Chicken Tenders For A Crowd: How Much To Buy?

Chicken tenders are a beloved dish for many, with their tender insides and crispy shell. When it comes to serving chicken tenders, it's important to consider the serving size, individual dietary needs, and appetites. The number of tenders in a pound can vary based on size and thickness, with an average of 4 to 5 medium-sized tenders weighing around 1.5 to 2 ounces each. So, how many pounds of chicken tenders would be needed to satisfy 20 hungry people?

Chicken tender serving size: 3-4 pieces

Chicken tenders are a versatile and flavorful food item that can be enjoyed for its crispy-shell and tender, juicy insides. When planning to serve chicken tenders, it's important to consider the serving size to ensure your guests are satisfied and to facilitate meal planning.

A single serving of chicken tenders typically ranges from 3 to 4 pieces per person. This serving size can be used as a guideline when determining how many pounds of chicken tenders to purchase for a group of 20 people.

Assuming a serving size of 3-4 pieces per person, you can estimate the number of pounds needed by considering the average number of tenders in a pound. On average, a pound of chicken tenders yields approximately 7 to 8 pieces. However, this number can vary depending on the size and thickness of the tenders, with some pounds containing as few as 4 to 5 medium-sized tenders or as many as 9 to 12 tenders.

To ensure you have enough chicken tenders for 20 people, it's advisable to purchase at least 5 pounds of chicken tenders. This estimation considers the average number of tenders in a pound and allows for some variation in serving size. By purchasing 5 pounds, you can expect to have approximately 35 to 40 tenders, which should comfortably serve a group of 20 people with a serving size of 3-4 pieces each.

Weight of chicken tenders: 1.5-2 oz each

When planning a meal, it's important to ensure that there is enough food for everyone. The amount of chicken tenders needed depends on how many tenders each person eats. Typically, a chicken tender weighs around 1-2 ounces, but this can vary. Some sources suggest that a chicken tender can weigh up to 3 ounces. To feed 20 people, it is recommended to prepare 4 ounces of chicken tenders per person, which would mean you would need 5 pounds of chicken tenders in total.

However, if you are working with a smaller budget or expect that your guests will not eat as much, you could consider providing 1.5 to 2 ounces of chicken tenders per person, which would be closer to a total of 2 to 2.7 pounds. This assumes that each tender weighs on the higher end of the typical range, at around 1.5 to 2 ounces each.

It's worth noting that the weight of chicken tenders can differ based on preparation methods. For example, breading or battering the tenders will increase their weight. Similarly, if you cut your own tenders at home, they may vary in weight depending on how you trim them.

Additionally, the size of the chicken breast can impact the weight of the tenders. A larger chicken breast may yield tenders that are slightly heavier than those from a smaller chicken breast.

When planning your meal, it's always a good idea to have a little extra food to account for any unexpected guests or especially hungry diners. You may also want to consider serving other dishes alongside the chicken tenders to ensure that your guests have a variety of options and leave your meal satisfied.

People's appetites vary

However, this number may differ depending on individual dietary needs and appetite. For example, some people may only eat 2 or 3 tenders, while others may eat 5 or more. It's important to consider the size and thickness of the tenders as well, as this can also affect the number of tenders per pound and, subsequently, the number of pounds needed for 20 people.

If we assume that each person will eat 4 oz of chicken tenders, then you would need 5 pounds of chicken tenders to feed 20 people. However, if each person eats 3 tenders, which is on the lower end of the average serving size, you would need around 6.66 pounds of chicken tenders (20 tenders/3 tenders per pound = 6.66 pounds).

On the other hand, if you expect people to eat larger portions, or if you want to account for potential seconds, you may need to increase the amount of chicken tenders per person. For example, if each person eats 5 tenders, you would need around 10 pounds of chicken tenders (20 tenders/2 tenders per pound = 10 pounds).

It's always a good idea to have a little extra to be safe, and you can always freeze any leftovers for another time.

Tenders' size and thickness vary

The weight of chicken tenders can vary, and this can impact how many pounds you will need to feed 20 people. Tenders can range in weight from a few ounces to several pounds, and this variation is influenced by several factors. Firstly, the size of the chicken used matters. Larger chickens will yield bigger chicken breasts, resulting in larger tenders. The age and breed of the chicken also play a role, with older and larger breeds tending to produce more substantial tenders.

Additionally, the cooking method can affect the weight of chicken tenders. For instance, grilling can cause moisture loss, leading to a reduction in weight. Different seasonings and added ingredients can also impact the weight, with breaded or marinated tenders potentially weighing more than plain ones.

The intended serving size is another critical factor. A typical serving may include two to three tenders per person. If you're planning a main course with chicken tenders as the star, you'll likely want to provide larger portions than if they were being served as an appetizer or side dish.

Moreover, the thickness of chicken tenders can vary. Thicker tenders might be more suitable for a heartier meal, while thinner ones could be ideal for lighter fare or dishes with multiple components. The thickness can also influence cooking time, with thicker tenders requiring more time to ensure they are cooked through.

When planning to feed 20 people, it's essential to consider these variables to ensure you have enough chicken tenders. While the exact weight needed may vary due to the factors mentioned, you can use the average weight of 1 to 2 ounces per tender as a starting point for your calculations. By taking into account the specific details of your event and your guests' preferences, you can ensure a delicious and satisfying meal for everyone.

Fried tenders absorb oil

To determine the amount of chicken tenders required for 20 people, it is generally recommended to allow for 2 tenders per person, each weighing around 4 ounces. Therefore, for 20 people, you would need approximately 5 pounds of chicken tenders.

Now, let's talk about the concern of fried tenders absorbing oil. This is indeed a common issue when frying chicken tenders, and there are several factors that contribute to it:

Temperature Control: Maintaining the right temperature of the oil is crucial. If the oil is not hot enough, the chicken will absorb more oil, resulting in a soggy texture. The ideal temperature for frying chicken tenders is around 350°F to 375°F. At this temperature, the chicken will cook quickly and develop a crispy exterior without absorbing excess oil.

Oil Selection: Choosing the right type of oil is essential. Oils with high smoke points, such as peanut oil, vegetable oil, canola oil, or vegetable shortening, are ideal for frying chicken tenders. These oils can withstand high temperatures without smoking or imparting an unpleasant flavour to the meat.

Batch Size: Frying too many tenders at once can cause the oil temperature to drop, leading to increased oil absorption. It is recommended to fry the tenders in small batches, allowing the oil to maintain its temperature and ensuring even cooking.

Dredging Technique: Before frying, the chicken tenders should be coated in a dry mixture, typically consisting of flour, salt, and pepper. This dredging process helps create a barrier between the chicken and the oil, reducing the amount of oil absorbed. Allowing the coated tenders to rest on a wire rack before frying also helps the coating dry slightly, further reducing oil absorption.

Oil Quality: Using fresh, good-quality oil is important. Reusing oil multiple times can result in increased oil absorption and affect the flavour of the tenders. While oil can be reused a few times, it should be strained and refrigerated between uses. If the oil starts to smoke or discolour, it should be discarded and replaced.

By following these guidelines, you can minimise the amount of oil absorbed by your fried chicken tenders, resulting in a crispier and more enjoyable product. Remember, achieving the perfect fried chicken tenders may take some practice, but with attention to detail and temperature control, you'll be well on your way to crispy, golden perfection!

Frequently asked questions