The Sourdough Bread Recipe That Actually Works (and Saves You Money!)

Why Bake Sourdough Bread at Home?

There’s something incredibly satisfying about slicing into a crusty loaf of sourdough that you made from scratch. For budget-conscious home cooks and families, baking sourdough is more than a culinary experiment—it’s a smart, sustainable way to feed your family healthy, delicious bread for pennies on the dollar.

Store-bought sourdough often runs $5–$8 per loaf, and let’s be honest—it rarely tastes like true fermented sourdough. Once you learn this process (yes, this one actually works!), you’ll never go back. Plus, your house will smell like a bakery.

Let’s walk through the full process, from flour to fresh-baked loaf, with helpful tips to keep it frugal every step of the way.

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🧾 Ingredients (for Two Full-Sized Loaves)

• 200g sourdough starter (active and bubbly)

• 700g water (filtered or tap that’s been left out overnight)

• 1,000g all-purpose or bread flour

• 20g salt

Frugal Tip:
Use unbleached all-purpose flour for a budget-friendly option—bread flour is nice but not required!

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🔧 Tools You’ll Need

• Mixing bowl

• Kitchen scale (essential for accuracy!)

• Clean towel or plastic wrap

• Bench scraper (optional but helpful)

• Dutch oven or cast iron combo cooker

• Sharp knife or bread lame

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🍞 Step-by-Step Instructions (With Frugal Tips!)

Step 1: Mix and Rest

Mix the starter, water, and flour in a large bowl until there are no dry spots. Let the dough rest for 1 hour (this is called the autolyse).

Frugal Tip:
Skip fancy mixers—your hands are the best tools here, and the rest period does the work for you!

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Step 2: Stretch & Folds (x2)

With wet hands, gently stretch and fold the dough from one side to the other. Do this twice, 30 minutes apart.

Frugal Tip:
Use a reusable damp kitchen towel instead of plastic wrap to cover the bowl—eco-friendly and free!

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Step 3: Coil & Folds (x2)

Lift and fold the dough under itself from all four sides. Do this twice, 30 minutes apart again. You’ll start to see strength and bounce.

Frugal Tip:
Use a clear glass bowl for bulk fermentation—you can monitor the rise without buying a proofing container.

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Step 4: Bulk Fermentation

Let the dough rise until about doubled in size. This usually takes 4–6 hours depending on temperature.

Frugal Tip:
Warm your oven for 1 minute, then turn it off and place your dough inside to help it rise faster in cooler homes—no need to buy a proofing box!

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Step 5: Pre-Shape and Rest

Turn the dough out, divide it in two, and gently shape into rounds. Let rest for 5 minutes.

Frugal Tip:
Dust your surface with flour from a reused spice shaker or mesh strainer instead of buying a specialty flour duster.

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Step 6: Final Shape and Stitch

Shape again, using a push-and-pull motion to build tension. Let rest another 5 minutes, then “stitch” by folding the edges into the center like a letter—this strengthens the loaf.

Frugal Tip:
Use a damp dishcloth to help grip your countertop and keep the dough from sliding.

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Step 7: Cold Proof

Place the dough in a floured banneton or bowl lined with a clean towel. Cover and place in the fridge overnight (or at least a few hours).

Frugal Tip:
Repurpose old colanders or bowls instead of buying proofing baskets—just line with a tea towel and dust with flour.

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Step 8: Score the Dough

Use a razor-sharp knife or bread lame to score the top. This helps the bread rise and look beautiful.

Frugal Tip:
A clean, sharp razor blade does the job perfectly—no need to buy a specialty bread lame.

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Step 9: Bake

Preheat your Dutch oven at 450°F for 30 minutes. Bake the loaf covered at 450°F for 30 minutes, then uncovered at 425°F for 10 minutes until golden and crisp.

Frugal Tip:
Dutch ovens can be pricey, but they last a lifetime. Find deals at thrift stores or buy secondhand online.

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Step 10: Cool Completely

Let the bread cool on a wire rack for at least 1 hour before slicing.

Frugal Tip:
Avoid slicing hot—it ruins the texture and causes steam loss. Cooling saves the quality (and stops waste from gummy loaves).

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Step 11: Enjoy Every Crusty Bite

You’ve earned it! Serve with butter, turn it into grilled cheese, or freeze one loaf for later.

Frugal Tip:
One batch = two full loaves. That’s about $1.00 per loaf compared to $6+ store-bought. You’ll save hundreds per year if you bake weekly.

