Are you tired of making multiple trips to the grocery store every week just to keep your family fed with fresh chicken? Do you want to save some serious cash on one of the most versatile proteins out there? Well, you’ve landed in the right place! As a family of five with three growing teenagers, I’ve become somewhat of an expert on buying chicken in bulk, and I’m here to share all my secrets with you
Why Buying Chicken in Bulk Makes Perfect Sense
Before we dive into WHERE to buy bulk chicken, let’s quickly talk about WHY it’s such a smart move:
- Major cost savings – The price per pound drops significantly when buying larger quantities
- Fewer shopping trips – Stock up once and you’re set for weeks or months
- Meal prep becomes easier – Having chicken on hand means you’re always ready to cook
- Less packaging waste – Bulk purchases typically use less packaging per pound
I started buying chicken in bulk about three years ago, and honestly, I wish I’d started sooner. My grocery bills have dropped by about 15-20% just from this one change!
Top Places to Buy Chicken in Bulk
1. Direct from Farms Online
One of the best ways to get high-quality chicken in bulk is to order directly from farms online. These businesses specialize in delivering farm-fresh chicken right to your doorstep.
Perdue Farms
Perdue Farms offers an impressive selection of bulk chicken options through their online store. Here’s what makes them stand out:
- Variety of bulk packages – From boneless skinless breasts to whole chickens, wings, and thighs
- Value packs ranging from 3-15 lbs – Perfect for different household sizes
- Different quality options – Choose from organic, free-range, or conventional chicken
- Nationwide shipping – They’ll deliver frozen chicken right to your door
I recently ordered their Bulk Chicken Breasts Bundle which includes 15 pounds of premium chicken breasts (about 60 servings) for $139.99 (on sale from $199.95). That’s a significant savings compared to grocery store prices!
They also offer specialty bundles like the Bulk Organic Chicken Breasts Bundle (12 lbs for $149.99, down from $199.96).
Watson Farms
Watson Farms is another excellent option for pasture-raised chicken. They raise their chickens on pasture and feed them an all-natural, non-GMO diet. You can order whole pastured chickens or bulk packs of specific cuts.
Bringhurst Meats
Bringhurst Meats offers both conventional and Gerber Amish Farms All Natural Chicken sold by the case What’s neat about them is
- Customizable cutting options – They’ll split fryers, cut whole legs into drums and thighs, or split bone-in breasts
- Wrapping options – Get your bulk chicken wrapped to your specifications in butcher paper
- Case sizes of 40 lbs – Perfect for serious bulk buyers
- Special preparation options – For boneless breasts, they offer “Italian Style” (butterflied and flattened) for an additional $0.50/lb
Their case prices offer significant savings compared to store prices. For example, conventional fryers that cost $2.49/lb in-store are just $1.74/lb when bought by the case!
2. Warehouse Clubs
Warehouse clubs like Costco Sam’s Club and BJ’s are probably the most well-known places to buy bulk chicken.
Costco
Costco’s Kirkland Signature brand offers excellent quality at competitive prices. Their bulk chicken packs typically range from 6-10 pounds.
Sam’s Club
Sam’s Club offers Member’s Mark Boneless Skinless Chicken Breasts in bulk wholesale cases. According to our research, a 40 lb case of chicken breasts can contain anywhere from 20 to 75 individual breasts, depending on the size.
BJ’s Wholesale Club
Similar to the other warehouse clubs, BJ’s offers both fresh and frozen bulk chicken options.
The major advantage of warehouse clubs is being able to see and inspect the meat before purchasing, plus you can take it home immediately without shipping delays.
3. Local Butcher Shops & Meat Markets
Don’t overlook your local butcher shops! Places like Bringhurst Meats often offer significant advantages:
- Custom cutting – They’ll cut and package chicken exactly to your specifications
- Relationship building – Developing a rapport with your butcher can lead to special deals
- Support local business – Keep money in your local economy
- Special ordering – Many butchers can order specific quantities just for you
I’ve found my local butcher shop to be extremely helpful in creating custom bulk packages based on my family’s specific needs. They’ve even offered me discounts for larger orders!
4. Grocery Stores
Your regular grocery store shouldn’t be overlooked when it comes to bulk chicken options:
- Family packs – Look for larger “family size” packages, usually 3-5 lbs
- Sale cycles – Track when chicken goes on sale and stock up
- Ask the meat department – Many stores can create custom bulk packs if you ask
- Frozen section – Check for larger frozen packages
Pro tip: I always ask the meat department manager when they mark down meat that’s nearing its sell-by date. At my local store, it’s usually early Monday mornings, and I’ve scored some amazing deals this way!
What to Look for When Buying Chicken in Bulk
Not all bulk chicken is created equal! Here’s what to consider:
Quality Indicators
- Appearance – Fresh chicken should be pink, not gray or yellow
- Packaging – Should be intact with no leaks or tears
- Smell – Fresh chicken should have minimal odor
- Source – Check if it’s organic, free-range, antibiotic-free, etc.
Price Considerations
Always calculate the price per pound! Sometimes what looks like a “bulk deal” actually isn’t when you do the math. For example:
| Retailer | Regular Price/lb | Bulk Price/lb | Savings |
|---|---|---|---|
| Perdue (Boneless Breasts) | $4.69 | $2.34 (case) | 50% |
| Bringhurst (Fryers) | $2.49 | $1.74 (case) | 30% |
| Warehouse Club (avg) | $3.99 | $2.49 (family pack) | 38% |
Processing Options
Consider how much processing you want:
- Whole chickens – Cheapest option, but requires most prep work
- Bone-in cuts – Middle ground in price and convenience
- Boneless, skinless – Most expensive but most convenient
I personally like getting a mix – some whole chickens for roasting and stock-making, and some boneless breasts for quick weeknight meals.
