Chicken strips and chicken tenders are two popular chicken products that are commonly found on restaurant menus and in grocery store freezer sections. While they may seem very similar at first glance, there are some key differences between chicken strips and chicken tenders in terms of how they are prepared, their shape and size, and their typical uses.
What are Chicken Strips?
Chicken strips, also sometimes called chicken fingers or chicken fries, are made from chicken breast meat that has been cut into long, thin strips, breaded or battered, and then fried. The strips are typically around 3-4 inches long and 1/2 to 1 inch wide. They are usually rectangular in shape with straight sides.
Chicken strips are often made from sliced up chicken breast fillets. The meat is sliced lengthwise into long strips before being coated in a breading or batter mixture. Typical breading contains flour, spices, and sometimes panko breadcrumbs. Batters for chicken strips are often made from ingredients like eggs, milk, flour, and seasoning.
The breaded or battered strips are dropped into hot oil, often vegetable oil, to fry until golden brown and cooked through. Frying locks in moisture and gives the exterior a crispy coating.
Chicken strips emerged as popular American bar and appetizer fare in the 1970s and 80s. Their uniform shape and breaded exterior made them perfect for dipping into condiments and sauces. Today, chicken strips remain a staple appetizer and kid-friendly menu item at most restaurants.
What are Chicken Tenders?
Chicken tenders, also called chicken tenders or chicken fingers, are made from the small tenderloins attached to the underside of chicken breasts. The tenderloins are long, thin, and tender cuts of meat that connect the chicken breast to the keel bone.
To make chicken tenders, the tenderloins are removed from the breast through careful trimming. They are usually lightly breaded or battered, often with just a flour and spice mixture or buttermilk batter, and then fried or baked.
Chicken tenders have a thinner, more irregular shape than chicken strips. They are longest in the middle and tapered on both ends. Their size can range from 2-6 inches in length depending on how many tenderloins are used.
Since they are an actual cut of meat rather than sliced breast fillets, chicken tenders typically have a more tender and juicy texture and flavor. The term “chicken tenders” became popular in restaurants and groceries in the 1990s.
Differences in Shape and Size
The most obvious visual difference between chicken strips and tenders is their shape. Chicken strips have an elongated, rectangular shape with mostly straight sides. Chicken tenders are longer in the middle and narrower on the ends, with a more irregular width.
Chicken strips also tend to be larger, with a width around 1/2 to 1 inch and length of 3-4 inches. Chicken tenders are typically thinner, often around 1/2 inch at their widest, with lengths ranging from 2-6 inches.
Here is a summary of the typical size differences:
| Shape | Chicken Strips | Chicken Tenders |
|---|---|---|
| Width | 1/2 – 1 inch | 1/2 inch or less |
| Length | 3 – 4 inches | 2 – 6 inches |
So in general, chicken strips are wider and have a more uniform, rectangular shape, while chicken tenders are more irregularly shaped with tapered ends.
Differences in Ingredients and Preparation
Chicken strips and tenders also differ slightly in how they are prepared and what ingredients are used.
Chicken strips are made by slicing chicken breasts into strips which are then breaded or battered and fried. The breading or batter helps seal in moisture and provides a crispy texture.
Chicken tenders utilize the whole tenderloin cut so they typically need less breading or batter. They are usually just lightly coated in seasoned flour or batter. The emphasis is on their natural tenderness.
Here are some of the key preparation differences:
| Chicken Strips | Chicken Tenders | |
|---|---|---|
| Cut of Chicken | Sliced Breast Meat | Whole Tenderloins |
| Breading | Heavy breading or batter | Light breading or batter |
| Frying | Deep fry to fully cook and crisp | Quick fry to lightly brown |
As you can see, chicken tenders use a naturally tender cut of meat that requires less coating and frying time to prepare compared to the breast meat used in strips.
Differences in Texture and Flavor
The differences in ingredients and preparation lead to some subtle differences in the final texture and flavor of chicken strips vs. tenders.
Chicken strips have a crispy, crunchy exterior thanks to their heavy breading. The interior of a chicken strip will be firm and dense since it comes from the chicken breast. The flavor is mild but enhanced by seasonings in the breading.
Chicken tenders have a delicate, softer texture overall since they use tenderloin meat. The light breading provides a thin, crispy coating that gives way to a juicy interior. The flavor is generally more pronounced as the emphasis is on the natural chicken rather than seasoning.
So chicken tenders offer a more tender, juicy bite and cleaner chicken flavor, while strips have a heartier crunch and bolder seasoning.
Common Uses
Chicken strips and tenders are both popular for finger food and snacking. But their differing shapes, textures, and flavors lend themselves to slightly different uses.
