My brother swore by buying the whole chicken, but I was skeptical.

He said breaking it down myself would cut my protein cost to under $2 a pound. After a messy first attempt, I now get three meals from one bird. Anyone have a better budget protein tip that actually works?

4 comments

4 Comments

mark4362mo ago

Used to think it was a waste of time, but you really can't beat the price.

avery_ross2mo ago

Got to point out that under $2 a pound is probably low for the whole bird these days unless you find a crazy sale. Still cheaper than parts, but the real win is using the carcass for stock. That's free soup or cooking liquid right there, which stretches the meals even further.

daniel1402mo ago

So what's your actual stock method? Like, do you just throw the bones in a pot with water and simmer all day, or do you roast the carcass first for more flavor? Trying to figure out if the extra step is worth it for a richer broth.

hollyl251mo ago

Yeah roasting first makes a big difference. It's like the shortcut version of a lot of things people skip because they think it takes too long, but usually that extra 20 minutes of effort pays off all week. I notice the same pattern at work with how people organize their station. Spend 10 minutes upfront sorting stuff right and you save an hour later digging through piles. Same with stock, you toss raw bones in and you get a thin, pale broth. Brown them in the oven first and suddenly every soup you make that week has some backbone. It's one of those small things that makes a big difference, like wiping down your counters as you cook instead of letting it pile up.