The Best Places to Buy Fresh, Delicious Ground Chicken

Cooking with ground chicken is easy and good for you. You can use it to make burgers, meatballs, casseroles, and soups. But not all ground chicken is created equal. Where you buy it makes a big difference in the quality and taste. Because I cook a lot at home, I want to make sure that the ground chicken I use in my recipes is always fresh and tastes great. I’ve learned the best places to buy ground chicken over the years by making mistakes and learning from them.

Grocery Stores

Your local grocery store is often the most convenient place to grab ground chicken Many major chains like Kroger, Safeway, Albertsons, and Publix carry fresh ground chicken in the refrigerated meat case Here are some things to look for

• Check the label. The label should indicate if it’s 100% chicken breast or a blend of white and dark meat Opt for 100% breast if you want leaner and milder meat Blends add more fat and flavor.

• Look at the color. Ground chicken made from just breast meat will be lighter in color. Blends with dark meat will be pink to light brown. Avoid any with grayish tinges.

• Give it a sniff. Raw ground chicken should have little to no odor. Pass on any packages that smell unpleasant

• Consider the source. Some stores now carry ground chicken labeled with things like “organic,” “free-range,” “pasture-raised,” etc. This indicates healthier, more humanely raised chickens.

• Seek out freshness. Check the “sell-by” date and choose the package with the most recent date to make sure it stays fresh the longest.

One good thing about grocery stores is that you can check out the chicken yourself. On the other hand, the quality and choice aren’t always consistent. Going to the store first thing in the morning usually gets me the freshest items.

Butcher Shops or Meat Markets

For superior freshness and quality, visit a local butcher shop or meat market if you have one nearby. These specialty stores typically get whole chickens delivered several times a week and grind the meat in-house. Here’s why they are worth a visit:

• Increased freshness – Chicken is ground on-site throughout the day. You’ll get the freshest ground meat possible.

• Better taste – Locally butchered and ground chicken has superior texture and flavor.

• You have more choices—choose from different cuts, such as breast, thighs, or wings. Ask them to grind a custom blend.

• Trusted sourcing – Local butchers often have relationships with area farms. You can confirm the chicken is locally raised in humane conditions.

• Helpful service – Experienced butchers can recommend the best ground chicken for your needs and answer questions.

The downside of butcher shops is they typically cost a bit more than grocery stores. However, the quality and freshness is vastly improved. I think it’s worth the slight splurge, especially for chicken that’s the star ingredient like in burgers or meatballs.

Online Stores and Delivery Services

Ordering ground chicken for delivery from online stores or services like Instacart is surging in popularity for several reasons:

• Huge selection – Order from a wide variety of brands and chicken types without leaving home. Get specific cuts like organic boneless skinless chicken breast.

• Quality focus – Online purveyors like Thrive Market and FreshDirect focus on premium quality chicken from reputable suppliers.

• Meal kit options – Meal kit companies like HelloFresh and Home Chef deliver measured ground chicken for recipes along with other ingredients.

• Convenience – Chicken gets delivered direct to your door, saving time.

• Improved availability – Gets you high-quality ground chicken even if local stores don’t carry it.

The downsides are that you can’t personally inspect it before purchasing and delivery fees can add to the cost. Make sure to closely check the chicken immediately upon delivery.

Warehouse Clubs

Warehouse stores like Costco, Sam’s Club, and BJ’s sell large packs of fresh ground chicken at budget-friendly prices. Here are some tips for shopping the warehouse route:

• Focus on trusted brands – Look for national brands you recognize, like Perdue, Tyson, and Pilgrim’s Pride. Avoid generic warehouse brands.

• Check freezer options – If freezing some, frozen ground chicken in vacuum-sealed packaging maintains quality and prevents freezer burn.

• Look for value packs – Buying larger quantities generally costs less per pound compared to grocery stores. Split up what you don’t use.

• Inspect before buying – Peek inside a package to judge color and smell since you can’t return it once purchased. Pass if any look questionable.

• Use or freeze promptly – Don’t let the chicken sit in the fridge for more than a day or two since the large packs won’t stay fresh as long.

The issue is that warehouse stores typically don’t grind their own chicken on site, so it loses some freshness. But the savings on bulk purchases can make it worthwhile if you prepare a lot of chicken.

Tips for Cooking and Storing Ground Chicken

Once you’ve bought your ground chicken, proper storage and cooking are essential for safety and preventing spoilage. Here are some key tips:

• Store in the fridge – Keep ground chicken stored on the bottom shelf of the refrigerator set at 40°F or below. Use within 1-2 days for maximum freshness.

• Freeze for longer storage – Ground chicken can be frozen for 2-3 months. Make sure all packaging is intact with no air exposure.

• Cook thoroughly – Cook ground chicken to an internal temperature of at least 165°F. Chicken needs proper cooking to eliminate bacteria.

• Keep raw chicken separate – Prevent cross-contamination by keeping raw chicken away from produce, cooked foods, utensils, and surfaces.

• Watch for changes in color or texture – Don’t eat ground chicken that has turned gray or mushy. Discard it.

Following safe handling and storage methods will keep ground chicken optimally fresh and reduce your risk of foodborne illness. Take advantage of these tips to get the most out of your ground chicken no matter where you buy it.

Now that you know where to find the best ground chicken for your needs and budget, you can whip up delicious and nourishing meals. Everything from easy weeknight dinners to impressive weekend dishes are possible with this versatile ingredient. While availability and prices may vary in your area, you’re sure to discover a go-to source for fresh, high-quality ground chicken.