Have you ever bitten into a crispy juicy chicken tender and wondered, “What exactly am I eating here?” You’re not alone! As one of America’s most beloved comfort foods chicken tenders have conquered fast food menus, family dinner tables, and even fancy restaurant appetizer lists. But despite their popularity, many people don’t actually know what part of the chicken these delicious strips come from.
Today, I’m gonna take you on a deep dive into the world of chicken tenders – from their humble anatomical origins to how they conquered the American food scene. Whether you call them chicken fingers chicken strips chicken fillets, or chicken goujons, by the end of this article, you’ll be a certified chicken tender expert!
What Exactly Are Chicken Tenders?
Contrary to what some might think, chicken tenders aren’t just any strip of chicken meat – they’re actually a specific part of the chicken anatomy.
True chicken tenders come from the pectoralis minor muscles of the chicken. These are small strips of white meat located on either side of the breastbone, tucked underneath the main breast meat (which is the pectoralis major muscle). Each chicken has exactly two tenders.
This special muscle is sometimes called the “inner fillet” or “tenderloin,” and it’s known for being exceptionally tender and delicate – which is exactly how they got their name!
These muscles are naturally more tender than other parts because they’re not exercised as much during the chicken’s life. The muscle fibers are softer and more delicate, which is why chicken tenders have that melt-in-your-mouth texture that we all love.
Not All “Chicken Tenders” Are Created Equal
Here’s where things get a bit tricky. While true chicken tenders come specifically from the tenderloin muscle, many restaurants and food manufacturers sell “chicken tenders” that are actually made from:
- Strips cut from the larger breast meat
- Pulverized chicken flesh shaped into tender-like strips
- Processed chicken meat formed into the familiar finger shape
This doesn’t necessarily mean they’re lower quality – breast meat strips can be delicious too! But if you’re a purist, now you know the difference between a true chicken tender and an impostor.
The History of Chicken Tenders
Would you believe that chicken tenders are a relatively recent invention? They were first created in 1974 at the Puritan Backroom restaurant in Manchester, New Hampshire. The owner, Charlie Pappas, wanted to find a use for trimmed breast meat scraps, so he cut them into strips, marinated them, and deep fried them into crunchy “fingers.”
The dish was an immediate hit and soon copied by other restaurants. By the mid-1980s, chicken tenders joined the fast food scene as an alternative to nuggets. Their popularity boomed through the 1990s and 2000s, joining the menus of major chains like McDonald’s, Burger King, and KFC.
Today, several chains like Zaxby’s, Raising Cane’s, and Guthrie’s have even built their entire business around perfecting chicken tenders! In fact, Manchester, NH was officially declared the “Chicken Tender Capital of the World” in 2023.
How Are Chicken Tenders Prepared?
The classic preparation of chicken tenders involves three main steps:
- Cutting the meat – Either using the actual tenderloin or cutting breast meat into strips
- Coating – Dipping in flour or batter and seasonings
- Cooking – Usually deep-fried, but sometimes baked or air-fried
The traditional coating for chicken tenders is typically a simple combination of flour, eggs, milk or buttermilk, spices, and sometimes breadcrumbs or panko. The tenders are first dipped in the wet coating of egg and milk, then tossed in the seasoned flour or breading.
The magic happens when these coated tenders hit hot oil (or a hot oven). The coating becomes crispy and golden, while the chicken inside stays juicy and tender. It’s this contrast between crisp exterior and tender interior that makes chicken tenders so irresistible!
Mass Production of Chicken Tenders
In today’s world, chicken tenders are a mass-produced product in the United States. Companies like Tyson Foods produce millions of chicken tenders that are shipped to restaurants, schools, and grocery stores across the country.
The commercial production process typically involves:
- Cutting or forming the chicken meat
- Coating with spices, polyphosphate, and breading or crumbs
- Flash-frying to hold the breading in place
- Freezing the product for shipment
Many mass-produced tenders come in various flavors beyond the traditional recipe, such as:
- Buffalo-style hot sauce
- Honey BBQ
- Parmesan Herb Encrusted
- Lemon Pepper
- Spicy varieties
Nutrition Facts: What’s in Your Chicken Tenders?
