What to do with a Whole Chicken?

One of the easiest and most economical things you can do is buy a whole chicken and cut it up yourself.

When you buy a chicken at the grocery store, organic or otherwise, or your local farm (preferred), you are paying for the butcher or processor to have those nice breasts or thigh pieces already cut for you. Why pay them when it's so easy to do it yourself?

I like to cut up my whole chicken into 10 pieces; 2 legs, 2 thighs, 2 wings, and 2 breasts split in half or 4 pieces. For myself and my husband, this will easily get us several meals. 

If you are a family of 4 this is enough chicken for each person to have 2 pieces, or one larger piece (1/2 breast or 1 thigh). Add some inexpensive side dishes such as potatoes and vegetables or a salad and you have a very economical meal, plus some leftover pieces for a meal another day.

Another great thing to do with a whole chicken is roast it! Makes a perfect Sunday dinner with plenty leftover for chicken sandwiches, casseroles, white chicken chili, chicken enchiladas, chicken salad, soups, and more.

And don't forget you can keep the backbone or carcass for Homemade Chicken Stock!

Whole Roasted Chicken

Italian Seasoned Grilled Chicken

Grilled Barbecue Chicken

Fried Chicken

Chicken and Potato Chowder

Grilled Chicken Salad

Hearty Chicken Noodle Casserole

Asian Chicken Noodle Bowl

Honey Mustard Chicken

Cheesy Chicken and Broccoli Pasta

The possibilities are endless! So, the next time you are shopping for chicken, be sure to consider buying a whole chicken and cutting it up yourself.

Enjoy,
Mary

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