How Many Calories In A Chicken Tender

Chicken tenders are a popular fast food item that many people enjoy. They are crispy, juicy, and delicious. However, if you are watching your calorie intake, you may be wondering how many calories are in a chicken tender. In this article, we will explore the calorie content of chicken tenders and provide tips on how to make them healthier.

Description

Chicken tenders are small strips of chicken meat that are breaded and deep-fried. They are often served as a snack or as part of a meal. Chicken tenders can be found at fast food chains, restaurants, and in the frozen food section of grocery stores.

How to

If you are trying to watch your calorie intake, there are a few things you can do to make your chicken tenders healthier. Here are some tips:

1. Baked, not Fried

Instead of deep-frying your chicken tenders, try baking them. This will significantly reduce the calorie content. Simply coat the chicken tenders in a mixture of breadcrumbs and spices, then place them on a baking sheet and bake in the oven until crispy.

2. Use Whole Wheat Breadcrumbs

Using whole wheat breadcrumbs instead of regular breadcrumbs will add fiber to your chicken tenders, making them more filling and nutritious.

3. Serve with Veggies

Instead of serving your chicken tenders with fries or other high-calorie sides, try serving them with a side of veggies. This will add nutritional value to your meal and help fill you up.

Step by Step

Here is a step-by-step guide on how to make healthier chicken tenders:

Ingredients:

• 1 pound chicken tenders
• 1 cup whole wheat breadcrumbs
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/2 teaspoon paprika
• 1/4 cup milk
• 1 egg

Instructions:

1. Preheat oven to 400°F.
2. In a shallow dish, mix together the breadcrumbs, salt, black pepper, garlic powder, and paprika.
3. In another shallow dish, whisk together the milk and egg.
4. Dip each chicken tender in the milk and egg mixture, then coat in the breadcrumb mixture.
5. Place the chicken tenders on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
6. Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and the coating is crispy.

Tips

Here are some additional tips for making healthier chicken tenders:

1. Use Lean Chicken

Using lean chicken, such as chicken breast, will reduce the calorie content of your chicken tenders. It will also make them more nutritious.

2. Avoid Dipping Sauces

Dipping sauces, such as ranch or honey mustard, can add a significant amount of calories to your meal. Try to avoid them or use them sparingly.

3. Portion Control

It is important to practice portion control when eating chicken tenders. Stick to a reasonable serving size and pair them with healthy sides.

Solution

If you are trying to lose weight or maintain a healthy weight, it is important to be mindful of your calorie intake. Chicken tenders can be a high-calorie food, but there are ways to make them healthier. By baking them instead of frying them, using whole wheat breadcrumbs, and serving them with veggies, you can significantly reduce the calorie content of your meal.

FAQ

1. How many calories are in a chicken tender?

On average, a single chicken tender contains around 100-150 calories. However, this can vary depending on the size and how it is prepared.

2. Are chicken tenders healthy?

Chicken tenders can be a part of a healthy diet if they are prepared properly. Baking them instead of frying them and serving them with healthy sides can make them a nutritious meal.

Pros and Cons

Pros:

• Chicken tenders are a tasty and satisfying food.
• They can be a good source of protein.
• They are easy to make and can be found at many restaurants and fast food chains.

Cons:

• Chicken tenders can be high in calories, fat, and sodium if they are deep-fried.
• They are often served with high-calorie sides and dipping sauces.
• They may not be the most nutritious food option.