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💡 Final Thoughts & Real-Life Value

Baking sourdough at home teaches patience, saves money, and delivers some of the best bread you’ll ever eat. Whether you’re feeding a family or just feeding your curiosity, this method is beginner-friendly and tested to actually work—no mystery steps or confusing hydration math.

Estimated Savings:

• Store-bought artisan bread: $5–$8 per loaf

• Homemade cost: ~$1 per loaf

• Annual savings (2 loaves/week): $624–$728

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✅ Try It and Share the Love!

Ready to bake? Bookmark this post, give the recipe a try, and tag your first beautiful loaf on social media with #CheapPeoplesClub. Have questions or want to share your results? Drop a comment below—we’d love to hear from you!

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🥪 Cheap and Healthy Kid Lunch Ideas That Won’t Break the Bank

Are you tired of spending too much on school lunches only for half of it to come back untouched? You're not alone. Feeding kids healthy, appealing meals on a tight budget is a challenge many families face — but it doesn’t have to be.

This guide is packed with budget-friendly lunch ideas that are nutritious, simple to prepare, and kid-approved. Whether you're a parent trying to cut grocery bills or a meal-prepping pro looking for new inspiration, these ideas are designed to save you time, money, and stress.

🧼 Make Your Own All-Purpose Cleaner at Home (Save Big, Clean Smarter!)

Looking for a cheap, safe, and effective way to clean your home without relying on expensive store-bought products? You’re not alone. Whether you're a frugal living enthusiast, a DIY cleaning pro, or just someone tired of paying $5+ per bottle for name-brand sprays, learning how to make your own all-purpose cleaner at home is one of the easiest and most rewarding swaps you can make.

This simple recipe will become your go-to for kitchens, bathrooms, windows, and more — and it costs just pennies per bottle.

How to Have a Frugal but Fun Summer: 9 Smart Ways to Save Without Missing the Fun

Summer doesn’t have to mean breaking the bank just to make memories. Whether you're a mom juggling your family’s budget or someone looking to make the most of the season without overspending, you’re in the right place.

In this post, we’ll explore simple, affordable, and creative ways to enjoy summer while keeping your wallet happy. These ideas are perfect for families, frugal enthusiasts, and anyone ready to have a blast—without the financial stress.

10 High-Margin, High-Potential Thrift Store Categories

Thrift stores can be a goldmine for flipping items—if you know what to look for. Many resellers build profitable side hustles (or even full-time businesses) by sourcing undervalued items from thrift stores and reselling them on platforms like eBay, Poshmark, Mercari, Facebook Marketplace, and Etsy.

Here’s a list of high-margin, high-potential thrift store categories for reselling:

Free & Cheap Activities to Keep Kids Busy (Without Blowing Your Budget!)

Keeping little ones entertained doesn't have to cost a fortune. In fact, some of the best activities for kids are the ones that spark creativity, burn energy, and cost next to nothing. Whether you're a stay-at-home parent trying to make the most of each day, a budget-conscious family, or you're looking for summer camp alternatives, this list is for you.

🥖 Make Your Own Bread Without a Machine: Save Money, Eat Better, and Reclaim Your Kitchen

No Bread Machine? No Problem. Here's How to Bake Delicious, Budget-Friendly Bread by Hand.

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Why Make Your Own Bread?

Have you ever looked at a $5 loaf of bread and thought, “I could make that for less?” You're right—you can. And the best part? You don’t need an expensive bread machine or fancy equipment. Whether you’re a frugal foodie, a beginner baker, or just tired of store-bought bread full of preservatives, this guide will help you bake simple, satisfying bread by hand—with ingredients you probably already have.

This is a skill that connects you to the rhythm of slow living, saves money, and fills your home with that irresistible, cozy smell of fresh-baked bread. Let's get started.

How to Build a Smart Home on a $100 Budget

Yes, It’s Possible — Here’s How to Do It Without Breaking the Bank

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Welcome to the Budget Smart Home Revolution

Ever dreamed of a home that listens, learns, and responds—without draining your bank account? You’re not alone. Smart home tech has come a long way, but high prices can make it feel out of reach. The good news? You can build a smart home cheap—even with just $100 in your wallet.

Whether you're a frugal living enthusiast or a busy parent watching every dollar, this guide will walk you through how to create a smart home under $100 with gear that works, saves time, and even cuts energy costs.

🧼 Make Your Own Laundry Detergent for Pennies: Save Money Without Sacrificing Clean Clothes

🧼 Make Your Own Laundry Detergent for Pennies: A Simple DIY That Saves Big

Clean Clothes. Clear Conscience. Fat Wallet.

