10 Best Prepared Meals at Publix (2025)

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Publix has plenty of diehard fans—lifelong shoppers who stay loyal to their favorite go-to items. Whether it's the delicious fried chicken or perfect items from the grocer's bakery, there are certain Publix items that simply make life easier and more delicious. And when it comes to prepared meals, the store has several excellent finds in that category as well.

There are choices for quick meals to make yourself or dinners that are already cooked for simple heating and eating. Quick, convenient, and fresh, Publix meals offer menus that don't require a lot of preparation or shopping to achieve a healthy dinner.

From the deli to the cool counter, Publix has so much to offer in terms of prepared foods. Here are ten delicious selections, each listed with nutrition information and price, which can vary based on location. The list is by no means complete, so don't be afraid to try other options at your area Publix.

Deli Three Piece Fried Chicken Tenders Meal

10 Best Prepared Meals at Publix (1)

Nutrition: (Per 3 Tenders):
Calories: 700
Fat: 31 g (Saturated Fat: 7 g)
Sodium: 1,320 mg
Carbs: 38 g (Fiber: 4 g, Sugar: 1 g)
Protein: 70 g

Publix famously excels at fried chicken, so it naturally gets included when you think about prepared food at that store. This meal can be sized up for a family or sized down for just one. You can choose King's Hawaiian rolls or cornbread and two sides (the mac and cheese and green beans are hard to pass up). All this for $6.99 makes this dinner a deal.

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Aprons Bacon Cheddar Chicken with Creamy Mashed Potatoes Meal Kit

10 Best Prepared Meals at Publix (2)

Nutrition: (Per 1/2 Meal Kit):
Calories: 610
Fat: 32 g (Saturated Fat: 11 g)
Sodium: 1,490 mg
Carbs: 38 g (Fiber: 3 g Sugar: 13 g)
Protein: 39 g

Doesn't this sound decadent? This chef-inspired combo is available in a Publix Apron Meal pack. Publix puts these meals in the meat department and they are offered in a whole bevy of flavors and options. This particular meal satisfies all the cravings. It comes with everything needed to make creamy mashed potatoes with savory chicken breast on top and with a cheddar sauce in only 30 minutes. This serves one person and costs $16.59.

Publix Deli Lemon Pepper Rotisserie Chicken

10 Best Prepared Meals at Publix (3)

Nutrition: (Per Whole Chicken):
Calories: 1,260
Fat: 65 g (Saturated Fat: 25 g)
Sodium: 1,970 mg
Carbs: 4 g (Fiber: 2 g. Sugar: <1 g)
Protein: 165 g

Rotisserie chicken is an easy option for many families, and Publix is a great choice for grabbing one. You will always find juicy, flavorful oven-roasted chicken. Maybe because the retailer sells so many, the hot chicken is never dried out. The flavor combinations are all good, but the lemon pepper is a personal favorite. The level of lemon, pepper, and herbs is just right. A whole chicken only costs $8.19to be fully prepared.

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Aprons Chicken and Dumplings Slow Cooker Meal Kit

10 Best Prepared Meals at Publix (4)

Nutrition: (Per 1/4 Meal Kit):
Calories: 440
Fat: 7 g (Saturated Fat: 1.5 g)
Sodium: 1,440 mg
Carbs: 55 g (Fiber: 4 g, Sugar: 5 g)
Protein: 40 g

This meal serves four and is so easy to prepare. All you need is a slow cooker to have dinner ready to go when you get home. The savory chicken and dumplings come with carrots, celery, onion, and a full set of instructions on the settings your cooker needs. For a family meal, this costs $29.89.

Boar's Head Ultimate Sub

10 Best Prepared Meals at Publix (5)

Nutrition:
Ultimate Sub on White Sub Roll (Per Half Order)
Calories: 350
Fat: 5 g (Saturated Fat: 1.5 g)
Sodium: 1,020 mg
Carbs: 47 g (Fiber: 3 g, Sugar: 3 g)
Protein: 26 g

There are so many sandwich choices at Publix, but this sub seems to cover all the bases. Ham, turkey, roast beef, cheese, and tomato on a sub roll can be customized with all the other toppings you desire. A half of a sub costs $6.99 and can be ordered ahead.

