Perdue Chicken Strips Review: Are They Worth Buying? (Taste, Nutrition, Cooking Tips)

Let's be real. The frozen food aisle is a minefield of promises. "Tastes like homemade!" "All natural!" "Great for busy families!" You've seen the bags of Perdue chicken strips sitting there in the freezer case, looking convenient and maybe even a little bit healthy. But you've probably also wondered, are they any good? I mean, really any good?

I got tired of wondering. So, I did what any curious (and slightly hungry) person would do. I went to my local grocery store and bought every single variety of Perdue chicken strips I could find. The classic ones, the gluten-free ones, the ones with funky flavors. My freezer looked like a Perdue warehouse for a week. Perdue chicken strips review

This isn't some corporate puff piece. This is me, a parent who needs to get dinner on the table fast, telling you exactly what I found. We're going to talk taste, texture, nutrition (the good and the not-so-good), and the best ways to cook them so they don't turn out soggy or tough. I'll even throw in how they compare to other brands, because let's face it, Tyson and Bell & Evans are right there on the same shelf.

What Are Perdue Chicken Strips, Really?

Before we dive into the juicy details, let's set the stage. Perdue Farms is a big name in poultry, and their frozen chicken strips are basically pre-cooked, breaded (or in some cases, unbreaded), white meat chicken that's been cut into strip form. The idea is pure convenience: heat and eat. They're marketed for salads, wraps, quick snacks, and as a main dish for kids (and let's be honest, adults too).

But not all Perdue chicken strips are created equal. Their lineup has evolved. It's not just one product anymore.

I remember the old bags from years ago – simpler times, maybe simpler ingredients too. The current lineup feels more segmented, trying to hit every possible dietary need and flavor trend.

The Perdue Chicken Strip Product Lineup (As of Now)

Here's a breakdown of what you're likely to find. This was the state of things when I did my big buy-a-thon. Are Perdue chicken strips healthy

Product Name	Key Features / Flavor	Who It's For (Probably)	My First Impression
Perdue Simply Smart Organics Breaded Chicken Strips	Organic, white meat, lightly breaded. The flagship "better-for-you" option.	Health-conscious shoppers, parents wanting organic for kids.	Packaging feels premium. "Organic" is the big sell here.
Perdue Simply Smart Original Chicken Strips	The classic. White meat, breaded. The OG of the lineup.	Families looking for a reliable, familiar taste.	The standard-bearer. This is what most people think of.
Perdue Simply Smart Gluten Free Chicken Strips	Made with rice flour and potato starch. No gluten-containing ingredients.	Anyone with celiac disease or gluten sensitivity.	Interesting to see how the coating holds up without wheat.
Perdue Crafted With Whole Grains Chicken Strips	Breading includes whole wheat flour, oats, and flaxseed.	Shoppers trying to add more whole grains to their diet.
Perdue Fresh Cuts Uncooked Breaded Chicken Strips	These are raw, not pre-cooked. Requires longer, more careful cooking.	People who prefer cooking from raw for potentially crispier results.	A different beast entirely. Not the "heat and eat" of the others.

See what I mean? It's a whole family. This matters because your experience will be totally different depending on which bag you grab. The nutrition facts vary, the cooking times vary, and most importantly, the taste varies.

A quick word on availability: I found most of these at a major supermarket, but the "Crafted With Whole Grains" version was a bit harder to track down. Your mileage may vary.

The Nutrition Lowdown: Are Perdue Chicken Strips Healthy?

This is the million-dollar question, right? We want convenience, but we don't want to feed our families junk. Let's peel back the breading (metaphorically) and look.

I spent a good twenty minutes in my kitchen comparing nutrition labels. Here's the honest truth. Perdue chicken strips, particularly the white meat ones, are a decent source of protein. A serving (which is usually about 3 strips or 85-100 grams) typically gives you 14-18 grams of protein. That's solid. It can help keep you full and is essential for muscle repair. How to cook Perdue chicken strips

But – and there's always a but – the other numbers need your attention.

The Sodium Situation

This is the biggest caveat. Frozen prepared foods are notorious for high sodium, and Perdue chicken strips are no exception. A serving can contain 400-600mg of sodium, sometimes creeping towards 20-25% of the recommended daily value. If you're watching your salt intake, this is a major point to consider. The "Simply Smart Organics" version tended to be on the slightly lower end, but it's still significant.

Then there's the breading. It adds carbohydrates, a little fiber (especially in the whole grains version), and, of course, those crispy calories. The fat content is usually a mix, containing some saturated fat from the oils used in processing and frying.

