The 10 Healthiest Chicken Strips You Can Buy in 2025 (Dietitian-Approved!)

Let’s face it – chicken strips are one of those comfort foods that both kids and adults can’t resist. They’re crispy on the outside, juicy on the inside, and they’re perfect for dipping into your favorite sauce. But finding healthy chicken strips can feel like a mission impossible sometimes!

As a busy mom who’s trying to feed my family nutritious meals without spending hours in the kitchen, I’ve gone through countless bags of frozen chicken strips to find ones that aren’t loaded with junk. Trust me, I’ve read more ingredient labels than I care to admit!

Today, I’m sharing my findings on the healthiest chicken strips available in 2025, backed by expert nutritionist recommendations. We’ll look at what makes chicken strips healthy (or not), and which brands deserve a spot in your freezer.

What Makes Chicken Strips Healthy?

Before diving into specific brands, let’s talk about what actually makes chicken strips “healthy” According to dietitians, here are the key factors to consider

• Protein Content: Look for strips with at least 12-15g of protein per serving. Ideally, protein content should be higher than carb content.
• Sodium Levels: Choose options with less than 460mg sodium per serving (that’s about 20% of your daily value).
• Ingredients: Simpler is better! Look for strips that specify the chicken cut used (breast meat is best).
• Breading: Less breading usually means fewer empty calories and carbs.
• Oil Types: Avoid products with hydrogenated oils which can cause inflammation.
• Processing: Minimally processed chicken with no fillers or preservatives is ideal.

Now. let’s dig into the best options available!

The 10 Healthiest Chicken Strips to Try in 2025

1. Caulipower Chicken Tenders

Nutrition per 2-piece serving:

• 110 calories
• 1.5g fat (0g saturated)
• 370mg sodium
• 11g carbs (1g fiber, 0g sugar)
• 14g protein

Caulipower has created something truly unique here. These tenders are breaded with rice flour and cauliflower, which adds fiber and nutrients you won’t find in traditional breading. I was skeptical at first (cauliflower? really??), but they actually taste amazing!

What makes them stand out is that they don’t use oil to flash-fry the breading onto the chicken, making them much lower in fat than competitors. The lower sodium content also makes them a heart-healthy winner.

2. Realgood Foods Lightly Breaded Chicken Breast Strips

Nutrition per 4-oz serving:

• 160 calories
• 6g fat (0.5g saturated)
• 370mg sodium
• 3g carbs (0g fiber, 1g sugar)
• 23g protein

These are a protein powerhouse! With 23g of protein per serving, these strips will keep you fuller longer than most other options. They’re very lightly breaded with chickpea flour, meaning you get more actual chicken per bite.

I love that the chickpea breading provides both taste and crunch without piling on empty carbs. The company also claims their products have a low glycemic index and contain no added sugar, making them suitable for folks watching their blood sugar.

3. Tyson Natural Gluten-Free Breaded Chicken Breast Strips

Nutrition per 3-oz serving:

• 200 calories
• 10g fat (2g saturated)
• 400mg sodium
• 12g carbs (0g fiber, 0g sugar)
• 16g protein

These are widely available in most grocery stores, which is a huge plus! The breading is made with yellow corn flour and brown rice flour, making them suitable for those with gluten sensitivities or celiac disease.

What I particularly like about these is that they contain no preservatives and are lower in sodium than many other breaded products. The chicken used is minimally processed and free from hormones and steroids.

4. Applegate Naturals Homestyle Chicken Breast Tenders

Nutrition per 3-oz serving:

• 160-170 calories
• 6g fat (1g saturated)
• 320-470mg sodium (varies by source)
• 13-15g carbs
• 12-13g protein

Applegate’s tenders are made with simple, wholesome ingredients including organic and humanely raised chicken. They don’t contain any fillers, preservatives, or animal by-products.

I appreciate that they use organic raisin juice as a binder, which helps keep the moisture in – that’s why these tenders are so juicy! They’re also gluten-free and contain one of the lowest sodium amounts among competitors at 320mg per serving.

5. Bell & Evans Breaded Chicken Tenders

Nutrition per 4-oz serving:

• 210 calories
• 9g fat (1.5g saturated)
• 440mg sodium
• 12g carbs (1g fiber, 2g sugar)
• 20g protein

Unlike many chicken tenders that use small pieces of chicken combined to form the tender shape, Bell & Evans uses solid cuts of chicken breast. This means fewer ingredients are needed and you get more protein in each tender.

With 20g of protein per serving, these are perfect for keeping your immune system strong and helping you feel satisfied after your meal.

6. Just Bare Chicken Chunks

These chicken chunks have become incredibly popular (they’re even rumored to be similar to a certain fast food chain’s beloved nuggets). While they have slightly higher sodium at 540mg per serving, they offer several nutritional benefits:

• Made from antibiotic and steroid-free chicken breasts
• 16g of protein per 3-oz serving
• Minimally processed with no artificial ingredients or colors
• Fully cooked before freezing, reducing food safety risks

The lightly breaded meat delivers the perfect combination of crunchiness with each bite!

