Everything You Need to Know About Bulk Chicken Buying

June 23, 2025

Looking to buy bulk chicken? Learn where to buy it, how to store 40 pounds of chicken breast, and why it’s a smart choice for families and meal preppers. Get all your bulk chicken questions answered in one guide.

If you’ve ever searched for bulk chicken, chances are you're looking to save money, meal prep efficiently, or stock up your freezer with high-quality meat for your family.

Whether you're a seasoned bulk meat buyer or just exploring the idea, this guide will walk you through everything you need to know—from where to buy bulk chicken to how to store and use it safely.

New to buying meat in bulk? Be sure to check out The Ultimate Guide: How to Make a Bulk Meat Purchase for tips on planning, budgeting, and ordering large quantities of meat through co-ops or other sources.

Why Buy Bulk Chicken?

There are several great reasons people choose to purchase chicken in bulk:

1. Cost Savings

Buying in larger quantities often comes with a significantly lower cost per pound. For example, when you buy 40 pounds of chicken breast at once, you’ll usually pay much less than purchasing the same amount in smaller packs from the grocery store.

2. Convenience

Having a freezer full of chicken means fewer trips to the store. With bulk chicken on hand, you can always whip up a meal without needing to run out for ingredients.

3. Meal Prepping Made Easy

Bulk chicken is perfect for batch cooking and preparing freezer meals. Marinate and portion out meals like fajita chicken, BBQ grilled chicken, or chicken curry in advance for busy weeknights.

4. Preparedness for Uncertain Times

As many experienced in 2020, supply chains can be disrupted. Keeping a supply of bulk chicken ensures your family is prepared in case of emergencies or grocery shortages.

Where to Buy Bulk Chicken

Wondering where to buy bulk chicken or even searching for bulk chicken near me? There are several options to consider:

1. Local Co-ops and Buying Clubs

One of the most reliable and community-based options is purchasing from a co-op. The Food and Meat Co-op offers high-quality, farm-fresh chicken in bulk quantities—including 40 pounds of chicken breast per case.

They specialize in bringing meat directly from the source to families, offering a more affordable, community-supported model. Check out Food and Meat Co-op bulk chicken options here.

In addition to chicken breast, the Food and Meat Co-op also offers:

This variety allows families to get exactly what they need based on preferences, recipes, and cooking styles.

2. Wholesale Retailers

Stores like Costco or Sam’s Club often carry larger packs of meat, though they may not always offer true bulk (e.g., full cases like 40 lbs) and can vary in price and availability.

3. Online Bulk Meat Retailers

Several websites offer chicken in bulk, shipping directly to your home. However, be sure to check shipping fees and minimum order requirements.

4. Local Butchers and Meat Processors

Some local butchers may allow you to place special orders for large quantities of chicken, though prices and availability can vary.

What to Expect When You Buy 40 Pounds of Chicken Breast

When you purchase a case of 40 pounds of chicken breast, it typically comes either frozen or fresh, depending on the supplier. At the Food and Meat Co-op, the 40 lb case of chicken breast comes fresh, not frozen, which makes it incredibly convenient for portioning, marinating, and freezing exactly the way you want.

Curious what a 40 lb box of chicken actually looks like? Watch this quick unboxing video here.

Here’s what you should know:

It takes up a significant amount of freezer space—consider having a dedicated freezer or chest freezer ready.
Since it arrives fresh, plan to process and freeze that day to maintain peak quality.
You can divide it into meal-size portions right away, which saves time down the road.
If you're wondering how much room you'll need in your freezer, the article How Much Freezer Space Do You Need Per Pound of Meat? offers a helpful breakdown to guide you.

How to Freeze Bulk Chicken Properly

If your bulk chicken isn’t already frozen or you want to repackage it for convenience, follow these steps:

1. Separate and Portion - Use freezer-safe bags or containers to separate chicken into meal-sized portions (2–4 breasts per bag is ideal).

2. Use the Right Tools - Having the right tools makes trimming, portioning, and packing your chicken faster, safer, and more efficient. Essential items include:

- A sharp knife for clean cuts
- Cut-resistant gloves for safety
- A large cutting board with grooves to catch juices
- Vacuum sealer or freezer-grade bags to protect against freezer burn
- Kitchen scale to portion evenly and avoid waste
- Want a full list of the best tools to trim and pack chicken at home? Check out our guide: Best Kitchen Supplies to Trim and Pack Your Fresh Chicken

3. Label Everything - Mark each package with the date and contents. Chicken is best used within 6–9 months for optimal quality.

