Craving some crispy juicy chicken strips with a side of fries? A Dairy Queen chicken strip basket could really hit the spot! But before you head to your nearest DQ you’re probably wondering – how much does this delicious meal cost?
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?
First, let’s look at what comes in a Dairy Queen chicken strip basket. 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
The chicken strips are made from 100% all white meat chicken tenderloins, so they’re juicy and flavorful. 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.
Either way, you’re getting a filling, satisfying meal with protein, carbs, and veggies – the perfect combo!
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. When properly fried, they are quite moist and tender, something I often find lacking in chicken strips from various quick-service 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 creates a perfect insulator for the delicate tenderloins, helping to keep them moist as they fry, and develop a pleasant crunch that juxtaposes the juicy meat. And, while I sometimes enjoy a bit more color on my chicken strips, the golden brown crust adorning these is cooked to a specific color every time at every location (as designated by corporate protocol) ensuring consistency in the doneness of the chicken and the crust.
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.
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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?
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?
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).