I had always bought my chicken in parts, and paid a lot of money for it (especially breast meat). I saw that our grocery store needed to unload a bunch of whole fryers, and I was able to get an entire roaster for anywhere between $1.17 to $2.34 (we bought several and the weights varied). I had initially been intimidated about cooking an entire chicken, but it is soooo easy. Just pop it in the oven, and baste it occasionally with its own juices (check any cook book for suggested cooking times)...My family of five eats dinner for less than three dollars! Plus I boil down the carcass for soup stock for another meal later on in the week. These principles apply to large cuts of beef and pork as well. Leftovers make great sandwiches. Also, in the winter you can turn down your heater if you are using the oven because it helps to heat the whole house.
