Are you craving some juicy, tender grilled chicken but don’t know where to look? I’ve been there! Sometimes you just need that protein fix without the hassle of firing up your own grill Whether you’re meal prepping for the week or just need a quick dinner solution, finding quality grilled chicken nearby shouldn’t be a headache
After spending way too much money on takeout last month, I decided to research all the best places to buy grilled chicken in my area I was surprised by how many options there actually are! From grocery stores to restaurants and delivery services, I’m gonna share everything I learned to help you satisfy that grilled chicken craving without breaking a sweat.
Grocery Store Options for Grilled Chicken
Grocery stores are often the most convenient and budget-friendly option when you need grilled chicken Let’s look at what Kroger offers
Kroger’s Grilled Chicken Selection
Kroger has an impressive variety of pre-cooked grilled chicken products that are ready to eat or just need quick heating:
- Kroger® Fully Cooked Frozen Grilled Chicken Breast Strips – $7.99 for 22 oz ($0.36/oz)
- Kroger® Fully Cooked Frozen Boneless Skinless Grilled Chicken Breast Dices – $7.99 for 22 oz ($0.36/oz)
- Perdue® Short Cuts® Grilled White Meat Chicken Strips – $4.99 for 8 oz ($0.62/oz)
- Tyson Frozen Grilled Chicken Breast Strips – $9.49 for 22 oz ($0.43/oz)
- Oscar Mayer Carving Board options (various flavors) – $4.99 for 6 oz ($0.83/oz)
- Flame Grilled Chicken Breast Strips
- Herb Roasted Grilled Chicken Breast Strips
- Southwestern Seasoned Grilled Chicken Breast Strips
- Buffalo Style Grilled Chicken Breast Strips
What I love about these options is they’re all SNAP EBT eligible, making them accessible for more shoppers. Plus, the Kroger brand offers great value compared to name brands.
For something a bit more premium, Kroger also carries:
- Ukrop’s™ Seasoned Grilled Chicken Breast – $8.49 (discounted from $9.99) for 6.7 oz
- Ukrop’s™ Blackened Grilled Chicken Breast – $8.49 for 6.7 oz
- Boar’s Head FireSmith Flame Grilled Chicken Breast – about $14.49/lb
Other Grocery Store Options
While I focused on Kroger above, don’t forget to check your local:
- Walmart
- Target
- Whole Foods
- Trader Joe’s
- Aldi
- Local supermarkets
Most of these stores have similar offerings in their deli or prepared foods sections. Many even have hot food bars where you can buy freshly grilled chicken by weight!
Restaurant Options for Grilled Chicken
When you want something fresher or don’t mind paying a little extra for convenience, restaurants are a great option.
Fast Food Grilled Chicken
Many fast food chains now offer grilled options as healthier alternatives:
- Chick-fil-A – Their grilled chicken sandwich and grilled nuggets are popular choices
- McDonald’s – Grilled chicken sandwich options
- Wendy’s – Grilled chicken sandwiches and wraps
- KFC – Kentucky Grilled Chicken as an alternative to their fried options
- Popeyes – Occasional grilled specials
Casual Dining Restaurant Options
For a sit-down meal or takeout with more variety:
Applebee’s Grilled Chicken Options
Applebee’s offers several grilled chicken entrées:
- Grilled Chicken Breast – A juicy grilled chicken breast served with garlicky spinach, mashed potatoes and a house-made herb butter
- Bourbon Street Chicken & Shrimp – Features grilled chicken with cajun spices
- Fiesta Lime Chicken – Grilled chicken with Mexican-inspired flavors
These options typically range from $13-17 depending on your location and come with sides.
Other great casual dining spots for grilled chicken include:
- Chili’s
- TGI Fridays
- Olive Garden (try their grilled chicken dishes)
- Outback Steakhouse
Delivery Services for Grilled Chicken
Sometimes you just wanna stay home and have food come to you. I get it! Delivery services have made getting grilled chicken easier than ever.
