When I pull into the Publix parking lot on Sunday mornings for my weekly grocery run, the first thing I smell when I open my car door is the heavenly scent of fried chicken. I think they point the vents from their fryers toward the parking lot, letting out a smell of crispy fried chicken that makes people lose their willpower and leave without buying a box.
I’ve eaten my fair share of Publix chicken tenders (sometimes before I even leave the store parking lot), but I’ve never analyzed it from a critical perspective. Few Southern chains have a more fervent following than Publix. But is their fried chicken really that good? I’m taking off my hungry hat and putting on my food critic hat to take a closer look.
If you always shop at Publix, you might be looking at the meat section and wondering, “How much does chicken really cost here?”
There are a lot of different kinds of chicken at Publix, from whole organic or conventional chickens to just breasts or thighs, so the price of chicken can change. I completely understand how hard it is to make sense of everything!
So, I made this whole guide to help you understand everything. This page has a lot of information about the different kinds of chicken that Publix sells, how their prices compare to those of other stores, how to save money, and more.
Let’s dive in and uncover everything you need to know about the cost of buying chicken at Publix!
An Overview of the Chicken Selection at Publix
Publix offers a diverse array of chicken options to meet any shopper’s needs. Here’s a quick rundown of what you can expect to find:
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Whole chickens – Sold individually or in value packs, expect to pay anywhere from $1.29/lb for a small whole chicken up to $2.49/lb for an organic free-range bird.
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Chicken breasts – Sold bone-in or boneless, with or without skin in various pack sizes. Prices typically range from $3.49/lb for boneless skinless breasts up to $4.99/lb for organic.
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Chicken thighs: You can get them with or without the bones, and the prices are about $2 each. 29/lb to $3. 49/lb depending on features like organic or skinless.
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Drumsticks and wings – Usually sold together in value packs, expect to pay around $1.99/lb to $2.49/lb.
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Ground chicken – Typically costs $3.99/lb to $4.99/lb depending on fat content and other factors.
As you can see, there’s a diverse range of chicken styles at a variety of price points. Keep reading to see how Publix chicken costs stack up against the competition.
How Publix Chicken Prices Compare to Other Grocery Chains
Pubilx is known for competitive prices, but how does their chicken selection really compare against other major grocery stores? Here’s a quick look:
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Whole chickens – Publix prices are very similar to Kroger, around 10-20% lower than Safeway or Albertsons.
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Chicken breasts – Comparable to Kroger and Tom Thumb, roughly 15% lower than HEB.
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Organic chicken – Slightly lower than Kroger, 5-10% cheaper than Whole Foods organic options.
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Chicken thighs – Prices align with Kroger, about 5% cheaper than Tom Thumb.
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Drumsticks/wings value packs – Matches discounts at Kroger, beats out Randalls and Tom Thumb.
While every location varies, Publix tends to offer very competitive chicken prices versus alternatives. You can typically find comparable prices to Kroger, with even bigger savings compared to pricier chains like Whole Foods or Albertsons.
What Impacts the Cost of Chicken at Publix?
Like all grocery items, the price of chicken at Publix depends on a few key factors:
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Type of cut – Breasts and tenders are premium cuts and cost more than thighs, wings, etc. Boneless and skinless also adds cost.
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Production method – Organic and free-range chickens are more expensive to raise and result in higher prices.
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Supply and demand – When chicken supply is short, prices rise accordingly. High demand seasons like summer grilling season can also increase cost.
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Promotions and sales – Chicken is a popular sale item. Look for “Buy One Get One Free” and other deals to save.
By understanding what impacts the varying chicken prices, you can better plan your purchases around sales and select lower-cost cuts to maximize savings.
Tips for Saving Money on Chicken at Publix
Ready to get the best deal on chicken for your next Publix run? Here are my top money-saving tips:
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Check the weekly ad for chicken promotions and base meals around what’s on sale. The front page highlights the biggest deals.
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Opt for value packs whenever possible – they offer the lowest price per pound. Freeze extra chicken for later to prevent waste.
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Buy whole chickens and cut them yourself into breasts, wings, thighs, etc. It’s cheaper than buying pieces individually.
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Look for chicken thighs or leg quarters for the best value over expensive breasts and tenders.
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Skip the organics and go for conventionally raised chicken to trim costs, still with Publix quality.
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Grab ground chicken for an affordable alternative to use in soups, casseroles, burgers, and more.
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Purchase Publix brand chicken for savings over name brands.
Follow this advice to keep your chicken purchases budget-friendly!
When Does Publix Offer the Best Chicken Deals?
Wondering when you can score the biggest bargains on chicken at Publix? Here’s the inside scoop:
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Holidays – Thanksgiving and Christmas are prime times for chicken deals, like low prices on whole birds.
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Start of grilling season – Early spring usually brings chicken sales and BOGOs perfect for upcoming summer BBQs.
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Rotisserie chicken day – Check Wednesdays and Saturdays for hot deals on ready-to-serve rotisserie chickens.
