How Many Calories Are in 4 Chicken Strips? A Detailed Look

Chicken strips, also known as chicken tenders, are a popular appetizer and meal option. But many people wonder, just how many calories are in those crispy, breaded strips of chicken?

In this article, we’ll take a close look at the calorie count in chicken strips. We’ll break down the nutrition for different portion sizes from various restaurants. Read on to learn how many calories you’re really consuming when you order a serving of chicken strips!

Calorie Count in 4 Chicken Strips from Popular Restaurants

Chicken strips are served in different portion sizes at various restaurants. Here’s a breakdown of the calorie content in 4 chicken strips from some popular chains:

Chick-fil-A

• 4 Chick-fil-A Chicken Strips = 410 calories

Chick-fil-A’s chicken strips contain between 125-150 calories per strip, depending on size A 4-piece serving includes about 410 calories. The strips are breaded and fried in peanut oil

KFC

• 4 KFC Chicken Strips = 320 calories

At KFC, a 4-piece order of chicken strips contains about 320 calories Each chicken strip averages 80 calories KFC breads the strips and fries them in vegetable oil.

McDonald’s

• 4 McDonald’s Chicken Selects = 420 calories

McDonald’s Chicken Selects contain about 100-110 calories per strip. A 4-piece order has 420 calories total. The strips are breaded and fried in vegetable oil.

Wendy’s

• 4 Wendy’s Chicken Strips = 460 calories

Wendy’s chicken strips have 110-120 calories each. A 4-piece serving contains 460 calories. The strips are breaded and cooked in vegetable oil.

Arby’s

• 4 Arby’s Chicken Strips = 490 calories

At Arby’s, the chicken strips average 120-125 calories each. A 4-piece order provides 490 calories. The strips are breaded and fried in vegetable shortening.

As you can see, calories for 4 chicken strips at popular restaurants range from 320 to 490. The differences come down to portion sizes and preparation methods. But in most cases, you can expect about 400-450 calories in a standard 4-piece serving.

Nutrition Facts: Protein, Fat, Carbs, and More

Beyond just calories, what other nutrition is found in 4 chicken strips? Let’s look at some of the main macros and micros:

• Protein: 25-40g protein per serving

• Fat: 15-25g total fat per serving

• Carbs: 15-25g total carbs

• Sodium: 600-1200mg per serving

• Sugar: 0-5g per serving

• Cholesterol: 60-100mg

Chicken is a lean protein and the strips provide a good amount per serving. The breading and frying adds more fat, carbs, and sodium. Most restaurants fry the strips in vegetable oil, rather than animal fat or lard.

How Many Chicken Strips Should You Eat?

Now that we know the calories in chicken strips, how many make sense for a meal? Dietitians generally recommend:

• Women: 3-4 chicken strips per meal

• Men: 4-5 chicken strips per meal

These serving sizes provide ample protein (25-40g) without too many calories (300-500). Eating more than 5 strips at one sitting starts to become excessive.

It’s also best to enjoy chicken strips in moderation, rather than every day. The high sodium and fat from frying can be problematic in large amounts. Substitute grilled chicken or roasted chicken occasionally for a healthier alternative.

Tips for Making Chicken Strips Healthier

If you want to enjoy chicken strips but reduce the calories, fat, or sodium, here are some tips:

• Opt for grilled strips – Many restaurants offer grilled chicken strips, which eliminates the oil and calories from frying.

• Eat a small portion – Stick to the recommended 3-4 strip serving size to keep calories under control.

• Avoid dipping sauces – Sauces like ranch, honey mustard, or barbecue add extra calories and sodium.

• Make air-fried strips at home – Air fryers produce crispy “fried” results with less oil than deep frying.

• Use whole grain breading – For homemade strips, use whole grain breadcrumbs to add more fiber.

• Watch your sides – Fill up on non-fried sides like salads, veggies, or fruit instead of fries.

The Bottom Line

So how many calories are in 4 chicken strips? In most cases, you can expect around 400-450 calories for a standard 4-piece serving from a restaurant. The actual amount varies based on the size of the strips and preparation method. Chicken strips can be enjoyed in moderation as the lean protein provides a good nutrient boost. Just balance out the higher sodium and fat that comes from the breading and frying to keep your diet well-rounded.

Four fried chicken strips typically contain between 340 and 720 calories, depending on the size and preparation method. A serving of four fried chicken tenders from Portillo’s, for example, contains 340 calories. However, Shane’s Rib Shack’s four fried chicken tenders contain 720 calories.