Where Can I Buy Chicken Cutlets? Your Guide to Finding the Best Chicken Cutlets

Chicken cutlets are a versatile and delicious ingredient that can be used in all sorts of recipes. From chicken parmesan to chicken piccata, chicken cutlets make it easy to prepare quick weeknight meals or elegant dishes for special occasions. But before you can cook with them, you first need to know where to buy high-quality chicken cutlets. This guide will walk you through the different places you can find chicken cutlets and things to look for when selecting the best ones.

Grocery Stores

Buying chicken cutlets at your local grocery store is often the easiest thing to do. You can find raw chicken cutlets in most grocery stores. They are usually in the meat section next to other types of raw chicken in the fridge. While you’re at the store, look for these things when you buy chicken cutlets:

• Reputable brand Stick to national brands you recognize like Perdue, Tyson, Foster Farms These companies have stringent quality control standards.

• Uniform size and shape. Choose cutlets of the same thickness so that they cook all the way through. Avoid oddly shaped or thin tapered pieces.

• No tears or blemishes. The cutlets should have a smooth surface with no nicks or tears in the meat. Discolored spots or bloody patches are also undesirable.

• Sell by date. Make sure the sell-by date gives you enough time to cook the chicken cutlets; ideally, you should do this within two to three days of buying them.

• Correct refrigeration: The cutlets should be chilled in the fridge, not left out at room temperature.

In addition to raw chicken cutlets, many grocery stores also carry ready-to-cook breaded chicken cutlets. These are handy when you want to skip the breading step. Just look for them in the freezer section or with other frozen prepared foods.

Butcher Shops or Meat Markets

For superior quality, consider purchasing chicken cutlets from a butcher shop or meat market. These specialized stores work directly with meat suppliers and butchers to provide fresher, better quality meats. A butcher can cut chicken breasts into uniform cutlets to your desired thickness. Key advantages of butcher shop chicken cutlets:

• Fresher: Chicken is usually cut right in store rather than pre-cut and shipped.

• Better texture: Careful cutting leads to more even, tender chicken free of gristle or tough spots.

• Customizable thickness: Request thinner cutlets for sautés or thicker ones for chicken parm.

• Higher quality chicken: Stores often work with local farms or high-end vendors.

• Marinating options: You can have the butcher marinate cutlets in garlic, lemon, or other flavors.

The one downside is chicken cutlets from butcher shops tend to be more expensive. But for a special occasion or dinner party, it’s worth splurging on better quality meat.

Farmers Markets

Shopping at farmers markets is another way to source top notch chicken cutlets. Look for vendors that sell locally raised chicken from small regional farms. This chicken is almost always fresher and tastier than conventional supermarket chicken. If a farmer doesn’t have pre-cut chicken cutlets, they will typically slice chicken breasts into cutlets at your request. Farmers markets are best for finding organic, free-range, and hormone/antibiotic-free chicken. The cutlets may cost a bit more than the grocery store, but you’re paying for premium quality.

Online Shopping

For ultimate convenience, order chicken cutlets online! A growing number of grocery delivery services make it easy to shop for chicken cutlets without leaving your home. Instacart is one popular online grocery app where you can find a wide selection of chicken cutlets available for delivery or pickup. Benefits of using Instacart for chicken cutlets include:

• Huge selection including natural, organic, kosher, halal, and pre-marinated.

• Real time inventory from stores in your area.

• Delivery in as little as 1-2 hours depending on store.

• Order chicken alongside the rest of your groceries in one click.

• Promos and deals exclusive to the app.

Other online grocery delivery options include AmazonFresh, Walmart Grocery Delivery and Pickup, Shipt, and more. Even meat specialty stores like Porter Road and Crowd Cow allow you to order chicken cutlets online and have them shipped. Overall, online shopping makes finding chicken cutlets incredibly fast and convenient.

Tips for Storing Chicken Cutlets

Once you’ve purchased your chicken cutlets, proper storage is key for safety and quality. Follow these guidelines:

• Place in airtight packaging or sealed container.

• Refrigerate at 40°F or below.

• Use within 2-3 days for peak freshness.

• If freezing, wrap cutlets tightly in plastic wrap or freezer bags. Exclude as much air as possible.

• Frozen cutlets last 2-3 months in the freezer before quality declines.

• Thaw frozen cutlets in the refrigerator, not on the counter.

Following basic food safety practices when handling raw chicken is also critical. Be sure to avoid cross contamination and cook cutlets to an internal temperature of 165°F.