How to Make Them a Healthier Part of Your Meal

You don't have to write them off completely. Pairing is key. Instead of fries, try serving a few Perdue chicken strips with a giant side salad, roasted vegetables, or sweet potato wedges. This balances the meal, adds fiber and vitamins, and helps mitigate the sodium and carb hit. Using them as a component of a meal, like sliced on top of a salad, is smarter than making them the entire plate.

For authoritative context on dietary protein, the USDA's MyPlate guidelines offer solid advice on incorporating protein foods into a balanced diet. And for understanding sodium limits, the FDA's resources on sodium are a trustworthy reference.

So, are they health food? No. Are they a reasonable, protein-centric convenience option when balanced correctly? I think so. It's about informed choice. Perdue chicken strips review

The Taste Test: How Do Perdue Chicken Strips Actually Taste?

Alright, the moment of truth. I cooked every variety according to package directions (mostly using the oven method for fairness) and gathered my family for a blind-ish tasting. Here’s the unfiltered report.

Perdue Simply Smart Organics Breaded Chicken Strips

The coating is lighter and crispier than I expected. It's not a thick, doughy batter. The chicken inside was moist and had a clean, mild chicken flavor – no weird aftertastes. My kid said they "taste like normal chicken nuggets," which is high praise. The organic claim seems to translate to a less processed flavor profile. Honestly, these were the surprise favorite for the adults. They just tasted… simple and good.

Perdue Simply Smart Original Chicken Strips

The classic. The breading is a bit more substantial and has that familiar seasoned flavor. It’s the taste you probably remember. The chicken was consistently tender. They’re reliable. Not mind-blowing, but they deliver exactly what they promise: a tasty, easy chicken strip. If the Organics version is a crisp white wine, this is a reliable lager.

Here's a thing: the "Original" strips seemed to hold up better in the air fryer, getting extra crunchy.

Perdue Simply Smart Gluten Free Chicken Strips

This was the biggest wild card. Gluten-free coatings can be gummy or sandy. I'm happy to report these were neither. The coating made from rice flour and potato starch got surprisingly crispy in the oven. The texture was slightly different—a bit more delicate, a little less shatteringly crisp—but very pleasant. The flavor was mild and slightly sweet from the rice flour. If you need gluten-free, these are a genuinely good option. I'd choose them over many dedicated GF brands. Are Perdue chicken strips healthy

The Flavor & Texture Verdict

Across the board, the white meat chicken inside these Perdue strips is their strongest asset. It's not gristly or fatty. It's solid, real chicken. The breading quality varies by line, but none of it was offensive. The Organics and Gluten-Free versions were the standouts for their specific categories.

The bottom line? You're not going to mistake them for homemade buttermilk-brined, hand-breaded strips. But for a 15-minute-from-freezer-to-plate option, the taste is squarely in the "pretty darn good" zone.

How to Cook Perdue Chicken Strips for the Best Results

You can ruin a good product with bad cooking. I experimented so you don't have to.

The Oven (The Standard): Follow the package. 425°F on a wire rack over a baking sheet is the gold standard. It allows hot air to circulate for even crisping. Without the rack, the bottom can get soggy. This method is consistent and hands-off.

The Air Fryer (The Game Changer): This is my personal recommended method. 380°F for 8-10 minutes, shaking the basket halfway. They come out impossibly crispy, almost like they were deep-fried, but with just a spray of oil. It revives them beautifully and is faster than the oven. The Perdue chicken strips, especially the classic breaded ones, truly shine in the air fryer.

The Microwave (The Last Resort): Just… don't. Unless you're desperate and love a soft, rubbery texture. The instructions are on the bag, but they're more of a warning than a recommendation.

For the "Fresh Cuts" Uncooked Strips: These require more care. You must cook them to an internal temperature of 165°F. They take longer (like 20+ minutes in the oven), but you can get a fantastic, fresh-cooked crunch because you're crisping the raw breading from scratch. It's a different product for a different need.

Pro Tip for Extra Crispiness

Regardless of method, give your frozen Perdue chicken strips a very light spritz of cooking spray (like avocado or canola oil) before cooking. It helps the breading brown and crisp up more uniformly, especially on the edges. A little fat goes a long way.

Perdue vs. The Competition: How Do They Stack Up?

It's not a vacuum. You're choosing between brands. Based on my pantry raids over the years, here's a quick and dirty comparison.