Let’s face it—laundry detergent isn’t cheap. And if you're washing clothes for a family, a roommate-filled apartment, or even just yourself during a tough month, those costs pile up fast. But here’s the good news: you can make your own laundry detergent at home using just a few simple ingredients—for literal pennies per load.

Whether you're trying to stretch your dollar, reduce your exposure to chemicals, or live more sustainably, this guide is for you.

Best Budget Smart Home Devices That Actually Work

Affordable Automation Without the Headache

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🤖 Introduction: A Smarter Home Doesn’t Need a Dumb Price Tag

You’ve probably seen the slick ads—homes that respond to your voice, lights that change with your mood, and thermostats that know your schedule better than you do. Sounds expensive, right? Not anymore. Thanks to a growing market of budget smart home devices, creating your own smart home setup is not just possible—it’s surprisingly cheap.

Whether you're dipping your toes into cheap home automation for the first time or trying to expand without draining your bank account, this guide is built just for you. Let’s explore the smart home devices that offer the most value for your dollar—and actually work as promised.

🍗 How to Cook a Whole Chicken and Use It for 4 Delicious, Budget-Friendly Meals

Whole chickens are one of the best money-saving secrets in the grocery store. Not only are they often cheaper per pound than buying individual parts, but they’re incredibly versatile. With just one chicken, you can prep four meals—saving time, money, and energy.

Let’s break down how to cook it, store it, and stretch it into four satisfying dinners.

How to Shop Thrift Like a Pro

Save money, find treasures, and build your wardrobe or home decor on a budget.

Thrifting is one of the smartest—and most fun—ways to stretch your dollar. Whether you're looking for clothing, home goods, or unique finds, shopping secondhand can save you serious cash. But it’s more than just walking into a store and browsing racks. To get the best deals, you need a strategy. This post walks you through how to thrift like a pro, what to look for, and when to shop for maximum savings.

How to Create a Simple Budget — That Works

A practical guide to managing your money without stress or spreadsheets.

Budgeting doesn’t have to be complicated or time-consuming. In fact, the most effective budgets are the simplest ones—easy to understand, easy to follow, and easy to stick to. Whether you're living paycheck to paycheck or just want to get your spending under control, this guide will show you how to create a simple budget that actually works.

How to Change Your Oil

Save money, learn a valuable skill, and extend the life of your vehicle.

Changing your own oil is one of the most practical and cost-effective ways to maintain your vehicle. It can save you $25–$50 per oil change compared to taking your car to a shop, and it helps you understand the basics of car care. If you’re new to DIY vehicle maintenance, this guide will walk you through the process, highlight the benefits, and help you troubleshoot common challenges.

10 Budget Meals That Cost Under $5

I asked ChatGPT to... Blog post "10 Budget Meals That Cost Under $5", write me an article with recipes, estimated cost of meals, and grocery list. The audience are those that want to save money. Would you try any of these?

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Delicious, filling, and wallet-friendly meals for anyone looking to stretch their food budget

Feeding yourself or your family on a tight budget doesn’t mean you have to sacrifice flavor or nutrition. Whether you're trying to cut back, save for something big, or simply avoid waste, these 10 meals each cost less than $5 total—many even less! Each recipe serves about 2-4 people and uses simple, affordable ingredients found in most grocery stores.

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🛒 Grocery List (Estimated Cost by Item):

Ingredient	Estimated Cost
Rice (1 lb)	$1.00
Dried pasta (1 lb)	$1.00
Canned black beans (2 cans)	$1.60 ($0.80 ea)
Canned tomatoes (2 cans)	$2.00 ($1.00 ea)
Eggs (1 dozen)	$2.00
Cheese (8 oz)	$2.00
Ground beef (1 lb)	$3.50
Chicken thighs (1.5 lbs)	$4.00
Potatoes (5 lbs)	$2.50
Onion (1 lb)	$1.00
Bell peppers (2)	$1.50
Cabbage (1 head)	$2.00
Tortillas (10 count)	$2.00
Canned tuna (2 cans)	$2.00
Frozen peas (1 bag)	$1.50
Carrots (1 lb)	$1.00
Bread (1 loaf)	$1.50
Tomato sauce (1 can)	$1.00

Total for groceries (approx): $34 — enough for all 10 meals plus leftovers!

