Chicken nuggets are a popular processed chicken product that come in many different shapes and sizes. The most common debate around chicken nuggets is whether they should be classified as chicken “tenders” or chicken “strips.” While they are often used interchangeably, there are some key differences between chicken tenders and chicken strips that impact taste, texture, and preparation method.
Chicken tenders refer to whole cuts of chicken breast meat that are breaded or battered and fried. Chicken tenders are elongated strips of chicken breast meat that are cut lengthwise from the whole chicken breast. This gives them a uniform shape and size. Chicken strips, on the other hand, are made from chopped, diced, or blended chicken meat that is shaped and breaded to form a “strip.” The differences come down to the cut of chicken used.
This article will examine the key differences between chicken tenders and chicken strips when it comes to shape, size, texture, taste, nutrition, cost, and preparation. It will help settle the debate over whether chicken nuggets are tenders or strips. Read on to become a chicken nugget connoisseur.
Shape and Size
One of the most apparent differences between chicken tenders and chicken strips is their shape and size.
Chicken tenders:
– Elongated, rectangular shape
– Uniform thickness
– Typically 4-6 inches long
– About 1/2 inch wide
Chicken strips:
– Irregular, non-uniform shape
– Varying thickness
– 2-4 inches long
– Up to 1 inch wide
Chicken tenders have an elongated, rectangular shape since they come from a single cut of chicken breast. Their uniform thickness and even size makes cooking them easy.
Chicken strips are more irregular since they are made from chopped or blended chicken. Their sizes vary a lot more compared to uniform chicken tenders.
When it comes to chicken nuggets, their uniform, rounded or oblong shape makes them more similar to chicken tenders than irregular chicken strips.
Texture
The textures of chicken tenders and chicken strips also differ:
Chicken tenders:
– Tender, smooth flesh
– Fine grain
– Moist interior
– Crispy outer breading
Chicken strips:
– Coarser texture
– Can be stringy or chewy
– Dry, crumbly interior
– Soggy breading
Since whole cuts of chicken breast are used for tenders, they have a smooth, fine grain flesh that is naturally tender when cooked properly. The interior stays moist while the outside gets crispy.
Chicken strips often end up with a coarser, stringier texture since they use chopped or blended meat. The interior can also come out dry or crumbly compared to the moistness of whole muscle chicken tenders.
Good chicken nuggets mimic the tender, moist interior and crispy breaded exterior of chicken tenders rather than the tougher, drier properties of chicken strips.
Taste
Chicken tenders and chicken strips also differ slightly in their flavor:
Chicken tenders:
– Mild chicken flavor
– Juicy
– Tender
– Crispy, savory breading
Chicken strips:
– Can have off-flavors
– Prone to dryness
– Tougher chew
– Can have soft breading
Since they come from whole cuts of boneless, skinless chicken breast, tenders have a mild, juicy chicken taste. Their tender texture and crispy coating gives you that perfect crunch.
Chicken strips run a higher risk of off-flavors from the blending process. Their texture is often tougher and prone to dryness. The soft breading can also lead to a less satisfying mouthfeel.
Chicken nuggets are prized for their juicy, mild flavor with a crispy coating similar to chicken tenders. The taste and texture is more consistent thanks to the use of whole breast meat chunks rather than blended, chopped meat.
Nutrition
There are some small nutritional differences between chicken tenders and strips:
| Nutrition Facts | Chicken Tenders (3.5oz) | Chicken Strips (3.5oz) |
|---|---|---|
| Calories | 230 | 220 |
| Fat | 12g | 10g |
| Protein | 27g | 18g |
| Carbs | 8g | 12g |
Chicken tenders have slightly more calories, fat, and protein compared to chicken strips. This is because chicken tenders come from whole cuts of chicken breast which are higher in protein and fat compared to the blended, chopped chicken used in strips.
Chicken strips sometimes have slightly more carbs thanks to carb-based fillers and binders sometimes used.
Overall, chicken nuggets tend to be closer to tenders than strips when it comes to their nutrition profile and macro nutrient ratios. But this can vary widely based on the specific preparation and ingredients used.
Cost
Chicken tenders are generally more expensive than chicken strips. Some average costs are:
Chicken tenders:
– Raw tenders: $7-9 per pound
– Frozen tenders: $4-6 per pound
– Restaurant tenders: $0.50-1 each tender
Chicken strips:
– Raw strips: $3-5 per pound
– Frozen strips: $3-4 per pound
– Restaurant strips: $0.25-0.75 each
Pound for pound, chicken tenders cost 1.5-2x times more than chicken strips. This comes down to supply and demand. Since chicken tenders are whole muscle cuts, they are in shorter supply compared to the abundance of chopped, blended chicken meat used for strips. Their popularity at restaurants also drives up prices.
