Are Realgood Chicken Strips Precooked? Getting to the Bottom of This Conundrum

Chicken strips are a quick, easy, and tasty way to eat or snack. Their crunchy outside and soft inside make them a perfect treat for your mouth. Realgood Foods has entered the fray with their healthy take on this old favorite. It looks like their low-carb chicken strips are too good to be true. However, many customers still have one question: are Realgood chicken strips already cooked? Let’s find out the answer.

RealGood chicken strips are partially cooked before they get to your door frozen. Even though the outside looks golden brown and cooked, looks can be deceiving. To make sure they are safe, these still-raw strips need to be cooked all the way through before being eaten.

Why Does Realgood Partially Cook Their Chicken Strips?

Some people may wonder why RealGood only partially cooks their chicken strips if they’re not fully cooked. There are two main reasons for this manufacturing choice.

Firstly, food safety. Partially cooking the chicken helps reduce potentially harmful bacteria levels. It doesn’t completely remove the risk, but it adds another layer of protection.

Secondly, convenience. Pre-cooking the strips cuts down the cooking time needed later at home. This gives customers quick and easy access to a nutritious meal that’s ready in a hurry.

Clearing Up Confusion Around Raw Status

Many customers understandably find it confusing that the chicken strips look cooked when they still require thorough cooking. It’s this appearance that likely spurs the question – are they precooked or not?

Several factors contribute to the pre-cooked appearance:

• Breading – The crispy breaded exterior takes on a browned look during the partial cooking.

• Frying – Flash frying is sometimes used in the initial cooking process which browns the coating.

• Baking – Baking can also achieve a browned look before the interior is cooked through.

• Freezing – The flash freezing process helps retain the cooked appearance of the partially cooked strips after initial heat treatment.

But looks can be misleading. While that golden crispy coating might convince you they’re ready to eat, the partially cooked interior tells a different story. Proper cooking is vital.

The Dangers of Undercooked Chicken

Why is it so crucial to fully cook Realgood chicken strips and not simply nibble on them straight from the freezer? Two potentially dangerous pathogens provide the answers: Salmonella and Campylobacter.

Both these bacteria can survive the partial cooking process and remain viable within the raw chicken. Consuming undercooked chicken exposes you to these bugs which can lead to some very unpleasant outcomes. We’re talking nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, abdominal cramps, fever and even hospitalization in severe cases.

With the risks of foodborne illness looming, proper cooking becomes non-negotiable for safe consumption. Don’t let the convenience of these freezer-to-oven/skillet/air-fryer strips convince you to take risky shortcuts.

Cooking Methods to Achieve Safety and Texture Perfection

Preparing Realgood chicken strips is simple and straightforward. With a couple precautions, you’ll achieve perfectly cooked strips every time. Here are some top cooking methods:

• Oven Baking – The healthiest option, bake at 400°F for 18-20 minutes flipping halfway until the internal temperature hits 165°F. Use a meat thermometer to test.

• Air Frying – For crispy air fried strips, cook at 375°F for 12-15 minutes, shaking halfway, until 165°F internal temperature.

• Pan Frying – Quick and easy stovetop cooking. Fry for 6-8 minutes per side in hot oil until golden brown and 165°F internal temperature.

The cooking times provided act as a guide, but always rely on a meat thermometer for accuracy to confirm safe doneness.

While methods like microwaving or cooking from frozen in a skillet may be tempting for quicker cooking, the results will likely disappoint. Stick to the traditional tried and true methods for best results.

Handling Leftovers

Got leftovers after whipping up a batch of Realgood chicken strips? Be diligent with storage and use.

Cooked strips should be stored properly in a sealed container in the fridge and consumed within 3-4 days for optimal freshness and food safety.

The strips also open up opportunities for creativity. Try chopping them up to top salads, mixing them into wraps and bowls, or rolling them up in a breakfast burrito.

Refreezing fully cooked strips is not recommended as the texture really suffers. Stick to refrigerating for leftovers.

The Takeaway – Cook Them Completely Every Time

Here are the key facts to remember when cooking up Realgood chicken strips:

• Partially cooked only, not ready to eat straight from freezer

• Must reach internal temperature of 165°F

• Follow recommended cooking times and methods

• Use a meat thermometer to confirm doneness

• Refrigerate leftovers properly and creatively reuse

While their quick-fix appeal is understandable given our busy lives, don’t let that convince you to take risky shortcuts. Always cook these chicken strips thoroughly before eating to ensure both food safety and the best possible taste and texture. Follow the guidance and you’ll be rewarded with a fast, healthy and delicious meal!