I can't stop talking about this chicken dinner

Did a friend forward this to you? Sign up here.

The Fresh Market Chicken Dinner To Go includes a rotisserie chicken, two sides and six cornbread muffins for $19.99.
The Fresh Market Chicken Dinner To Go includes a rotisserie chicken, two sides and six cornbread muffins for $19.99.

Given the rising costs of food (and everything else) families in Fayetteville and across the country are rethinking their food budgets, and looking for cost-effective ways to feed their families. Bonus points if it's quick and easy.

Recently, I wrote a list of restaurants with kids eat free nights, specials and freebies. But that's not the only way to save on prepared food. Several Fayetteville grocery stores offer meals that rival restaurants, often at a fraction of the cost.

One of these, The Fresh Market Chicken Dinner To Go, hasn't left my mind since I tried it last week. It includes: a choice of plain, lemon and rosemary, white wine herb or butter, garlic and thyme rotisserie chicken; choice of two such sides as mashed potatoes, salad, potato salad, macaroni and cheese or broccoli cranberry slaw; and six cornbread muffins.

It's a steal, at $15.99 on Sundays, $17.99 on Tuesdays, and $19.99 every other day of the week. The heat-and-serve meal can feed four, which makes it as low as $4 per serving. Plus, it's a breeze to order online for curbside pickup or delivery.

Most importantly, it is downright delicious! The chicken is juicy and well-seasoned, the mashed potatoes are creamy, the salad is crisp and flavorful, and the cornbread muffins are everything they should be: crunchy on the outside, tender on the inside, buttery sweet and simply to die for.

As we ate, I told my husband "I'm never cooking again."

Have you tried any grocery takeout meals? What are your best hacks for eating on a budget in Fayetteville? Hit me up at tshook@gannett.com. I can't wait to hear from you.

Happy eating,

Taylor Shook

Taylor Shook covers food, dining and Business for The Fayetteville Observer. Click here for her most recent articles or reach her at tshook@gannett.com.

This article originally appeared on The Fayetteville Observer: Taylor Shook: I can't stop thinking about this chicken dinner