Uncovering the Origins of the Beloved Chicken Tender

Chicken tenders have become a staple food across America. Their convenience versatility and downright deliciousness have made them a go-to option for people of all ages. But who exactly invented this popular finger food? The origins of the chicken tender may surprise you.

A Revolutionary Snack is Born

The creation of the chicken tender took place in 1974 at the Puritan Backroom restaurant in Manchester, New Hampshire. Charlie Pappas, the owner of the restaurant, is credited with inventing chicken tenders

The story goes that Pappas was cleaning chickens one day when he realized there was usable breast meat left on the tenderloins after the breasts were removed. He trimmed this leftover meat and experimented with breading and frying it into tasty morsels. After perfecting his recipe, Pappas added the chicken tenders to the Puritan Backroom menu under the name “Chicken Fingers.” They were an instant hit.

Pappas had stumbled upon an ingenious way to reduce food waste and create a new menu item using an overlooked cut of chicken. His innovative snack was well-received by customers and chicken tenders were on their way to becoming a American favorite.

Imitation is the Sincerest Form of Flattery

It didn’t take long for the delicious concept to catch on. Within a few years, variations of chicken tenders were popping up on menus across the country. By the 1980s, they had become a staple menu item at most fast food chains.

Restaurants put their own spin on Pappas’ original idea, tweaking the seasoning, breading and dipping sauces. Menu offerings ranged from classic breaded tenders to more elevated versions like Parmesan-crusted chicken tenders served over pasta. No matter how they were served, people couldn’t get enough of these tasty morsels.

The popularity of chicken tenders surged as they became a standard menu component in fast casual dining and delivery. Their convenience and versatility made them an easy choice for families and individuals looking for a quick meal on the go.

Chicken tender production scaled rapidly to meet demand. Food manufacturers mass produced frozen chicken tenders coated in breadcrumbs and seasoning that restaurants could simply reheat and serve. Chicken tenders became a multi-million dollar market unto itself.

Though imitated by many, Pappas’ original recipe and the name “Chicken Fingers” remain popular at the Puritan Backroom in Manchester. The local favorite has now been serving its iconic chicken tenders for over 45 years and counting.

Regional Twists Cause Culinary Debate

While the Puritan Backroom’s status as the original inventor of chicken tenders is widely accepted, some other restaurants in the south have challenged this notion.

Proponents point to seasonal businesses in Savannah, Georgia and Baton Rouge, Louisiana that claim to have sold breaded chicken strips before the Puritan Backroom. However, these narratives appear unsubstantiated.

The consensus among food historians and chefs seems to agree that Pappas and the Puritan Backroom were the true pioneers. Though similar dishes may have existed previously on a small scale, Pappas is credited with popularizing chicken tenders on a broad commercial level.

One regional variation that has muddied the waters is the beloved “Manchester chicken tender.” Marinated in duck sauce, this local twist was likely derived from Pappas’ original recipe. The marinated tender has become synonymous with Manchester, but some see it as a separate interpretation rather than the original.

Debates around origin stories often happen when a food evolves and spreads regionally over time. Regardless of minor discrepancies, the Chicken Finger’s introduction at the Puritan Backroom in 1974 stands as the pivotal moment that catalyzed our nation’s chicken tender obsession.

An Unlikely Culinary Legacy

Charlie Pappas passed away in 2008, but his legacy lives on in every basket of chicken tenders served today. Thanks to Pappas’ innovation, an unlikely cut of meat has become a staple of the American diet.

The versatility and mass market potential of chicken tenders exceeded Pappas’ wildest expectations back in 1974. Yet his simple idea for reducing waste and adding a new menu item ended up transforming the culinary landscape.

In 2023, the city of Manchester, NH officially trademarked its status as the Chicken Tender Capital of the World. They even erected a commemorative statue of Charlie Pappas honoring his role in creating this quintessential American snack.

Next time you enjoy a serving of hot, juicy chicken tenders, take a moment to appreciate the ingenuity of Charlie Pappas. His small-town idea ended up having an outsized impact on our national appetite.

Chicken tenders, as a specific dish with that name, are generally credited to The Puritan Backroom in Manchester, New Hampshire. They are said to have first served them in 1974, using the term “chicken tenders” to describe the dish, according to The Puritan Backroom.