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    Home » Main Dishes » Poultry » Chicken

    Frugal Tip: How to Stretch Your Chicken Purchase

    Published: Jun 6, 2009 · Modified: Jan 29, 2021 by Jessica Fisher

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    As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. For more details, please see our disclosure policy.

    One of the easiest ways to save money is on food. There is such a range in food options as well as a range of prices for those foods.

    For our family, shopping the clearance is one great way that I can save some of our hard earned money. But, I try not to stop there.

    overhead shot of black plate on wooden board with buffalo chicken bites, some with toothpicks, an array of celery sticks, and a small white bowl of blue cheese dressing. this …

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    I want to cut every corner that I can, without sacrificing the quality of the foods we eat. This can be tough, especially when you have eight mouths (and palates) to feed.

    My kids love meat. That is probably an understatement. They are carnivores through and through. In very lean times I’ve only served meat about once a week.

    But, I’ve also found ways to stretch the meat that we use, sometimes hard to do when you’re serving a roast or when you want to BBQ.

    Over the past few months, I’ve experimented with filleting boneless, skinless chicken breast. I slice each plump breast half into two thinner fillets by cutting horizontally through the meat.

    Visually I’m producing twice as much meat to throw on the grill. And for some magical reason, if your eye sees a whole piece of meat, even if it’s smaller in weight, it communicates mysteriously with your stomach to be just as satisfied.

    chicken breasts cut into fillets or cutlets.

    An added plus is that the fillets absorb marinades and rubs much more quickly, reducing prep time and increasing flavors. Using a spicy seasoning also helps to make you feel more satisfied.

    By filleting our chicken, we eat less but feel just as satisfied. As a result, we save money. And that is always a good thing.

    What money saving idea can you share with us today? It’s such a boon to hear what other people do to pinch a penny.

    « Red Banana Smoothie: Pure and Simple
    Chocolate Banana Marble Cake »
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    Reader Interactions

    Comments

    1. TJ

      June 13, 2009 at 7:25 am

      Whoa…how about limiting ONE link per week per blog?!

      re: entry numbers –
      2
      4
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      15
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      —

      Reply
    2. Jenn @ youknow... that blog?

      June 05, 2009 at 4:39 pm

      I've never thought of filleting my chicken breasts, but it makes perfect sense! (and cents)

      Added my link, and I've had your blog linked to mine since almost day one 🙂

      Thanks, as always, for your insights!

      Jenn

      Reply
    3. Tia @ Tia Saving Cents

      June 05, 2009 at 3:31 pm

      I have seen Villarta – our local latin store sell chicken this way but never thought to do it myself. Since I don't like thick chicken I am pretty sure I would love it! Thank you for sharing the great tip!

      Reply
    4. dancingwithdaffodils

      June 05, 2009 at 3:13 pm

      Thanks for the advice. I find I use less meat when I cut it in pieces and mix it with rice or pasta.

      Reply
    5. Anonymous

      June 05, 2009 at 3:10 pm

      Love the tips – my family members are carnivorous as well!

      Reply
    6. Mom2fur

      June 05, 2009 at 2:21 pm

      I cut my chicken like that, too! Frankly, I don't like 'fat' chicken cutlets. And I think they cook better this way, anyway. Sometimes, I'll cut them in half crosswise, again, so I have four pieces–two nice-sized ones, and two smaller ones that I'll use for chicken fingers or nuggets.

      Reply
    7. Whitney

      June 05, 2009 at 1:31 pm

      We have also started something similar, because we realized we were eating huge amounts.

      Reply
    8. Sherry

      June 05, 2009 at 1:17 pm

      Great idea! I have also recently been deboning chicken instead of buying it deboned for even more frugal way to have chicken. 😀

      Reply
    9. Kimberly

      June 05, 2009 at 11:36 am

      Why have I never considered this? Makes perfect sense, but this never occurred to me. Thanks!

      Reply
    10. alecat

      June 05, 2009 at 7:56 am

      I fillet my chicken breasts too!
      Great way to stretch it further. 🙂

      Reply
    11. Hoosier Homemade

      June 05, 2009 at 4:20 am

      Wow, that's brillant! I would have never thought of that. Thanks!
      Thanks for hosting!
      ~Liz

      Reply
    12. Money Savin' Momma

      June 05, 2009 at 3:56 am

      Wow, interesting idea on the chicken. I'm just not sure it would work for me, I'm a huge eater…. but I'm willing to give it a try! Thanks for the money saving suggestion! This could work with lots of meats, not just chicken!

      Reply
    13. Phoebe @ Cents to Get Debt Free

      June 05, 2009 at 3:48 am

      I've recently begun doing the same thing–with great results. I'm loving the savings!

      Didn't realize that spicy foods also help to make you feel more satisfied.

      Reply

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    jessica from good cheap eats

    Hi, I'm Jessica! I'm a 4x cookbook author and 6x mom. I know what it is to be in a hurry and on a budget. I believe anyone can prepare delicious meals -- no matter what's on their plate. I've been featured on Good Morning America, PBS News Hour, and NBC.

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