The Best Places to Buy Grilled Chicken Near You

Grilled chicken is a quick, easy, and healthy staple that can be enjoyed anywhere. Whether you’re looking for a filling protein to add to a salad, sandwich ingredients, or a standalone entree, grilled chicken checks all the boxes. But where can you find the best grilled chicken options when dining out or ordering takeout? Here are some of the top places to buy mouthwatering grilled chicken near you.

Grocery Stores and Supermarkets

Stop by the prepared foods section or deli counter at your local supermarket or grocery store Many offer ready-to-go grilled chicken breasts, tenders, and wings that you can take home. Opt for grilled over fried for a healthier option Stores like Kroger, Safeway, Whole Foods, and Trader Joe’s will have grilled chicken available daily. Some even let you pick your favorite marinades and seasonings. This is often one of the most budget-friendly options.

Fast Food Restaurants

It may surprise you, but many fast food chains actually offer grilled chicken now. While the fried stuff still dominates menus, healthier grilled options are readily available at places like McDonald’s, Burger King, Wendy’s, Chick-fil-A, and KFC. McDonald’s has the Artisan Grilled Chicken Sandwich, Wendy’s has grilled chicken wraps, and Chick-fil-A has grilled chicken sandwiches and nuggets. Check out the grilled chicken offerings next time you’re grabbing food on the go.

Casual Dining Restaurants

Chain restaurants like Applebee’s Chili’s Outback Steakhouse, and Buffalo Wild Wings all have grilled chicken dishes. The grilled chicken options are usually healthier than fried chicken tenders or chicken smothered in heavy sauces. Look for simple grilled chicken breast or grilled chicken caesar salads. You can also often find grilled chicken sandwiches and wraps on these casual dining menus.

Chicken-Focused Restaurants

Restaurants centered around chicken naturally have great grilled chicken options Places like Boston Market, El Pollo Loco, Raising Cane’s, and Chicken Salad Chick all specialize in chicken dishes. You’ll find juicy grilled chicken sandwiches, salads topped with grilled chicken, and grilled chicken plates with savory sides. The chicken quality is often higher at these spots focused on preparing chicken dishes

Barbecue Restaurants

Swing by your local BBQ joint for tender, smoky grilled chicken. Barbecue restaurants pride themselves on their specialty smokers that infuse chicken and other meats with rich flavor. Try wood-smoked grilled chicken at chains like City Barbeque, Dickey’s Barbecue Pit, Smokey Bones, and Mission BBQ. Or visit local and regional barbecue spots for their take on grilled chicken and signature barbecue sauces.

Pizza Places

While not the first place you’d think of, many pizza chains actually offer grilled chicken as a pizza topping or as an ingredient in salads and subs. Domino’s, Pizza Hut, Papa John’s, and Little Caesars all have grilled chicken options. Load up a pizza or build a grilled chicken sub for an easy dinner. You can also often find grilled chicken salads.

Mediterranean Restaurants

Mediterranean spots like Naya Express, Cava, and Zoes Kitchen incorporate lots of bright, fresh flavors that pair perfectly with grilled chicken. Look for grain bowls, salads, pitas, and plates that allow you to add grilled chicken. The spices and seasonings give the grilled chicken an extra kick. The tzatziki sauce served alongside is also a terrific grilled chicken accompaniment.

Family-Style Chains

Head to family-friendly chains like Applebee’s, Chili’s, Ruby Tuesday’s, TGI Friday’s, and Olive Garden for simple but tasty grilled chicken dishes. They’ll have grilled chicken sandwiches, salads, pasta dishes, and entrees featuring juicy grilled chicken breast or tenders. The variety of menu items makes it easy to find a grilled chicken meal the whole family will enjoy.

Delivery and Takeout

If you prefer to order in, most major delivery services like Uber Eats, DoorDash, Grubhub, and Postmates allow you to filter by grilled chicken offerings. Or you can directly order takeout grilled chicken dishes from many local restaurants that focus on quick takeout and delivery. Look for grilled chicken rice bowls, sandwiches, salads, and Mediterranean plates featuring grilled chicken.

Meal Kit Delivery Services

For homemade grilled chicken meals without a trip to the grocery store, try a meal kit delivery service. Blue Apron, HelloFresh, and EveryPlate all regularly offer recipes with grilled chicken. The kits provide pre-portioned fresh ingredients and seasonings to prepare grilled chicken breasts, grilled chicken tacos, grilled chicken fajitas, and more at home.

Tips for Buying Grilled Chicken

• Opt for restaurants focused on fresh preparation rather than packaged, processed grilled chicken.

• Watch out for grilled chicken dishes with heavy sauces or cheese to keep it lighter.

• For takeout, go for grilled chicken options from restaurants within 10-15 minutes for optimal freshness and temperature.

• See if the restaurant can flavor the grilled chicken with dry rubs or marinades over heavy, creamy sauces.

• For meal kits, pick simpler grilled chicken recipes over complicated ones so it’s easy to recreate restaurant-quality.

Finding juicy, flavorful grilled chicken near you is easy with this list of go-to spots. From the prepared foods section at the grocery store to quick service outlets to family-style chains, you have endless options to get your grilled chicken fix. Keep these spots in mind next time grilled chicken sounds good for a satisfying healthy meal.

Yes, Wendy’s did discontinue their Grilled Chicken Sandwich. It was removed from the menu in 2023 and replaced with the Grilled Chicken Ranch Wrap. The sandwich featured an herb-marinated grilled chicken breast, mayonnaise, lettuce, and tomato on a toasted bun.