7. Kidfresh White Meat Chicken Nuggets

These are specifically designed with kids in mind, but adults love them too! Described as “chicken patties with puréed cauliflower in a whole-grain breading,” they cleverly sneak in vegetables where kids (and let’s be honest, some adults) might not notice.

With just 250mg of sodium per serving and 12g of protein, they’re a nutritious option that doesn’t compromise on taste. The wholegrain breading provides a satisfying crispiness that everyone will enjoy.

8. Tyson Crispy Chicken Strips

Made with 100% natural white chicken meat (as defined by USDA FSIS), these strips contain no artificial flavors, colorings, chemical preservatives, or other synthetic ingredients.

Each serving provides:

• 210 calories
• 13g of protein
• 500mg of sodium
• Zero trans fats

The boneless, skinless chicken breasts and ribs come with a generous amount of breading and have a large, slightly irregular appearance typical of authentic chicken tenders.

9. Perdue Crispy Chicken Strips

Perdue’s chicken strips are advertised as made with only white meat with no fillers, preservatives, or animal by-products. They’re gluten-free and contain:

• 180 calories per serving
• 12g of protein
• 470mg of sodium

The chicken strips use organic raisin juice as a binder to keep the moisture in, resulting in tender, juicy bites. They have a more uniform, nugget-like appearance and turn a nice golden brown when cooked.

10. Beyond Chicken Plant-Based Tenders

While not technically chicken, these plant-based tenders deserve a mention for those looking to reduce meat consumption. Beyond Meat has crafted these tenders by combining key components of meat from plant sources.

Nutrition per 3-oz serving:

• 210 calories
• 450mg sodium
• 15g carbs (3g fiber)
• 11g protein

The main protein source is faba bean, and they include wheat and rice flour in the breading along with various spices. While the protein content is slightly lower than real chicken options, these provide 3g of fiber that you won’t find in traditional chicken tenders.

What to Avoid: Unhealthy Chicken Strips

Now that we know the good options, let’s briefly look at what to avoid:

• High Sodium Content: Some brands pack a whopping 600-890mg of sodium per serving!
• Added Sugars: Check the label for added sugars, which can cause inflammation.
• Small Serving Sizes: Some brands list nutritional info for just one tender, which isn’t realistic.
• Heavy Breading: More breading means more empty carbs and less protein.
• Trans Fats: Always check for hydrogenated oils in the ingredient list.

Tips for Enjoying Chicken Strips in a Healthy Way

1. Watch portions: Stick to the recommended serving size.
2. Balance your meal: Add veggies or a salad to make it more nutritious.
3. Choose baking over frying: Use an air fryer or oven instead of deep-frying.
4. Be mindful of dips: Some dipping sauces can add lots of calories and sodium.
5. Make it a treat: Even the healthiest options should be part of a varied diet.

The Bottom Line

Finding healthy chicken strips doesn’t have to be mission impossible! By focusing on protein content, sodium levels, and simple ingredients, you can enjoy this comfort food without the guilt.

My personal favorites are the Caulipower and Realgood Foods options – they’ve become staples in my household for those busy weeknights when cooking from scratch just isn’t happening.

Remember, even the healthiest frozen chicken tenders should be enjoyed as part of a balanced diet with plenty of fresh vegetables, fruits, and whole grains.

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This article was last updated on September 11, 2025, with the most current nutritional information available.

There’s no single “healthiest” option, as “healthy” depends on individual dietary needs, but brands like Applegate Naturals and CauliPower offer simpler ingredients, while Perdue SimplySmart Organics provides a lighter breading option. Plant-based options, such as those from Beyond Meat and Gardein, are also available as alternatives to traditional chicken.

Yes, chicken strips can be healthy if they are made with lean, skinless chicken breast, baked or air-fried instead of deep-fried, and have a low sodium content and a whole-grain or simple breading. However, many store-bought and fast-food versions are unhealthy due to being heavily breaded, deep-fried, and high in sodium, fat, and processed ingredients.

Healthiest frozen chicken brands include Applegate Naturals, Perdue SimplySmart Organics, and Tyson Naturals, which offer lightly breaded options or minimally processed strips with less fat and sodium. For kids, Earth’s Best Chicken Nuggets are a good option, and Caulipower provides gluten-free choices. When selecting, prioritize brands with minimal breading, fewer additives, and less sodium to make your frozen chicken a healthier choice.

The healthiest chicken to buy is skinless chicken breast because it’s a lean source of protein. For the most nutritious choice, opt for certified organic, free-range chicken from a farmer’s market or reputable butcher to ensure it’s raised without antibiotics, hormones, or synthetic fertilizers.