Brand & Product	Key Differentiator	Taste/Texture (My Opinion)	Price Point
Perdue Simply Smart Organics	Organic white meat, light breading.	Clean flavor, moist chicken, light crisp. Adult-friendly.	Premium
Tyson Crispy Chicken Strips	Ubiquitous, classic fast-food style.	Often more heavily breaded, saltier, consistent "fast food" taste.	Mid-Range
Bell & Evans Breaded Chicken Strips	Premium brand, no antibiotics ever, simple ingredients.	Excellent quality chicken, less processed taste. Often considered the gold standard.	High
Generic Store Brand	Price.	Wildly variable. Can be greasy, gristly, or surprisingly okay.	Low

My take? Perdue sits in a sweet spot. They're a clear step above most generic brands in terms of chicken quality and consistency. They're less aggressively seasoned and breaded than Tyson, which I prefer. They're not quite as pristine-tasting as Bell & Evans, but they're also noticeably cheaper. For the everyday balance of quality, taste, and cost, Perdue chicken strips, particularly the Simply Smart line, make a compelling case. How to cook Perdue chicken strips

Creative Ways to Use Perdue Chicken Strips (Beyond the Plate)

Don't just plop them next to ketchup. Think of them as a ready-made protein component.

Salad Topper: Slice them up warm and toss on a Caesar or Cobb salad. Instant hearty lunch.
Wrap/W Sandwich Filling: Chop, add to a tortilla with lettuce, cheese, and ranch. Done.
"Quick Chicken Parm": Top cooked strips with marinara and mozzarella, broil for 2 minutes. Serve over pasta.
Kid-Friendly Charcuterie: Make a lunchable-style board with strips, cheese cubes, fruit, and crackers.
Buffalo Chicken Dip Shortcut: Chop strips, mix with cream cheese, hot sauce, and ranch. Bake until bubbly.

They're a tool. A time-saving, versatile tool.

Frequently Asked Questions (The Stuff You Actually Search For)

Are Perdue chicken strips fully cooked?

Yes, with one major exception. All Perdue Simply Smart chicken strips (Organics, Original, Gluten Free, etc.) are fully cooked during processing. You are reheating them. However, the Perdue Fresh Cuts Uncooked Breaded Chicken Strips are raw and must be cooked thoroughly to 165°F. Always, always check the bag.

Can you cook Perdue chicken strips from frozen?

Absolutely. That's their entire purpose. Do not thaw them. Cooking from frozen ensures the coating stays on and they heat through properly. Just add a few extra minutes to the cooking time.

How long do you cook Perdue chicken strips in an air fryer?

For the pre-cooked varieties: 380°F for 8-10 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through. For the uncooked Fresh Cuts: 370°F for 12-15 minutes, flipping halfway, until golden brown and 165°F internal.

Are Perdue chicken strips processed food?

Yes, by definition. They are a prepared, packaged food product. The ingredient lists vary. The Simply Smart Organics line has a shorter, simpler list (organic chicken, organic wheat flour, etc.). The classic ones have more ingredients, including preservatives and flavorings. "Processed" isn't automatically evil, but it's good to know what you're eating.

Where are Perdue chicken strips made?

Perdue products are produced in USDA-inspected facilities in the United States. The company is headquartered in Maryland, but specific plant information isn't on the retail packaging.

Can I refreeze Perdue chicken strips after cooking?

It's not recommended by food safety experts. The quality (texture, moisture) will degrade significantly. It's best to cook only what you plan to eat. If you must, cool them completely after cooking and freeze in an airtight container for up to a month, but expect them to be drier when reheated again.

The Final Verdict: Should You Buy Perdue Chicken Strips?

After all that tasting, researching, and cooking, here's my straight take.

Buy Perdue Chicken Strips if: You need a reliable, quick source of protein. You value consistent quality and actual white meat chicken. You're looking for a convenient option for busy weeknights or easy lunches. You want a product that performs well in an air fryer. The Simply Smart Organics or Gluten-Free versions are great for those specific dietary lanes.

Think twice or skip them if: You are on a strict low-sodium diet. You avoid processed foods entirely. You're expecting a gourmet, artisanal fried chicken experience. You're on an extremely tight budget (store brands are cheaper).

For my household, they've earned a spot in the freezer rotation. Not for every night, but as a backup plan, a lunch component, or a "I cannot deal with cooking" night solution. They fill that niche better than most.

My personal go-to is the Simply Smart Organics. The cleaner ingredient list and lighter taste just work for me. But I won't turn down the classic Original if that's what's on sale. The bag of Perdue chicken strips is, in the end, a testament to modern compromise—not perfect, but pretty useful.

So, next time you're staring at that freezer case, you can grab a bag knowing exactly what you're in for. And maybe, just maybe, you'll have a really good, really fast dinner.