When you think about Dairy Queen, chicken may not be the first thing that comes to mind. But the fast food chain wants to change that perception, and after a press trip to visit its headquarters in Minneapolis, Minnesota, Im reconsidering that assumption, too. While its known for its sweet treats, notably its legendary Blizzards — which are not actually made from ice cream, contrary to popular belief — the brand has steadily been expanding its savory menu item options. Of those savory options, the chicken strips are especially excellent.
Items like Dairy Queens chicken strips thrive due to a few values upheld by the company, namely family, connection, convenience, and affordability. But when crafting individual products like these strips, Dairy Queen also focuses on taste and quality. Additionally, I was quite impressed with the brands commitment to research and development, and its focus on customer feedback.
The chicken strips basket is a value for consumers, but it also has a lot going for it, notably in the texture and tenderness departments. While it isnt the boldest-flavored chicken strip out there, it certainly makes up for this with its sauces and dips, which are integral to the success of this menu item. Read on to discover what makes Dairy Queens chicken strips so good.
Do you want some tasty, crispy chicken strips with fries? A Dairy Queen chicken strip basket might be just what you need! But before you go to your local DQ, you may be wondering how much this tasty meal costs.
In this article, we’ll give you a detailed breakdown of Dairy Queen chicken strip basket pricing so you know exactly what to expect. We’ll cover the base price, factors that affect cost, portion sizes, customization options, and how it compares to similar fast food meals.
The Basics: What’s Included?
Let’s start by looking at what a Dairy Queen chicken strip basket has. Each order includes .
- 3 or 4 chicken strips (you choose regular or large size)
- Crispy french fries
- Texas toast
- Choice of dipping sauce: ranch, gravy, BBQ, honey mustard, buffalo, queso, or ketchup
Because they are made from 100% all-white meat chicken tenderloins, the chicken strips are juicy and full of flavor. DQ’s signature batter provides a crispy coating. It’s a satisfying combination!.
What’s the Base Price Range?
The base price typically ranges from $6 to $10 depending on your location. Most Dairy Queen restaurants offer the 3-strip regular basket or 4-strip large basket along with the fries, toast, and dipping sauce.
Regional differences and individual franchises may make prices vary slightly. Checking with your local DQ will give you the exact starting price. Expect to pay on the lower end of the range in small towns and more toward $10 in bigger cities.
What Factors Increase the Price?
You can expect to pay more if you customize or add on to your chicken strip basket order. Here are some add-ons that boost the total price:
- Drinks – A soda, milkshake or malt can add $2 to $5
- Desserts – Blizzard treats run $3 to $5
- Substitutions – Swapping fries for a side salad or onion rings adds around $1 to $2
So while the base chicken strip basket is very budget-friendly, the extras can quickly increase your total if you’re not careful!
Portion Sizes: Regular vs. Large
When ordering your chicken strip basket, you’ll choose either a regular or large size. Here’s how they compare:
- Regular – 3 chicken strips
- Large – 4 chicken strips
Both sizes come with a generous portion of fries. The regular is plenty for most people, but the large basket lets you indulge with an extra strip if you’re super hungry.
Protein, carbs, and vegetables make this meal filling and satisfying no matter how you eat it.
Customization Options Galore
One of the best things about a Dairy Queen chicken strip basket is you can customize it to your taste. Options include:
- Dipping sauces – Barbecue, ranch, honey mustard, and more
- Side swaps – Trade fries for a salad or onion rings
- Drinks & desserts – Add a Blizzard, shake, soda or malt
With all these ways to personalize your meal, you can get the perfect chicken strip experience every time you visit DQ.
How Does Pricing Compare to Similar Fast Food Meals?
Dairy Queen’s chicken strip basket provides excellent value compared to other fast food chains.
For instance, a McDonald’s McChicken meal runs about $4 to $6. But you just get the sandwich – no sides or sauces.
KFC’s 3-piece chicken tender meal with a drink can cost $8 to $10. DQ gives you more food for your money.
Chick-fil-A is praised for its flavorful chicken strips. But a similar portioned meal there will set you back around $9.
So at Dairy Queen, you get more included for every dollar spent. The abundance of fries, toast, and dipping sauces add to the experience.
The Verdict: A Budget-Friendly Crowd Pleaser
When it comes to answering “how much is a Dairy Queen chicken strip basket,” the pricing lands squarely in affordable fast food territory. For just $6 to $10, you get a filling meal with generous portions and tasty customization options.
The cost compares very favorably against other popular chains like KFC and McDonald’s. Dairy Queen’s homestyle, fried comfort food hits the spot without draining your wallet.
Next time you’re craving crispy chicken strips, head to DQ for a budget-friendly basket of happiness! Enjoy every juicy, crunchy bite knowing you got an awesome meal at a great price.
Made with real chicken
When Dairy Queen introduced its chicken strips in 1993, it was the first quick-service restaurant to use real chicken meat versus a compressed chicken product. To better understand the importance of this, it is crucial to differentiate between chicken strips and chicken nuggets. While all of these are technically made from real chicken meat, nuggets are formed by grinding together various chicken parts, including breast meat, nervous tissue, connective tissue, bones, tendons, and fat, along with fillers and preservatives. These are subsequently formed into the desired shape before being breaded and fried.
