Feeding A Family For Less
Feeding A Family For Less seems impossible these days. However, several strategies can help during inflation times. One approach is to plan meals and buy only grocery items you need versus want. I’ll show you how to save time and money while making delicious and simple meals that everyone will surely enjoy. This Pan-Baked Chicken recipe is my family’s favorite dinner. So easy to make and very flavorful. Considering I only paid $5 to make this meal is a happy feeling towards our frugal lifestyle.
How to feed a family for less during inflation times
Feeding a family for less during inflation times can be a challenge, but several strategies can help. One approach is to plan meals. Prepping meals on a budget means being mindful of your expenses. It involves creating a grocery list, looking for deals and discounts, buying ingredients you need versus want, and utilizing leftovers. By doing this, you can save money and avoid overspending on food while still being able to enjoy healthy and delicious meals. It also allows you to better control portion sizes and reduce food waste.
Another option is to explore lower-cost protein sources like beans, lentils, and tofu. There is also a big advantage to signing up for grocery digital coupons. Most stores will mark down items with additional discounts by clipping a digital coupon. Buying store-brand products is also less expensive, but the most important thing to remember when staying on a budget is to avoid overspending and this contributes to your overall cost savings. By employing these tactics, families can stretch their food budget further during times of inflation.
LET’S RECAP: TIPS ON FEEDING A FAMILY OF FOUR ON A BUDGET OF $5
- Plan your meal and make a list before you go grocery shopping.
- Look for sales and discounts on staples such as rice, beans, pasta, and canned goods.
- Buy fresh produce that is in season and on sale. Frozen vegetables can also be a good option.
- Consider meatless meals, such as lentil soup or bean chili, which can be filling and nutritious.
- Cook meals in bulk and freeze leftovers for later use.
- Avoid buying pre-packaged or processed foods, which can be more expensive.
By following these tips, you can provide your family with healthy and satisfying meals without breaking the bank.
OTHER IDEAS YOU MIGHT WANT TO CHECK OUT:
Budget-Friendly And Healthy Meals
How To Butcher A Whole Chicken
My grocery budget
I always check my pantry and fridge before going grocery shopping. For this recipe, I don’t have to buy the spices, mayo, mustard, and brown sugar. The rest are basic seasonings like salt and pepper and oil.
HERE’S THE BREAKDOWN OF MY EXPENSES FOR THE PAN-BAKED CHICKEN RECIPE:
- Chicken $2.38 (2.5 lb.)
- Carrots .50 cents (3 medium-sized)
- Potatoes .80 cents (3 medium-sized yellow potatoes)
- Bell pepper $1.00 (one)
- Onion .32 cents (one yellow onion)
- Total = $5.00 (or less)
- Spices (available in my pantry)
- Mayo and mustard (available in my fridge)
- Brown sugar (available in my pantry)
- Oil (available in my kitchen cabinet)
- Salt and pepper (always available in my pantry)
I went to Caputo’s Market for my chicken and then I bought the veggies at Aldis. The veggies are in packages and I divided the price by a piece. I just rounded off the total to $5 (could be a little less or a few cents more). It’s possible to have a delicious meal on a budget with patience and determination to save.
Ingredients
PAN-BAKED CHICKEN:
- Chicken leg quarters: Use a cleaver knife and mallet to cut through the chicken bones. I was able to cut them into 12 pieces which are sufficient enough for our family of four.
- Vegetables: Carrots, bell pepper, onion, and potatoes. Cut the vegetables into bigger chunks about an inch cubes.
- Spices: Smoked paprika, dried thyme, garlic powder, sea salt, and black pepper. Combine the spices with brown sugar.
- Brown sugar: Mix the brown sugar with the spices.
- Mayonnaise: The mayonnaise adds creaminess and gives a crispy crust to the chicken.
- Mustard: Adds a bit of tangy flavor
- Olive oil: Drizzle olive oil on the vegetables before baking.
How to make pan-baked chicken with vegetables
Time needed: 1 hour
CUT THE CHICKEN INTO PIECES:
- HOW TO CUT THE CHICKEN
I used a mallet and cleaver knife to cut through the chicken bones. Place the chicken leg quarters on a cutting board and start removing the excess fat. Use a knife and cut an incision between the leg and thigh then use a mallet to pound on top of the back of the knife to cut through the bones. Cut the legs and thighs into 12 pieces (2 pieces for each leg and 4 pieces for each thigh).
- MIX THE SPICES
Combine smoke paprika, dried thyme, garlic powder, salt, and ground pepper. Add the brown sugar and mix well. Set it aside.
- MAYONNAISE MIXTURE
In a prep bowl, combine mayonnaise and mustard, and stir until well combined. Set it aside.