The nutrition profile of chicken tenders varies widely depending on how they’re prepared. Let’s look at the average nutritional content of a 3-ounce serving of fried chicken tenders:
- Calories: 220
- Protein: 17g
- Carbs: 16g
- Fat: 10g
- Cholesterol: 55mg
Baked or air-fried tenders are generally lower in calories and fat. Breaded tenders are higher in carbs, while plain grilled tenders contain very few carbs. But regardless of preparation method, all chicken tenders are an excellent source of lean protein.
Chicken Tenders vs. Other Chicken Products
Let’s clear up some common confusion about the differences between various chicken products:
| Product | What It Is |
|---|---|
| Chicken Tenders | Made from the pectoralis minor muscle or strips of breast meat |
| Chicken Nuggets | Made from ground or processed chicken meat, formed into shapes |
| Chicken Breast | The entire pectoralis major muscle |
| Chicken Strips | Often used interchangeably with tenders, but may be cut from any part |
| Chicken Fingers | Another name for chicken tenders |
The main difference between chicken tenders and chicken nuggets is that tenders are cut from whole muscle, while nuggets are typically made from ground or processed chicken meat. This gives tenders a texture closer to a chicken breast, with defined muscle fibers, whereas nuggets have a more uniform texture.
Make Your Own Homemade Chicken Tenders
Want to try making authentic chicken tenders at home? Here’s a simple recipe to get you started:
Ingredients:
- 1 pound chicken breast tenders (or chicken breasts cut into strips)
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 2 eggs, beaten
- 1 cup panko breadcrumbs
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- Salt, pepper, garlic powder, and paprika to taste
Instructions:
- Preheat your oven to 400°F and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- If using chicken breasts, cut them lengthwise into long, thin strips. Season with salt, pepper, and your chosen spices.
- Set up a breading station: place flour in one dish, beaten eggs in a second, and breadcrumbs in a third.
- Dredge each tender in flour, then dip in egg wash, and finally coat in breadcrumbs.
- Arrange the breaded tenders on your baking sheet and drizzle with olive oil.
- Bake for 15-18 minutes until the coating is golden brown and crispy.
Serve your homemade chicken tenders with dipping sauces like barbecue, ranch, honey mustard, or buffalo sauce. They pair perfectly with french fries, coleslaw, mac and cheese, or potato wedges!
Fun Variations to Try
The mild flavor and kid-friendly appeal of chicken tenders makes them incredibly versatile. Here are some creative variations to experiment with:
- Air Fryer Chicken Tenders: Toss tenders in 1 tablespoon oil then air fry at 390°F for 10-12 minutes until crispy.
- Nashville Hot Chicken Tenders: Toss fried tenders in spicy seasoned oil made with cayenne pepper.
- BBQ Chicken Tenders: Toss fried tenders in your favorite barbecue sauce.
- Ranch Chicken Tenders: Add ranch seasoning to your breading mixture before baking.
- Hawaiian Chicken Tenders: Bread tenders in a mix of panko, shredded coconut, and chopped macadamia nuts.
- Parmesan Chicken Tenders: Roll tenders in grated parmesan cheese before breading.
Where to Find the Best Chicken Tenders
Several restaurant chains are famous for their chicken tenders, including:
- Raising Cane’s Chicken Fingers
- Zaxby’s
- Guthrie’s
- Chick-fil-A
- Popeyes
- KFC
- Church’s Chicken
- Culver’s
If you’re ever in Manchester, New Hampshire, you might want to visit the Puritan Backroom to try the original chicken tenders where it all began. Their original recipe features tenders marinated in duck sauce, creating what locals call “Manchester chicken tenders.”
Final Thoughts: Why We Love Chicken Tenders
There’s something undeniably comforting about chicken tenders. Maybe it’s their simplicity, their crispy-juicy contrast, or just the fact that they’re perfect for dipping. Whatever the reason, chicken tenders have secured their place in American food culture.
From their humble anatomical origins as the pectoralis minor muscle to their current status as a beloved comfort food, chicken tenders have come a long way. Whether you prefer them traditional, spicy, baked, or fried, there’s a chicken tender variation out there for everyone.
So next time you bite into a chicken tender, you’ll know exactly what you’re eating – a delicious piece of culinary history that started with a small muscle under a chicken’s breast and became a nationwide sensation.
