What’s the Difference Between Chicken Strips vs. Chicken Tenders?
You’re in the mood for a tasty chicken dinner. However, you’re facing a serious dilemma — do you go for chicken strips or chicken tenders? What’s the difference between the two, anyway? Well, no one knows chicken quite like Huey Magoo’s Chicken Tenders. We’ll break down everything you need to know in the chicken strips vs. chicken tenders debate so you know which one to grab for your next dinner.
Consistent Quality
The cut of the meat significantly affects its quality. A whole chicken, for instance, is typically divided into the wings, breasts, thighs, legs and tenderloin.
According to the U.S. Department of Agriculture, fully cooked, frozen chicken strips may be made from boneless, skinless, marinated chicken meat of either white and dark meat or all white meat. They may come from the breast meat, but they can also come from other parts of the chicken as well.
In contrast, real chicken tenders are made from a very specific, single part of the chicken — the tenderloin. This muscle is located under the chicken breast and is considered white meat. This cut is also considered the best 3% of the chicken, which we like to call The Filet Mignon of Chicken®.
With chicken tenders, you can be confident you’re getting the same high-quality meat time and time again. Chicken tenders deliver the type of consistency you may not necessarily find with chicken strips.
Texture
As the name implies, chicken tenders are made from the most tender part of the chicken. Since they come from a small, seldom-used muscle, they are delicate cuts of meat that are naturally flavorful. The higher moisture content of the tenderloin cut also makes tenders juicier than chicken strips, which can sometimes be dry.
You can easily pull apart the pieces of a chicken tender because of its soft and tender texture. Since chicken strips may come from other parts of the chicken, they may be tougher. Chicken strips are often made from larger, meatier cuts of the chicken, so they typically have a heartier, chewier texture compared to chicken tenders.
Flavor
Chicken tenders and strips are both versatile and can be combined with a wide variety of flavor profiles. Spicy, smoky, tangy, creamy, savory and even sweet can elevate a tender or strip. However, due to the thinner cut and delicate texture of the tenderloin, chicken tenders are known for their ability to absorb flavor. It’s what makes them ideal for a wide range of cuisines.
At Huey Magoo’s, we take full advantage of this feature. All our hand-breaded Tenders are perfectly seasoned before cooking, and our grilled Tenders are marinated for 24 hours. Then, we encourage our guests to customize the flavor profile. Enjoy your Tenders “sauced” with buffalo, lemon pepper, garlic parmesan or sweet red chili. You can also pick your dips. Choose from handcrafted Magoo’s, Spicy Magoo’s or ranch, or classic honey mustard, barbeque, blue cheese, sweet red chili, garlic parmesan or buffalo. You can be confident that no matter what you choose, it’s going to taste great.
Preparation
Both chicken tenders and chicken strips can be prepared in a variety of ways. The main difference is that because tenders are leaner pieces of meat, they tend to cook faster than chicken strips. If you’re looking to whip up a quick and tasty chicken dinner at home, chicken tenders may be the way to go.
Because of their moisture content, chicken tenders stay juicy even after they’ve been cooked through. Since they come from a specific part of the chicken, they’re also more uniform in texture and easier to cook to perfection. Other parts of the chicken, on the other hand, may vary in thickness and size.
Nutritional Value
If you’re looking for a delicious, healthy and affordable meal for the entire family, chicken often checks all the boxes. Both chicken tenders and strips are loaded with protein, making them an excellent option for a nutritious and nourishing family meal.
In fact, just one of Huey Magoo’s hand-breaded Chicken Tenders contains 10 grams of protein. Eat a 3 Piece Meal and you’ll consume 30 grams of protein! Our grilled Chicken Tenders are loaded with even more protein, at 12 grams per Tender.
Calories vary depending on how the chicken tenders or strips are prepared. For instance, breaded options will be different from grilled. Sauces and dips also impact the total calories consumed.
Take a look at Huey Magoo’s nutrition and allergen information for a detailed breakdown of the nutritional value in each item. In addition to our protein-packed Chicken Tenders and Tender Bites, we also serve up wraps, sandwiches and salads to satisfy just about any craving.
Overall Experience
When you eat the very best, it’s easy to savor each bite and truly enjoy the experience. Huey Magoo’s Chicken Tenders are made from the best 3% of the chicken, making for a delicious and satisfying meal.
In the battle between chicken strips vs. chicken tenders, Huey Magoo’s believes chicken tenders reign supreme! Plus, when you visit Huey Magoo’s, you’ll experience what we like to call the G.O.A.T. — the Greatest of All Tenders®. Don’t take our word for it, though. Try it out for yourself and let us know what you think when it comes to chicken tenders vs. Chicken strips.
Remember, a fun family outing doesn’t have to be expensive. Huey Magoo’s believes in elevating the fast-casual dining experience. Come visit us and enjoy great flavor, great food and great company at a great, affordable price!
If you’re ready to treat yourself to a savory meal, visit one of our Huey Magoo’s Chicken Tenders locations near you. With exceptional service and mouthwatering Chicken Tenders and Tender Bites, we’re confident you’ll leave feeling full and satisfied.
