Chicken Quarter Cases: How Many Pieces?

Chicken quarters are a versatile and popular dish, and they can be purchased in bulk. One case typically contains 48 pieces of chicken quarters, though this may vary depending on the brand and specific product. For example, Jensen Reserve offers a case of chicken leg quarters that weigh 40 lbs and come in 4-piece packs, with approximately 12 packs in total. Other brands, such as Tyson, offer similar products with varying weights and pack sizes. These chicken quarters are typically uncooked, individually frozen, and glazed to preserve freshness and prevent freezer burn, making them a convenient option for those looking to stock up on this versatile protein.

A case of chicken quarters weighs 40 lbs

Chicken quarters are a versatile and flavourful option for cooks and can be used in a wide variety of dishes. They are a great choice for those who want to work in bulk, as they are cheaper than chicken breasts and are harder to dry out. Chicken quarters also offer the added bonus of bones, which can be used for stock.

The average chicken leg quarter weighs around 0.5 lbs, and a case of chicken quarters weighs 40 lbs. This means that a case of chicken quarters contains around 80 individual pieces.

Suppliers such as Tyson Foods offer chicken quarters that are individually quick-frozen within 48 hours of processing, locking in natural juices and tenderness. Each piece is also ice-glazed to protect the meat from freezer burn and dehydration, ensuring a shelf life of 365 days when stored at 0°F.

For those looking for a preservative-free option, Farmers Fresh Meat offers a 40-lb case of hormone and preservative-free chicken leg quarters. These can be cut to your liking, free of charge, and simply need to be baked to make a crispy and juicy meal for loved ones.

Each chicken quarter is individually wrapped

When it comes to chicken quarters, one of the most important considerations is preservation and freshness. To ensure the meat retains its natural juices, tenderness, and flavour, quick-freezing is employed within 48 hours of processing. This is complemented by ice glazing, which serves as a protective barrier against freezer burn and dehydration, ensuring the chicken quarters remain fresh and juicy.

One prominent example is the Tyson® Uncooked XL Chicken Leg Quarters, which offers individually wrapped chicken pieces. Each piece is quickly frozen and then glazed, allowing for convenient storage and a prolonged shelf life of up to 365 days when stored at 0°F. This guarantees that the chicken remains fresh and ready to cook straight from the freezer, saving time and labour costs without compromising on quality.

The individual wrapping of chicken quarters provides several advantages. Firstly, it allows for portion control and ease of use. Consumers can conveniently thaw and prepare the exact number of portions required for a meal, reducing waste and ensuring a fresh, tasty experience each time. Secondly, individual wrapping enhances hygiene and sanitation. The wrapping acts as a protective barrier, reducing the risk of cross-contamination during storage and handling.

Furthermore, the wrapping facilitates even freezing and thawing. When frozen, the individual wrapping helps maintain the shape and integrity of each chicken quarter, preventing pieces from sticking together and making it easier to thaw specific portions. This feature is especially useful for households or foodservice operations that require flexibility in meal preparation and portion sizing.

In terms of availability, chicken quarters are commonly sold in cases, with each case containing a varying number of pieces depending on the supplier. For instance, Jensen Reserve offers chicken leg quarters in a 40-pound case, with each case containing approximately 12 packs of 4-piece quarters. This bulk packaging option is ideal for those who regularly consume chicken or for foodservice operations that require a steady supply of quality chicken quarters.

Chicken quarters are ready to cook from frozen

Chicken quarters are a versatile and inexpensive cut of meat that can be used in a variety of dishes. They are typically sold in cases of 40 lbs and can be frozen to preserve their freshness and prevent freezer burn for up to 365 days when stored at 0°F. The good news is that chicken quarters can be cooked straight from frozen, saving you time and effort. Here are some instructions on how to do this using different cooking methods:

Oven-Roasting

To roast chicken quarters in the oven, preheat your oven to 350–365 °F. Arrange a rack in the middle of the oven and line a baking sheet with foil or parchment paper. Brush the frozen chicken quarters with oil, seasonings, and/or sauces of your choice. Roast the chicken uncovered for 45–75 minutes, depending on the size of the quarters. Always use an instant-read thermometer to ensure that the chicken has reached a safe internal temperature of 165 °F.