Chicken strips are most commonly used as appetizers, kids’ meals, and pub food. Their rectangular shape and crunchy exterior make chicken strips ideal for dipping in sauces and condiments. Ketchup, barbecue sauce, ranch dressing, and honey mustard are all popular dipping options.
The hearty, breaded texture of chicken strips also makes them ideal for sandwich fillings or toppings on salads and nachos. More uniform in size, strips can easily be portioned into servings.
Chicken tenders are common in appetizers and meals, both for children and adults. The irregular shape and delicate texture aren’t quite as conducive to dipping, so tenders are often eaten as is, topped with just a squeeze of lemon.
Tenders work nicely in stir fries, pastas, soups, and salads where their natural tenderness stands out. Easy to eat plain, they can also be dressed up with sauces and spices.
When breading or frying chicken, tenders are often preferred since their thin shape cooks up faster and crispier compared to thicker strips.
Buying Chicken Strips vs. Tenders
Both chicken strips and tenders can be found in the frozen food aisle and deli sections of most grocery stores. Here are some things to look for when buying one or the other:
Chicken Strips
- Breading should fully coat the meat
- Strips will be mostly uniform in size and shape
- Meat should be white in color with no signs of drying or freezing damage
- Check the ingredients for quality of ingredients like real chicken breast, eggs, and flour in the batter
Chicken Tenders
- Tenders will vary more in size and be tapered at the ends
- Breading should be light and thin to show the meat texture
- Meat should look smooth and moist with no dry spots
- Highlight “All Natural” if important – this indicates whole tenderloin cut
Both chicken strips and tenders are affordable, costing around $4-8 per pound depending on the brand. Organic and antibiotic-free options will cost a bit more. For the best flavor and texture, choose products with a minimum of added preservatives.
Cooking Chicken Strips vs. Tenders from Raw
Many people prefer to cook their chicken strips and tenders fresh from raw chicken at home. Here are some tips for preparing each type of chicken:
Chicken Strips
- Cut breast fillets into 1-inch wide strips
- Soak strips in buttermilk then coat with seasoned flour, panko, or batter
- Deep fry at 350°F for 2-3 minutes until golden brown
- Can also bake at 425°F for 18-22 minutes, flipping halfway
Chicken Tenders
- Trim tenderloins from underside of chicken breasts
- Coat lightly in flour, egg wash, and breadcrumbs
- Pan fry over medium heat for 3-4 minutes per side
- Bake at 400°F for 12-15 minutes until browned and 160°F internal temperature
The key for tenders is to avoid overcooking them, which can cause them to become tough and dry. Cook just long enough to brown the outside and bring the interior to an ideal 160°F temperature.
Are Chicken Strips Healthier than Tenders?
Chicken strips and tenders are both lean sources of protein and relatively healthy options for a fried food. However, there are some slight nutritional differences between the two:
| Chicken Strips (3 oz) | Chicken Tenders (3 oz) | |
|---|---|---|
| Calories | 230 | 140 |
| Fat | 12g | 3g |
| Carbs | 12g | 0g |
| Protein | 12g | 26g |
Chicken tenders are lower in calories, fat, and carbs compared to chicken strips. They contain significantly more protein due to being made entirely from chicken rather than having a thick bready coating.
So if watching fat, carbs, and calories, chicken tenders would be considered a healthier and lighter choice over chicken strips.
Recipe Ideas Using Chicken Strips or Tenders
Here are some recipe ideas that highlight the best qualities of chicken strips vs. tenders:
Chicken Strips
- Chicken strip sandwiches with cool ranch dressing and shredded lettuce
- Buffalo chicken strip salad with hot sauce dressing and blue cheese
- Nachos topped with cheese sauce, chicken strips, pico de gallo and guacamole
- Chicken strip subs with melted cheese, bacon, and barbecue sauce
Chicken Tenders
- Chicken teriyaki stir fry with broccoli and red peppers
- Tenderloin tacos with sliced avocado, cotija cheese, and lime crema
- Chicken tender pasta in an Alfredo or vodka sauce
- Greek chicken tender salad with tomatoes, olives, feta, and hummus dressing
Conclusion
While chicken strips and tenders may seem very similar at first glance, they have some distinct differences when it comes to their shape, texture, preparation, and common uses. Chicken strips are made from sliced chicken breast, have a rectangular shape, and are heavily breaded or battered before frying. Chicken tenders utilize the whole tenderloin cut and are coated more lightly to highlight their natural tenderness.
Strips are ideal for dipping and hold up well in sandwiches and nachos. Tenders work better in stir fries or salads, and are often preferred for their juicy flavor. While both can be delicious options for meals and snacks, understanding their differences can help you choose the right one for your recipe.