Let’s be real – we all crave those crispy, juicy chicken tenders from Chicken Express sometimes. I know I do! But if you’re watching your calorie intake or just curious about what you’re eating, you might be wondering exactly how many calories are in those delicious tenders. Today, I’m breaking down everything you need to know about Chicken Express fried chicken tender calories so you can enjoy your meal without any surprises.
Quick Facts About Chicken Express Fried Chicken Tenders
Before we dive into the nitty-gritty details here’s what you need to know at a glance
- Calories per tender: 140 calories
- Serving size: 1 piece (approximately 1.8 oz)
- Fat content: 7.5g (3.5g saturated fat)
- Protein content: 10.5-11g (sources vary slightly)
- Carbohydrates: 7.5-8g (sources vary slightly)
Nutritional Breakdown of Chicken Express Fried Chicken Tenders
Let’s look at the complete nutritional profile of a single Chicken Express fried chicken tender:
| Nutrient | Amount | % Daily Value* |
|---|---|---|
| Calories | 140 | – |
| Calories from Fat | 65 | – |
| Total Fat | 7.5g | 12% |
| Saturated Fat | 3.5g | 18% |
| Trans Fat | 0g | – |
| Cholesterol | 30mg | 10% |
| Sodium | 400mg | 17% |
| Total Carbohydrates | 7.5-8g | 3% |
| Dietary Fiber | 1g | 4% |
| Sugars | 0g | – |
| Protein | 10.5-11g | 22% |
*Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet
Where Do The Calories Come From?
When we break down where those 140 calories come from, we see:
- Fat: About 46% of the calories (65 calories)
- Protein: About 30% of the calories
- Carbohydrates: About 24% of the calories
As you can see, almost half the calories in a Chicken Express tender come from fat. This isn’t surprising since it’s a fried food, but it’s good to be aware of this when planning your meal.
How Many Tenders Are You Actually Eating?
Here’s where things get tricky – most people don’t just eat one tender! The typical order might be 3-6 tenders, which means:
- 3 tenders = 420 calories
- 4 tenders = 560 calories
- 5 tenders = 700 calories
- 6 tenders = 840 calories
And that’s before adding sides like fries, gravy, or sweet tea!
Allergen Information
If you have food allergies, you should know that Chicken Express fried chicken tenders contain:
- Dairy
- Wheat
- MSG
How Long Does It Take To Burn Off A Chicken Tender?
If you’re wondering how much exercise it takes to burn off a single tender, here’s what the data tells us:
- Swimming: 12 minutes
- Jogging: 16 minutes
- Cycling: 21 minutes
- Walking: 20-39 minutes (sources vary)
These estimates are based on a 35-year-old female who is 5’7″ tall and weighs 144 lbs. Your actual calorie burn will vary based on your weight, age, and fitness level.
Are Chicken Express Tenders Healthy?
According to customer ratings on fastfoodnutrition.org, only about 27% of voters consider Chicken Express fried chicken tenders to be healthy. However, 90% think they taste good – no surprise there!
Let’s be honest – fried chicken tenders aren’t exactly a health food. But they do provide a decent amount of protein (10.5-11g per tender), which is a plus. The main concerns are:
- Fat content – especially saturated fat
- Sodium content – one tender has 400mg sodium, which is 17% of your daily value
- Refined carbohydrates from the breading
Weight Watchers Points
For those following Weight Watchers, here’s how Chicken Express tenders stack up:
- Freestyle Points: 2
- SmartPoints: 4
- PointsPlus: 4
How Do Chicken Express Tenders Compare To Other Fast Food?
I thought it might be interesting to see how Chicken Express tenders compare to other popular fast food items:
- Chicken Express Tender (1): 140 calories
- McDonald’s Chicken McNugget (4-piece): 170 calories
- Chick-fil-A Chicken Nugget (4-piece): 130 calories
- KFC Extra Crispy Tender (1): 140-160 calories
As you can see, Chicken Express tenders are fairly comparable to other fast food chicken options in terms of calories.
Tips For Making Your Chicken Express Meal Healthier
If you’re craving Chicken Express but want to keep things a bit healthier, here are some ideas:
- Portion control – Stick to 2-3 tenders instead of 4-6
- Choose healthier sides – Opt for corn on the cob or green beans instead of fries
- Skip the sauce – Or use just a small amount for dipping
- Drink water – Instead of soda or sweet tea
- Balance your day – If you know you’re having Chicken Express for dinner, eat lighter meals earlier in the day
The Taste Factor
While we’re talking about calories and nutrition, let’s not forget that Chicken Express tenders are super popular for a reason – they taste amazing! That crispy exterior and juicy interior is hard to beat. And sometimes, enjoying the foods you love in moderation is part of a balanced approach to eating.
The Bottom Line
At 140 calories per tender, Chicken Express fried chicken tenders can absolutely be part of a balanced diet when eaten in moderation. The key is being aware of how many you’re eating and what sides you’re pairing them with.
I gotta say, I love me some Chicken Express tenders every now and then! They’re one of my go-to comfort foods when I’m craving something crispy and satisfying. Now that we know exactly what we’re consuming, we can make informed choices about how to fit them into our overall eating plan.
Frequently Asked Questions About Chicken Express Fried Chicken Tenders
How many calories are in a 3-piece Chicken Express tender meal?
The tenders alone would be 420 calories, but the total will depend on what sides you choose.
Are Chicken Express tenders gluten-free?
No, they contain wheat in the breading.
Can I get nutrition information for other Chicken Express menu items?
Yes, Chicken Express provides nutrition information for their full menu on their website.
How many carbs are in Chicken Express tenders?
Each tender contains 7.5-8g of carbohydrates.
Are there any low-calorie options at Chicken Express?
While fried items will always have more calories, grilled chicken options (when available) or side vegetables can be lower-calorie choices.
How much protein is in a Chicken Express tender?
Each tender provides 10.5-11g of protein.
What oil does Chicken Express use for frying?
The specific oil isn’t detailed in the nutritional information provided, but most fast food restaurants use vegetable oil or canola oil.
Are Chicken Express tenders made with real chicken?
Yes, they are made with real chicken breast meat.
Can I eat Chicken Express tenders on a keto diet?
Due to the breading, these tenders contain 7.5-8g of carbs each, which might be too high for strict keto diets.
How much sodium is in Chicken Express tenders?
Each tender contains 400mg of sodium, which is 17% of the recommended daily value.
Remember, enjoying your favorite foods is part of a balanced lifestyle – now you can do it with all the facts in hand! Next time you’re at Chicken Express, you’ll know exactly what you’re getting with those delicious tenders.
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