Craving that perfectly seasoned, juicy grilled chicken but don’t feel like firing up the grill yourself? I totally get it! As a grilling enthusiast who sometimes just wants the convenience of ready-made grilled chicken, I’ve done the legwork to find the best places to satisfy that craving. Whether you’re looking for a quick meal, planning a family dinner, or just need your protein fix, here’s my comprehensive guide on where to find delicious grilled chicken near you.
Quick Answer: Best Places for Grilled Chicken Near You
- Fast-food chains: Chick-fil-A, KFC, El Pollo Loco, Chipotle
- Grocery stores: Walmart, Whole Foods, Costco (deli sections)
- Delivery apps: DoorDash, Uber Eats, Grubhub
- Local options: BBQ joints, rotisserie chicken shops, food trucks
Popular Restaurant Chains with Amazing Grilled Chicken
When hunger strikes and you need something reliable, these national chains won’t disappoint:
Chick-fil-A
Chick-fil-A has made a name for itself with its grilled chicken sandwich featuring a marinated filet with lettuce and tomato on a toasted bun. Their grilled nuggets are also perfect if you’re watching your carb intake. Plus, their mobile app makes ordering ahead super convenient!
Chipotle
For customizable options, Chipotle’s grilled chicken is hard to beat. You can add it to burritos, bowls, or tacos with your choice of fresh ingredients and salsas. I personally love their chicken in a bowl with extra guac (worth the extra charge, trust me).
Panera Bread
Panera offers several grilled chicken salads and sandwiches that are both tasty and relatively healthy Their Mediterranean Veggie Sandwich with added grilled chicken is one of my go-to lunch options when I’m out and about
KFC
Yes the fried chicken giant also offers grilled chicken! KFC’s grilled option is surprisingly good and provides a healthier alternative to their traditional fried offerings. It’s well-seasoned and usually pretty juicy.
El Pollo Loco
This chain specializes in flame-grilled chicken and offers various menu items like chicken tacos and burritos. Their signature citrus-marinated grilled chicken has a unique flavor that keeps customers coming back.
Grocery Store Options for Quick Grilled Chicken
Don’t overlook your local grocery store when looking for grilled chicken! Many offer convenient options that can be ready to eat in minutes:
Pre-Packaged Options
Most major grocery chains like Walmart, Whole Foods, and Costco carry pre-packaged grilled chicken in their refrigerated sections. Look for:
- Grilled chicken breasts – Usually marinated with herbs and spices
- Grilled chicken strips – Perfect for salads and wraps
- Grilled chicken paillards – Thinner cuts ideal for sandwiches
Deli Counter Fresh Options
The deli section often has freshly prepared grilled chicken options
- Rotisserie chicken – While technically not “grilled,” it’s a similar cooking method and flavor profile
- Deli grilled chicken – Many stores grill chicken fresh daily at their deli counters
- Prepared meals – Look for ready-to-eat options that include grilled chicken with sides
Pro tip: Shop during peak hours for the freshest options, and don’t be shy about asking the deli staff for recommendations!
Food Delivery Services: Grilled Chicken to Your Doorstep
Sometimes you just don’t wanna leave home, and I get that! Here’s how to get delicious grilled chicken delivered:
Food Delivery Apps
Apps like DoorDash, Uber Eats, and Grubhub connect you with local restaurants offering grilled chicken. Simply:
- Download the app
- Enter your location
- Search for “grilled chicken”
- Browse options from nearby restaurants
- Check ratings and delivery times
- Place your order
I’ve found that most areas have at least a few restaurants offering grilled chicken through these services. Plus, many apps offer discounts for first-time users!
Meal Kit Delivery Services
If you want the middle ground between takeout and cooking from scratch, meal kit services might be perfect:
- Blue Apron – Offers grilled chicken recipes with pre-measured ingredients
- HelloFresh – Provides easy-to-follow recipes featuring grilled chicken
- Sun Basket – Features organic ingredients for grilled chicken dishes
These services simplify cooking by providing all the necessary ingredients and detailed instructions. It’s a great way to enjoy freshly prepared grilled chicken without the full effort of shopping and meal planning.
