The Healthiest Chicken Strips You Can Buy in 2023

Chicken strips are a favorite comfort food for many. With their crispy coating and juicy meat, chicken strips make for a quick and tasty meal or snack. However, not all chicken strips are created equal when it comes to nutrition. The healthiest options are made from high-quality ingredients, contain plenty of protein, and are lower in sodium, saturated fat, and calories.

When looking for the healthiest chicken strips in the freezer section. there are a few things to keep in mind

Check the Ingredient List

The best chicken strips will be made from chicken breast meat which is leaner and contains less saturated fat than dark meat. Look for strips where “chicken breast” is listed first on the ingredients. This indicates that breast meat not dark meat, is the main ingredient.

Avoid chicken strips with a long list of hard-to-pronounce ingredients. The shorter the list, the fewer additives and preservatives the product contains.

Focus on the Coating

Many chicken strips come with heavy breading or batter coatings. The healthiest options use lighter breadings made from whole grains, chickpea flour, or cauliflower. These provide crunch and flavor without as many carbs, calories, or sodium.

Watch Out for Sodium

Sodium can lurk in packaged and frozen foods. To identify low-sodium options, look for chicken strips with less than 450 mg per serving. Anything over 500 mg per serving is considered high.

Prioritize Protein

Since protein keeps you feeling full and satisfied, look for at least 12-15g of protein per serving. The healthiest chicken strips contain more protein than carbs.

Avoid Added Sugars

Many frozen chicken strips contain added sugars to enhance flavor. Opt for no sugar added or low sugar varieties whenever possible.

Know Your Fats

The healthiest chicken strips contain minimal saturated or trans fats. Look for less than 2g of saturated fat per serving.

With this criteria in mind, here are 10 of the healthiest store-bought chicken strips you can buy in 2023:

1. Applegate Naturals Chicken Breast Tenders

• Made with organic, humanely raised chicken
• 170 calories, 13g protein, 350mg sodium per serving
• No artificial ingredients or preservatives

Applegate Naturals tenders contain only clean, simple ingredients. With less sodium and no unhealthy additives, these rank among the healthiest frozen chicken strips. The tender, mildly flavored meat makes them perfect for dipping in your favorite sauces.

2. Perdue Chicken Breast Tenders, Gluten Free

• 180 calories, 12g protein, 470mg sodium per serving
• Gluten-free breading uses organic raisin juice
• No hormones, steroids or antibiotics in chicken

Perdue is well-known for quality poultry. Their gluten-free tenders are made from chicken with no artificial ingredients. The juicy white meat with crispy cauliflower coating makes these a nutritious choice.

3. Bell & Evans Breaded Chicken Tenders

• 210 calories, 1.5g saturated fat, 20g protein per serving
• Made from whole chicken breast cuts
• No antibiotics or added hormones

These tenders stand out because each one contains a whole cut of chicken breast, rather than small pieces. With 20g of protein for only 210 calories, Bell & Evans is a smart pick.

4. Ian’s Gluten Free Chicken Nuggets

• 180 calories, 11g protein, 290mg sodium per serving
• Whole grain brown rice flour breading
• No artificial flavors, colors or preservatives

Ian’s uses a light whole grain breading to keep these nuggets gluten-free. With lower sodium and higher protein than many brands, Ian’s satisfies without too many carbs.

5. Caulipower Chicken Tenders

• 110 calories, 14g protein, 370mg sodium per serving
• Breading made from cauliflower and rice flour
• Flash-fried, not deep-fried

Caulipower’s innovative cauliflower breading makes these tenders stand out. Flash-frying instead of deep-frying cuts down on unhealthy fats. The cauliflower adds fiber for a guilt-free crunch.

6. Foster Farms Simply Raised Chicken Breast Strips

• 160 calories, 5g fat, 370mg sodium per serving
• No antibiotics, steroids, hormones or by-products
• Breading uses coconut flour

Foster Farms’ clean ingredient list and coconut breading set these apart. The tasty strips are lower in sodium and made humanely without shortcuts.

7. Trader Joe’s Chicken Breast Strips

• 200 calories, 15g protein per serving
• No artificial flavors, colors or preservatives
• Quick bake in oven or air fryer

Trader Joe’s no-frills tenders deliver crisp breading and juicy white meat. With lower sodium and calories than many brands, they make for a healthy everyday option.

8. Tyson Air Fried Chicken Breast Strips

• 150 calories, 16g protein, 570mg sodium per serving
• 33% less fat than original Tyson strips
• No artificial colors or flavors

While not the absolute lowest in sodium, Tyson’s air fried strips cut down on fat and calories. The nutritious stats and no artificial ingredients make them a better choice.

9. Simple Truth Organic Breaded Chicken Breast Strips

• 160 calories, 5g fat, 450mg sodium per serving
• Organic and non-GMO chicken
• Clean ingredient list

Simple Truth organic strips meet high standards for quality. With less sodium and fat than many competitors, Simple Truth is a sound natural option.

10. Banquet Chicken Breast Nuggets

• 190 calories, 13g protein, 530mg sodium per serving
• Lower fat and calories than original Banquet nuggets
• No artificial flavors or preservatives

Banquet reformulated their classic nuggets to be healthier. While not the absolute lowest sodium, they beat out the original for fewer calories, fat, and carbs.

When picking frozen chicken strips, read labels carefully and aim for clean ingredients, higher protein, and lower sodium. The healthiest options avoid artificial additives and unhealthy fats that can negate the benefits of this protein-packed favorite. With better-for-you versions now available, you can enjoy crispy, flavorful chicken strips as part of a balanced diet.

Chick-fil-A chicken strips are not a low-calorie or low-fat food. They are breaded and fried, which adds significant calories and fat.

For the healthiest chicken options at fast-food chains, focus on grilled or baked chicken and consider options with fewer processed ingredients and lower sodium content.