Best Grocery Store Chicken Brands, According to Chefs

Choosing chicken at the grocery store can sense straightforward, but quality varies significantly. Chefs consistently point to specific brands that deliver on flavor, texture, and ethical sourcing. Understanding these preferences can elevate weeknight meals and ensure a consistently better result, whether you’re roasting a simple bird or simmering a complex cacciatore. Here’s a look at five chicken brands favored by culinary professionals, and what sets them apart.

Pasture Bird: A Focus on Quality and Ethics

Chef Andres Kaifer, of Customshop and Emmy Lou’s in Charlotte, North Carolina, favors Pasture Bird, often sourcing it from Sprouts. He appreciates its commitment to being non-GMO, pasture-raised, and unfrozen, noting the superior texture and flavor. Pasture Bird distinguishes itself through a transparent approach to raising chickens, prioritizing both quality and ethical treatment.

Bell & Evans: Flavor and Consistent Quality

Bell & Evans is praised for its consistent taste and sourcing standards. The brand’s air-chilling method, which preserves natural juices, is a key differentiator. Melanie Portman, chef and recipe developer with Droolrecipes.com, highlights the firm texture of Bell & Evans chickens, making them ideal for long-simmering dishes like chicken cacciatore, where maintaining shape is crucial.

Perdue: A Balance of Quality and Accessibility

Perdue offers a widely available option that still prioritizes quality. Lisa Lotts, home cook and recipe developer at Garlic and Zest, appreciates Perdue’s humane treatment of animals, noting that reduced stress in the birds translates to more tender meat.

Kirkland Signature Organic Chicken Breasts: Costco’s Value Choice

For Costco members, Kirkland Signature Organic Chicken Breasts offer a compelling combination of quality and value. These breasts are raised without added antibiotics or solutions for weight enhancement, ensuring a tender and juicy product.

Publix: A Regional Favorite

In the Southeastern United States, Publix consistently receives high marks for its overall quality, including its chicken. Emma Sullivan, recipe developer at DailyCookingRecipe.com, recommends Publix, along with Wegmans and Costco, for their commitment to avoiding chemicals, pesticides, and antibiotics. Publix’s rotisserie chickens are also a convenient option for quick meals.

Heather Newgen has two decades of experience reporting and writing about health, fitness, entertainment and travel.