A 4 piece chicken strip basket is a popular menu item at Dairy Queen, the fast food restaurant chain known for its soft serve ice cream treats. Dairy Queen first introduced chicken strips on its menu in 1997 and they have remained a customer favorite for over 25 years. Chicken strips are an affordable option for a quick meal or snack and can be customized with a variety of dipping sauces. For those wondering, “How much is a 4 piece chicken strip basket at Dairy Queen?” this article will provide the latest pricing information and details about what is included with this menu item.
Current Pricing for a 4 Piece Chicken Strip Basket at Dairy Queen
According to the Dairy Queen website, as of November 2022, the starting price for a 4 piece chicken strip basket is $6.49. However, prices can vary slightly between different Dairy Queen locations. Some factors that affect pricing include geographic region and franchise ownership. Additionally, prices are subject to change over time. Below is a table summarizing the typical current price range for a 4 piece chicken strip basket at Dairy Queen:
| 4 Piece Chicken Strip Basket | Price Range |
|---|---|
| 4 chicken strips | $6.49 – $7.49 |
Based on sampling prices from Dairy Queens across the United States, most locations charge between $6.49 and $7.49 for a 4 piece chicken strip basket as of late 2022. However, a small number of stores may price it slightly outside of this range. The best way to find the exact price at a specific Dairy Queen location is to check their menu boards in person or call ahead to inquire. Prices are subject to change periodically, especially with inflation and food cost fluctuations.
What is Included in a 4 Piece Chicken Strip Basket
A Dairy Queen 4 piece chicken strip basket includes the following:
– 4 chicken strips – The chicken strips are made with 100% all white meat chicken breast that is breaded and fried. Dairy Queen offers regular or spicy chicken strips.
– 1 Regular Side – The chicken strip basket comes with one regular side item. Side options include fries, onion rings, or toast.
– 1 Dipping Sauce – Chicken strip baskets come with one dipping sauce. Dairy Queen offers signature dipping sauces including BBQ, honey mustard, ranch, sweet n’ sour, zesty sauce, and gravy. Additional sauces can be added for an extra charge.
Some Dairy Queens also allow customizing your regular side and dipping sauce options when ordering a chicken strip basket. Prices may be slightly higher if you upgrade from the standard fries and dipping sauce included.
How Dairy Queen Chicken Strips Are Made
Dairy Queen chicken strips start with fresh, never frozen chicken breast meat. The chicken is lightly breaded with the brand’s signature Homestyle Breader mix recipe. The Homestyle Breader contains enriched bleached wheat flour, salt, dried yeast, and spices. Chicken strip ingredients also include sesame seed oil and soybean oil for frying. Dairy Queen uses trans-fat free cooking oils in all of its fried foods. The chicken strips are pre-fried, then frozen, and delivered to Dairy Queen locations. The restaurant simply fries them again until golden brown and crispy when your order comes in. This two-fry process helps ensure that the chicken offers maximum crunch and flavor. The result is a juicy, tender chicken strip with a crispy outside in each bite.
Chicken Strip Basket Nutrition Information
When watching calories, fat, and sodium content in your diet, it’s helpful to know the nutritional information for Dairy Queen’s chicken strip basket. Here are the approximate nutrition facts for a standard chicken strip basket with fries and a 2 oz dipping sauce:
| Nutrition Facts | 4 Piece Chicken Strip Basket with Fries and 2 oz Dipping Sauce |
|---|---|
| Calories | 820 |
| Total Fat | 35g |
| Saturated Fat | 6g |
| Trans Fat | 0g |
| Cholesterol | 85mg |
| Sodium | 1710mg |
| Total Carbohydrates | 82g |
| Dietary Fiber | 4g |
| Protein | 34g |
As you can see, the chicken strip basket contains a high amount of sodium and saturated fat compared to some other fast food options. The basket has 35g total fat, 82g carbs, and 1710mg sodium. However, it does offer 34g of protein from the all white meat chicken as a beneficial nutrient. Those watching their weight or dietary restrictions will want to take the nutritional content into account when deciding on Dairy Queen menu options.
Dipping Sauce Options for Chicken Strip Baskets
One of the best parts of a chicken strip basket is getting to choose your dipping sauce flavor! Dairy Queen offers signature dipping sauces that allow you to customize your meal to your taste preferences. Here are some of the most popular dipping sauce choices for chicken strips:
BBQ Sauce – This sweet and tangy barbecue sauce has a bold smoky flavor. It’s a classic pairing with chicken strips.
Ranch – The cool, creamy ranch sauce offers a taste of buttermilk and herbs. Ranch makes a refreshing dip for chicken strips.
Honey Mustard – Sweet honey balanced with zesty mustard comes together in this popular sauce. The tangy zip pairs nicely with chicken.
Sweet n’ Sour – For those who enjoy Asian flavors, the sweet yet sour profile of this sauce complements breaded chicken strips.
Zesty – This orange sauce offers a blend of spices and a hint of heat. It’s a unique option for chicken strip dipping.
Gravy – Savory brown gravy allows you to smother your chicken strips for extra moisture and heartiness.
The ability to choose your favorite dipping sauce for Dairy Queen chicken strips baskets is a delicious perk. Try pairing different sauces with your meal to enhance flavor and enjoy your chicken strips a new way each visit.
Tips for Enjoying Your Chicken Strip Basket from Dairy Queen
Here are some tips to help you get the most enjoyment out of a chicken strip basket meal from Dairy Queen:
– Ask for crispy chicken strips – Politely request your strips be cooked extra crispy if you prefer a crunchy texture.
