Chicken tenders are a popular food that can be served as an appetizer side dish, or entrée. Their mild flavor and boneless convenience make them a favorite for kids and adults alike. But where can you find the best chicken tenders? This guide will explore the top places to buy quality chicken tenders so you can enjoy these tasty treats anytime.
Grocery Stores Offer Convenient Chicken Tenders
The grocery store is often the most convenient place to buy chicken tenders Most stores like Safeway, Kroger, Albertsons, and Trader Joe’s carry chicken tenders in the frozen or refrigerated meat sections Brands like Tyson, Perdue, and Foster Farms are typically stocked.
Opt for all natural or organic tenders to avoid antibiotics, hormones, and preservatives. Trader Joe’s and Whole Foods have quality organic and all-natural options. Check for gluten-free varieties too if needed.
Grocery store tenders are affordable and convenient. Keep them stocked in the freezer for quick weeknight dinners or appetizers. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight and bake or air fry until crispy and cooked through.
Specialty Chicken Shops and Butcher Counters
Local butcher shops and chicken specialty stores offer premium chicken tenders These tenders are often fresh, locally raised chicken Stores like The Chicken Coop source ethical, pasture-raised chicken from family farms.
Butcher counters at upscale grocers like Whole Foods also carry fresh chicken tenders. Ask your butcher for a recommendation. Ensure the source fits your preferences like organic, free-range, pasture-raised, etc.
The chickens at specialty shops yield tender, juicy meat with premium taste and texture. The price is higher than the grocery store but supports small farms. These fresh tenders are worthwhile for a special meal.
Family Restaurants and Fast Food
Family and fast food chains like Applebee’s, Dairy Queen, KFC, and Chick-fil-A have chicken tenders on the menu. The tenders are breaded and fried for a crispy coating. Most places serve tenders with sides like fries and dipping sauces.
The convenience makes restaurants a top spot for buying chicken tenders. However, the tenders may be higher in fat, calories, and sodium than homemade. Check nutrition info and choose grilled or roasted tenders if possible. Avoid heavy batter coats and creamy sauces.
Go to restaurants that specialize in tenders like Zaxby’s and Raising Cane’s. Their menu focuses on quality chicken tenders served different ways.
Online Retailers Deliver to Your Door
Several online retailers like Schwan’s, Goldbelly, and Porter Road Butcher sell and ship chicken tenders nationwide. Schwan’s offers convenient meal kits with prepared tenders and sides for reheating. Goldbelly partners with famous restaurants to ship their signature dishes, including chicken tenders.
Porter Road sources premium pasture-raised chicken from Kentucky farms. Their boneless tenders arrive fresh at your door overnight. Meal delivery services like Home Chef and HelloFresh also offer recipes with fresh tenders.
Online shopping makes high-quality chicken tenders accessible anywhere. Check the sourcing and shipping policies first when ordering online. Prices are higher than the grocery store to account for fast shipping on perishables.
Quick Tips for Buying Chicken Tenders
- Read labels and choose tenders with simple, whole food ingredients
- Opt for antibiotic-free, pasture-raised, or organic if possible
- Request fresh tenders from the butcher rather than pre-packed tenders
- For restaurants, check if grilled or roasted tenders are available
- Order a sample or small quantity first when buying from a new source
- Freeze extras bought at the grocery store to have tenders stocked at home
With this guide, finding delicious chicken tenders for any occasion is simple. Try tenders from one of these sources to enjoy quality chicken anytime. Experiment with different prep methods at home like baking, air frying, grilling, or breading to serve flavorful chicken tenders your family will love.
The Best Chicken Tenders Deserve the Best Rewards
Grilled, Hand-Breaded, Bite Sized Or Sauced
Craft your new Tender Meal the Way You Crave it! With Multiple Entrees and a Variety of Sauces & Dips, There are Countless Ways to Customize Your Meal.
Did I find the BEST chicken tenders?!
FAQ
Who has the best chicken tenders?
- Popeyes.
- Chick-fil-A.
- Wingstop.
- KFC.
- McDonald’s.
- Raising Cane’s.
What are the best store-bought chicken tenders?
- Best Crispy: Foster Farms Classic Crispy Chicken Strips.
- Best Gluten-Free: Applegate Naturals Gluten-Free Chicken Breast Tenders.
Can you buy uncooked chicken tenders?
These chicken tenders are made from high-quality chicken and coated in a crispy breading, offering a satisfying texture and neutral flavor that can be customized to your liking. Please note that our Plain Breaded Chicken Tenders are raw and require full cooking before consumption to ensure food safety.
Who sells the healthiest chicken tenders?
- via Tyson.
- via Perdue.
- via Caulipower.
- via Realgood Food Co.
- via Just Bare.
- via Kidfresh.
- via Good & Gather.
- via Applegate Naturals.
Can I order chicken tenders online?
Crispy breaded chicken tenders are a grill and bar classic, served with honey Dijon mustard and fries, and can be ordered online at some Applebee’s restaurants. (Smaller portion) Want to Order Online? Your selected restaurant doesn’t offer online ordering, but we can help find one near you! © 2022 Applebee’s Restaurants LLC.
What are chicken tenders?
Chicken tenders are the tenderloin of the chicken located on the underside of the breast. It is that narrow part that will sometimes separate when eating breast meat. It is the chicken equivalent of the beef tenderloin or the pork tenderloin. It is a muscle that does very little work, so it is always tender.
What is the best brand of chicken tenders to buy?
On Amazon, you can find chicken tenders from brands such as Amazon’s own Happy Belly, Perdue Harvestland Organic, and Just Bare Natural. These brands offer options like organic, free-range, and antibiotic-free chicken tenders.
Where is the chicken tender located?
Chicken tenders are located on the underside of the breast. It is that narrow part that will sometimes separate when eating breast meat.
Can you eat frozen chicken tenders?
When it comes to frozen chicken tenders, you might just want to fire up the oven (or air fryer), grab your favorite dipping sauce and call it a quick dinner. Sometimes that hits the spot! But you can also use these frozen chicken strips to make some great recipes like these too-tempting chicken Parmesan sliders or shortcut chicken and waffles.
Do Chicken Tenders get soggy?
Even if you love to drench your tenders in extra barbecue sauce, you won’t find that they get soggy—Foster Farms holds up! Flavor-wise, these crispy strips were savory and had just the right amount of salt and pepper and the chicken inside was tender and delicious.