Local Gems: Finding the Best Grilled Chicken in Your Area
Sometimes the best grilled chicken comes from local establishments that don’t have national recognition. Here’s how to find those hidden gems:
Local BBQ Joints
Many local barbecue restaurants focus on grilled chicken marinated in house-made sauces. Check Yelp or Google Maps for top-rated BBQ spots in your area.
Rotisserie Chicken Shops
Specialty shops that focus on rotisserie and grilled chicken often have unique flavors and cooking methods that chain restaurants can’t match.
Food Trucks
Urban areas frequently have food trucks specializing in grilled options. These mobile eateries sometimes offer the most unique and flavorful grilled chicken preparations.
Farm-to-Table Restaurants
These establishments often prioritize local ingredients, including chicken. The quality is usually superior, and the grilling techniques may be more traditional and flavorful.
How to Choose the Best Grilled Chicken Option
Not all grilled chicken is created equal! Here’s what to consider when deciding where to get your grilled chicken fix:
Quality Considerations
- Freshness: Is the chicken prepared fresh daily or pre-packaged?
- Sourcing: Do they use organic, free-range, or conventionally raised chicken?
- Preparation: How is it marinated and seasoned before grilling?
Convenience Factors
- Location: How close is it to your home or workplace?
- Hours: Are they open when you typically crave grilled chicken?
- Ordering options: Do they offer online ordering or delivery?
Value Assessment
- Portion size: How much chicken do you get for the price?
- Side options: Do they include sides with the grilled chicken?
- Price point: How does it compare to other options in your area?
DIY Option: Grilling Chicken at Home
If you’re feeling a bit adventurous or can’t find exactly what you’re looking for, grilling chicken at home is always an option! Here’s a quick rundown:
- Buy quality chicken – Fresh is best, but frozen works too if properly thawed
- Marinate for flavor – Even a simple olive oil, lemon, and herb marinade works wonders
- Preheat your grill – Medium-high heat is ideal for chicken
- Grill until done – Cook to an internal temperature of 165°F
- Let it rest – Allow the chicken to rest for 5 minutes before cutting
Even if you’re not a grilling expert, basic grilled chicken is fairly simple to prepare at home. Plus, you can customize the flavors exactly to your liking!
Frequently Asked Questions
Where can I buy grilled chicken for dinner tonight?
You have several options! Check nearby grocery stores like Walmart or Whole Foods for pre-cooked options in their deli section. Alternatively, restaurants like Chick-fil-A, Chipotle, and local BBQ joints offer delicious grilled chicken meals.
Are there local places with unique grilled chicken flavors?
Absolutely! Local BBQ restaurants, food trucks, and family-owned eateries often have distinctive marinades and grilling techniques. Use Yelp or Google Maps to find highly-rated local spots in your area.
Can I get grilled chicken delivered?
Yes! Apps like DoorDash, Uber Eats, and Grubhub connect you to local restaurants that deliver grilled chicken right to your door. Many places also offer their own delivery services.
What’s the healthiest grilled chicken option near me?
For health-conscious eaters, Panera Bread and Chipotle offer grilled chicken with nutritional information readily available. Grocery stores like Whole Foods typically have organic grilled chicken options with minimal additives.
Is grocery store grilled chicken as good as restaurant options?
It depends on the store! Many high-end grocery stores have excellent deli departments with freshly grilled chicken that rivals restaurants. Costco’s rotisserie chicken, while not technically “grilled,” is famous for its quality and value.
Conclusion
Finding delicious grilled chicken near you doesn’t have to be a challenge. Whether you prefer the convenience of fast-food chains, the quality of grocery store deli sections, or the unique flavors of local eateries, there’s a grilled chicken option to satisfy your craving.
My personal fave? I’m a big fan of grabbing a grilled chicken from a local BBQ joint on busy weeknights, but Chipotle’s bowls are my go-to for lunch. When I’m feeling fancy, nothing beats grilling up some marinated chicken thighs at home with a cold beverage on the side!
What about you? Do you have a favorite grilled chicken spot in your area? I’d love to hear about it in the comments!
Happy grilling (or ordering)!
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