Detendoning a chicken breast is a simple process that makes a big difference in the taste and texture of the final dish By removing the tough tendon that runs through the breast, you ensure it will be incredibly tender and juicy when cooked While it may seem intimidating, detendoning is actually quite easy to do at home with just a fork and paper towel. This article will walk you through the detendoning process step-by-step, as well as provide tips for achieving the most tender and flavorful chicken breast.
What is a Chicken Breast Tendon?
Chicken breast tendons are tough, stringy pieces of connective tissue that run through the center of the breast meat. When raw, the tendon is white and fairly prominent. As the breast cooks, the tendon becomes rubbery and chewy. For this reason, many cooks choose to remove it prior to cooking.
While the tendon isn’t harmful or dangerous to eat, its texture can be unappetizing once cooked. Detendoning gives you the most tender and pleasant meat possible. It also allows you to pound the chicken breast to an even thickness so it cooks evenly.
Step-by-Step Guide to Detendoning a Chicken Breast
Detendoning a chicken breast is remarkably simple. You’ll need just a few basic supplies:
- Raw chicken breast
- Fork
- Paper towel or clean kitchen cloth
Follow these steps
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Place the chicken breast on a cutting board or plate, Have the underside facing up so you can easily see the white tendon running through the center
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Slide the tines of a fork under one end of the tendon. Push the fork all the way in so the tendon is between two tines.
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Use your other hand to firmly grasp the loose end of the tendon with a paper towel. The paper towel gives you a better grip.
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Pull up on the paper towel while pressing down on the breast with the fork. The tendon should slide easily out of the meat in one piece.
That’s it! It should take no more than 15-30 seconds per breast. Discard the tendons or save them for stock. Your chicken breasts are now ready for pounding, seasoning, and cooking.
Tips for the Most Tender, Juicy Chicken Breast
Detendoning is the first step to ensuring tender chicken, but how you prep and cook the meat also matters. Follow these tips for the juiciest results:
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Pound to an even thickness. After detendoning, place the chicken between two sheets of plastic wrap and use a meat mallet or rolling pin to gently pound to a uniform thickness, around 1/2 inch. This promotes even cooking.
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Brine if time allows. Soaking chicken in a saltwater brine solution before cooking infuses it with moisture and flavor. Let it brine for 30 minutes up to overnight.
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Don’t overcook. Chicken dries out quickly once it reaches 165°F internal temperature. Monitor thickness with a meat thermometer and remove it as soon as it’s done.
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Let it rest before slicing. Letting it rest for 5-10 minutes allows juices to redistribute so they don’t run out when you slice into it.
How to Use Detendoned Chicken Breasts
Detendoned, pounded chicken breasts are extremely versatile for all kinds of delicious recipes:
- Chicken sandwiches
- Chicken salads
- Fajitas, tacos, quesadillas
- Chicken parmesan
- Simple pan-seared chicken
- Chicken pasta dishes
- Grilled chicken
- Chicken soups and casseroles
You can also cut tenderized chicken breasts into strips or cubes to use in stir-fries, kabobs, or skewers.
Taking the extra couple minutes to detendon chicken breasts makes a remarkable difference in texture and moisture. While the tendon itself is edible, removing it guarantees your chicken will be tender and won’t have chewy bits. Combined with proper pounding, brining, and cooking techniques, detendoned chicken breast is incredibly succulent and delicious. Give it a try the next time a recipe calls for chicken breast!
Alternative hack to de-tendon chicken using a knife
If the fork method above is challenging for you or you simply want another simple hack to add to your arsenal of how to de-tendon chicken, then using a knife is the other way. The concept is similar to the fork method in that youre pulling out the tendon from the meat, but instead of positioning it between two fork tines, it goes between the knife edge and a cutting board.
Start by laying the chicken tender on a cutting board with the smooth skin side facing up. Identify the protruding end of the tendon and pin it down on the cutting board using the thumbnail of your non-dominant hand. Next, take a sharp knife in your favored hand and place the cutting edge on top of the tendon, right where it disappears into the meat.
Push the meat forward using the knife as if youre scraping it away from the tendon. Remember to keep the knife at an angle to avoid accidentally applying a downward force, which could cut the tendon before it fully detaches from the meat. Once you push the meat to the very end, youll have successfully detached the tendon.
How to Easily Remove the Tendon from Chicken Tenders with a FORK #shorts
FAQ
How do you debone a chicken breast?
Rinse the breast under cold water and pat it dry with paper towels. Use a sharp knife: A sharp knife will ensure clean cuts and prevent tearing the meat. Be patient: Deboning requires patience and precision. Don’t rush the process. Use poultry shears: Poultry shears are helpful for cutting through tougher tendons and cartilage.
Can a TikTok tip remove a tendon from a chicken breast?
We buy things like boneless, skinless chicken breast in an attempt to make it easier, but there’s still that annoying tendon running through each piece. Well, thanks to this woman’s TikTok video showing an incredibly fast and easy tendon-removing chicken tip, you can spend less time struggling with a knife and more time enjoying your meal.
How do you Debon a cooked chicken?
Don’t start deboning until your chicken is cool enough to be handled. You can be burned by fat or grease if the chicken is too hot. Cut the breast in half lengthwise. Cooked chicken doesn’t stick to the bone as much as raw chicken, so simply cutting the breast in half is sufficient to locate the breastbone.
What is deboning chicken breast?
Deboning, the process of removing the bones from a piece of meat, unlocks a world of culinary possibilities, from succulent stuffed breasts to tender stir-fries. In this comprehensive guide, we will delve into the techniques and steps involved in deboning chicken breast, transforming you into a confident and capable home chef.
What can I do with deboned chicken?
Here are a few ideas to inspire your cooking: Stuffed chicken breasts: Fill deboned chicken breasts with your favorite stuffing and bake or grill them for a succulent and flavorful meal. Chicken stir-fries: Deboned chicken breast is a perfect addition to stir-fries, adding protein and tenderness to your dish.
How do you cook chicken breast if you have a tendon?
Now that you’ve got your tendon removed, you have to cook the breasts. Chicken breasts are known for being pretty bland and are often accused of being too dry. Flatten: Using a wide-bottomed jar or glass, flatten your chicken breasts so they are an even thickness throughout. Season: Season both sides lightly with salt and pepper.