DoorDash Grilled Chicken Options
DoorDash connects you with countless restaurants offering grilled chicken. Based on their popular “Grilled Chicken Near Me” search results, you can find:
- Local grilled chicken specialists
- Chain restaurants with grilled options
- Healthy meal prep services
- International cuisines featuring grilled chicken (Greek, Mediterranean, Mexican, etc.)
Other delivery services to check:
- Uber Eats
- Grubhub
- Postmates
- Seamless
Pro tip: These services often have different promotions running, so check multiple apps before ordering to get the best deal!
Making the Most of Your Grilled Chicken Purchase
Price Comparison
Let’s look at the value proposition of different grilled chicken options:
Source | Item | Price | Price per oz | Pros | Cons |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
Kroger | Store Brand Frozen Strips | $7.99/22oz | $0.36/oz | Economical, long shelf life | Requires heating |
Kroger | Perdue Short Cuts | $4.99/8oz | $0.62/oz | Ready-to-eat, portable | More expensive per oz |
Kroger | Boar’s Head Deli | $14.49/lb | $0.91/oz | Premium quality, fresh | Most expensive option |
Applebee’s | Grilled Chicken Breast | ~$15 | ~$1.25/oz | Hot & fresh, sides included | Highest cost, requires trip or delivery fee |
Fast Food | Grilled Chicken Sandwich | $5-7 | Varies | Convenient, quick | Less customizable |
Storage and Meal Prep Ideas
When I buy in bulk from Kroger, I like to:
- Portion grilled chicken into meal-sized containers
- Add some to salads for quick lunches
- Mix with pasta and veggies for simple dinners
- Make wraps with tortillas and fresh veggies
- Create quick quesadillas or tacos
Most pre-packaged grilled chicken lasts 3-5 days in the fridge once opened, or you can freeze portions for up to 3 months.
Health Considerations
One reason I love grilled chicken is it’s generally a healthier protein option:
- Lower in fat than fried alternatives
- High in protein (about 25g per 3oz serving)
- Versatile for various diets including low-carb and keto
But watch out for:
- Sodium content in pre-packaged options
- Added sugars in marinades and sauces
- Portion sizes at restaurants (often much larger than needed)
My Personal Experience
Last week, I was in a pinch and needed quick protein for meal prep. I grabbed the Kroger Fully Cooked Frozen Grilled Chicken Breast Strips and was honestly impressed! For under $8, I got enough chicken to last several meals. The texture was pretty good for frozen chicken – not quite as juicy as fresh-grilled, but definitely convenient.
When I’m feeling like treating myself, I’ll order the Grilled Chicken Breast from Applebee’s. It’s simple but satisfying, and I don’t have to worry about cooking or cleanup.
FAQ About Buying Grilled Chicken
Q: Which store has the cheapest grilled chicken?
A: Based on price per ounce, Kroger’s store brand frozen grilled chicken products are typically the most economical at around $0.36/oz.
Q: Is pre-packaged grilled chicken healthy?
A: It can be! Look for options with minimal ingredients and watch sodium content. The convenience often outweighs any minor nutritional differences from fresh-grilled.
Q: How long does store-bought grilled chicken last?
A: Refrigerated pre-packaged grilled chicken usually lasts 3-5 days after opening. Frozen varieties will last 3-4 months in your freezer.
Q: What’s the best value when buying grilled chicken?
A: Typically, larger packages from grocery stores offer the best value per ounce. Restaurant options are more expensive but offer convenience and flavor variety.
Q: Can I find organic or free-range grilled chicken options?
A: Yes! Check stores like Whole Foods, Sprouts, or even the organic section at Kroger for these premium options.
Conclusion
Finding grilled chicken near you doesn’t have to be complicated! Whether you prefer the convenience and value of grocery store options like Kroger’s extensive selection, the fresh-cooked quality of restaurant choices like Applebee’s, or the doorstep delivery from services like DoorDash, there’s something for every preference and budget.
My personal recommendation? Keep some frozen grilled chicken strips from Kroger in your freezer for everyday needs, and treat yourself to a restaurant-quality grilled chicken when you want something special. This strategy has saved me both money and time while keeping my meals interesting.
What’s your go-to place for grilled chicken? Drop a comment below with your recommendations – I’m always looking to try new options!