Don Lee Farms Chicken Patties Nutrition: Your Complete Guide to This Protein-Packed Option

Are you staring at those Don Lee Farms chicken patties in your freezer and wondering what exactly you’re about to eat? I’ve been there too! As someone who’s always trying to balance convenience with healthy eating, I wanted to dig deep into what these popular chicken patties actually offer nutritionally.

In this article, I’ll break down everything you need to know about Don Lee Farms chicken patties nutrition – from calories and protein content to ingredients and cooking tips. Whether you’re counting macros, watching your weight, or just curious about what’s in your food, this guide has got you covered!

Key Takeaways

• Regular Don Lee Farms Chicken Patties contain 120 calories per patty (99g serving)
• Don Lee Farms Grilled Chicken Patties offer 190 calories with a substantial 24g of protein per patty
• Both varieties are low in carbohydrates, making them suitable for low-carb diets
• The patties contain minimal fillers and focus on lean chicken as the primary ingredient
• They’re versatile and can be used in sandwiches, salads, or as standalone protein options

Don Lee Farms Chicken Patties: Regular vs. Grilled Varieties

Don Lee Farms offers two main varieties of chicken patties, and their nutritional profiles differ significantly. Let’s compare them:

Regular Chicken Patties Nutrition Facts

The standard Don Lee Farms Chicken Patties provide

The calorie breakdown for regular chicken patties is

• 18% from fat
• 9% from carbohydrates
• 73% from protein

Grilled Chicken Patties Nutrition Facts

The Grilled Chicken Patties have a different nutritional profile:

The grilled variety offers significantly more protein (24g vs 18g) but also comes with more calories and fat. It’s worth noting that they contain less carbs and no sugars, which might make them preferable for those following low-carb diets.

Ingredients Breakdown

One of the things I appreciate about Don Lee Farms chicken patties is their relatively simple ingredient list compared to many processed foods.

What’s Inside

The chicken patties primarily contain

• Lean chicken breast as the main ingredient
• Natural seasonings for flavor
• Minimal fillers compared to many competing products

The company emphasizes using whole, natural ingredients, which is a big plus for health-conscious consumers like me who worry about excessive additives.

Allergen Information

• The main allergen is chicken (obviously!)
• The patties are gluten-free, making them suitable for those with celiac disease or gluten sensitivities
• They contain no artificial preservatives or flavors

Health Benefits of Don Lee Farms Chicken Patties

High-Quality Protein Source

With 18-24g of protein per patty (depending on the variety), these chicken patties provide a substantial amount of your daily protein needs. This makes them excellent for:

• Supporting muscle growth and repair
• Promoting feelings of fullness and satiety
• Helping meet daily protein requirements for active individuals

Low-Carb Option

Both varieties of Don Lee Farms chicken patties are notably low in carbohydrates:

• Regular patties: 2g carbs
• Grilled patties: 1g carbs

This makes them an excellent choice for anyone following:

• Ketogenic diets
• Low-carb eating plans
• Diabetic-friendly meal options

Convenience Without Sacrificing Nutrition

Let’s be honest – we all have those days when cooking from scratch just ain’t happening! The beauty of these patties is they offer:

• A pre-cooked protein source that heats quickly
• A cleaner ingredient list than many convenience foods
• Versatility in various meal applications

Cooking and Serving Suggestions

These patties are already cooked, so you’re really just reheating them. Here are some options:

Heating Methods

• Grill: 4-5 minutes per side on medium-high heat
• Skillet: 5-6 minutes per side on medium heat
• Oven: 12-15 minutes at 375°F

Creative Serving Ideas

I’ve found these patties to be super versatile! Some of my favorite ways to use them include:

1. Classic sandwich: On a whole-grain bun with lettuce, tomato, and avocado
2. Protein-packed salad: Sliced on top of mixed greens with your favorite dressing
3. Wrap it up: In a whole-grain tortilla with veggies and hummus
4. Pizza topping: Chopped and added to homemade pizza for extra protein
5. Standalone protein: Paired with steamed veggies for a quick, balanced meal

How Do They Compare to Other Brands?

When comparing Don Lee Farms chicken patties to competitors, they generally stand out for:

• Higher protein content than many alternatives
• Lower carbohydrate counts
• Cleaner ingredient list with fewer fillers

However, the grilled variety does contain more fat (10g) than the regular patties (2g), which is something to consider if you’re watching fat intake.

Incorporating Don Lee Farms Chicken Patties into Your Diet

For Weight Management

With just 120-190 calories per patty, these can easily fit into a calorie-controlled diet. The high protein content helps promote fullness, which may aid in weight management efforts.

For Muscle Building

The substantial protein content (18-24g) makes these patties a convenient option for those looking to support muscle growth and recovery, especially when time is limited.

For Busy Families

I’ve found these to be a lifesaver on hectic weeknights! They cook quickly and can be customized to please different family members’ preferences.

Storage Tips

To get the most out of your Don Lee Farms chicken patties:

• Refrigeration: Store unused cooked patties in an airtight container for up to 3 days
• Freezing: Cooked patties can be frozen for up to 3 months
• Convenience tip: You can reheat directly from frozen for even quicker meal prep

FAQs About Don Lee Farms Chicken Patties

Are Don Lee Farms chicken patties healthy?

They can definitely be part of a healthy diet! With their high protein content and relatively low calories, they offer good nutritional value compared to many convenience foods. The regular patties are particularly low in fat.

Are these patties fully cooked?

Yes, Don Lee Farms chicken patties come pre-cooked. You’re simply reheating them when preparing them for meals.

How long do Don Lee Farms chicken patties last?

Unopened and kept frozen, they’ll maintain quality through their use-by date. Once cooked, they should be consumed within 3 days if refrigerated.

Can I eat these on a keto diet?

With only 1-2g of carbs per patty, they can certainly fit into a ketogenic diet plan. The grilled variety may be particularly suitable with its 1g carb count.

Where can I buy Don Lee Farms chicken patties?

They’re available at many major grocery chains and warehouse clubs like Costco. You might find different varieties depending on your location.

Conclusion

Don Lee Farms chicken patties offer a convenient, protein-rich option that doesn’t sacrifice nutrition for convenience. Whether you prefer the leaner regular patties (120 calories, 18g protein) or the more protein-packed grilled variety (190 calories, 24g protein), they can fit into various dietary approaches.

I’ve definitely appreciated having these in my freezer for those days when cooking from scratch feels overwhelming! With their clean ingredient list and versatility, Don Lee Farms chicken patties provide a balance of nutrition and convenience that’s hard to beat.

What’s your favorite way to enjoy these chicken patties? Do you prefer the regular or grilled variety? I’d love to hear how you incorporate them into your meals!