Whether it’s for a simple weeknight meal or something a little more dressed up, pretty much everyone can enjoy a cut of chicken. If you’re visiting a restaurant that serves meat, it’s likely on the menu. You probably have some in your fridge or freezer right now too. Chicken meat comes in all shapes and sizes, including two of our favorite easy-to-eat options: chicken tenders and chicken nuggets.
Yes, we said chicken tenders and chicken nuggets. They are not one and the same. Many people assume that “nugget” and “tender” are simply terms that different restaurants and food production companies take liberties with. In reality, they’re quite distinct. Let’s take a look at the differences in these classic options.
The Meat Itself
First of all, tenders and nuggets differ in what parts of the chicken they are made from. Real chicken tenders are made from a single cut of meat: the chicken tenderloin. This is a small piece of tender white meat located just under the chicken breast. It is exceptionally juicy and flavorful compared to other cuts of chicken. At chicken tender restaurants like Huey Magoo’s Chicken Tenders—it’s even in the name— they’re typically served either as whole tenders or cut into bite-sized pieces.
Chicken nuggets, on the other hand, are made from several different parts of the chicken. Rib meat, breast meat, tenderloins, and even chicken skin are all fair game in a nugget. These parts can be formed into any kind of shape (dino nuggies, anyone?). When a nugget is made, several different cuts of chicken are chopped into small pieces or otherwise processed, shaped into a chicken patty, and then breaded.
Both options are well-loved, but the different cuts of meat lead us to our next notable difference between chicken tenders and chicken nuggets: quality.
The Consistent Quality
The many cuts of meat on a chicken are not created equal. You have white and dark meat. Cuts like drumsticks and wings are great lower-quality, budget-friendly options, while chicken breasts offer finer-quality meat that can be cooked just about any way you can imagine.
The tenderloin is the highest-quality cut of all. It is a less-used muscle, which means this cut is naturally more tender and moist than other cuts of chicken. This is the best 3 percent of the chicken. Real chicken tenders are made from only the tenderloin. They have no other fillers or pressed meat in the dish.
Nuggets, as we mentioned above, can be made of any part of the chicken. This means you might get some of the highest-quality meat from the tenderloin, but you might also get lower-quality meat in the mix. Plus, not every nugget will necessarily have the same combination of processed meat, so the flavor — and quality — of your meal could vary from nugget to nugget.
Since real chicken tenders are made from only the tenderloin, you don’t get that inconsistency. Every bite is moist and flavorful from the first to the last.
The Texture
We’ve mentioned it a few times, but here it is again: It’s no coincidence they’re called chicken tenders. This quality cut has a higher moisture content, making each tender soft and juicy. This is what makes the tenders so delicious. If you find your chicken tends to be dry, it’s probably not a real chicken tender.
Since they’re made with so many different parts of the chicken, nuggets can have many types of textures. This goes back to the consistency of the quality. Some can be soft and moist, while others are dry and chewy. It really depends on the nugget itself.
The texture may also come down to how the chicken is prepared, which is what our next section is all about.
Preparing Your Chicken
There are almost infinite ways of making and serving chicken, no matter what cut you have on hand. It can be fried, roasted, grilled, and everything in between. Because it’s a lean meat, however, you need to give some thought to how you prepare your chicken to ensure you get the best flavor.
Because of the way they’re processed and shaped into patties, chicken nuggets are always breaded. This helps them maintain their structure and cohesive appearance. It also limits the way they can be prepared, as each nugget leaves the processing plant as a fully formed, breaded nugget.
With the breading already in place, chicken nuggets are ideal for frying. Whether they are flash-frozen or refrigerated, it’s easy to drop them in hot oil and serve them up a few minutes later. More health-conscious individuals may bake them in the oven instead. You might add some seasoning or sauce for added flavor, but for the most part, nuggets come ready to cook and serve.
Since chicken tenders are made from a single cut of meat, they are more versatile than nuggets. Tenders can be breaded or not. You can marinate and grill them, sauce them and add them to your favorite dish, or serve them hand-breaded with your favorite dip. At the best chicken tender restaurants, they are prepared on-site before cooking. Because of their high moisture content, they stay juicy and absorb other flavors beautifully.
Versatility
The many ways they can be prepared make chicken tenders the perfect complement to a variety of meals. They go great on sandwiches and salads or in wraps, for instance. The fact that they can be grilled means they can be a lighter option than fried chicken. Nuggets don’t have that luxury since, by definition, they must be breaded and fried. The processed meat also doesn’t have the same kind of appeal when added to other dishes.
Chicken Tenders vs. Chicken Nuggets
Both are classic ways to serve chicken. Your favorite is up to you, but now you know the real difference between these two options. Who’s ready for some chicken?