Instant Pot

If you're using an Instant Pot or a similar pressure cooker, start by placing the frozen chicken quarters in the inner pot, stacking them vertically like books to fit more at once. Add a cup of water or chicken broth to the pot, along with any desired seasonings such as garlic, green onions, cumin, oregano, salt, and pepper. Close the lid and lock it. Cook on high pressure for about 30 minutes, followed by a natural release of pressure for at least 5 minutes. Then, release any remaining pressure and let the meat rest for 10–15 minutes before slicing or shredding. As with the oven method, use an instant-read thermometer to ensure the chicken has reached an internal temperature of 165 °F.

Stovetop

Chicken quarters can also be cooked on the stovetop, although this method may require longer cooking times to ensure the inside is fully cooked. Place the frozen chicken in a sauté pan or pot with a sauce, jarred sauce, or broth to keep the meat moist and juicy. Simmer the chicken until it reaches an internal temperature of 165 °F.

Remember, cooking frozen chicken will generally take about 50% longer than cooking it from fresh. Always handle raw meat with care and follow food safety guidelines to prevent bacterial growth.

Chicken quarters are hormone and preservative-free

Chicken quarters are a versatile and delicious option for any meal. They are a great centrepiece for a variety of dishes and can be cooked in many ways. For those who want to ensure they are consuming hormone-free chicken, it is good to know that, according to the National Chicken Council, no artificial or added hormones are used in the production of any poultry in the United States. This is due to regulations by the Food and Drug Administration, which prohibit the use of such hormones.

Chicken quarters are also a great option for those looking to avoid preservatives in their food. While most ready-to-cook chicken can be labelled "natural" under USDA regulations, this term specifically means that the product contains no artificial ingredients, colouring ingredients, or chemical preservatives and is minimally processed.

For example, Farmer's Fresh Meat offers fresh chicken leg quarters that are hormone and preservative-free. Their chicken is sold by the pound or in a 40-pound case, providing a bulk staple for any refrigerator. Each piece of chicken is cut to the customer's liking, free of charge, ensuring a personalised and convenient option for meal preparation.

Tyson® also offers uncooked XL chicken leg quarters that are individually quick-frozen within 48 hours of processing to lock in natural juices and tenderness. While the packaging does not specifically mention hormones or preservatives, the chicken is ice-glazed to protect it from freezer burn and dehydration, ensuring a fresh and safe product.

Overall, chicken quarters are a great option for those seeking hormone and preservative-free protein. With options like Farmer's Fresh Meat and Tyson®, consumers can trust that they are getting quality chicken that is safely prepared and free from artificial additives.

Chicken quarters are shipped frozen with ice packs

Chicken quarters are often sold in bulk, with a case typically weighing 40 lbs. They are usually shipped frozen, and ice packs are used to ensure the chicken remains frozen during transit. This is because chicken quarters have a shelf life of 365 days when stored at 0°F.

Jensen Reserve, for example, ships its chicken leg quarters frozen with a combination of ice packs and/or dry ice in a Styrofoam cooler. They ship on Tuesdays and Wednesdays, and customers are advised to refrigerate or freeze their orders immediately after delivery.

Tyson Foods also offers frozen chicken leg quarters. Each piece of chicken is individually frozen and ice-glazed to preserve freshness and prevent freezer burn. This process locks in the natural juices and tenderness of the meat.

When purchasing chicken quarters in bulk, it is important to consider the shipping methods and storage requirements to ensure the product arrives safely and remains fresh until consumption.

Overall, shipping chicken quarters frozen with ice packs is a reliable method to maintain the quality and safety of the product during transport.

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