Hugo D. Many people don’t realize there is a difference between chicken fingers and chicken tenders. There are actually many differences! Both are delicious, but chicken tenders and chicken fingers each have distinct characteristics that make them their own protein options.
When it comes to taste, both chicken fingers and chicken tenders can be equally juicy if they are cooked correctly. Because of this similarity, the terms are often used interchangeably, but the differences are notable, and many chicken aficionados have a favorite.
Let’s break down the biggest differences between chicken tenders and chicken fingers, from the different cuts of meat used to the way they’re prepared. Learn what makes each of these tasty bites special. You might even get inspired to conduct your own taste test and discover which is your favorite!
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They Are Made from Different Cuts of Meat
The biggest distinction between chicken fingers and chicken tenders is that they are made from different cuts of meat.
Chicken tenders are made from the tenderloins of the chicken. These are thin muscles found under the chicken breast. Chicken tenderloins are white meat and typically about five inches long and an inch and a half wide.
Chicken fingers are made from the lean, white meat of the chicken breast. Any part of the chicken breast can be cut into a strip, fried—chicken fingers are almost always fried—and made into a chicken finger. Chicken “fingers” get their name from their shape: the inner fillets of the chicken breasts are cut into long, thin strips that have the same shape as fingers.
Chicken Tenders Are More Premium Meat than Fingers
Since chicken fingers come from the chicken breast, which is a decently sized area of the chicken, you can get more chicken fingers from one chicken, as many as two chicken breasts can be cut into. On the other hand, a chicken only has two tenderloins—one under each chicken breast. The tenderloin makes up only 3% of the meat on a chicken. But it’s the best 3%!
Due to their location, chicken tenderloins are naturally the most tender part of the chicken. Because of this, the tenderloin is considered a premium cut of meat. Typically, “premium” meat is the most tender and the most flavorful cut of an animal.
To put it in perspective, you can compare the tenderloin of a chicken to filet mignon. This highly prized, premium cut of beef is taken from the tenderloin of a cow. Huey Magoo’s Chicken Tenders calls the tenderloin of a chicken, “The Filet Mignon of Chicken®,” and they know a thing or two about chicken tenders.
There Are Some Dietary and Flavor Differences
There is less sodium and fewer calories in the chicken breast when compared to chicken tenders, which is why the flavor tends to be less strong in chicken fingers. On the other hand, chicken fingers are usually fried, which means the calorie comparison between chicken fingers and chicken tenders is less pronounced. In fact, if you are looking for a healthier option, you may want to consider chicken tenders, as they are just as enjoyable when they are grilled as when they are fried.
They Are Prepared Using Different Methods
Chicken tenders are more versatile than chicken fingers as far as how they’re best prepared and served. They are delicious when either breaded or fried. When breaded, chicken tenders and chicken fingers are typically coated in batter, breaded, and deep-fried until they become golden and crispy.
Both cuts can be grilled as well, but chicken breast strips tend to dry out faster without the breading, so chicken fingers are typically fried. In comparison, chicken tenders tend to grill much tastier than chicken fingers. The smaller, juicier cuts cook quickly, sealing in the moisture and maintaining their tenderness.
They Have Different Meal Options
Chicken tenders are a favorite of both adults and children. They can be served alone as an entree or snack or as part of a meal, such as a protein on a salad. One of the reasons for this is that there are more options for cooking since they taste great both fried and grilled. Grilled chicken tenders are an excellent choice for those watching their calorie intake since there’s no breading.
Some popular meal options for chicken tenders include topping a salad alongside your favorite vegetables. You can add them to wraps or sandwiches or serve them up as an entire meal with delicious sides. Chicken tenders pair well with a large variety of dips, such as honey mustard, homemade ranch, or tangy barbecue.
Often, chicken fingers are associated with appetizers or children’s food. This is because chicken fingers are commonly served as more casual fare. They are easy to eat and small, which is ideal for both little-kid fingers and grown-up snacking. Everyone enjoys the fried flavor and texture, and, like chicken tenders, they can eat them plain or dip them in a variety of sauce options for more intense flavor, such as barbeque sauce or creamy ranch.
Time for a Tasting!
Although both are tasty treats, there are certainly a few differences between chicken fingers and chicken tenders. They are cut from different parts of the chicken and can be cooked and enjoyed in unique ways. Fried chicken fingers are commonly found on appetizer or children’s menus, as they are considered a more casual option, while grilled or breaded chicken tenders are a more premium menu item and taste great on their own or as part of a larger dish.
Do you have a craving for some tasty chicken now? If you’re in the neighborhood, stop by Huey Magoo’s Chicken Tenders and taste-test chicken tenders made by the experts. Bring the whole family and customize your meal with sides, signature homemade dipping sauces, and more. We hope you enjoy your meal!
