Meal Deal of the Week: Taco Chicken with Corn Salsa

2 boneless skinless chicken breast halves, cut in half again to make 4 pieces (1lbs)
2 tbsp vegetable oil
1 pkg taco seasoning
1/4 cup zesty italian dressing
2 cups plain bread crumbs (italian works too)
1 can whole kernel corn, drained
1 can diced tomatoes with green chilies, drained
4 handfuls of Fritos or cornchips (optional)

Place chicken breasts, italian dressing, and 2 tbsp of taco seasoning into a ziplock bag. Remove all air from the bag and massage breast well, coating completely with marinade.  Refrigerate for an hour to overnight.

Mix corn, tomatoes, and 2 tsp taco seasoning in a microwaveable bowl. Cover and microwave for 3 - 4 minutes, or until warm.  Can also be served cold.

Heat vegetable oil in 12-inch skillet over medium heat. Mix remaining taco seasoning and breadcrumbs in a shallow dish. Dredge chicken in breadcrumbs until completely covered. Cook chicken in oil 3 to 5 minutes, turning once, until brown. Reduce heat to medium-low. Cook about 8 minutes, turning once, until chicken is no longer pink when centers of thickest pieces are cut. This recipe can also be baked at 400 degrees F for about 20 minutes on a rack placed inside of a cookie sheet.

Serve with corn salsa and chips.

This meal costs $1.73 per person & $6.92 total.

Boneless skinless chicken breasts: $1.88 per pound at Kroger this week / 4 pieces = $0.47 per serving

2 tbsp vegetable oil: 1 container (48 oz) at $2.90 / 48oz = $0.06 per oz (2 tbsp) / 4 servings = $0.015 per serving 

1 pkg taco seasoning = $0.97 / 4 servings = $0.24 per serving

1/4 cup zesty italian dressing = $1.00 per container / 16oz x 2oz (1/4 cup) / 4 servings = $0.03 per serving

2 cups plain breadcrumbs = $3.00 per containter / 24 oz x 16oz (2 cups) / 4 servings = $0.50 per serving

1 can corn = $0.50 per can / 4 servings = $0.125 per serving

1 can tomatoes = $0.50 per can / 4 servings = $0.125 per serving

4 handfuls Fritos = $1.99 / 9 serving per bag = $0.22 per serving