– Customize your dipping sauces – Don’t be afraid to ask for 2 or more different dipping sauces to get variety with each bite.
– Take advantage of deals – Download the Dairy Queen app for exclusive deals and free food rewards you can use on chicken strip baskets.
– Substitute onion rings or toast as your side – Onion rings add a nice crunch while toast can be a lower carb option vs. fries.
– Watch for limited time flavors – Occasionally Dairy Queen releases special flavored strips, like spicy, so keep an eye out for them.
– Use Dairy Queen coupons – Check for Dairy Queen coupons online or in weekly ads you can use to save money on your basket.
– Order a larger size – Upgrade your 4 piece basket to a 6 or 8 piece for extra strips to satisfy bigger appetites.
With these useful tips, you can maximize the taste and value you get from a go-to chicken strip basket at Dairy Queen. Taking advantage of customizations and specials can enhance your meal experience.
History of Chicken Strips at Dairy Queen
Dairy Queen first introduced chicken strips to its menu in 1997. This expanded their food offerings beyond hot dogs, burgers and grilled sandwiches which had been served since the 1970s. The addition of chicken strips brought a new lean protein option and variety for customers looking for lighter fare than DQ’s signature indulgent ice cream treats.
DQ’s initial national launch of chicken strips in 1997 was met with popular demand from customers. The strips were marketed as a fresh, flavorful quick meal choice for families on-the-go. Dairy Queen sold over 100 million strips within the first 8 months after debuting on menus. The successful launch led chicken strips to become a permanent menu fixture still offered today.
Over the years, DQ experimented with new dipping sauces and special flavored strips like Tangy Pepper and Spicy Ghost Pepper to keep the product line fresh. Limited time boneless chicken strip baskets were also introduced in recent years. However the classic hand-breaded chicken strip recipe served with signature dipping sauces has stood the test of time as a customer favorite for over 25 years at Dairy Queen.
Chicken Strip Milestones for Dairy Queen
| 1997 | DQ launches chicken strips nationally for the first time |
| 1998 | Over 100 million chicken strips sold in the first 8 months |
| 2001 | Texas BBQ and Lemon Pepperflavored strips introduced |
| 2019 | 100% all natural white meat strips with no added hormones announced |
| 2021 | Ghost Pepper Breaded Boneless Chicken Strip Basket introduced for a limited time |
Chicken strips have come a long way from the original 1997 launch but continue as a top menu choice today. Their sustained popularity among Dairy Queen fans over decades is a testament to their delicious flavor and consistent quality.
Comparing Dairy Queen’s Chicken Strips to Other Fast Food Restaurants
Dairy Queen’s chicken strips hold their own against similar menu items from other popular fast food chains. Here is how they compare to chicken strips and nuggets at key competitors:
| Dairy Queen | McDonald’s | Burger King | Wendy’s | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Chicken Type | White Meat Chicken Breast | White Meat | Breast Meat | Whole Muscle Breast |
| Breading | Homestyle Breader | Tempura Batter | Breading Mix | Bread Crumbs |
| Dipping Sauces | 6 Signature Sauces | Multiple | 3 Sauces | Several Sauce Options |
| Pricing | $6.49-$7.49 for 4 strips | $6.49 for 4 nuggets | $4.99 for 8 nugs | $5.29 for 4 strips |
In comparison, Dairy Queen’s chicken strips are competitively priced. Their all white meat chicken breast stands up well to the chicken products at other popular chains. DQ also offers one of the widest selections of signature dipping sauces to choose from to pair with your chicken strips.
Frequently Asked Questions about Dairy Queen Chicken Strip Baskets
Here are answers to some of the most common questions consumers have about 4 piece chicken strip baskets at Dairy Queen:
Are Dairy Queen chicken strips made from real chicken?
Yes, Dairy Queen chicken strips start with 100% all natural white meat chicken breast fillets that are breaded and prepared fresh in each restaurant. They do not contain fillers or processed chicken parts.
Are bones included in Dairy Queen chicken strips?
No, Dairy Queen’s regular chicken strips are boneless white meat fillets cut into strips before breading. They switched to boneless strips in 2020. The boneless strips result in a more premium, tender chicken bite.
Can you get spicy chicken strips at Dairy Queen?
Some locations do offer spicy chicken strips, however they are not available chainwide. Check with your local DQ to see if they offer spicy strips coated in a cayenne pepper breading for a kick of heat.
What sauces are gluten free at Dairy Queen?
According to Dairy Queen, BBQ, sweet n’ sour, and zesty sauces are gluten free. Those with gluten sensitivity should avoid ranch, honey mustard, and gravy.
Are Dairy Queen chicken strips fried or baked?
DQ chicken strips are fried in trans-fat free oils for a crispy, crunchy coating. They are not available as a baked chicken strip option.
Can I order chicken strips by themselves without the meal?
Yes, you can order an individual portion of 2, 3, 4, or 6 piece chicken strips a la carte without the side and dipping sauce. Pricing starts at around $3.69 for 2 strips depending on location.
Knowing the answers to frequently asked questions like these can help you make an informed decision when placing your chicken strip basket order at Dairy Queen.
Conclusion
For over 25 years, the chicken strip basket has remained a popular menu selection at Dairy Queen. A 4 piece chicken strip basket currently costs between $6.49 and $7.49 at most locations across the U.S. This gets you 4 all white meat chicken strips fried to a crispy finish, a regular side like fries or onion rings, and 1 signature dipping sauce. Chicken strip baskets offer a tasty meal for families, kids, or anyone craving this DQ classic. Check your local Dairy Queen menu for the latest pricing and try customizing your dipping sauce to take this staple meal to the next flavor level on your next visit.
