What are the best brands of precooked chicken?

According to the USDA, Americans consume a significant amount of chicken annually, and the demand for convenient, precooked options continues to rise. When facing a time crunch, knowing what are the best brands of precooked chicken can drastically simplify mealtime and ensure delicious results.

Quick Summary

This guide reviews top precooked chicken brands including Tyson, Perdue, and Kirkland Signature, examining popular options across different categories like grilled strips, tenders, and rotisserie chicken to help consumers find the best quality and value.

Key Points

• Variety of Choices: The best precooked chicken depends on your needs, with options ranging from frozen grilled strips to fresh rotisserie and canned varieties.

• Top Brands: Leading brands include Tyson for grilled strips, Just Bare for premium tenders, Kirkland Signature (Costco) for rotisserie, and Swanson for canned chicken.

• Quality vs. Budget: Premium organic brands like Perdue SimplySmart and Applegate offer high quality, while Foster Farms and store brands provide budget-friendly alternatives.

• Nutritional Awareness: Be mindful of sodium content, especially in heavily seasoned or processed products, and check labels for healthier options.

• Versatile Use: Precooked chicken can be used for a wide range of meals, from quick salads and wraps to soups and casseroles, offering maximum convenience.

Navigating the Precooked Chicken Aisle

The market for precooked chicken is vast, offering a wide array of options from frozen strips to canned and refrigerated rotisserie-style products. The 'best' choice often depends on your intended use, budget, and dietary preferences, such as prioritizing organic ingredients or minimizing sodium. By breaking down the top contenders by category, you can make a more informed and satisfying purchase.

Top Precooked Chicken Brands by Category

Frozen Grilled Chicken Strips

Frozen grilled chicken strips are a meal-prep staple, perfect for adding protein to salads, pasta, and wraps without extra cooking. Quality here comes down to texture, flavor, and moisture content.

• Tyson Grilled & Ready Chicken Breast Strips: Often praised for their convenience and consistent texture. These strips are fully cooked and microwave-ready, making them a top choice for speedy meals. They are widely available and offer a reliable option for various recipes.
• Foster Farms Premium Chicken Breast Grilled Strips: A budget-friendly option noted for a simple, well-seasoned flavor that works well in a variety of dishes. While they may contain more preservatives than some higher-end brands, they offer excellent value.
• Applegate Natural Grilled Chicken Breast Strips: Known for a clean ingredient list, this brand is a favorite among those prioritizing natural products. They offer a high-quality, flavorful option that works well for healthy meal prep.
• 365 by Whole Foods Market Grilled Fully Cooked Chicken Strips: A solid choice for organic and non-GMO options, these strips offer a dependable, high-quality product for customers who shop at Whole Foods.

Frozen Chicken Tenders and Nuggets

This category appeals to families and those who want a simple, crispy chicken component. Not all breaded chicken is created equal, with differences in breading, seasoning, and chicken quality.

• Just Bare Lightly Breaded Chicken Breast Fillets: Named the winner in a recent chicken nugget taste test, Just Bare was praised for its superior taste and quality. Its popular lightly breaded fillets and tenders are a premium option for those seeking a restaurant-quality experience at home.
• Perdue SimplySmart Organics Lightly Breaded Chicken Strips: Cited as a top choice for a healthier, organic alternative to fast-food style tenders. Testers enjoyed the lighter breading that allows the flavor of the chicken to shine through, noting its excellent crunch.
• Bell & Evans Breaded Chicken: Another highly-rated brand, Bell & Evans scored well in taste tests and is known for its quality ingredients, though it can be pricier.

In-Store Rotisserie Chicken

Perhaps the most popular type of precooked chicken, the grocery store rotisserie chicken is a convenient and affordable meal solution. Quality can vary significantly by store.

• Costco Kirkland Signature Seasoned Rotisserie Chicken: Widely regarded as a top-tier rotisserie chicken, praised for being consistently moist and perfectly seasoned. The price point is notoriously low, making it an incredible value. However, Consumer Reports notes its relatively high sodium content.
• Kroger Simple Truth Rotisserie Chicken: A standout for its lower sodium content compared to many competitors, proving that healthier options are available without sacrificing taste.
• Whole Foods Market Organic Classic Rotisserie Chicken: Offers a premium, higher-priced organic option for those concerned about sourcing and ingredients.

Canned and Shredded Precooked Chicken

For stews, casseroles, and chicken salad, canned or pre-shredded chicken offers maximum convenience.

• Swanson White Premium Chunk Canned Chicken Breast: A best-seller on Amazon and a reliable choice for canned chicken. It comes in a standard and a lower-sodium version, offering flexibility for different recipes.
• HERDEZ Fully Cooked Entree Shredded Chicken: Packaged in a microwaveable tray, this shredded Mexican-style chicken is ideal for tacos, enchiladas, and other quick meals.

