The Whole Truth About Calories in Good Times Chicken Tenders (3 Pieces) – What You’re Really Eating

Have you ever found yourself at Good Times Burgers & Frozen Custard, staring at those golden, crispy chicken tenders and wondering just how many calories you’re about to consume? I’ve been there too! As someone who loves good food but also tries to keep track of nutrition, I wanted to dig deep into the calorie content and nutritional breakdown of these popular tenders.

Quick Nutrition Facts: Good Times Chicken Tenders (3 Pieces)

Before we dive into the details here’s what you need to know at a glance

• Total Calories: 390
• Fat: 18g (4g saturated, 0g trans fat)
• Carbohydrates: 30g (1g fiber, 4g sugar)
• Protein: 27g
• Sodium: 1070mg

Breaking Down the Macros

When we look at the macronutrient breakdown of these chicken tenders we see

• Fat: 42% of total calories
• Carbs: 31% of total calories
• Protein: 28% of total calories

This distribution shows that while these tenders are relatively high in fat, they also provide a decent amount of protein, which is good news for those of us looking to meet our protein goals.

Are Good Times Chicken Tenders Healthy?

Let’s be honest – fast food chicken tenders aren’t typically considered a “health food,” but compared to some other menu items, they might not be the worst choice. Here’s my take on the pros and cons:

The Good Stuff

1. High Protein Content: With 27g of protein (about 48% of your Daily Value), these tenders can help you meet your protein needs.
2. Lower Carbs Than Some Options: At 30g of carbs, these aren’t as carb-heavy as some other fast food items like large fries or pasta dishes.
3. No Trans Fat: Good Times tenders contain 0g trans fat, which is definitely a positive.

The Not-So-Good Stuff

1. Sodium Overload: With 1070mg of sodium (approximately 47% of your daily recommended intake), these tenders pack a salty punch.
2. Saturated Fat: While not terrible at 4g (20% DV), it’s still something to be mindful of.
3. Limited Nutritional Value: The tenders don’t provide significant amounts of vitamins or minerals – they show 0% DV for calcium and vitamin C, and only 9% DV for iron.

How Long Would It Take to Burn Off Those Calories?

According to CalorieKing, to burn off the 390 calories in 3 pieces of Good Times chicken tenders, you would need to:

• Swim for about 33 minutes
• Jog for approximately 45 minutes
• Cycle for around 60 minutes
• Walk for about 109 minutes

This is based on a 35-year-old female who is 5’7″ tall and weighs 144 lbs. Your actual calorie burn may vary depending on your age, weight, gender, and intensity of exercise.

Allergen Information

For those with dietary restrictions or allergies, it’s important to note that Good Times Chicken Tenders contain:

• Milk
• Soy
• Wheat
• Egg

This makes them unsuitable for people with these common allergens or those following vegan, dairy-free, or gluten-free diets.

How Do Good Times Chicken Tenders Compare to Other Fast Food Options?

I was curious about how these tenders stack up against chicken options from other chains, so I did some research. While I don’t have exact comparisons for this article, in general, chicken tenders across fast food chains tend to range from 300-500 calories for a similar serving size, with varying amounts of protein, fat, and sodium.

The protein content in Good Times’ option (27g) is actually quite good compared to some competitors, making these tenders a relatively protein-rich choice if you’re looking to meet those macros.

Ways to Make Your Chicken Tender Meal Healthier

If you’re craving Good Times chicken tenders but want to keep the meal on the healthier side, here are some tips:

• Skip the sauce – Dipping sauces can add a lot of extra calories and sodium
• Add a side salad instead of fries to increase nutritional value
• Share your order with a friend if you’re not super hungry
• Drink water instead of soda to avoid additional empty calories
• Balance your day – If you know you’re having tenders for lunch, opt for lighter, veggie-focused meals for breakfast and dinner

When Might These Fit Into Your Diet?

