Chicken legs are super cheap and super versatile. They can be fried, bbq’d, baked and broiled. In this case, slow and steady wins the race. So if you have meat that you’re not sure what to do with or that you are bored with. Slow simmer and shred it! Tostadas is just one choice. You could do sandwiches, tacos, soup, etc. Take what you have and make a meal happen!

Slow Simmered Chicken:

7 – 8 chicken legs – $3.08
1 12-oz can diced tomatoes – $.80
1 clove of garlic (crushed or fine diced) or 1/2 teaspoon garlic salt – $.10
1/2 onion, sliced – $.30
2-3 cups water (to cover legs)
1 tsp canola oil – pantry
1/4 tsp dried oregano – pantry
1/4 tsp dried cumin – pantry
2 Tbsp Chile Powder – pantry
1 tsp Salt – pantry
1 tsp Pepper – pantry

COST: $3.68

In a medium saucepan, heat oil and saute onion till translucent in color. About 3 mins or so. Add garlic and saute 1 more minute. Add chicken legs, can tomatoes, water, oregano, cumin, salt, pepper and bring to boil. Once to boil, reduce to slow simmer, cover and cook for 1 hour.

Tostadas:

12 pk flour Tortillas, snack size – $1.39
1 cup shredded cheddar cheese – $1.00
1/4 head iceberg lettuce, shredded – $.25
2 medium fresh tomatoes – $.50
1 cup canola oil – $.20
1 can refried beans – $.69

COST: $4.03

In separate small sauce pan, heat beans and keep on low, low heat till ready to make tostadas.

Prepare toppings; Shred cheese, shred lettuce, dice tomato (dice onion – optional) and set aside.

In small frying pan, heat oil until slightly smoky. About medium to medium high. Fry tortilla lightly on one side. Use tongs to turn and fry other side. You should be able to cook on both sides for about 1 minute each to get a golden brown and hard, crisp shell. If your color is turning to dark too fast, turn down oil. Remove tortilla when brown and crisp. Drain on paper towel. Repeat with remaining tortillas.

Once tortillas are cooked, you’re ready to build your tostadas. Drain, debone and shred chicken legs.  Keep as much of the tomato as possible for flavor, but make sure mixture isn’t too moist.

Place one to two tablespoons of beans on top of crisp tortilla, add shredded chicken, cheese, lettuce, tomatoes and your choice of salsa or hot sauce. You can add sour cream or guacamole if you like as well.

Repeat for all tostadas. Serve immediately. They’re so delicious, you may need 2 or even 3 for each person. Talk about food coma!

GRAND TOTAL: $7.71