Tendons are a type of connective tissue that bonds muscle (the meat) to the bone next to it. They can be found in chicken or any other type of meat. If you’ve cooked chicken before, though, you know that the tendon on the chicken tenderloin (or chicken tender) is the most unpleasant. This white meat cut without bones that comes after the chicken breast is the softest part of a chicken. But how do you remove that pesky tendon that runs along it? The trick is to use a fork.
Place the tender on a chopping board and identify the white strand protruding from one end (the tendon). Grab the tendon and slip it between two prongs of a fork, then take a paper towel or a clean kitchen towel and use that to grip the tendon firmly. Next, pull at the tendon as you push the fork forward to separate the meat from the tendon. Do this firmly but gently to avoid tearing the tender chicken meat.
If you cant get a good hold of the tendon using the towel, you can use kitchen pliers to prevent slippage. With the tendon removed, proceed to cook your chicken tenders as usual.
It’s easy to make a big difference in the taste and texture of a dish by detendoning a chicken breast. By cutting out the tough tendon that runs through the breast, you make sure it will be very tender and juicy when it’s cooked. It may look hard, but all you need is a fork and some paper towels to do it at home. This article will show you how to detendone chicken breasts step-by-step and give you tips on how to make the tastiest chicken breasts.
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.
Even though the tendon isn’t harmful or dangerous to eat, the way it feels after being cooked might not be appealing. Detendoning gives you the most tender and pleasant meat possible. It also lets you pound the chicken breast until it’s the same thickness all over, which makes sure 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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Put the chicken breast on a plate or cutting board with the bottom facing up. This will make it easy to see the white tendon that runs through the middle.
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Put the fork’s tines under one end of the tendon. Make sure the tendon is between two tines by pushing the fork all the way in.
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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. Find the end of the tendon that sticks out and use the thumbnail of your non-dominant hand to pin it down on the cutting board. 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 chicken breast that doesn’t have bones or skin on it to make things 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 detailed guide, we’ll go over all the techniques and steps you need to debone a chicken breast, turning you into a confident and skilled home cook.
What can I do with deboned chicken?
Here are some cooking ideas to get you started: Stuffed chicken breasts: Put your favorite stuffing inside deboned chicken breasts and bake or grill them for a tasty 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.