Jake Harper
Chicken fingers, also known as chicken tenders, chicken goujons, tendies, chicken strips, or chicken fillets, are a popular dish in the United States. They are made from chicken meat, typically the pectoralis minor muscles, located under the breast meat. The meat is cut into strips, coated in breading or crumbs, and then deep-fried. While the exact origin of chicken fingers is debated, with multiple restaurants claiming to be the original inventors, they have become a staple in American cuisine and can be found on menus across the country, including at Der Dutchman restaurants in Ohio and Florida.
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What You'll Learn
Chicken tenders are made from the pectoralis minor muscles of the bird
Chicken tenders, also known as chicken fingers, chicken goujons, tendies, chicken strips, or chicken fillets, are made from the pectoralis minor muscles of the bird. These strips of white meat are found on either side of the breastbone, beneath the breast meat (pectoralis major).
Chicken tenders are prepared by coating chicken meat in a breading mixture and then deep-frying them, similar to schnitzel preparation. They gained popularity in the mid-to-late 1980s as a fast-food alternative to chicken nuggets, as they contain more chicken meat. Chicken tenders are a staple in the United States, with popular fast-food restaurants like Raising Cane's Chicken Fingers, Chick-fil-A, and KFC selling them.
The exact origin of chicken tenders is debated, with several restaurants claiming to be the inventor. The most commonly cited birthplace is the Puritan Backroom, a restaurant in Manchester, New Hampshire, where, in 1974, Charlie Pappas is said to have started breading and frying chicken trimmings. However, an advertisement from Mussari's Sun Valley Motel and Restaurant in Hazleton, Pennsylvania, in 1966, mentions "French-fried chicken tenders," disputing the Puritan Backroom's claim. Spanky's of Savannah, Georgia, and Guthrie's, a chain from Haleyville, Alabama, also assert that they created the original chicken finger.
Chicken tenders are a versatile dish that can be grilled or fried and served with various sauces, such as ketchup, ranch, or hot sauce. They are a beloved food item in the United States, especially among picky eaters, and have become a cultural icon.
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Chicken fingers are made from the chicken breast
Chicken fingers, also known as chicken tenders, chicken goujons, tendies, chicken strips, or chicken fillets, are predominantly made from the pectoralis minor muscles of the bird, which are located on either side of the breastbone, under the breast meat (pectoralis major). They are strips of white meat that can also be made with similarly sized pieces cut from chicken breasts or pulverized chicken flesh.
Chicken fingers are prepared by coating chicken meat in a breading mixture and then deep-frying them, similar to schnitzel. They are a popular fast-food snack or main course due to their convenience and have become a staple in the United States. They gained popularity in the mid-to-late 1980s as an alternative to chicken nuggets, as they contain more chicken meat.
The production process often involves coating the chicken meat with spices, polyphosphate, breading, or crumbs. The chicken is then flash-fried to hold the coating in place before freezing for consumer, retail, or commercial use. Some chicken fingers are manufactured with specific flavor profiles, such as Buffalo-style hot sauce, Honey BBQ, or Parmesan Herb Encrusted. They can be grilled instead of fried and are often served with salads or pasta.
While the exact origin of chicken fingers is debated, they are believed to have originated in the United States in the 1960s or 1970s. The Puritan Backroom in Manchester, New Hampshire, is commonly cited as the birthplace of chicken tenders, with Charlie Pappas credited for creating them in 1974. However, other establishments, such as Mussari's Sun Valley Motel and Restaurant in Hazleton, Pennsylvania, which advertised "French-fried chicken tenders" in 1966, and Spanky's of Savannah, Georgia, also claim to be the originators.
Chicken fingers are not specifically mentioned on the menus of Der Dutchman restaurants in Sarasota, Florida, or Plain City and Bellville, Ohio, according to their websites. However, these restaurants offer a variety of Amish-style classics and regional specialties, including chicken noodle soup, slow-roasted meats, freshly baked pies, and other homemade options.
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Chicken tenders were invented in 1974
Chicken tenders, also known as chicken goujons, tendies, chicken strips, chicken fingers, or chicken fillets, are chicken meat prepared from the pectoralis minor muscles of the bird. These strips of white meat are found on either side of the breastbone, under the breast meat. They are usually made from the tenderloin, a very tender strip of white meat cut from between the breast meat and the ribs of a chicken.
Chicken tenders were first invented in 1974 at the Puritan Backroom in Manchester, New Hampshire. Charlie Pappas, who was building out the menu, was told by a fry cook that they had a small piece of chicken they didn't know what to do with. This was the tenderloin, an unused portion of the chicken that was very tender. Charlie salvaged these pieces of chicken, marinating them in duck sauce and frying them to create chicken tenders.