Storing Your Bulk Chicken
Once you’ve bought all that chicken, proper storage is crucial!
Freezing Tips
- Portion before freezing – Separate into meal-sized portions before freezing
- Remove original packaging – Repackage in freezer-safe bags or vacuum seal
- Label everything – Include cut type and date
- Use within 9-12 months – For best quality
I invested in a vacuum sealer after my first few bulk chicken purchases, and it’s been a game-changer for preventing freezer burn!
Thawing Safely
- Refrigerator thawing – Safest method, takes 24 hours for most cuts
- Cold water thawing – Faster but requires more attention
- Never thaw at room temperature – Safety risk!
Delicious Ways to Use Your Bulk Chicken
Having all that chicken means you need plenty of ways to use it! Here are some of our family favorites:
- Classic roast chicken – Simple but always delicious
- Shredded chicken – Great for tacos, enchiladas, soups
- Grilled chicken – Marinate and grill for easy summer meals
- Chicken salad – Perfect for lunches
- Freezer-friendly casseroles – Make ahead and freeze
My Personal Experience
When I first started buying chicken in bulk, I was nervous about storage and whether we’d actually use it all. But with a little planning, it’s been one of the smartest grocery decisions I’ve made!
Last month, I ordered a Bulk Chicken Breasts Bundle from Perdue Farms and split the cost with my neighbor. We both saved about $60 compared to what we would’ve spent at the grocery store for the same amount. Plus, the quality was excellent!
Final Thoughts
Buying chicken in bulk is a no-brainer if you have freezer space and eat chicken regularly. The savings are real, and the convenience of always having protein on hand for meals is priceless.
Whether you choose to order online from places like Perdue Farms or Bringhurst Meats, shop at warehouse clubs, or work with your local butcher, buying in bulk will save you money and time.
Have you tried buying chicken in bulk? Where’s your favorite place to purchase? I’d love to hear about your experiences in the comments!
Remember: Always handle raw chicken safely, wash your hands thoroughly, and cook to an internal temperature of 165°F!
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How to Buy Bulk Chicken: The Complete Guide
FAQ
Where can I buy chicken breasts in bulk?
Love these how they are bundled. Buy the most delicious chicken breasts in bulk at Perduefarms.com! Our tender and juicy chicken breasts are offered by our own family of farmers –no middleman! Order frozen chicken breasts online at Perduefarms.com for convenient home delivery.
Where can I buy whole chicken?
But you can buy whole chickens from wholesale clubs or even online stores. This type of meat is the perfect choice for soups, potlucks, crockpot dishes, and even parties. The most common way of cooking a whole chicken is by baking it in the oven stuffed with stuffing or with just some light spices.
Should I buy chickens in bulk?
Younger birds are cheaper than adults, and they’re often vaccinated, too. Unsexed or straight run birds will also be less expensive. Buying in bulk can save money, as will purchase common, less exotic breeds of chickens. How Many Chicks Should I Order?
Where to buy chickens & chicks online?
Here are some of the best place to buy chickens and chicks online. Stromberg’s is one of the most well known online hatcheries around. Not only does this company sell baby chicks, but it also sells adult birds, doves, pigeons, and more. You can also buy unique equipment like building systems for coops, wild birdhouses, and more.
What is the best place to buy chicken online overall?
We looked at a number of companies and found Crowd Cow to be the best overall for ordering chicken online. There are plenty of places to order chicken online, some specializing in free-range or pasture-raised chicken, while others offer a wider range of options for everyone’s budget.
Where can I buy organic chicken thighs?
Dinner’s New Hero!: Free 3 lbs. pack of Organic Bone-In Chicken Thighs on all Orders $99+! Perduefarms.com is the ultimate source for those who prefer to buy chicken online. Buy chicken in bulk and other perdue frozen chicken items in our money-saving value packs. | Perdue_US
Is it better to buy chicken in bulk?
Yes, buying chickens in bulk can be a smart move—especially for families, meal preppers, or anyone looking to save money and reduce trips to the store. Here’s why: Lower cost per pound: Bulk pricing is typically much cheaper than individual retail packages.
How much chicken to buy for 100 people?
For 100 people, you will need roughly 25 to 40 pounds of raw chicken, depending on whether it’s bone-in or boneless and how many other side dishes are served. If chicken is the main course and you’re serving larger portions, plan for about 1/3 to 1/2 pound of cooked chicken per person (33-50 lbs raw). For a smaller portion or a buffet with many options, 4-6 ounces of chicken per person (25-37.5 lbs raw) is sufficient.
What is a good price for chicken per pound?
Chicken breast is a good price at $1.99/lb or less. Any chicken with bone should be priced a lot lower per lb. Drumsticks and roaster chickens are good at $0.99/lb or less. Ground beef, chicken, and turkey is good at $2.50/lb.
How many pieces of chicken to feed 50 people?
For 50 guests, you should plan on having 75 to 100 pieces of cooked chicken, accounting for roughly 1.5 to 2 pieces per person, especially for buffet-style meals. To prepare this, purchase about 20 to 25 pounds of raw chicken, such as split breasts and drumsticks, as you’ll get 3 to 4 trimmed pieces per pound.