Are you tired of making multiple trips to the grocery store just to keep your family fed? Maybe you’re planning a big event, or perhaps you’re just someone who likes to meal prep like a boss. Whatever your reason, buying whole chickens in bulk could be the game-changer you’ve been looking for!
I’ve spent years hunting down the best deals on bulk chicken (my freezer can testify to that!), and I’m excited to share what I’ve learned. In this guide, we’ll explore where to find quality whole chickens at wholesale prices that won’t break the bank.
Why Buy Whole Chickens in Bulk?
Before we dive into where to buy let’s talk about why buying whole chickens in bulk makes so much sense
- Major cost savings – Buying in bulk typically means paying less per pound
- Fewer shopping trips – Stock up once and you’re good for weeks or months
- Meal prep efficiency – Process everything at once and freeze for later
- More cooking options – Whole chickens give you everything from breasts to wings to bones for stock
Trust me, once you go bulk, it’s hard to go back to buying single chickens at retail prices!
Top Places to Buy Whole Chickens in Bulk
1. Farmer’s Fresh Meat
If you’re looking for quality and value, Farmer’s Fresh Meat offers an impressive whole chicken case that’s hard to beat. Here’s what makes their offering stand out:
- Whole Chicken Case (80lb) for $129.99 (just $1.62 per pound)
- Approximately 20-22 whole chickens per case
- 100% natural, hormone-free chickens
- Free cutting service – they’ll cut the chickens to your liking at no extra charge
- SNAP EBT eligible for qualifying customers
- Local product supporting regional farmers
- Fresh, not frozen chickens
They also offer free delivery on orders above $65, which is a nice bonus when you’re buying in bulk. You can pick up from their locations in Houston, TX.
2. Bringhurst Meats
Bringhurst Meats offers both conventional and premium Amish options for bulk chicken purchases. Their pricing structure is detailed and gives you lots of options:
Conventional Chicken Options
- Whole Fryers: $69.60 per case (approx. 40 lbs.) at $1.74/lb
- Additional services available:
- Cutting pieces: add $0.15/lb
- Wrapping: add $0.15/lb
- Both cutting & wrapping: add $0.25/lb
Gerber Amish Farms All Natural Chicken
- Whole Fryers: $106.00 per case (40 lbs.) at $2.65/lb
- Similar additional services for cutting and wrapping
What I love about Bringhurst is their flexibility – you can choose how much processing you want done, and pay accordingly. They’ll even cut fryers into specific pieces (drums, thighs, wings, & breasts) if that’s what you prefer.
3. Marx Foods
For those looking for specialty or heritage breeds, Marx Foods offers premium options:
- French Poulet Rouge™ Chicken: 6 chickens (approximately 18 lbs.) for $299
- Whole Poussin: 20 poussin (approximately 22 lbs.) for $417
- Free Range options available
- Halal certified selections
While more expensive than conventional options, Marx Foods specializes in higher-end, specialty chickens that might be perfect for special occasions or if you’re looking for specific breeds.
Local Butcher Shops vs. Online Retailers
Advantages of Local Butcher Shops
I’ve found that building a relationship with a local butcher like Bringhurst Meats or Farmer’s Fresh Meat can have serious perks:
- You can see the product before purchasing
- Potential for negotiating better prices for repeat customers
- Custom cutting services often included or available
- Supporting local businesses
- No shipping costs or concerns about delivery
Benefits of Online Retailers
On the flip side, online retailers like Marx Foods offer:
- Access to specialty breeds you might not find locally
- Convenience of home delivery
- Wider selection from around the country
- Detailed product information online
- Reviews from other customers
How to Store Bulk Chicken
So you’ve bought 40+ pounds of chicken… now what? Here’s my tried-and-true storage strategy:
- Process immediately – Don’t let those birds sit around
- Decide what cuts you want – Some whole, some parts? Plan ahead
- Invest in good freezer bags or vacuum sealer (seriously, worth every penny!)