Bourbon Marinated Chicken Thighs

10 Best Prepared Meals at Publix (6)

Nutrition: (Per Serving):
Calories: 200
Fat: 12 g (Saturated Fat: 3 g)
Sodium: 680 mg
Carbs: 2 g (Fiber: 0 g, Sugar: 0 g)
Protein: 20 g

If you'd prefer your own side choices, Publix offers some prepared meats through the line of Apron dinners. This pack comes with about six boneless skinless chicken thighs, already marinated in sauce and ready to cook. Taking this step out of the cooking equation helps dinner prep stay fast. The regular price is $8.99 per pound, but I found it recently on sale for $7.99 per pound.

Aprons Spinach and Feta Stuffed Chicken Breast, Ready to Cook

10 Best Prepared Meals at Publix (7)

Nutrition: (Per Serving):
Calories: 400
Fat: 18 g (Saturated Fat: 9 g)
Sodium: 1,100 mg
Carbs: 4 g (Fiber: 0 g, Sugar: 1 g)
Protein: 50 g

This dinner pack comes with two chicken breasts nestled on a bed of spinach in a ready-to-use baking tray. Simply pop off the plastic top and put the tray into a 350-degree oven. About 30 minutes later, your main protein is ready to eat. This very convenient and healthy option costs $7.99 a pound.

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Publix Sushi, Crunchy Shrimp Tempura Roll

10 Best Prepared Meals at Publix (8)

Nutrition: (Per 1/2 Pound):
Calories: 620
Fat: 27 g (Saturated Fat: 7 g)
Sodium: 1,950 mg
Carbs: 84 g (Fiber: 5 g, Sugar: 18 g)
Protein: 13 g

Publix has a wide range of sushi items, but I picked what was most popular in my area. The crunchy shrimp tempura roll has ten pieces of sushi. The tempura shrimp are rolled up with fresh cucumber and avocado and topped with sweet and spicy sushi sauce drizzles and flash-fried onions. Each container costs around $10.99.

Aprons Korean Inspired Pork Tenderloin Meal Kit

10 Best Prepared Meals at Publix (9)

Nutrition: (Per 1/2 Meal Kit):
Calories: 530
Fat: 19 g (Saturated Fat: 4 g)
Sodium: 1,600 mg
Carbs: 53 g (Fiber: 4 g, Sugar: 24 g)
Protein: 36 g

This meal serves two for $18.79. The pork tenderloin comes with rice, green and red cabbage, chili sauce, Asian dressing, carrots, and cilantro.

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Publix Dessert Publix Carrot Cake

10 Best Prepared Meals at Publix (10)

Nutrition: (Per Serving):
Calories: 410
Fat: 24 g (Saturated Fat: 7 g)
Sodium: 300 mg
Carbs: 43 g (Fiber: 1 g, Sugar: 33 g)
Protein: 3 g

If your meal needs a sweet ending, you can't go wrong with Publix cakes. Again, there are a mind-blowing number of choices available in the bakery, but the overwhelming favorite is the carrot, tasting very much like homemade. The cakes are super convenient as well. They can be ordered online and are available in 24 hours, making it easy to celebrate.

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10 Best Prepared Meals at Publix (2025)

FAQs

10 Best Prepared Meals at Publix? ›

For your protection, follow these safe handling instructions. Keep refrigerated or frozen. Thaw in refrigerator or microwave.

Can you freeze Publix ready to cook meals? ›

For your protection, follow these safe handling instructions. Keep refrigerated or frozen. Thaw in refrigerator or microwave.

Does Publix have a meal plan? ›

Take the stress out of your dinner planning and prep.

With Publix, quick and delicious dinners have never been easier. Simply follow our two-week meal plan or pick from any of our other easy weekday recipe ideas.