Do you have a favorite way to enjoy chicken tenders? Or maybe a secret recipe for the perfect breading? I’d love to hear about it in the comments below!
Definition and Characteristics of Chicken Tenders
Chicken Tender Meaning: Chicken tenders come from the pectoralis minor muscle under the chicken’s breast. Each chicken has exactly two tenders from this area. This muscle is known for being tender and delicate, making it a favorite for many recipes.
Chicken tenders can be cooked in several ways. Frying is the most common method, giving them a crispy, golden crust. Baking is a healthier option that also makes them crispy, but without the extra oil of frying.
Chicken tenders are not just tasty but also nutritious. They are packed with lean protein and have less fat than other chicken parts. Baked tenders keep important vitamins and minerals, helping to balance your diet. But, how they’re cooked affects their nutrition. Fried tenders have more calories and fat because of the oil used.
Knowing about chicken tenders, how they’re cooked, and their health benefits helps us make better choices. This knowledge is key to adding this versatile ingredient to our daily meals.
How Chicken Tenders Made Him A Millionaire
FAQ
What is a chicken tender?
Chicken tenders (also known as chicken goujons, tendies, chicken strips, chicken fingers, or chicken fillets) [citation needed] are chicken meat prepared from the pectoralis minor muscles of the bird. These strips of white meat are located on either side of the breastbone, under the breast meat (pectoralis major).
How many chicken tenders are in a chicken Tenderloin?
Chicken tenders or chicken tenderloins are the little strips of meat that are tenuously attached to the underside of each breast (and thus sometimes called “hanging tenders”), so every chicken has two tenders. In fact, you can gently pull the tenders (which are about 1 1/2 inches wide and 5 inches long) off with just your hands!
Where do chicken tenders come from?
What are chicken tenders? Chicken tenders, short for chicken tenderloins, are thin strips of white meat that typically come from the underside of the breast. If you want to get technical, chicken tenders are made from the pectoralis minor muscles, which are found on either side of the chicken’s chest, under the pectoralis major.
Why are chicken tenders so tender?
This muscle is naturally tender, hence the name. It’s a separate, smaller muscle that runs along the inner breast area, and it’s not simply a cut-up piece of the larger breast. Because it’s a distinct muscle and not just a slice of the breast, chicken tenders have a unique texture and tenderness.
What muscle makes chicken tenders?
Chicken tenders are specifically made from the pectoralis minor muscle, otherwise known as the tenderloin. This muscle is naturally tender due to its location and the way it’s used. Unlike the breast muscle, which is constantly engaged in flight, the tenderloin is used to support the wing and stabilize the shoulder joint.
What is a chicken Tenderloin?
This cut of chicken is similar in location to beef and pork tenderloins. Chicken tenders or chicken tenderloins are white meat and besides being smaller than the breast, taste exactly the same as breast meat and are tender and moist when cooked properly.
Are chicken tenders made from real chicken?
Chicken tenders are primarily made from chicken breast meat, specifically the tenderloin part, which is a small strip of meat located just beneath the breast. The meat is typically cut into strips, breaded, and then fried or baked.
Are chicken tenders sliced chicken breast?
No, chicken tenders are not made from the main chicken breast; they are a separate, tender muscle called the pectoralis minor located directly beneath the larger breast muscle. While chicken strips or fingers can be cut from the main breast, true “chicken tenders” refer specifically to this smaller, more delicate tenderloin muscle, which is naturally moist and juicy, making it ideal for frying or grilling.
What part of the chicken are tenders?
Chicken tenders are strips of meat from a small muscle called the pectoralis minor located underneath the chicken breast. This naturally tender and mild-flavored white meat is the same piece of muscle that is sometimes referred to as the tenderloin or chicken finger.
Are chicken tenders processed chicken?
Yes, commercially produced chicken tenders are a form of processed meat, as they are prepared using various methods like deep-frying, coating in breading, and freezing, which alters them from their fresh state. Processed meat is any meat that has undergone treatment to preserve it or add flavor, including smoking, curing, salting, or the addition of preservatives. While not the same category as cured or smoked meats like bacon, frozen chicken tenders fit the broader definition of processed meat due to the significant changes from the original fresh meat.