Dairy Queens chicken strips, by contrast, are made from 100% real breast meat, more specifically meat from the tenderloin of the bird. While not all chicken strips are made from tenderloin meat, those that are tend to be more juicy and have a less stringy texture. This is the case with the chicken strips at Dairy Queen. They are very moist and tender when they are properly fried, which is something I often don’t find in chicken strips from fast food restaurants.
Another criterion that can make or break a chicken strip is the quantity and texture of its breading. Chicken strips that are excessively breaded with a dense layer of crumbs can easily become soggy, even when fried at the correct temperature. On the flip side, not adequately breading chicken strips can leave them spongy and lacking in texture. For this reason, I was pleased to discover that the breading used on the chicken strips at Dairy Queen was carefully applied and well-balanced.
The breading, while simple and not overly fussy in the flavor department, is tasty. It isnt heavy-handed, and its evenly distributed over the chicken tenderloins. This makes the perfect barrier for the tenderloins, keeping them moist while they fry and giving them a nice crunch that goes well with the juicy meat. And while I sometimes like my chicken strips to have a bit more color, the golden brown crust on these is always cooked to the same color everywhere (as required by company policy), so the chicken and crust are always the same level of doneness.
Speaking of consistency, a corporation with roughly 4,000 locations in the United States and 7,500 franchises globally must maintain rigorous quality control to ensure that customers at every location are enjoying the same meal — whether they dine in California or North Dakota. This was something I got to witness first-hand when touring the corporate headquarters of Dairy Queen. The attention to quality at every step of the production process, from research and development to distribution, is very meticulous. Nowhere was this more evident than in the chicken strip department.
Everything from the size, shape, weight, color, and uniformity of the chicken strips is evaluated constantly to guarantee that the product you are consuming meets the established criteria for quality that Dairy Queen has predetermined. Nothing is left to chance, and if something does not meet the fixed standards, the product is not distributed.
Its one thing to understand this, as it isnt exactly novel. It is another thing entirely to witness how it happens on a day-to-day basis. Every major food service establishment has some type of quality control to guarantee consistency, but this was quite rigorous. As a consumer, this gave me a sense of peace of mind, and an added degree of confidence that what I am spending my money on is worth every penny.
Raising Cane’s vs Dairy Queen Who Has The Better Chicken Tender Platter #shorts
FAQ
How much does a chicken strip basket cost at Dairy Queen?
The $6.99 Chicken Strip Basket is made with 100% seasoned white meat chicken strips alongside fries and gravy.
How much protein is in a 6 piece chicken strip basket from Dairy Queen?
A six-piece Dairy Queen Chicken Strip Basket contains approximately 48 grams of protein, according to Dairy Queen and Fitia. This includes the chicken strips, fries, and toast. The basket with country gravy contains 1260 calories with 87% of the daily value of protein.
How many chicken strips come in a Dairy Queen kids meal?
2-Piece Chicken Strips (kids)
How many carbs are in a 4 piece chicken strip basket from Dairy Queen?
A 4-piece Chicken Strip Basket from Dairy Queen contains approximately 111 grams of carbohydrates, according to nutritional information from Eat This Much and Texas Dairy Queen.
Does Dairy Queen have a Chicken Strip Basket?
Dairy Queen is a popular fast-food chain known for its mouthwatering treats and savory meals. Among their menu options, the chicken strip basket stands out as a delicious choice for chicken lovers. If you’re wondering about the price of this delectable combo, read on to satisfy your curiosity! Do you like this article?.
How much do chicken strips cost at Dairy Queen?
The base price for the chicken strip basket typically ranges from $6 to $10, depending on your location. Most restaurants offer three or four crispy chicken strips along with fries and your choice of dipping sauce. Prices may vary slightly based on regional differences, so it’s a good idea to check with your local Dairy Queen for exact rates.
How much does a Chicken Strip Basket cost?
Understanding the pricing can help you decide if it’s the right choice for your meal. The base price for the chicken strip basket typically ranges from $6 to $10, depending on your location. Most restaurants offer three or four crispy chicken strips along with fries and your choice of dipping sauce.
How many chicken strips are in a Chicken Strip Basket?
A chicken strip basket usually includes four or six chicken strips, depending on the size you choose. 3. Can I customize my chicken strip basket? Absolutely! At Dairy Queen, you have the option to customize your chicken strip basket by substituting the fries for onion rings or upgrading to a larger size if available. 4.
Can I customize my Chicken Strip Basket?
Yes, you can customize your chicken strip basket by substituting fries for a side salad or onion rings. You can also choose from various dipping sauces, creating a personalized meal experience tailored to your taste. How does the Dairy Queen chicken strip basket compare to competitors?.
How many calories are in a Dairy Queen Chicken Strip Basket?
Dairy Queen Chicken Strip Baskets contain between 1020-1300 calories, depending on your choice of size. The size with the fewest calories is the 4 Piece Chicken Strip Basket (1020 calories), while the 6 Piece Chicken Strip Basket contains the most calories (1300 calories).