Despite not being the healthiest choice, there are situations where these chicken tenders might fit reasonably well into your diet:

• Post-workout refuel – The protein content makes them decent for muscle recovery
• Occasional treat – Part of a balanced approach to eating includes enjoying your favorite foods sometimes
• On-the-go protein source – When options are limited and you need something with protein
• Kids’ meals – The portion size works well for children (though there are healthier options)

The Real Deal on Calories

When we talk about the 390 calories in these 3 pieces of chicken tenders, it’s worth remembering that calories aren’t everything. The quality of those calories matters too. These tenders provide protein which helps with satiety and muscle maintenance, but they’re also high in sodium and lower in beneficial nutrients found in whole foods.

What About Good Times’ Other Menu Items?

While this article focuses on the chicken tenders, Good Times Burgers & Frozen Custard offers a variety of other menu items that range in caloric content. Their burgers typically contain more calories than the chicken tenders, while some of their sides might contain fewer calories but different nutrient profiles.

My Personal Experience with Good Times Chicken Tenders

I’ve gotta say, I’ve had these tenders a few times when I’m in a rush or just craving something crispy and satisfying. They definitely hit the spot when you want something tasty! The outer coating is crispy without being too greasy, and the chicken inside is usually pretty tender.

I typically try to balance my day when I know I’m having fast food. For instance, if I’m planning to grab these tenders for lunch, I’ll make sure my breakfast is something lighter like Greek yogurt with fruit, and I’ll plan a veggie-heavy dinner.

The Bottom Line on Good Times Chicken Tenders

At 390 calories for 3 pieces, Good Times chicken tenders fall somewhere in the middle of the fast food spectrum. They’re not a nutrition powerhouse, but they do offer a decent amount of protein along with their fat and carbs.

Like most fast food, they’re best enjoyed occasionally rather than as a dietary staple. The high sodium content (1070mg) is probably the biggest nutritional concern, representing nearly half of the recommended daily sodium intake in just one menu item.

FAQs About Good Times Chicken Tenders

Are Good Times Chicken Tenders gluten-free?

No, they contain wheat and are not gluten-free.

How many calories are in one piece of Good Times Chicken Tenders?

While the information provided is for a 3-piece serving at 390 calories, we can estimate that one piece would be approximately 130 calories.

Are Good Times Chicken Tenders a good source of protein?

Yes, with 27g of protein in a 3-piece serving, they provide about 48% of the daily value for protein, making them a good protein source.

How do Good Times Chicken Tenders fit into a keto diet?

With 30g of carbs (29g net carbs), these tenders would be difficult to fit into a strict ketogenic diet, which typically limits carbs to 20-50g per day.

Can I eat Good Times Chicken Tenders if I’m trying to lose weight?

You can fit almost any food into a weight loss plan if you account for the calories. At 390 calories, these could be part of a weight loss diet if you’re mindful of your other food choices throughout the day.

Conclusion

Understanding the calories and nutritional content of what we eat helps us make informed choices. Good Times Chicken Tenders (3 pieces) contain 390 calories with a macro breakdown that’s highest in fat (42%), followed by carbs (31%) and protein (28%).

They’re not the worst fast food choice you could make, especially if you’re looking for something with a decent amount of protein. However, the high sodium content and limited nutritional benefits mean they’re best enjoyed as an occasional treat rather than a regular part of your diet.

Next time you find yourself at Good Times Burgers & Frozen Custard, you’ll know exactly what you’re getting when you order those 3 pieces of chicken tenders. And sometimes, knowing is half the battle when it comes to making food choices that align with your health and nutrition goals.

Remember, no single food is “good” or “bad” – it’s your overall dietary pattern that matters most. So enjoy those tenders when you really want them, and balance them with nutritious whole foods the rest of the time!

What are your favorite fast food options when you’re trying to keep an eye on nutrition? Do you have any tips for making fast food meals healthier? I’d love to hear your thoughts!