Can you microwave Publix meals? ›

publix.com. Microwave: Cut four slits in film. Microwave on high for 2-1/2 to 4 minutes or until 165 degrees F. Remove film and serve.

Are prepared meals good for you? ›

Before you decide you pick up a frozen ready-made meal at the supermarkets, there are a few things to consider. A major concern with these meals is their nutritional composition. Unfortunately, most ready-made meals are high in energy, saturated fats and sodium and are often low in fibre and micronutrients.

How long do ready meals last in the freezer? ›

(1) Ready-made meals, ice cream: 2 to 6 months. (2) Pork, fish: 2 to 6 months. (3) Fruit, vegetables: 4 to 8 months. (4) Sausages, bread: 4 to 8 months.

How long can prepared meals stay in the freezer? ›

Cold Food Storage Chart
FoodTypeFreezer [0°F (-18°C) or below]
EggsPies: Custard and chiffonDo not freeze
Quiche with fillingAfter baking, 2 to 3 months
Soups and stewsVegetable or meat added2 to 3 months
LeftoversCooked meat or poultry2 to 6 months
49 more rows
Sep 19, 2023

How much are Publix Apron meals? ›

Publix Meal Kits start at $12.99, depending on the recipe contents. Pricing is marked on the package in-store and varies by recipe. Each Publix Meal Kit is inspired by a Publix chef.

Are microwave Ready meals already cooked? ›

Frozen ready meals, such as TV dinners, are Pre cooked. They are simply heated in a microwave or oven. Meal delivery services can be Pre cooked or uncooked depending upon the company and the meals chosen.

How do you cook Ready meals without a microwave? ›

If you have bought a meal that is microwavable only, you can defrost it, decanting it into a saucepan, and heat it on the hob. You'll have to ensure that the meal is piping hot before serving.

Which ready meals are the healthiest? ›

Healthier Ready Meals
  • LIFE 7d. ...
  • LIFE 2d. ...
  • LIFE 1w+ RENOURISH Energy Soup Pea, Basil & Lemon500g. ...
  • LIFE 1w+ RENOURISH Digest Soup Roasted Carrot & Ginger500g. ...
  • LIFE 1w+ Kirsty's Cottage Pie400g. ...
  • LIFE 1w+ RENOURISH Calm Soup Tomato & Basil500g. ...
  • frozen. Lazy Vegan Mexican Ready Meal400g. ...
  • LIFE 1w+ Kirsty's Chicken Tikka Masala450g.

What are the disadvantages of ready made meals? ›

Nutritional concerns: One of the most significant arguments against ready-to-eat meals is their often poor nutritional quality. Many pre-packaged meals are high in sodium, preservatives, and unhealthy fats, which can contribute to various health issues such as obesity, high blood pressure, and heart disease.

Are ready meals junk food? ›

Traditionally, ready meals have had high levels of sodium, preservatives, and artificial additives to add flavour and extend shelf life. The good news is that ready meals have improved over time, with better quality ingredients and fewer additives.

Can you freeze ready made meals? ›

Yes! Complete meals can be frozen until you're ready to eat them. Especially ready meals, which are extremely handy to have on hand for the days and nights you don't want to cook.

Can you pre cook meals and freeze them? ›

You can cook and freeze it ahead of time and then use it for meals like spaghetti and meat sauce, shepherd's pie, tacos, and more. It's not always about freezing the whole meal but instead freezing the parts that take the longest to make to save you the most time.

Can ready meals be cooked from frozen? ›

They will just need heating in either the microwave or oven and are suitable to cook straight from the freezer. We always recommend you follow the heating instructions provided on the ready meal packaging before tucking in, as it is the best way to ensure the flavours and ingredients are at their very best.

Can prep kitchen meals be frozen? ›

We deliver every Sunday, and when refrigerated, the meals will typically have a use by date of anywhere between the following Wednesday - Saturday. However, if you prefer to keep them in your freezer, then freeze on the day you receive them and they will last in your freezer for up to 3 months.

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