Chicken tenders are a popular dish that can be an appetizer, a side dish, or the main course. Both kids and adults love them because they don’t taste too strong and don’t have bones. But where can you find the best chicken tenders? This guide will show you where to buy good chicken tenders so you can enjoy them whenever you want.
Grocery Stores Offer Convenient Chicken Tenders
The grocery store is usually the easiest place to find chicken tenders. Most stores, like Safeway, Kroger, Albertsons, and Trader Joe’s, have them in the frozen or chilled meat sections. Brands like Tyson, Perdue, and Foster Farms are usually 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
Premium chicken tenders can be bought at local butcher shops and chicken specialty stores. These tenders are usually made from fresh, locally raised chicken. Stores like The Chicken Coop get their chicken from family farms that raise it in an ethical way on pasture.
High-end grocery stores like Whole Foods have butcher counters where you can buy fresh chicken tenders. Ask your butcher for a recommendation. Make sure the source fits your tastes, such as 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
Can I order chicken tenders online?
Grilled and bar classics are crispy breaded chicken tenders served with honey Dijon mustard and fries. You can order them 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. Yes, that does hit the spot sometimes! But you can also use these frozen chicken strips to make some great meals, like these too-tasty chicken Parmesan sliders or quick chicken and waffles.
Do Chicken Tenders get soggy?
Foster Farms holds up, even if you love to cover your tenders in extra barbecue sauce. The flavor of these crispy strips was savory, with just the right amount of salt and pepper, and the chicken inside was tender and delicious.
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.