- PREP THE VEGETABLES
Preheat the oven to 400ºF, and line a baking sheet pan with foil. Peel the carrots and cut them in an inch cubes. Slice the bell pepper and discard the seeds then cut into cubes also. Peel the onion and slice it into bigger chunks. Also, peel the potatoes and cut them into an inch cubes. Place the prepped veggies in a bowl, and drizzle with olive oil. Season them with half of the spices, and toss to coat well. Set them aside.
- SEASON AND BAKE
Season the chicken with salt and pepper. Pour the mayonnaise mixture over the chicken and toss to coat. Place the veggies in a prepared pan, and spread them in a single layer for even baking. Then place the chicken with the veggies and spread them out. Sprinkle the rest of the spices on top of the chicken. Bake for 45-55 minutes or until the internal temperature reaches 160ºF.
Recommended Recipes
Pan Baked Chicken with Vegetables
Equipment
- Cleaver knife
- Mallet
- cutting board
- baking sheet pan
- Vegetable peeler
Ingredients
FOR THE CHICKEN
- 2 pounds or 2 chicken leg quarters, remove excess fat and cut into 12 pieces
- 1 teaspoon sea salt
- 1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper
SPICES
- 2 teaspoons smoked paprika
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 1/2 teaspoon sea salt
- 1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper
- 2 teaspoons brown sugar
MAYO MIXTURE
- 1 tablespoon mustard
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise
VEGGIES
- 3 medium size carrots, cubed
- 1 bell pepper, deseed and cut into bite-size pieces
- 1 onion, sliced and cut into big chunks
- 3 medium-sized yellow potatoes, peeled and cut into inch cubes
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 400ºF and line a baking sheet pan with foil
FOR THE CHICKEN
- I used 2 chicken leg quarters for this recipe (see NOTE #1). You can use a cleaver knife and mallet to help cut through the chicken bones and cut them into 12 pieces. Or use a sharp chef's knife (use the knife safely). Season the chicken with salt and pepper.
SPICES
- In a prep bowl combine smoked paprika, dried thyme, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Add the brown sugar and mix until well combined.
MAYO MIXTURE
- Combine the mayonnaise and the mustard, and mix until well blended. Pour the mayo mixture over the chicken and toss to coat. Make sure every piece of the chicken is well coated with the mayo and mustard mixture (see NOTE #3).
VEGGIES
- Peel and cut the vegetables into bigger chunks (see NOTE #2). Place them in a bowl. Drizzle with olive oil and season them with half of the spice mixture, then toss to coat well. Set them aside.
BAKING
- Place the vegetables and chicken in a prepared pan and sprinkle the rest of the spices on top of the chicken. Bake for 45-55 minutes or until the internal temperature reaches 165ºF (see NOTE #4). Serve with steamed rice or mixed green salad.
Video
Notes
DID YOU MAKE THIS RECIPE? Follow us on Instagram at #leanbellaskitchen
Make sure to come back to this blog post and give us star ratings and reviews.
Frequently asked questions ABOUT BUDGET Meals
Prepping meals on a budget means planning and preparing meals in advance while being mindful of expenses. It involves creating a grocery list, looking for deals and discounts, buying ingredients in bulk, and utilizing leftovers. By doing this, you can save money and avoid overspending on food while still being able to enjoy healthy and delicious meals. It also allows you to better control portion sizes and reduce food waste.
When shopping on a budget, some of the more affordable meat options include chicken, ground beef, and pork. These meats can often be found at lower prices and can be used in a variety of dishes. It’s also worth considering meat cuts that are less popular or in less demand as they may be available at a lower cost. Additionally, buying in bulk or frozen can also help save money on meat purchases.
HERE’S HOW TO BUTCHER A WHOLE CHICKEN:
If you’re prepping meals on a budget, there are a variety of options you can consider. One approach is to focus on meals that use inexpensive ingredients, such as beans, rice, and pasta. You can also look for deals on meat and produce, and plan your meals around those items. Meal prepping in bulk can also help save money, as you can take advantage of sales and discounts. Additionally, you can explore vegetarian and vegan meals, which tend to be less expensive than meat-based dishes. With a little creativity and planning, you can prep healthy and delicious meals without breaking the bank.
Roasted Eggplants
One Pan Lemon Butter and Chicken
Roasted Potatoes and Green Beans
One Pan Chicken Fajita
Equipment
Get a free week of meal-prepping recipes with a grocery list
Hi there! Nice to meet you. My name is Jen.
I’m a mom and a wife, and just like you, cooking is something I love to do! Let’s make something delicious but let’s not make ourselves run around like a chicken without a head. The recipes I share are inspired by my grandma’s cooking. She also thought me how to save time and money and eat better with fresh ingredients. I grew up in a household where home-cooked meals are part of our day-to-day life. Cooking is not a chore but a way of living and connecting with each other. I created these recipes to help everyday cooking simple and flavorful…