New Smoked Chicken Line Targets Labor-Strapped Operators

Tyson Foods is expanding its foodservice poultry portfolio with Tyson® Pitmaster Chicken, a line of naturally hardwood-smoked, fully cooked products designed to reduce operational complexity for restaurants and chains.

The new offerings include fully cooked thigh pieces and jumbo bone-in chicken wing sections available in All Natural Naturally Smoked and Naturally Smoked Sweet Heat Dry Rub varieties. A companion line of uncooked breaded chicken breast chunks and fully cooked flame-grilled bone-in wing sections rounds out the expansion.

Addressing Operator Constraints

According to Courtney Davis, Director, Foodservice Poultry Sales, Strategy & Execution at Tyson Foods: "Operators are looking for ways to serve the authentic flavor and eating experience consumers expect while managing labor and equipment constraints. This expansion to our poultry line gives them more flexibility to build menus with consistent quality and less operational complexity."

The Tyson Pitmaster Chicken line was developed with an experienced pitmaster and accredited former barbecue judge. The products use a hardwood blend including hickory for natural smoke flavor rather than smoke enhancement.

Menu Flexibility

Because the Pitmaster Chicken products are unsauced, operators can serve them as-is or customize them with signature sauces. The thigh pieces feature variable sizes for a made-in-house appearance, while the jumbo wings offer a larger format. All products provide at least 20% of the daily reference value for protein per serving.

Tyson is also expanding its Tyson Red Label Authentically Crispy Chicken line with uncooked breaded chicken breast chunks in Original and Spicy varieties, made with whole muscle chicken and hand-breaded texture. The new Tyson Fully Cooked Unbreaded Flame Grilled Bone-In Chicken Wing Sections feature visible char marks and "just-grilled" flavor.

Why It Matters

As labor shortages and equipment constraints continue to pressure foodservice operators, pre-cooked, ready-to-serve proteins offer a competitive advantage. Tyson's expansion taps into both the BBQ/smoked meat trend and the operational efficiency demand, positioning premium-positioned products as labor-cost solutions rather than convenience plays alone.

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Written by FBM Publications Editors