Chicken nuggets are sold at various price points, but tend to cost closer to chicken tenders since they often rely on whole breast chunks. Expect to pay a premium for nuggets made from all breast meat compared to blended chicken.
Preparation Method
Chicken tenders and strips also differ in their preparation:
Chicken tenders:
– Cut from whole chicken breasts
– Marinated in buttermilk
– Breaded or battered
– Deep fried or baked
Chicken strips:
– Made from chopped, minced, or blended chicken
– Shaped into strips
– Breaded or battered
– Deep fried or baked
Tenders start from whole breasts that are cut lengthwise into long tender strips. Strips start from processed chopped, minced, or blended chicken that is shaped into strips.
Both tenders and strips are then breaded or battered before being fried or baked until golden brown and crispy. Frying is more common since it helps seal in moisture, but baking can be a healthier alternative.
Chicken nuggets mirror chicken tenders in their preparation – made from chunks of whole chicken breast meat that are breaded and fried or baked. This helps explain their similarities in texture and flavor.
Are Chicken Nuggets Tenders or Strips?
When looking at all the factors – shape, texture, taste, nutrition, cost, and preparation – high quality chicken nuggets have much more in common with chicken tenders than chicken strips.
Key evidence:
– Uniformly shaped and sized like tenders
– Tender, juicy texture like tenders
– Mild, crispy breaded flavor like tenders
– Nutrition profile closer to tenders
– Made from whole breast meat like tenders
– Higher cost like tenders
While some cheap brands may use lower quality blended meat, quality nuggets rely on cuts of whole breast meat, mirroring chicken tenders in their attributes.
The verdict is in: Chicken nuggets are a type of chicken tender! While their shape may be rounded or oblong, their similarities in texture and taste mean classifying them as tenders is most appropriate.
How to Make Tender, Juicy Nuggets at Home
Here are some tips to make tender, restaurant-quality chicken nuggets at home:
Use Quality Chicken
– Choose whole chicken breast over cuts like tenderloins which can dry out.
– Skinless, boneless breasts avoided unwanted fat and texture.
– Cut breasts into 1-2 inch chunks.
Marinate in Buttermilk
– Soaking chunks in buttermilk tenderizes and adds moisture.
– Alternatively, soaked in eggs/milk for 30 minutes.
Double Bread for Crispiness
– Dredge chunks in flour/starch then egg wash.
– For extra crispiness, coat again in breadcrumbs or panko.
Fry, Don’t Bake
– Frying at 350F locks in moisture and makes the crispiest coating.
– Baking can dry out chunks. Best for reheating.
Freeze Extras
– Allow cooked nuggets to cool completely before freezing.
– Freeze in a single layer on a sheet pan then transfer to bags.
– Reheat directly from frozen in a 400F oven.
Following these tips will deliver you tender, juicy homemade chicken nuggets just like the pros! Don’t settle for dry, tough chicken nuggets – only tender, whole-breast nuggets will do.
Common Chicken Nugget Brands
Here is an overview of some top chicken nugget brands:
| Brand | Key Features |
|---|---|
| Tyson |
|
| Perdue |
|
| Foster Farms |
|
| Purdue Short Cuts |
|
Quality brands like these use whole breast meat and often feature crispy, flaky breading. Avoid brands with high sodium content or fillers. Homemade is best, but these leading nugget brands can be a quick and tasty option.
Perfect Pairings for Chicken Nuggets
Chicken nuggets are so versatile – here are some of the most popular ways to serve and pair them:
Classic Dipping Sauces
– Barbecue Sauce – sweet, tangy, smoky
– Ranch – cool, creamy, herby
– Honey Mustard – sweet, tangy, savory
– Buffalo – vinegary, buttery, spicy
Crunchy Sides
– French Fries – salty, crispy, ketchup for dipping
– Tater Tots – soft, pillowy potato taste
– Hash Browns – crispy browned potato bits
Fun Add-Ons
– Sliders – chicken nuggets in mini buns
– Nachos – nuggets chopped up over chips and cheese
– Tacos – chopped nuggets as taco filling
Chicken nuggets pair well with so many flavors and textures. Get creative with unique chicken nugget recipes, from nugget subs, skewers, pizza toppings and more!
Conclusion
While chicken nuggets come in all shapes and sizes, when prepared properly with whole chunks of breast meat, their similarities to chicken tenders are clear. With their tender, juicy texture coated in a crispy, flaky breading, chicken nuggets align more closely with chicken tenders than chicken strips or other processed chicken products.
So rest assured that when biting into a plump, golden chicken nugget you are enjoying the same tender, juicy qualities of a chicken tender in every bite. There are so many ways to cook and enjoy high-quality chicken nuggets at home or on the go. Now that you know how real chicken tenders are transformed into everyone’s favorite nuggets, there is no doubt they belong in the tender category.