Frugal Friday: Crock Pot Santa Fe Chicken

Sometimes you need an easy, inexpensive recipe that everyone will enjoy- like Santa Fe Chicken! The great thing about this chicken recipe is it tastes like you slaved over a hot oven all day- but really the crock pot did all the work. Another bonus is, this is a budget friendly meal your wallet and family will love.

Santa Fe Chicken
Recipe courtesy of http://thefrugalgirls.com/2014/10/crockpot-santa-fe-whole-chicken-recipe.html

1 whole chicken (4 - 5 lbs)
2 packets fajita seasoning
1 medium whole onion


1. Rinse the chicken under cool water and pat dry. Remember to remove the organs from inside the chicken.
2, Slice the onion into thick slices.
3. Sprinkle the Fajita seasoning over the chicken, make sure to get inside the chicken cavity as well. 

4. Place half the chopped onion inside the chicken .
5. Put the chicken in a large resealable bag or Tupperware container and allow to marinate overnight
6. The next morning, place the remainder of the onion slices on the bottom of the crock pot, and place the chicken on top of the onion.
7. Cook the chicken on low heat for 6 - 8 hours until an instant read meat thermometer reads at least 160.0

8. Serve with the onions and the juice from the bottom of the crock pot.

Notes from the Test Kitchen:
* We discussed adding a bell pepper with the the onion to add a little additional taste.

*This recipe would be delicious served in tortillas with the peppers and onions- fajita style.

Here's the breakdown on how much this budget meal costs:
Chicken $5.00
Season Packets 2 / $1.00
Onion $1.00
Total: $7.00

We had 4 meals from this chicken, which means $1.75 per serving. It doesn't get much more budget friendly (or delicious) than that! 

Stay Cool,
The Cool Dads Crew