It's no surprise that chicken tenderloins are incredibly popular with home cooks! This delicious part of everyone's favorite protein choice is just as versatile as its numerous nicknames.
Chicken fingers, chicken tenders, chicken goujons, chicken strips, chicken nuggets, or chicken filets - call it whatever you'd like. What doesn't change is that you can cook this extra tender part of chicken breast in various ways to suit any taste or diet.
Chicken tenderloins are thin strips of meat attached to each breast's underside. These strips of white meat are located on either side of the breastbone, under the breast meat (pectoralis major).
Each chicken has two breasts and thus also has two chicken tenders.
The name is self-explanatory - chicken tenders are usually more succulent and soft. They also require less cooking time, making them an excellent choice for a quick lunch or dinner dish.
You can find chicken tenders sold separately in packs of 10 to 20 in any supermarket. They quickly turn into a delicious foolproof meal in about 15 minutes - bake them, fry them, or throw them on the grill.
Chicken tenderloin and chicken breast are two different parts of the bird, each offering unique benefits. Chicken breasts are large pieces of white meat attached to the breast bone; they often require more cooking time due to their tough muscles and low-fat content.
Chicken tenderloins, on the other hand, are much softer, juicier, and more flavorful since they're composed of parts of the breast muscles that aren't used by the bird often. When it comes to cooking time, chicken breasts typically take longer than tenderloins since they need to be cooked thoroughly to avoid any dryness or toughness.
Looking at nutritional value, chicken breasts contain a much higher amount of protein with fewer calories, fat, and sodium; however, tenderloins still offer good nutritional value and unbeatable flavor and texture.
Ultimately it's up to you to decide which is right for your meal plan or diet goals. But it's important to note that both provide valuable nutrients that support overall health, yet with just a few extra calories and good fats, chicken tenders deliver flavor like no other. Whether you choose chicken tenderloin or chicken breast, you can always enjoy a delicious meal!
You can find a simple nutritional breakdown for one portion of chicken tenderloins (4 oz.) VS the same amount of chicken breasts below.
Chicken tenders are a classic favorite, especially when whipping up a quick, foolproof meal for the family or preparing meals for large groups. Whether you’re looking for a kid-friendly dinner or a leisurely lunch option, chicken tenders are always sure to please. Chicken tenders can make for a delicious and flavorful meal when served with the right side dishes.
In fact, we have compiled a list of 15 types of side dishes with many recipes for chicken tenders for you too!
For those who prefer something heartier, a grain-based salad like quinoa tabouleh offers great taste alongside the chicken while still packing plenty of nutrients.
With so many different ways to make chicken tenderloins – and an even larger variety of delicious flavors that can be added – it's no wonder why this versatile cut of poultry remains one of the most popular items in a home cook's kitchen.
So let's start discovering all the amazing things you can do with tasty and succulent chicken tenders and dive into our recipe ideas.
If you're a classic southern-style comfort food fan, there's nothing quite like fried chicken tenderloins to hit the spot. This delicious dish combines crunchy breading with juicy, tender chicken that can be served as a main course or an appetizer - it's up to you!
These buttermilk chicken tenders are a classic and easy chicken tenderloin recipe that the whole family will love. They are extra crispy and juicy and only require a few simple ingredients. Serve them with your favorite dipping sauce or any side from our list above!
This is a slightly classier and more seasoned version of your typical chicken fingers. Try these if you want more spice and kick to your taste buds.
If you like buttermilk fried chicken tenders and cornmeal waffles, then Southern-Style Chicken and Waffles are for you! This sweet and savory recipe for fried chicken and waffles is simple and beyond delicious! It's a fantastic indulging weekend lunch to make for your loved ones!
Have you heard of the famous Korean chili paste
Gochujang? If this is the first time you hear about it, do yourself a favor and immediately check out this fantastic umami-packed ingredient!
These crispy deep-fried tenderloins are marinated in a spicy sauce, adding to their incredible taste, and served with a tangy homemade gochujang aioli. We used Chung Jung One's Gochujang Korean Chili Sauce for a real authentic flavor. Trust us; you will not be sorry!
It doesn't get more classic and comforting than these pan-fried chicken fingers. The ultimate comfort food. Easier than you think and taste like they’re from a restaurant.
Are you looking for less oily recipes with this protein-packed ingredient? Then baked chicken tenders are a fool-proof choice with endless possibilities.
Whether you're searching for tender, juicy flavor or bold seasonings that pack an unforgettable punch, these recipes feature all the variety needed to spice up your mealtime routine. Plus -they make clean-up afterward easy too!
Nobody could say no to a basketful of hot, golden, crispy, and succulent fried chicken. This version is slightly healthier and less oily but not in the least less yummy!
This isn't your typical orange chicken - it's seasoned to perfection and baked in the oven! You won't order Chinese takeout again once you try this recipe!
These savory crepes are the ultimate crowd-pleaser and versatile enough to serve as an easy lunch entrée or an elegant brunch item. And each heavenly bite is filled with a medley of creaminess, crunchiness, and flavor, making it delicious enough to have you all return for more.
Our recipe is a flavorful reminder of home-cooked comfort food that's sure to please everyone. Starting with chunks of succulent chicken, we add creamy mushrooms with hints of onions and peas for an extra layer of rich flavor.
These baked chicken fingers are all kinds of epic. They're the juiciest, most insanely flavorful buffalo tenders you've ever had. The awesomeness is mainly due to the chicken tenders being marinated in ranch dressing, so each fiery bite has a tangy ranch baked in.
Chicken tenderloins are breaded with flavorful crumbs, herbs, and Parmesan cheese, then baked for the easiest, quickest chicken dish ever.
This is a beautiful recipe with chicken tenders breaded in crispy potato chips. They're baked to perfection for dinner the whole family will love!
Parmesan Cous Cous Crusted Chicken Strips is a hassle-free meal. Our delicious recipe is easy to make and sure to please everyone around the table.
The secret is in the texture: the crunchy, crusted coating holds up perfectly during cooking and seals in all those unique flavors. Enjoy our Parmesan Cous Cous Crusted Chicken Strips as a main dish, or cut into more petite strips and serve as finger food at your next party.
The Baked Cheddar Chicken Tenderloins recipe is a crowd-pleasing meal that you and your family will love! It's the perfect comfort food for those cozy nights at home or delightful lunches with friends.
If you are looking for something quick and easy but don't want to settle for the most obvious dishes, this chicken tenderloin recipe section is for you!
Do you know the secret to perfectly cooked chicken tenderloins? It's easier than you might think! With these easy chicken tenderloin recipes, even novice home cooks can prepare flavorful, healthy meals in no time. Whether you prefer grilled, roasted, or pan-seared tenders, we've got some surefire methods for creating deliciousness from common pantry ingredients with minimal prep.
This is a quick, easy and tasty meal. The sauce has so much depth of flavor. The chicken is moist and tender. The best part about it is that it just takes minutes to prepare—no need to marinate. You can make this dish with chicken thighs or chicken tenders.
Calling all buffalo chicken diehard fans! We've taken all of the classic, amazing flavors you love and made them even better. With juicy chicken tenders lightly coated in delicious panko breadcrumbs, this wrap is an easy way to satisfy your buffalo chicken cravings while still being light and flavorful. The crispy and crunchy texture makes it perfect for lunch or dinner any day of the week.
A sweet, tangy balsamic vinegar marinade gives these pan-fried chicken tenderloins flavor and color. They are perfect over a bed of your favorite greens!
It seems fancy, but it is so comforting and easy to make you can easily add this dish to your weekly rotation.
Buffalo Chicken Tacos has quick and easy buffalo marinade flavoring chicken tenders wrapped in soft tortillas and topped with creamy blue cheese and cilantro slaw. Yum!
This is one of the easiest comforting meals you can make using chicken tenders. It comes together in just under half an hour and is a foolproof way to have everyone's bellies full and happy.
Succulent chicken pieces stir-fried with spicy and smoked Calabrian Nduja wrapped in a Mexican tortilla with creamy avocado, zesty lime, and sweet tomatoes.
If you got any leftover chicken from other meals you made during the week, this quesadilla is a surefire idea to put to good use.
Homemade chicken tacos in less than 30 minutes? Yes, please! Make these for your next taco Tuesday!
Are you looking for delicious and healthy chicken tenders that will still fit into your keto lifestyle? Not only are these ideas healthier than your average fried chicken, but they're also quite simple to prepare and make great meals for lunch or dinner.
Imagine a moist breaded chicken cutlet; now imagine it kid friendly. We present you with our Chicken Tenders. Why should adults be the only ones to enjoy fresh, wholesome ingredients homemade with a bit of love and a lot of goodness?
These Chicken 'Nachos' are more of Chicken 'Not-Chos' since no chips are involved here. Instead, the entire nacho is based on the pieces of chicken themselves. Once these 'nachos' are cooked, they are loaded with plenty of cheesy goodness and even some chives to really get that nacho look and feel!
This Keto Chicken Tenders recipe is the best low-carb breaded chicken tenders you will ever have! Crunchy, flavorful, and gluten-free, these low-carb and keto-friendly “breaded” chicken tenders hold up just as well with all your favorite dipping sauces as their higher-carb counterparts do. Perfect for a quick weeknight dinner.
This quick and easy Garlic Chicken Stir Fry dish features tender chicken strips and fresh green veggies coated in delicious, flavorful Asian-style garlic sauce. It goes well with rice or noodles on the side. Whether a busy weeknight or a lazy weekend night, this one-skillet dinner fits all kinds of situations.
This kid-friendly, healthy chicken dinner is sure to be a favorite. When you are short on time to prepare a healthy dinner, making a sheet pan meal like this is an absolute dream! Not only will you save time cooking the meal, but you can also do the prep work ahead.
A simple, delicious, and healthy Grilled Chicken Salad is the perfect no-fuss solution for anyone trying to eat healthily.
A classic Italian dish - Straccetti di Pollo - was slightly revised to make it healthier and leaner. We replaced beef with organic chicken and flour with tapioca starch to make it Paleo-friendly, healthier, and much lighter!