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Low grocery delivery days – Chicken specials typically happen middle of the week when grocery orders are slower.
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Football season – Chicken wings and party foods often go on sale leading up to big game days.
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New chicken product launches – Try new marinated or specialty chicken at a discount when first released.
Keep this timing in mind and you won’t miss out on Publix’s best chicken bargains!
Is Publix Chicken Worth the Price?
With all the factors that go into Publix chicken pricing, you may be wondering if it’s worth the cost compared to alternatives. In my experience, Publix chicken is absolutely worth it for a few key reasons:
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Premium quality – Publix maintains high standards with its chicken suppliers and meticulous selection criteria for both conventional and organic options.
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Super fresh – Chicken arrives daily to stores for exceptional freshness you can taste.
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Free of additives – Publix chicken contains no hormones, steroids, or antibiotics.
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Satisfaction guaranteed – You can return any unsatisfactory chicken product for a full refund.
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Budget-friendly prices – Despite the premium features, Publix chicken remains very competitively priced, especially with promotions.
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Trusted brand – With 90 years of grocery excellence, you can trust the Publix name for a high-quality chicken shopping experience.
Taste Test: Fried Chicken Tenders
My love for Publix fried chicken tenders is no secret. They are the easiest thing to carry, and all you have to do to be the star of the potluck, tailgate, or brunch is pull out your wallet.
Publix chicken tenders are HUGE. I’d say that one is really all you need, but I’ve never eaten just one chicken tender in my life. Part of their bulky size comes from their double-dredge—probably 30 percent of their weight comes from those crispy layers of fried breading.
Speaking of breading, Publix’s signature combination of spices and flavorings has a legion of fans. While their ingredient labels are a little cagey on exactly what “spices” are included, they do specify salt, onion powder, dried yeast, paprika, turmeric, and anatto. Those last three are responsible for the signature sunset glow that Publix chicken is known for.
Personally, I find Publix chicken tenders to be nearly perfect; their only flaw is that they’re almost over the top. The breading is wonderfully salty, but there’s a lot of it. However, because the tenders themselves are so large, you almost need it to have the proper chicken-to-crispy ratio. If you’re looking for the actual perfect chicken-to-crispy ratio, keep reading.
Which one do y’all think has better popcorn chicken? #publix #florida #chicken
FAQ
Is Publix chicken fried or baked?
They were coy, saying only, “Our Publix deli fried chicken is always fresh, never frozen. Each piece is double-hand-breaded using our unique breading recipe. This delicious product is crispy and freshly fried throughout the day. ”.
How much fried chicken to feed 25 people?
For 25 people, cook 37 to 50 trimmed pieces from about 10 to 13 pounds of chicken.
Do Publix sell whole chicken?
Publix Chicken, Whole Young, USDA Grade A | Publix Super Markets.
Why does Publix chicken taste so good?
While their ingredient labels are a little cagey on exactly what “spices” are included, they do specify salt, onion powder, dried yeast, paprika, turmeric, and anatto. Those last three are responsible for the signature sunset glow that Publix chicken is known for.
How long does it take Publix to deliver fried chicken?
Get Publix Deli Fried Chicken 8 Pc Mixed, Hot (2740 Cal/Pack) delivered to you in as fast as 1 hour with Publix same-day delivery or curbside pickup.
Does Publix have a fried chicken sandwich?
Publix is famous for its “Pub Subs,” freshly made sandwiches that are customizable with various meats, cheeses, and toppings. A lot of people also love their fried chicken and bakery items, like freshly baked bread and pastries. 2. Does Publix offer meal deals or combo options?.
Does Publix have crispy chicken?
Get ready to eat at Publix. These plates come with your choice of protein, two sides, and a fresh roll, so you can finish your meal feeling full and balanced. Crunchy on the outside, tender on the inside—Publix’s Crispy Chicken is perfect for satisfying your craving for a flavorful, golden fried bite.
How much does a Publix sub cost?
The price of a Publix sub varies depending on the size and the ingredients chosen. Typically, a half sub starts around $6-7, while a whole sub ranges from $8-10. Prices may vary slightly depending on location. 5. Does Publix offer vegetarian or vegan menu options? Yes, Publix has a variety of vegetarian and vegan-friendly items.
Does Publix have rotisserie chicken?
It’s a Publix favorite, and the Rotisserie Chicken is soft, juicy, and full of flavor. It’s perfect for a quick and filling meal. Complete your meal with Publix’s convenient ready-to-eat plates, featuring your choice of protein paired with two sides and a fresh roll for a balanced and fulfilling experience.
Are Publix delivery prices higher than physical store prices?
Publix’s delivery and curbside pickup item prices are higher than item prices in physical store locations. Prices are based on data collected in store and are subject to delays and errors. Fees, tips & taxes may apply. Subject to terms & availability. Publix Liquors orders cannot be combined with grocery delivery. Drink Responsibly. Be 21.