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🍲 10 Budget Meals Under $5

1. Black Bean & Rice Bowls – Cost: $2.50

Ingredients: 1 cup rice, 1 can black beans, ½ onion, 1 bell pepper, seasoning
Instructions:

• Cook rice.

• Sauté chopped onion and bell pepper. Add black beans and season with garlic, cumin, or taco seasoning.

• Serve beans over rice.
  ✅ Feeds 3–4.

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2. Cheesy Pasta Bake – Cost: $3.50

Ingredients: ½ lb pasta, 1 can tomato sauce, 1 cup shredded cheese
Instructions:

• Cook pasta, mix with tomato sauce and half the cheese.

• Bake at 350°F for 15–20 minutes, topped with remaining cheese.
  ✅ Feeds 3–4.

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3. Egg & Potato Skillet – Cost: $3.00

Ingredients: 4 eggs, 2 potatoes, ½ onion, seasoning
Instructions:

• Dice and cook potatoes in oil until crispy. Add onion and cook until soft.

• Crack eggs over top and cook until set.
  ✅ Feeds 2–3.

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4. Tuna Melt Sandwiches – Cost: $4.00

Ingredients: Bread (6 slices), 2 cans tuna, 2 tbsp mayo, shredded cheese
Instructions:

• Mix tuna and mayo. Spread on bread, top with cheese.

• Grill sandwiches until golden brown.
  ✅ Feeds 3.

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5. Vegetable Fried Rice – Cost: $3.50

Ingredients: 2 cups cooked rice, 1 egg, frozen peas, carrots, soy sauce
Instructions:

• Scramble egg. Add rice, veggies, and soy sauce. Stir-fry until hot.
  ✅ Feeds 3–4.

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6. Baked Chicken Thighs & Roasted Potatoes – Cost: $4.50

Ingredients: 1 lb chicken thighs, 2 potatoes, oil, seasoning
Instructions:

• Season and bake chicken and potatoes at 400°F for 35 minutes.
  ✅ Feeds 3.

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7. Cabbage Stir-Fry with Noodles – Cost: $3.25

Ingredients: ½ head cabbage, ½ onion, ½ lb pasta or ramen noodles
Instructions:

• Sauté cabbage and onion. Toss with cooked noodles and soy sauce.
  ✅ Feeds 3–4.

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8. Loaded Baked Potatoes – Cost: $3.00

Ingredients: 4 large potatoes, cheese, black beans or leftover veggies
Instructions:

• Bake potatoes. Top with beans, cheese, or veggies.
  ✅ Feeds 4.

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9. Ground Beef Tacos – Cost: $4.75

Ingredients: ½ lb ground beef, 6 tortillas, onion, tomato or salsa
Instructions:

• Brown beef with onions and spices. Serve in tortillas with toppings.
  ✅ Feeds 3.

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10. Egg Fried Bread (Savory French Toast) – Cost: $2.50

Ingredients: 4 slices bread, 2 eggs, seasoning
Instructions:

• Beat eggs, dip bread, and fry until golden. Add hot sauce or ketchup.
  ✅ Feeds 2–3.

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💡 Frugal Tips

• Cook in batches and save leftovers.

• Reuse ingredients: onions, cheese, beans, and rice can stretch across multiple meals.

• Buy in bulk when possible—potatoes, rice, and pasta have a long shelf life.

• Shop markdowns for meats and produce you’ll use quickly or freeze.

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✅ Final Thoughts

Living frugally doesn’t mean eating boring meals. With a little planning, you can feed yourself and your family hearty, comforting food without blowing your budget. Bookmark this post, try a few recipes, and share with someone who’s looking to save!

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Frugal, Flavorful, and Foolproof: Spatchcock Chicken for Budget-Friendly Family Meals

The Budget Cook’s Secret Weapon: Spatchcock Chicken

Let’s face it—feeding a family (or even just yourself) while trying to stick to a budget can feel like a constant juggling act. Between rising grocery prices and busy weeknights, it’s easy to default to processed meals or fast food. But what if I told you there’s a better way? A way to cook a hearty, healthy, home-cooked meal for under $10 that gives you not only dinner but also homemade broth for soups and sides?

Enter the spatchcock chicken—a method that sounds fancy but is actually one of the most practical, affordable, and satisfying meals you can make at home.

With just three ingredients—a whole chicken (often the cheapest meat in the grocery store), a fat (like oil, mayo, or duck fat spray), and seasoning—you’ll have a dish that’s flavorful, crisp-skinned, and juicy. Plus, the leftovers can be used all week long in soups, sandwiches, salads, and more. And the bones? They go straight into your Instant Pot or stockpot to make broth that’s better than store-bought and practically free.

