In this brief article, we will answer the question, “What is the difference between chicken tenderloin and breast?” and provide information on what exactly is chicken tenderloin and breast, their appearance, how long they can be marinated as well as how to cook them.
What is the difference between chicken tenderloin and breast?
The main difference between chicken tenderloin and breast is that chicken tenderloin is softer compared to chicken breast. Chicken tenderloin is much more delicate and requires a bit more care while cooking.
Price-wise, chicken tenderloin costs more than chicken breast. It is much more cost-effective to buy an entire chicken breast than a tenderloin. This is because tenderloins that are sold in stores might sometimes be chicken breasts cut into smaller pieces.
In terms of size, chicken tenderloins are smaller. This reduces the time required to cook them as well. You can use chicken breast instead of chicken tenderloin. However, there can be an increase in cooking time.
Nutritionally, chicken tenderloins are higher in calories and fat. On the other hand, chicken breast contains more magnesium, calcium, zinc, potassium, vitamin D, and vitamin B6.
The texture of the chicken tenderloins and chicken breast is also different. Chicken breast is very plumpy compared to chicken tenderloin. It can also be more coarse.
Is there a difference in taste between breast and tenderloin?
There is not much difference in taste between the breast and tenderloin. However, some individuals feel that tenderloins have a much better taste compared to breasts. Flavor differences can occur because of differences in cooking methods and marination too.
What exactly is a chicken tenderloin?
Chicken tenderloin is located below the chicken breast. It is also called chicken tenders. There are 2 tenderloins present in a chicken.
The tenderloins are so small that you might not be able to notice them. Tenderloins consist of 2 muscles that can be called pectoralis minor.
What exactly is chicken breast?
It is the portion of meat taken from the pectoral part of the chicken. Chicken breast is very versatile and can be cooked in a variety of ways. You can grill, boil, fry, or bake them.
Chicken breast also does not contain much fat. They can be incorporated into a weight loss diet too.
Can you remove chicken tenderloins from the breast?
Yes, you can remove chicken tenderloins from the breast. For this purpose, place the chicken breast on a cutting board.
Once that has been done, you can see the tenderloin attached to the breast. Make a cut at the breastbone to remove the tenderloin.
Are chicken strips and chicken tenderloins the same?
Chicken tenderloins can be cut in the form of strips and then sold. However, all chicken strips are not chicken tenderloins. Other chicken parts can be cut in the form of strips and sold too.
How do chicken breasts and tenderloins look?
Chicken breasts can have an oblong shape. When the chicken breasts are cut in the form of halves, they appear to be long and slightly tapered.
The two cuts are different from each other in terms of color. When tenderloin is kept close to the breast, it appears to be darker compared to chicken breast. The breast is pale pink in color. Tenderloins do not have bones which makes them softer to eat.
How long should you marinate chicken tenderloin and breast?
You can marinate chicken tenderloins and breast for around 30 minutes. On the other hand, breasts can be marinated for 2-3 hours. Marinating well can reduce cooking time.
How can you cook chicken tenderloin?
Chicken tenderloin can be deep-fried, baked, steamed, or poached. The steps to fry chicken tenderloin can be given below:
- You can add 1 tbsp olive oil and 1 tbsp of butter to the skillet. Heat them over medium heat till the butter melts.
- Now add a pound of chicken tenders. Add salt, 2 tbsp butter, and 2 tsp paprika as well.
- Once the spices have been added, flip the chicken pieces occasionally and allow them to cook for 2-3 minutes.
- Add 3-4 garlic cloves and then cook the mixture for 30 seconds till the garlic releases its smell.
- Add 1 tsp Italian seasoning and mix well. You can then add 2 tbsp of water to prevent the chicken pieces from sticking to the skillet. Scrape any leftover bits that are stuck to the pan.
- Garnish with 1 tbsp basil leaves or parsley and serve.
Conclusion
In this brief article, we have answered the question, “What is the difference between chicken tenderloin and breast?” and provided information on what exactly is chicken tenderloin and breast, their appearance, how long they can be marinated as well as how to cook them.
