet pan dinner where I usually pair with diced potatoes and green beans, add a dipping sauce, cover slightly with aluminum foil so they don't dry out and you got an easy dinner. After shredding the rest of the bird, I usually have about 4 cups of meat that I portion into freezer bags for later. They make the perfect topper for a salad, tossed in with some rice and beans for a burrito or countless other quick meals. Then boil down the remains, and you're left with a few cups of fresh chicken broth.
Meals-to-money breakdown:
Today was 2 hens for a total of $4.04
8 servings of shredded chicken
4 leggs & 4 wings
4 - 8 cups chicken broth
12 oz can for $2.82. So roughly $1.88 per 1 cup serving.
12 oz can for $2.82. So roughly $1.88 per 1 cup serving.
I had 8 which would be $15.04
Legs and wings you can buy for about $8
Chicken broth is $1.50 for a 32 oz container / 4 cups.
So for $24.54 worth of product, I spent $$4.04 and a little time and effort. And have enough for 10 meals.