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Recipe: Spatchcock Chicken

🛒 Ingredients

• 1 whole chicken (3.5 to 5 lbs)
• Fat of choice: avocado oil, mayonnaise, or duck fat spray (my personal favorite)
• Seasoning: Old Bay, lemon pepper, Cajun, Italian herbs, or whatever flavor you're craving

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🔧 Tools You'll Need

• Kitchen shears (sharp ones for easy backbone removal)

• Roasting pan or baking sheet with wire rack (optional)

• Oven or grill

• Meat thermometer (remote or instant-read highly recommended)

• Foil for resting

• Stockpot or Instant Pot (for broth)

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🔥 Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 375°F.

2. Cut out the backbone using kitchen shears. (Save the bone for broth.)

3. Flip the chicken breast-side up and press firmly to flatten it.

4. Flip skin-side down, spray or rub with your fat of choice, and season.

5. Flip skin-side up, spray again, and season generously.

6. Insert thermometer into the thickest part of the breast.

7. Roast until internal temperature hits 160°F, then remove and cover with foil to rest. The temp will rise to 167°F or more while resting.

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Why This Recipe Works for Frugal Living Enthusiasts

This isn’t just a great dinner—this is a budget powerhouse. Let’s break it down:

💰 1. Whole Chicken = Big Savings

A whole chicken often costs $1–$1.50 per pound. Compare that to boneless skinless breasts at $3.50–$6 per pound and you’re instantly saving 50% or more.

🕓 2. Spatchcocking Saves Time & Energy

Flattening the chicken reduces cooking time by 20–30%. That means less oven usage, saving energy—and your evening.

🍗 3. Flexible Flavor for Any Night

Use what you have! Cajun for taco night, lemon pepper with rice and greens, or classic salt & pepper with roasted veggies. One technique, endless variations.

♻️ 4. Broth from Bones = Free Stock

Save that backbone and carcass. Throw it in a pot with onion peels, carrot ends, garlic skins—whatever veggie scraps you’ve saved. Cover with water, simmer (or use your Instant Pot), and get free bone broth worth $2–$4 a quart. Check out our Chicken Broth recipe.

🧺 5. Leftovers Become Lunches

Shred leftover meat for chicken salad, sandwiches, or wrap it in tortillas. It also freezes well for quick meals later.

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Real-World Example:

Let’s say you buy a 4-lb chicken for $6:

Meal Component	Store-Bought Cost	Homemade Cost
4 servings roasted chicken	$12 (takeout or deli)	$6
1 quart chicken broth	$3	$0
2 servings of leftovers	$6	$0 (already cooked)

Estimated Savings: $15–$20 per chicken.

Multiply that over the course of a month, and you’re easily saving $60–$80 just by switching to whole chickens.

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Step-by-Step Frugal Tips for Best Results

✅ Tip 1: Buy Whole Chickens in Bulk

When they’re on sale, grab a few and freeze them. You’ll pay less per pound and always have a meal on hand.

✅ Tip 2: Use Mayo for Crispy Skin

Yes—mayonnaise! It’s cheap and gives the chicken a golden, crispy crust. A thin coating under and over the skin works wonders.

✅ Tip 3: Make Your Own Seasoning Blends

Store-bought blends add up. Mix salt, garlic powder, paprika, black pepper, and dried herbs at home. Store in a jar to reuse.

✅ Tip 4: Cook with a Thermometer

Overcooking = dry chicken = waste. Under-cooking = risk. A meat thermometer takes out the guesswork and saves your meal.

✅ Tip 5: Don’t Skip the Rest Time

Letting your chicken rest under foil lets juices redistribute. Your chicken stays moist, making it easier to use leftovers.

✅ Tip 6: Broth in the Instant Pot

Done eating? Toss bones and scraps into your Instant Pot with 8 cups of water, set for 90 minutes. Strain and store. So easy.

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Conclusion: A Simple Skill That Pays Off Big

Once you’ve made spatchcock chicken, you’ll wonder why you ever did it another way. It’s cheaper, tastier, and more useful than almost any other dinner trick you can keep in your back pocket. And the fact that you can stretch one chicken into multiple meals and a batch of broth? That’s frugal gold.

So go ahead—grab a whole bird, some oil, and your favorite seasoning, and give it a try this week.
If you love this recipe, share it with a friend, pin it to your board, or leave a comment below with your favorite seasoning blend!