- Label everything with contents and date
- Use within 6-12 months for best quality
Pro tip: If you don’t have a chest freezer, consider getting one before your bulk chicken purchase. Your regular freezer probably won’t cut it!
Cost Breakdown: Is Buying in Bulk Really Worth It?
Let’s do some quick math to see if bulk purchasing makes financial sense:
| Retailer | Product | Price per Case | Price per Pound | Approximate Cost per Chicken |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Farmer’s Fresh Meat | Whole Chicken Case | $129.99 (80 lbs) | $1.62/lb | $5.90-$6.50 each |
| Bringhurst Meats | Conventional Fryers | $69.60 (40 lbs) | $1.74/lb | ~$5.80 each |
| Bringhurst Meats | Amish Fryers | $106.00 (40 lbs) | $2.65/lb | ~$8.83 each |
| Marx Foods | French Poulet Rouge | $299 (18 lbs) | $16.61/lb | $49.83 each |
Compare this to typical grocery store prices of $7-12 per whole chicken, and the savings become clear – especially with Farmer’s Fresh Meat and Bringhurst’s conventional options!
Questions to Ask Before Buying
Before making your bulk chicken purchase, ask these important questions:
- Are the chickens fresh or frozen?
- How were the chickens raised? (cage-free, free-range, conventional)
- Are antibiotics or hormones used?
- What’s the average weight of each chicken?
- Do you offer cutting services?
- What’s your return policy if there are quality issues?
- Can I get a sample before committing to a full case?
Customer Experiences
We’ve ordered from Farmer’s Fresh Meat several times, and the quality has been consistently good. Their cutting service saves me tons of time, and at $1.62/lb, it’s actually cheaper than most grocery store sales!
A friend tried Bringhurst’s Amish chickens and swears they taste better than anything from the supermarket. She says the extra cost is worth it for the flavor difference, especially for special meals.
Making the Most of Your Bulk Chicken Purchase
Once you’ve got all that chicken, here are some ideas to maximize your investment:
- Meal prep Sundays – Cook several chickens at once for the week ahead
- Stock making – Save bones for homemade chicken stock
- Variety of recipes – From simple roast chicken to complex curries
- Share with family/friends – Split a case to make it more manageable
- Learn butchering skills – Save on cutting fees by learning to break down chickens yourself
If you’re looking for the best overall value with quality birds, Farmer’s Fresh Meat’s case of 20-22 chickens at $1.62/lb is hard to beat. The free cutting service and natural, hormone-free quality make this my top recommendation for most people.
For those wanting more options and flexibility in processing, Bringhurst Meats offers great conventional and premium choices with customizable processing.
And if you’re planning a gourmet meal or special occasion, Marx Foods’ specialty chickens might be worth the splurge.
Whichever option you choose, buying whole chickens in bulk is a smart way to save money, time, and ensure you always have quality protein on hand. Your wallet (and taste buds) will thank you!
Have you tried buying chicken in bulk? What was your experience like? I’d love to hear your thoughts in the comments below!
Note: Prices mentioned in this article were accurate at the time of writing but may change. Always check with retailers for current pricing and availability.
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FAQ
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?
What is the current wholesale price of chicken?
The current wholesale price for chicken is $2.26, which is up from $1.89 last month and $1.27 a year ago. This represents an increase of over 20% from April and more than 78% from one year ago.
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.
Does wholesale chicken taste like chicken?
Yes, our wholesale chicken from Marx Foods tastes like regular chicken. We believe that chicken should taste like chicken. Our free-range wholesale chicken products include rare heritage breeds like the French poulet rouge chicken. All our wholesale chicken meat is humanely raised with no hormones or antibiotics.
Where can I buy all-natural chicken?
All-natural chicken is available for wholesale purchase frozen year round at our non-GMO farm storefront and with regional meat delivery. From April to October we provide fresh chicken every Thursday morning in addition to the frozen chicken available throughout the week. Among other non-GMO products, our All-Natural Chicken products include: