Chicken tenders

Breaded and fried chicken meat

Chicken tenders, also known as chicken fingers, chicken strips, or chicken fillets, are a popular type of fast food consisting of breaded and fried strips of chicken meat. These strips are typically made from the pectoralis minor muscles of the chicken, which are located under the breast meat.

Preparation

Crispy chicken strips

Chicken tenders are prepared by cutting the chicken breast into strips, which are then coated in a seasoned batter or bread crumbs. The coating can vary widely, including panko, cornflakes, or a simple flour mixture. The strips are then deep-fried or baked until golden brown and crispy.

The seasoning of the batter can include a variety of spices such as paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, and black pepper. Some recipes may also include buttermilk or egg wash to help the coating adhere to the chicken.

Serving

Chicken tenders are often served as a main dish or as part of a combo meal in fast food restaurants. They are commonly accompanied by dipping sauces such as ranch dressing, honey mustard, barbecue sauce, or buffalo sauce.

Chicken tenders meal at Dairy Queen

In addition to being a staple in fast food, chicken tenders are also popular in casual dining restaurants and are often included in children's menus due to their mild flavor and ease of eating.

Variations

There are numerous variations of chicken tenders around the world. In the United States, they are often served with a variety of dipping sauces and sides such as french fries or coleslaw.

In American Chinese cuisine, a similar dish known as "chicken fingers" is often served with a sweet and sour sauce. These are typically battered and fried in a manner similar to tempura.

American Chinese chicken fingers

Related pages

• Chicken nugget
• Fried chicken
• Fast food
• List of chicken dishes