Chicken Strips vs Tenders: A Tasty Battle
If you are a chicken lover, then you must know the importance of having a good portion of your favorite chicken dish. Within the chicken menu, there are two dishes that often catch people’s attention – the chicken strip and the chicken tender. While they may look the same, these two dishes are different from each other in many ways. If you want to know the differences between chicken strips and tenders, this article is for you.
What are Chicken Strips?
Chicken strips, also known as chicken fingers, are thin slices of chicken that have been battered and deep-fried. They are usually crispy and have a crunchy texture on the outside, making them an excellent choice for people who like their food crispy. You can easily find chicken strips in a fast-food restaurant or frozen food section of a grocery store.
What are Chicken Tenders?
Chicken tenders are also slices of chicken that are cut lengthwise from the breast. However, unlike chicken strips, they are not battered. The chicken is seasoned and coated with bread crumbs or flour and baked, fried, or grilled. They have a crispy texture on the outside like chicken strips but have a tender, juicy interior.
Differences Between Chicken Strips and Tenders
The main difference between chicken strips and tenders lies in the method of preparation. The chicken strips are battered and deep-fried, while the tenders are coated with bread crumbs or flour and baked, fried or grilled. This difference in cooking technique creates a difference in texture and flavor of the dishes.
Chicken strips are thin, crispy, and have a crunchy texture. They have a greasy taste, which is not suitable for people watching calories. On the contrary, chicken tenders have a crunchy exterior and a juicy, tender interior. They are not greasy and are relatively lighter on the stomach.
Chicken strips are usually served with dipping sauce, such as ketchup or honey mustard, while chicken tenders are often served with a gravy or aioli sauce.
Chicken strips are available in fast-food restaurants and takeaways, while chicken tenders are more likely to be found in casual dining restaurants and pubs.
Which One is Healthier and More Nutritious?
Chicken tenders are generally considered to be healthier than chicken strips. They are lower in calories, fat, and sodium. An average serving of chicken tenders contains about 292 calories, 12g fat, and 580mg of sodium. On the other hand, chicken strips contain about 430 calories, 18g fat, and 1100mg of sodium per serving. However, the nutritional value of these dishes may differ depending on the cooking method and the ingredients used.
FAQs
Q: Are chicken strips and tenders halal?
A: Chicken strips and tenders may or may not be halal. It depends on the source of the chicken and the method of slaughter. If you are unsure about the halal status of these dishes, it is best to consult with a trusted authority.
Q: Are chicken strips and tenders gluten-free?
A: Chicken strips and tenders may or may not be gluten-free. It depends on the breading used. If you have celiac disease or gluten intolerance, it is best to ask the restaurant or read the label of the packaged food before consuming.
Q: How do I make chicken strips or tenders at home?
A: To make chicken strips or tenders at home, you will need boneless, skinless chicken breasts, flour or bread crumbs, eggs, and seasonings. Cut the chicken into strips or tenders, season them with salt and pepper, dip them into the beaten eggs, and then coat them in flour or bread crumbs. Bake, fry, or grill them until they are cooked through and golden brown.
Conclusion
Chicken strips and chicken tenders are two popular chicken dishes that may look the same but are different in many ways. While chicken strips are battered and deep-fried, chicken tenders are coated with bread crumbs or flour and baked, fried, or grilled. Chicken tenders are generally considered to be healthier and more nutritious than chicken strips. However, the choice between these two dishes ultimately comes down to personal preference.