4. Organize by Cut or Meal - Group bags by intended use—grilled, stir-fry, soup, etc.—to make meal planning even easier.

Frequently Asked Questions About Bulk Chicken:

Is buying bulk chicken worth it?

Yes! If you have the freezer space and regularly cook chicken, buying in bulk can save money and time while giving you more control over quality and sourcing.

How much freezer space do I need for 40 pounds of chicken breast?

A 40 lb case will require about 1.5–2 cubic feet of freezer space. A small chest freezer or dedicated shelf in a stand-up freezer will work well. Find out exactly how much freezer space you need per pound of meat.

Is the quality of bulk chicken as good as store-bought?

Often, it’s better! Especially when buying from trusted sources like the Food and Meat Co-op, which works directly with farms and processors for fresher, higher-quality chicken.

What are good meals to make with bulk chicken?

Some freezer-friendly favorites include:

Lemon garlic chicken
BBQ shredded chicken
Chicken enchiladas
Chicken and veggie stir-fry
Honey mustard grilled chicken

You can even check out our 3 Chicken Thigh Freezer Meals blog post for inspiration.

And if you are looking for more freezer meal ideas, check out these 7 Homemade Freezer Meals.

Can I split a bulk chicken order with friends?

Absolutely! Many families go in on a case together and split the cost and meat. This is a great way to try out bulk buying without needing all the freezer space yourself.

How much does a lb of chicken cost?

The price of chicken per pound can vary depending on the cut, quality, and where you buy it. On average:

Conventional chicken breast typically ranges from $2.50 to $4.00 per pound.
Organic or pasture-raised chicken can cost $5.00 to $8.00+ per pound.

Prices of chicken fluctuate, and these are just average estimates based on current market trends. Always check with your supplier or co-op for the most up-to-date pricing.

Buying in bulk is one of the best ways to reduce the price per pound and stretch your food budget further.

Where can I buy whole chicken?

You can purchase whole chickens at several locations:

Local grocery stores often carry whole chickens in both fresh and frozen sections.
Wholesale retailers like Costco or Sam’s Club typically offer bulk packages of whole chickens at a better per-pound price.
Butcher shops or meat processors may allow you to buy whole chickens, sometimes even with customization options like cutting or trimming.
Online meat delivery services and co-ops, such as the Food and Meat Co-op, offer whole chickens in bulk at competitive prices. Their offerings often include hormone- and antibiotic-free options, delivered fresh through local pickup sites.

Should you buy chickens in bulk?

Yes, buying chickens in bulk can be a smart move—especially for families, meal preppers, or anyone looking to save money and reduce trips to the store. Here’s why:

Lower cost per pound: Bulk pricing is typically much cheaper than individual retail packages.
Better quality control: Bulk buyers often have access to fresher, higher-quality options from co-ops or direct-from-farm sources.
Convenient meal planning: With a stocked freezer, you can prep ahead, reduce waste, and streamline your weekly meals.
Variety of cuts available: Many bulk providers, like the Food and Meat Co-op, offer more than just chicken breasts—they also carry chicken thighs, drumsticks, tenderloins, and whole chickens to meet different cooking needs.

Just make sure you have adequate freezer space and a plan to portion and store the meat properly.

Why Choose Food and Meat Co-op for Bulk Chicken?

The Food and Meat Co-op makes it easy to get bulk chicken near me through local drop sites, pre-ordering, and community-supported buying. Their 40 pounds of chicken breast option is one of the most popular choices and gives families an affordable way to stock up on high-quality meat.

When you buy through the co-op, you support local processors, access hormone- and antibiotic-free options, and save compared to grocery store prices. Plus, with options like chicken thighs, tenderloins, drumsticks, and whole chickens, there's something for every meal and every budget.

Start Stocking Up Smart

Buying bulk chicken is a smart, cost-effective, and convenient way to keep your freezer stocked with healthy protein. Whether you’re looking for 40 pounds of chicken breast, searching for bulk chicken near me, or want a reliable source for quality meat, there’s never been a better time to make the switch.