Comparison Table: Top Brands of Precooked Chicken

Feature	Tyson Grilled & Ready Strips	Perdue SimplySmart Tenders	Costco Kirkland Rotisserie	Swanson Canned Chicken
Category	Frozen Grilled Strips	Frozen Breaded Tenders	Refrigerated Rotisserie	Canned/Pouched
Primary Use	Salads, wraps, stir-fries	Quick dinners, sandwiches	Standalone meal, sandwiches, soups	Casseroles, chicken salad, soups
Taste & Texture	Mild, consistent flavor; good for integration	Lightly breaded, crispy exterior, juicy chicken	Very moist, savory, well-seasoned	Neutral flavor, shredded texture
Convenience	Excellent; microwave-ready	Excellent; quick oven bake or air fry	Excellent; ready to eat	Excellent; long shelf-life, no cooking required
Sourcing	Conventional, widely available	Organic, conscious sourcing	Varies; known for value	Conventional, pantry staple
Sodium	Moderate (varies by product)	Moderate (varies by product)	Can be high; check nutrition info	Varies; reduced-sodium option available
Approximate Cost	Mid-range	Higher end (organic)	Excellent value	Low to mid-range

Factors to Consider When Buying

When choosing a precooked chicken brand, evaluate these key factors to match your needs:

• Intended Use: Will it be the centerpiece of a meal, or a simple protein additive? A rotisserie chicken is great for a family dinner, while grilled strips are perfect for quick salads.
• Nutritional Profile: Pay attention to sodium levels, especially in products that have been heavily seasoned or brined. For those with dietary restrictions, look for lower-sodium or organic options.
• Ingredients: Review the ingredient list for preservatives, additives, and allergen information. Some brands, like Applegate, prioritize cleaner, more natural ingredients.
• Price vs. Value: While some premium brands like Just Bare or Kevin's Natural Foods offer superior taste and quality, more budget-friendly options like Foster Farms or store-brand rotisserie chickens provide excellent value for everyday meals.
• Preparation: Consider how much additional work you're willing to do. Some products are ready to eat, while others require reheating in the microwave, oven, or air fryer.

Tips for Using Precooked Chicken Effectively

To get the most out of your precooked chicken, try these tips:

1. Enhance Flavor: If using plain strips or rotisserie meat, add a marinade or sauce to give it a flavor boost before serving. For example, toss grilled strips in a lemon-herb dressing for a fresh salad.
2. Repurpose Leftovers: Rotisserie chicken can be transformed into multiple meals. Use the breast meat for sandwiches and salads, and the darker meat for soups, stews, or quesadillas.
3. Use for Meal Prep: Brands like Tyson and Applegate are perfect for portioning out for meal prep containers, ensuring you have protein ready for a week of lunches.
4. Avoid Overcooking: Since the chicken is already cooked, reheating is all that is needed. Be careful not to overcook, which can dry out the meat. Follow package directions for best results.
5. Store Properly: Ensure you follow all storage instructions. For refrigerated products like rotisserie chicken, plan to use them within a few days or freeze the meat for later.

Conclusion

Choosing the best brand of precooked chicken is a matter of prioritizing your specific needs, whether that's taste, quality, or budget. For all-around convenience and versatility, Tyson Grilled & Ready Strips are a consistent winner. If you prioritize premium, organic options, brands like Just Bare and Perdue SimplySmart stand out. And for a complete, affordable meal, nothing beats a Kirkland Signature rotisserie chicken. By considering the different types and evaluating the top brands, you can find the perfect shortcut to a delicious and convenient meal.

For more information on food safety and preparing chicken, consult the USDA Food Safety and Inspection Service at https://www.fsis.usda.gov/food-safety/safe-food-handling-and-preparation/poultry.

Frequently Asked Questions

Which precooked chicken is best for salads?

For salads, frozen grilled chicken strips from brands like Tyson Grilled & Ready or Applegate are ideal. Costco's Kirkland rotisserie chicken meat is also a delicious and flavorful option.

Is precooked chicken healthy?

The healthiness of precooked chicken depends on the product. Some, like plain grilled strips or organic options, can be a lean source of protein. However, many precooked products can be high in sodium, so it is important to read the nutrition labels.

What is the best precooked chicken for meal prep?

Brands that offer plain, seasoned chicken strips or diced pieces, such as Tyson Grilled & Ready or 365 by Whole Foods Market, are excellent for meal prep. They can be easily portioned for various meals throughout the week.

Does canned chicken taste good?

Canned chicken, like Swanson, has a neutral flavor and shredded texture that works well in dishes where the chicken is not the main flavor, such as chicken salad, casseroles, or creamy soups. It is not comparable to fresh or roasted chicken.

How can I make precooked chicken taste better?

You can improve the flavor of precooked chicken by adding sauces, marinades, or fresh seasonings. You can also brown the strips in a pan with some oil and spices to add more depth of flavor.

Is rotisserie chicken healthier than frozen chicken tenders?

A store-bought rotisserie chicken can be a healthier choice than frozen, breaded chicken tenders, which are often high in fat and sodium. However, rotisserie chickens can still have high sodium levels depending on the brand, so comparing nutrition facts is key.

Can you freeze rotisserie chicken?

Yes, you can easily freeze leftover rotisserie chicken. Simply shred the meat and store it in an airtight container or freezer bag. It can be frozen for several months and thawed for use in future meals.