Are Chicken Tenders Healthy or Not?

What Are Chicken Tenders?

Chicken tenders are a favorite finger food, often found in restaurants and fast-food establishments. They are usually made of white meat chicken, cut into strips. The strips are usually lightly breaded and deep-fried. Some chicken tenders are made with whole-grain breading and baked, instead of deep-fried. They are usually served with a dipping sauce such as ketchup, honey mustard, ranch, or barbecue.

Nutrition of Chicken Tenders

Nutrition facts vary between brands, but most chicken tenders contain between 100-200 calories per serving, which is usually two to three tenders. Each serving also typically contains between 5-15 grams of fat and 8-20 grams of protein. The amount of carbohydrates and sodium also vary between brands. Some brands of chicken tenders may be higher in fat and sodium than others, so it is important to read the nutrition label before purchasing.

Benefits of Eating Chicken Tenders

Chicken tenders are a great source of lean protein. Protein is essential for muscle growth and development, and helps keep you feeling full and satisfied. They also provide some essential vitamins and minerals such as iron, zinc, and B vitamins. Chicken tenders are also low in saturated fat, which has been linked to heart disease, diabetes, and other chronic diseases.

Drawbacks of Eating Chicken Tenders

The biggest drawback of chicken tenders is that they are usually deep-fried, which means they are high in fat and calories. The breading also contains a lot of sodium and carbohydrates. Too much sodium can contribute to high blood pressure and other health problems, while excess carbohydrates can lead to weight gain.

Making Healthier Chicken Tenders at Home

If you want to make healthier chicken tenders at home, you can use a whole wheat or panko breading instead of the regular breading. You can also bake the chicken tenders instead of deep-frying them. You can also make your own dipping sauces at home using healthier ingredients such as Greek yogurt or low-fat mayonnaise.

Conclusion

Chicken tenders can be a healthy part of your diet as long as you make healthy choices. Choose whole-grain breading, bake instead of deep-fry, and make your own healthier dipping sauces. Keep an eye on the nutrition facts to make sure you are not consuming too much fat, sodium, or carbohydrates.