Fried Chicken Shop Packaging Guide: Boxes and Liners
A chicken shop runs on a small set of boxes. Get the range right and you can serve a single wing portion and a family bucket from the same short stock list. This guide covers our chicken boxes and liners: the four sizes, which grease liner goes with which box, and the extras worth adding.
The four chicken box sizes
Each box is named by a code, and the code is what you use to match it to a liner:
- FC0 small is 14 x 8 x 5.5 cm, in cases of 400. It suits one or two pieces of chicken, wings or popcorn chicken.
- FC1 medium comes in cases of 300.
- FC3 large comes in cases of 200.
- FC4 bucket has carry handles and comes in cases of 100, for sharing and family orders.
The FC0, FC1 and FC3 boxes are stackable, which helps in a busy kitchen and on a delivery scooter.
Which grease liner fits which box
Grease liners sit in the box under the chicken. They are sold to match, and each is named after the box it fits:
- FC0 liner: 5 x 14 inch, cases of 3,000.
- FC1 liner: 7 x 14 inch, cases of 2,000.
- FC3 liner: 9 x 14 inch, cases of 2,000.
Order the liner at the same time as the box. A simple rule is to order one case of liners for each case of boxes you buy, then adjust once you see how you use them.
Building a menu around the sizes
Most shops give each box one job: a small box for a snack or a child's portion, a medium box for a meal with chips, a large box for a bigger meal or a mixed portion, and the bucket for sharing. Write the portion next to each code and the stock list builds itself. Start with one case of each size you actually sell, rather than all four.
Storing and handling the boxes
Because the FC0, FC1 and FC3 boxes stack, keep one case of each size within reach of the fryer and the rest in dry storage. Liners are light and come in large cases, so they take little room. Count what you use in a normal week for each size, multiply by four for a month and round up to whole cases. That keeps you from running out on a busy Friday without tying up cash in boxes you rarely use.
What else goes in the order
- Sauce pots: clear 1oz and 2oz hinged pots come in cases of 1,000, with the lid attached.
- Serviettes: 1 ply 30 x 30 cm in cases of 5,000, or 2 ply 40 x 40 cm in cases of 2,000.
- Greaseproof bags for chips and sides, in 6x6 to 10x10 inch, 1,000 to a case.
- Paper carrier bags to carry several boxes out in one go.
- Black nitrile gloves, powder free, in packs of 100, for the kitchen and the counter.
Ordering and delivery
There is no minimum order. Free UK next-day delivery: orders placed by 4pm Monday to Friday leave the same day with Evri, fully tracked, next-day where Evri offers it to your address, otherwise standard, usually 2 to 5 days. See delivery information. If you want to test a size first, order a sample.
Frequently asked questions
Which grease liner fits the FC1 chicken box?
The FC1 chicken box grease liner, 7 x 14 inch. Each liner is named after the box it goes with.
How many chicken boxes are in a case?
FC0 small: 400. FC1 medium: 300. FC3 large: 200. FC4 bucket: 100.
What is the smallest chicken box you sell?
The FC0 small chicken box, 14 x 8 x 5.5 cm, in cases of 400.
Is there a minimum order?
No. Delivery is free across the UK with no minimum order, and orders placed by 4pm Monday to Friday leave the same day.