Frugal Menu Mamas

Welcome to the “TOP 5″!  This regular feature will explore the top five easy and frugal ways to use various food items.  The last food item was boneless/skinless chicken breasts.

Today’s item:  a rotisserie chicken.  Can you say “YUM!”?  This item can be found at your local supermarket in the deli section.  This did not used to be a typically frugal item.  In past years they have been $6-$7 a bird!  Yikes!  This price caused me to become creative about using the rotisserie chicken for more than one meal.  Now, they are priced $4.99 at Kroger, which is a pretty nice price.  However, saving money is the goal…so here are some more ways to stretch your bird…

#1-First, serve it as a main dish with inexpensive sides like a baked potato or rice and a veggie.  If you have a more than 4 people in your family, this may be all   you can do.

#2-Chop up or shred the leftovers for a recipe later in the week or freeze in one cup portions for later.  How about this one?

#3-Use the extra chicken for casseroles like Chicken Casserole, salads, or soups.

#4-Use the extra chicken for sandwiches like chicken salad sandwiches or BBQ chicken sandwiches.

#5-Use the extra chicken for making simple chicken quesadillas or a wrap.

Now, if you want to be even more frugal, make your own rotisserie chicken.  How you ask?  Buy a whole bird when it is on sale, I just got one for $.79/lb. and at that price a 5 lb. bird is only $3.95.  Then cook it in your crock pot.  First, ball up aluminum foil into 4 balls.  Place those in the bottom of your crock pot and place the chicken on top.  Use one of these delicious recipes from the CrockPot Lady!  I made one on Monday night, but forgot to take a photo!

I know there are more than 5 uses for a rotisserie chicken.  Here are a few more ideas, but I want to hear from you!

Leave a comment with your favorite ideas or link up to your post with Mr. Linky about the best uses for a rotisserie chicken.