Chicken tenderloins, also known as chicken tenders or chicken strips, are a popular and versatile cut of chicken. But how much do 4 chicken tenderloins weigh in ounces? Let’s take a closer look.
What Are Chicken Tenderloins?
Chicken tenderloins are long, thin strips of meat that come from the underside of the chicken breast. They are technically a part of the pectoralis minor muscle of the chicken.
Chicken tenderloins are prized for their tenderness and mild flavor. Because they don’t contain any bones or skin, they are very easy to eat. They also cook quickly, making them ideal for weeknight meals, appetizers, sandwiches, salads, and more.
Some other key facts about chicken tenderloins:
- They are all white meat, which is lower in fat and calories than dark chicken meat.
- They are very low in connective tissue, which is why they are so tender.
- They can be prepared many different ways including baking, sautéing, grilling, and frying.
- They are sold raw or pre-cooked.
- Raw tenderloins only take 5-10 minutes to cook through.
How Much Do Chicken Tenderloins Weigh?
The exact weight of chicken tenderloins can vary for a few reasons:
- Chicken size – Tenderloins from larger chickens will weigh more than those from smaller chickens.
- Uniformity – Tenderloins trimmed to an equal size will weigh the same. Untrimmed tenderloins may vary in size and weight.
- Water content – Enhanced or injected chicken can weigh more than all natural chicken due to retained water.
That being said, here are some general weight ranges for chicken tenderloins:
| Number of Tenderloins | Average Weight in Ounces |
|---|---|
| 1 tenderloin | 1.5 – 3 oz |
| 4 tenderloins | 6 – 12 oz |
| 8 tenderloins | 12 – 24 oz |
As you can see, 4 average sized raw chicken tenderloins generally weigh between 6-12 ounces. Of course, the exact weight depends on the size, uniformity, and water content as mentioned above. But this table gives a reasonable estimate.
Weight Per Serving
When determining how many tenderloins to cook, it’s also helpful to think in terms of weight per serving. Here are some common serving sizes and weights for cooked chicken tenderloins:
| Serving Size | Cooked Weight |
|---|---|
| 1 tenderloin | 2-4 oz |
| 2 tenderloins | 4-8 oz |
| 3 tenderloins | 6-12 oz |
When estimating how many tenderloins to cook, plan on approximately 2-4 oz per person. The exact amount depends on the serving size and other components of the meal.
How to Convert Ounces to Tablespoons and Cups
When cooking with chicken tenderloins, you may need to convert the ounce weight to volume measurements like tablespoons and cups. Here are some handy conversions:
- 1 oz = 2 tablespoons
- 4 oz = 1⁄2 cup
- 8 oz = 1 cup
- 16 oz = 2 cups
So for example, if you need 1 cup of chopped chicken for a recipe, you would need approximately 8 ounces or 4 average sized tenderloins.
Comparing Chicken Tenderloins to Other Cuts
How does the weight of chicken tenderloins compare to other common chicken cuts? Here is a quick comparison:
| Chicken Cut | Average Raw Weight |
|---|---|
| Chicken tenderloin | 1.5 – 3 oz each |
| Chicken breast | 6-8 oz each |
| Chicken thigh | 4-6 oz each |
| Chicken drumstick | 2-4 oz each |
As you can see, individual chicken tenderloins weigh significantly less than a whole chicken breast. Chicken thighs and drumsticks are closer in weight to a single tenderloin. This comparison can help when substituting cuts in recipes.
Monitoring Weight When Cooking
When cooking chicken tenderloins or any chicken cut, it’s important to use a food thermometer to monitor doneness instead of relying strictly on weight. The safe minimum internal temperature for chicken is 165°F.
As chicken cooks, the proteins denature and the meat fibers contract, expelling moisture. This causes cooked chicken to weigh 25-30% less than raw. A 4 oz raw tenderloin will only weigh about 3 oz after cooking. So the final cooked weight is not always the best indicator of doneness.
Weighing tenderloins and other cuts can provide a useful starting point for determining portions. But always use a thermometer and visual cues to confirm chicken reaches a safe 165°F internally regardless of the final weighed amount.
Tips for Cooking Chicken Tenderloins
Here are some tips for preparing delicious chicken tenderloins:
- Pat tenderloins dry before cooking for better browning.
- Brush with oil or marinade to help seal in moisture when cooking.
- Cook at a high temperature like 425°F to get a crispy exterior.
- Flip tenderloins once halfway through cooking for even browning.
- Allow to rest 3-5 minutes after cooking before eating.
Chicken tenderloins cook very quickly, usually in under 10 minutes. Watch carefully to avoid overcooking which can lead to dry, rubbery meat.
Healthy and Delicious Ways to Enjoy Chicken Tenderloins
Chicken tenderloins are so versatile, they can be used in all sorts of healthy and delicious recipes. Here are some tasty ways to use up 4 chicken tenderloins:
- Sheet pan meals – Roast tenderloins and veggies tossed in oil and herbs/spices.
- Salads – Grilled tenderloins served atop fresh salad greens.
- Sandwiches – Baked or fried tenderloins with desired toppings on rolls or bread.
- Wraps – Sliced tenderloins in tortillas or lettuce wraps with fillings.
- Pasta – Chopped tenderloins sautéed with pasta and veggies.
- Soup – Simmer chopped or shredded tenderloins in broth with vegetables.
Get creative with healthy sauces, spices, herbs, and other ingredients to give basic chicken tenderloins an exciting flavor boost in your favorite recipes.
Conclusion
So how many ounces are 4 chicken tenderloins? Typically 4 raw tenderloins will weigh 6-12 ounces total. Per serving, plan on around 2-4 ounces of cooked chicken tenderloins per person.
Compare the smaller size of tenderloins to larger chicken breasts and thighs when substituting in recipes. And always use a food thermometer when cooking tenderloins and other chicken to ensure food safety.
Chicken tenderloins are so quick cooking, tender, and versatile. Enjoy them in a variety of healthy and delicious recipes!