Are you craving juicy, crispy chicken strips but don’t know where to find the best ones? I’ve been there! Whether you’re looking for a quick drive-thru fix or want to stock your freezer with restaurant-quality options, this guide will help you discover all the best places to buy chicken strips. From fast food joints to grocery stores and even online options, we’ve got your chicken strip cravings covered!
Fast Food Chicken Strips: Quick and Delicious Options
Chick-fil-A: The Gold Standard
When it comes to fast food chicken strips, Chick-fil-A’s Chick-n-Strips® are often considered the gold standard. What makes them special?
- Freshly breaded and cooked in 100% refined peanut oil
- Crispy outside with a juicy, tender inside
- Perfect for dipping in their variety of signature sauces
- Available in meal form or as part of their Family Style Meals
Chick-fil-A describes their strips as “Boneless chicken tenders seasoned to perfection,” and based on customer reviews, they definitely deliver on that promise. You can order these for pickup or delivery through their app or website.
Their strips are especially popular when paired with their famous dipping sauces. They even suggest some tasty “dipping duos” combinations:
- A hot and cool combo
- The classics
- Sweet and spicy party flavors
- Bold and sweet combinations
I personally love getting their strips with the Polynesian sauce – it’s a game-changer!
Other Fast Food Options
While Chick-fil-A might be my fave, there are plenty of other fast food places serving up tasty chicken strips:
- KFC – Known for their Original Recipe and Extra Crispy options
- Popeyes – Their hand-battered chicken tenders have a distinctive Louisiana-style flavor
- Raising Cane’s – A chain dedicated almost exclusively to chicken fingers
- Zaxby’s – Their Fingerz are a southern favorite
- Dairy Queen – Offers country-style chicken strips
- Wendy’s – Serves up crispy chicken tenders
Grocery Store Options: Cook at Home Convenience
If you prefer to cook chicken strips at home, grocery stores offer plenty of options that can save you money while still satisfying your cravings.
Target: Just Bare Lightly Breaded Chicken Breast Strips
Target carries the highly-rated Just Bare Lightly Breaded Chicken Breast Strips in their frozen section These 24oz packages are a customer favorite with an impressive 4,6 out of 5 stars from 335 reviews,
What makes these strips special
- Available for pickup, delivery, or shipping
- Easy returns within 90 days for a full refund
- Great for families who want restaurant-quality strips at home
- No need to bread or prepare the chicken – just heat and eat!
These are perfect for busy weeknights when you want something quick but still delicious. Just pop them in the oven or air fryer, and you’ve got a meal that everyone will love.
Other Grocery Store Brands
Beyond the Just Bare option at Target, you can find chicken strips at almost any grocery store. Some popular brands include:
- Tyson – Available at most major grocery chains
- Perdue – Known for their simple ingredients
- Banquet – Budget-friendly option
- Bell & Evans – Premium, organic options
- Store brands – Often more affordable with similar quality
Wholesale Clubs: Bulk Buying for Chicken Strip Lovers
If your household goes through chicken strips like water (mine does!), consider shopping at wholesale clubs:
- Costco – Their Just Bare Lightly Breaded Chicken Breast Chunks are essentially chicken strips and have gained a cult following for tasting similar to Chick-fil-A
- Sam’s Club – Offers both their Member’s Mark brand and name brands in bulk
- BJ’s Wholesale – Carries several options in family-sized packages
Buying in bulk can save you money in the long run, especially if chicken strips are a regular part of your meal rotation.
Make Your Own: The DIY Approach
Sometimes the best chicken strips are the ones you make yourself! Here’s a simple recipe to try:
Basic Homemade Chicken Strips
Ingredients:
- 1 pound chicken tenderloins
- 1 cup flour
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 2 eggs, beaten
- 1 cup panko breadcrumbs
- Oil for frying or cooking spray for baking
Instructions:
- Set up a breading station with three bowls: flour mixture, beaten eggs, and breadcrumbs
- Dredge each chicken tenderloin in flour, then egg, then breadcrumbs
- Either fry in oil until golden and cooked through (about 3-4 minutes per side) or bake at 400°F for 15-20 minutes
Making your own gives you complete control over the ingredients and seasonings. Plus, it’s usually cheaper than buying pre-made strips!
