Where to Buy Chicken Leg Quarters in Bulk

Many families and restaurants rely on chicken leg quarters because they are cheap, tasty, and easy to use in different ways. When compared to buying them in smaller amounts, buying chicken leg quarters in bulk can save you a lot of money. This page tells you where and how to buy a lot of chicken leg quarters.

What are Chicken Leg Quarters?

Chicken leg quarters, also known as leg quarters or chicken hindquarters, are the leg and thigh portions of a chicken. They consist of the drumstick, thigh, and a portion of the back.

Leg quarters contain a good balance of white and dark meat, The thigh is juicy and flavorful dark meat while the drumstick is lean white meat The bone-in skin-on cut also provides great flavor

Leg quarters are often less expensive than breasts and wings when it comes to chicken cuts. They are a popular choice for families, restaurants, and food service businesses because they are cheap, have tasty dark meat, and can be used in many ways.

Benefits of Buying Chicken Leg Quarters in Bulk

Purchasing food in bulk typically saves money compared to buying smaller quantities. Chicken leg quarters are no exception. Here are some key benefits of buying chicken leg quarters in bulk:

• Save money – Buying 40-50 pounds of leg quarters in a bulk case is significantly cheaper per pound than purchasing a few pounds at a time. You can save 20% or more compared to retail prices.

• Buy in the quantity you need – Bulk cases allow you to purchase the exact amount your family or business requires. This helps reduce waste.

• Convenience: You won’t have to go to the store as often because you’ll have a lot on hand. Some suppliers also deliver bulk orders.

• Versatility – Chicken leg quarters are extremely versatile. You can braise, grill, roast, sauté, or add them to soups, salads, pasta dishes, and other foods. Their versatility makes buying in bulk worthwhile.

• Long shelf life – Frozen chicken leg quarters can last 9-12 months in the freezer, allowing you to buy large quantities infrequently.

Where to Buy Chicken Leg Quarters in Bulk

You have several options when looking to purchase chicken leg quarters in bulk:

Warehouse Clubs

Warehouse clubs like Costco and Sam’s Club sell large cases of frozen chicken leg quarters at discounted bulk pricing. You can find 40 lb cases of jumbo leg quarters at Costco for just $1.11/lb.

Keep in mind that a membership is required to shop at warehouse clubs. If you regularly buy groceries and household items in bulk, the membership fee is generally a good investment.

Restaurant Food Distributors

Restaurant food distributors like Sysco and US Foods sell bulk chicken leg quarters primarily to food service businesses like restaurants, cafeterias, and caterers.

However, many also allow the general public to make purchases if you have a business license or tax ID number. You can buy 40 lb+ cases of leg quarters, sometimes for under $1/lb.

Specialty Grocers and Butchers

Some grocery stores like Restaurant Depot and ethnic grocers sell large cases of chicken leg quarters. It’s also worth asking your local butcher if they can order bulk quantities for you.

Pricing is usually a bit higher than warehouse clubs but may beat general supermarket prices. Expect to pay around $1.29-$1.79 per pound.

Online Stores

A few online meat purveyors like Wild Fork Foods sell bulk chicken leg quarters which they can ship frozen to your door. Prices are typically $1.50-$2.00+ per pound after shipping.

While less economical than local warehouse and restaurant supply options, the convenience of delivery may be worth it depending on your circumstances.

Tips for Buying Chicken Leg Quarters in Bulk

Follow these tips to ensure you choose quality bulk chicken leg quarters and get the best value:

• Check the price per pound rather than the total case price so you accurately compare prices between different package sizes.

• Look for leg quarters that are USDA Grade A. This indicates higher quality than the baseline Grade B rating.

• Opt for jumbo size leg quarters, which are typically around 1 lb each. They provide more meat than smaller leg quarters.

• Avoid pre-marinated or seasoned chicken. Plain chicken leg quarters are the most versatile for preparing different recipes.

• For maximum shelf life, only purchase leg quarters that are labeled “fresh” or frozen, not chilled/fresh.

• Carefully plan storage space in your freezer before purchasing. Buy only what will fit to avoid waste.

• See if any discounts or rebates apply by purchasing wholesale bulk quantities.

• Check if the retailer or supplier has a 100% satisfaction guarantee in case you’re unsatisfied with the product quality.

How to Store Bulk Chicken Leg Quarters

To safely store bulk packs of frozen chicken leg quarters:

• Keep frozen until ready to use. Place in freezer immediately upon returning home from the store.

• Store leg quarters in their original airtight packaging or place loose leg quarters in freezer bags. Exclude as much air as possible.

• Avoid storing leg quarters beyond their printed “use by” or “best by” date, which is typically 9-12 months from the packaging date for frozen chicken.

• Once thawed or cooked, refrigerate leftovers for no more than 3-4 days. Freeze any longer term leftovers.

• Follow the First In, First Out (FIFO) method by using oldest inventory first to avoid waste due to expiration.

• Monitor your freezer temperature. It should stay at 0°F or below. Higher temps shorten shelf life.

Buying chicken leg quarters in bulk is an economical way for families, restaurants, and other high volume users to purchase quality meat at lower prices per pound. Follow these tips on where to buy leg quarters wholesale, what to look for when comparing bulk packs, and how to store them properly. Doing so will ensure you save money while having delicious chicken stocked in the freezer.