Frugal Feasts: Ranch Chicken Wings

When I saw chicken wings on sale this week at Kroger for 88 cents a pound, I thought STOCK UP PRICE! Sometimes, my husband craves wings for dinner and I'm happy to oblige him because it means he's cooking. He does his wings on the grill but Raleigh author Debbie Moose's wing-focused cookbook, "Wings: More Than 50 High-Flying Recipes For America's Favorite Snack."

Moose's recipe for Down on the Spicy Chicken Ranch wings seemed like a good frugal option. Most of these ingredients you will likely already have in your pantry. If you are looking for a side dish, corn is on sale at the Kroger, three for $1.

The entree only costs $1 per serving. For that price, load up on that corn!

Down on the Spicy Chicken Ranch Wings

2 tablespoons ranch salad dressing mix

2 teaspoons chili powder

1 teaspoon paprika

6 tablespoons olive oil

12 wings, cut in half at joints, wing tips removed and discarded

PREHEAT the oven to 400 degrees.

COVER a rimmed baking sheet with foil and spray the foil with nonstick cooking spray.

COMBINE dressing mix, chili powder and paprika in a small bowl. Pour the olive oil in another small bowl.

DIP each wing in the olive oil and let the excess drip off, then place wings on the prepared baking sheet. Sprinkle the dressing mixture over the wings and let sit for 20 minutes. Bake for 30 minutes or until done.

Makes 24 pieces.

Cost Breakdown:

Ranch salad dressing mix, $1.25, Cost for meal: $1.25

Chili powder, $2.35 for 2.5 ounces, Cost for meal: 31 cents

Paprika, $2.52 for 2.12 ounces, Cost for meal: 20 cents

Olive Oil, $5.41 for 17 ounces, Cost for meal: 95 cents

Wings, 88 cents a pound, Cost for meal: $1.32

Cost for meal: $4.03

Cost per servings: $1