Online Options: Delivered to Your Door
In today’s digital age, you can get chicken strips delivered right to your doorstep:
- Instacart – Will deliver frozen chicken strips from local grocery stores
- Amazon Fresh – Carries various frozen chicken strip brands
- Walmart+ delivery – Order grocery store brands for home delivery
- Food delivery apps – UberEats, DoorDash, and Grubhub will deliver from restaurants like Chick-fil-A
Comparing Your Options: Fast Food vs. Grocery Store
Not sure whether to hit the drive-thru or cook at home? Here’s a quick comparison:
| Factor | Fast Food (e.g., Chick-fil-A) | Grocery Store (e.g., Just Bare from Target) |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $4-8 per meal | $8-12 per bag (multiple servings) |
| Convenience | Ready to eat | Requires cooking |
| Freshness | Freshly cooked | Previously frozen |
| Sauce options | Multiple sauces available | Need to purchase separately |
| Customization | Limited | Can add your own seasonings/sides |
Which Chicken Strips Are Best for Different Situations?
Depending on your needs, different chicken strip options might work better:
For Parties and Gatherings
- Catering trays from Chick-fil-A or other restaurants
- Bulk packages from Costco or Sam’s Club
- Homemade strips for a personal touch
For Quick Family Dinners
- Frozen options like Just Bare from Target
- Fast food family meals from Chick-fil-A
For Late-Night Cravings
- Fast food drive-thru options
- Frozen strips that can be quickly air-fried
How to Elevate Your Chicken Strip Experience
No matter where you buy your chicken strips, here are some ways to make them even better:
- Create your own sauce bar with different dipping options
- Turn them into a wrap with lettuce, tomato, and sauce
- Chop them up and add to salads
- Make chicken parmesan by adding marinara and cheese
- Try different cooking methods for frozen strips (air fryer usually gives the crispiest results)
My Personal Experience with Chicken Strips
I’ve tried chicken strips from just about everywhere, and I gotta say, it really depends on what I’m in the mood for. When I want something quick and consistent, Chick-fil-A never disappoints – their strips with Polynesian sauce are my go-to comfort food.
For at-home options, I was skeptical about frozen strips until I tried the Just Bare ones from Target. They’re shockingly good in the air fryer, and I always keep a bag in my freezer for emergencies (and by emergencies, I mean Tuesday nights when I don’t feel like cooking).
FAQ: Your Chicken Strip Questions Answered
Q: Which fast food place has the best chicken strips?
A: This is subjective, but Chick-fil-A, Raising Cane’s, and Popeyes frequently top customer lists.
Q: Are frozen chicken strips already cooked?
A: Yes, most frozen chicken strips are pre-cooked and only need to be heated to the recommended temperature.
Q: What’s the healthiest way to cook chicken strips at home?
A: Air frying or baking uses less oil than deep frying, making them healthier options.
Q: How long do homemade chicken strips last in the fridge?
A: Properly stored, they should last 3-4 days in the refrigerator.
Q: Can I freeze homemade chicken strips?
A: Absolutely! Freeze them on a baking sheet first, then transfer to a freezer bag for storage up to 3 months.
Conclusion: Finding Your Perfect Chicken Strip Source
Whether you prefer the convenience of Chick-fil-A’s freshly breaded Chick-n-Strips, the cook-at-home ease of Just Bare strips from Target, or making your own from scratch, there’s a chicken strip option out there for everyone.
The best place to buy chicken strips ultimately depends on your personal preferences, budget, and situation. Don’t be afraid to try different options until you find your favorite!
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