Have you ever wondered how your chicken fingers always come out so delicate and crispy at the same time? How that garlicky batter-fried chicken fillet you had for dinner yesterday was so moist and melt-in-the-mouth? How those delectable baked chicken strips you whipped up for your kids were so tender? Well, it’s because they were all made out of chicken tenders.
What is chicken tender cuts?
Chicken tender cuts are those delicate strips of meat nestled under the bottom of each chicken breast. Chicken tenders taste identical to chicken breast and are soft and juicy when properly cooked. They are often packaged separately from chicken breasts, making them ideal for stir-fries and barbeque skewers.
But what is it about these tender cuts that make them so popular and a little pricey?
Why are chicken tenders pricey?
The technique of getting the tenderloin near to the bottom of the chicken breast demands accuracy and is a painstaking process. Furthermore, each chicken breast has just two tender cuts available. Tender cut chicken is solely solid meat with no skin or bone, which is another reason for its high price.
Breast tenders are also highly nutritious since they are made of lean white meat with little fat. They’re also fewer in calories because they’re not covered with skin. As a result, these tender sliced meats may be used to prepare a variety of delectable dishes for calorie conscious people.
However, the price paid for chicken tenders is worth it when you bite into the super succulent, incredibly juicy and scrumptiously crispy chicken dishes made out of tender cuts. There are some techniques to keep in mind while cooking those succulent and crispy dishes:
How do I cook the chicken to make it tender and juicy?
When it comes to cooking chicken, there are three important factors: marination, cooking temperature and cooking time.
- Marination – It’s critical to use a marinade before cooking any sort of chicken to keep it moist. While marinating the chicken, keep the marinade wet and seal the chicken for at least 3-4 hours; better yet, let it soak in the marinade overnight, especially if you’re making grilled chicken. This will allow the chicken to absorb all of the moisture and flavour from the marinade, resulting in juicy, succulent chicken.
- Cooking temperature – Use an instant-read thermometer or a specialised meat thermometer to ensure chicken breasts are fully cooked. Cooking times for chicken tenders vary depending on the dish. Make sure grilled, seared, or baked chicken tenders attain an internal temperature of 73℃, regardless of total cooking time.
- Basting – Basting is the technique of drizzling oil or butter (or any other cooking liquid) over the chicken while it cooks. Basting keeps the chicken moist and flavourful. If you’re grilling or baking the chicken, check on it every 20-30 minutes and slather it with generous amounts of oil or butter.
If you are unsure about cutting tender cuts yourself or handling chicken appropriately, then Licious has an easy solution to your problems. We stock the tenders, just for you! Order them today and enjoy speedy home delivery. Our chicken is sourced from biosecure farms and hand-selected at the right weight and size for tender meat. Additionally, all our meats & seafood undergo 150+ safety & quality checks before being approved for delivery. Visit our website and order Fresh Chicken Tenders that are never frozen!
Before you take the first bite though, remember to snap a few pics for the gram. Post your photos on Instagram with #MadewithLicious and you could win Licious Cash. Happy cooking!
