Are Realgood Chicken Strips Precooked? The Complete Truth Revealed

If you’ve recently grabbed a package of those popular Realgood Chicken Strips from your local grocery freezer and wondered if you can just heat ’em up quick or need to cook them thoroughly, I’ve got the definitive answer you need As someone who’s cooked these protein-packed strips countless times, I can tell you exactly what you need to know about their cooking status.

The Short Answer: No, They’re Not Fully Precooked

Let’s cut right to the chase – Realgood Chicken Strips are NOT fully precooked. While they do undergo a partial cooking process during manufacturing, these strips require thorough cooking before you can safely eat them

According to the official information from Realgood Foods themselves, their chicken strips are heat-treated but not fully cooked This means you absolutely must follow the cooking instructions on the package and make sure the internal temperature reaches 165°F before consuming

Why the Confusion About Realgood Chicken Strips?

I think there’s confusion because the strips look golden brown right out of the package. Many people assume this means they’re ready to eat or just need a quick warm-up. This is a dangerous misconception!

The partial cooking process they undergo is primarily to:

• Set the breading
• Partially cook the chicken
• Allow for quicker final cooking times
• Help maintain a crispy texture when you prepare them

But this process is NOT intended to fully cook the product. Skipping proper cooking puts you at risk for foodborne illness since they’re still considered raw or partially cooked.

The Health Benefits That Make Them Worth Cooking Properly

Despite needing full cooking, these chicken strips offer some impressive nutritional benefits that make them worth the effort:

• 2x More Protein than typical chicken strips
• Low Carb for those watching carbohydrate intake
• Only 160 calories for 23g of protein (impressive protein-to-calorie ratio!)
• Gluten Free with no BS flours
• Grain Free breading system

These nutritional advantages make Realgood Chicken Strips a popular choice for health-conscious consumers and those following specific dietary plans like keto or gluten-free diets.

The Right Way to Cook Realgood Chicken Strips

For safety and optimal taste, you need to cook these strips thoroughly. Here are the official cooking methods recommended by Realgood Foods:

Oven Method (Recommended)

1. Preheat your oven to 400°F
2. Place frozen strips on a baking sheet
3. Heat for 19-21 minutes
4. Ensure internal temperature reaches 165°F

Air Fryer Method

1. Place 4-6 frozen chicken strips in air fryer
2. Heat at 330°F for 10-12 minutes
3. Remember appliances vary, so check that internal temperature reaches 165°F

I personally prefer the air fryer method – it gives them that extra crispy exterior while keeping the inside juicy, and it’s faster than the oven!

Why Proper Cooking Is Non-Negotiable

Look, I know it’s tempting to rush cooking when you’re hungry, but eating undercooked Realgood Chicken Strips is seriously risky. Here’s why you should never skip proper cooking:

1. Bacterial Risk: Pathogenic bacteria like Salmonella and Campylobacter can survive the initial partial cooking and will multiply if not properly heated.

2. Texture Issues: Undercooked chicken has a gummy, unpleasant texture that ruins the eating experience.

3. Food Poisoning: Symptoms can include nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, fever, and abdominal cramps – definitely not worth the risk!

A meat thermometer is your best friend here. Always check that the thickest part of the strip reaches 165°F before eating.

Creative Ways to Enjoy Your Properly Cooked Strips

Once you’ve cooked your Realgood Chicken Strips correctly, there are tons of delicious ways to enjoy them! The company offers these serving suggestions:

• Top on a salad for extra protein
• Add to a wrap for a quick meal
• Pair with low-sugar sauce for a nutritious snack
• Try them with some sugar-free dipping sauces

They even have recipes on their website for inspiration, including:

• Hot Honey Mustard Glazed Chicken Sweet Potato
• Protein Chicken and Waffles
• Better-Than-Takeout Chicken Lo Mein

FAQ About Realgood Chicken Strips

Are Realgood Chicken Strips gluten-free?

Yes! Their breaded chicken products are both gluten and grain free. However, always check the ingredients statement on the package before consuming, just to be safe.

What allergens are in Realgood Chicken Strips?

Their breaded chicken contains milk and eggs. Other products in their line may contain wheat, soy, or fish, so always check the specific product’s Nutritional Panel and Ingredients Statement.

Where is their chicken sourced from?

Realgood Foods sources their chicken from trusted farms across the United States that meet their strict quality and food safety standards.

Where can I buy Realgood Chicken Strips?

You can find Realgood products in stores like Walmart, Costco, Kroger, HEB, and many others. They even have a store locator on their website to help you find products near you.

Do Realgood products have added sugar?

The company prioritizes not adding sugar to their products whenever possible. However, you should always check each product’s ingredients statement and nutrition panel for verification.

Can I refreeze cooked Realgood Chicken Strips?

While technically safe, refreezing cooked chicken is generally not recommended as it can significantly impact the texture and quality of the product.

The Bottom Line on Realgood Chicken Strips

To sum it all up, Realgood Chicken Strips offer an impressive nutritional profile with their high protein, low carb, and gluten-free formulation. However, they are NOT fully precooked and require thorough cooking before consumption.

Never eat these strips straight from the package, and always make sure they reach an internal temperature of 165°F. Using a meat thermometer is the most reliable way to ensure they’re safe to eat.

I’ve been buying and enjoying Realgood Foods products for years now, and their chicken strips are definitely a staple in my freezer. They make the perfect quick protein source for post-workout meals, and my kids love them too! Just remember – cook ’em right, and you’ll have a delicious, nutritious meal option ready in minutes.