The invention of chicken tenders was likely driven by necessity, as cooks had to trim down chicken breasts, and instead of wasting the trimmed pieces, they were marinated and fried. The term "chicken tenders" was also reportedly first used by the Puritan Backroom, although chicken fingers, which are similar to chicken tenders, were already in existence before 1974. Restaurants in Savannah, Georgia, and Baton Rouge, Louisiana, have also challenged the claim that the Puritan Backroom invented chicken tenders.
Chicken tenders gained popularity in the mid-to-late 1980s as an alternative fast-food choice to chicken nuggets, as they retained more chicken meat. They became a staple across the United States, with mass production involving coating chicken meat with spices, polyphosphate, and breading or crumbs, flash-frying the product, and then freezing it for consumer, retail, and commercial use. They are often served as a fast-food snack or main course, and can also be grilled and served with salads or pasta.
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Chicken tenders are a mass-produced product in the United States
Chicken tenders, also known as chicken goujons, chicken strips, chicken fingers, or chicken fillets, are a mass-produced product in the United States. They are made from the pectoralis minor muscles of the bird, which are strips of white meat located on either side of the breastbone, under the breast meat. They can also be made with similarly shaped pieces cut from chicken meat, usually the breast, or sometimes just pulverized chicken flesh.
The history of chicken tenders can be traced back to 1974 when they were first created at the Puritan Backroom in Manchester, New Hampshire. Charlie Pappas, the creator, salvaged chicken pieces that had been trimmed from larger cuts, marinated and fried them to make chicken tenders. However, some sources mention that restaurants were cooking chicken fingers before 1974, but Manchester was officially recognized as the birthplace of this delicacy.
Chicken tenders gained popularity in the mid-to-late 1980s as an alternative fast-food option to chicken nuggets. They offer convenience and have become a staple across the United States. The production process involves coating chicken meat with spices, polyphosphate, and breading or crumbs. The product is then flash-fried to hold the breading in place before being frozen for shipment to consumers, retailers, and commercial users.
Chicken tenders are known for their versatility and broad appeal, attracting a wide range of customers and driving repeat business. They can be grilled or fried and are often served with salads or pasta. Restaurants have also experimented with different breading styles, dipping sauces, and flavors to enhance the dining experience.
Chicken tenders are mass-produced by companies like Tyson Foods, and they are available in various flavors, such as Buffalo-style hot sauce, Honey BBQ, and Parmesan Herb Encrusted. They are a very popular fast-food snack or main course, and they can be found in many well-known fast-food restaurants, including Guthrie's, Raising Cane's Chicken Fingers, Chick-fil-A, Church's Chicken, and KFC.
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Der Dutchman restaurants offer Amish-style classics and regional specialties
Chicken fingers, also known as chicken tenders, chicken goujons, tendies, chicken strips, or chicken fillets, are a popular food item in the United States. They are made from the pectoralis minor muscles of the chicken, which are strips of white meat found under the breast meat. The meat is coated in a breading mixture and then deep-fried, similar to schnitzel. While the exact origin of chicken fingers is unclear, they are believed to have gained popularity in the 1970s and 1980s as a fast-food alternative to chicken nuggets.
Der Dutchman restaurants, located in various states including Ohio and Florida, offer a range of Amish-style classics and regional specialties. The restaurants are known for their slow-cooked meats, salad bars, fresh donuts, and traditional country favorites. The Sarasota, Florida location, for example, features a Sunroom where guests can enjoy Amish Kitchen Cooking for breakfast, lunch, or dinner. The menu includes slow-roasted meats, freshly baked pies, cinnamon sweet rolls, and a variety of seafood options. Der Dutchman restaurants also offer group-friendly banquet, meeting, and celebration spaces, making them a popular choice for families and events.
The Amish-style classics featured on the Der Dutchman menu reflect the traditional cuisine of the Amish, who are known for their simple, hearty, and often homemade dishes. Amish cooking often includes ingredients such as fresh produce, meats, and baked goods, with an emphasis on flavour and generosity. The regional specialties offered at Der Dutchman vary by location, allowing guests to experience the unique flavours and ingredients of the local area.
Chicken noodle soup, for example, is a dish that embodies the blend of Amish-style classics and regional influences. It is a comforting and familiar dish that is often associated with home-style cooking. The soup is made with a blend of chicken, noodles, and vegetables, and is seasoned to perfection. Der Dutchman's chicken noodle soup is a hearty and satisfying option that showcases the restaurant's commitment to flavour and tradition.
In addition to their food, Der Dutchman restaurants are known for their warm hospitality and inviting atmosphere. The restaurants are designed to make guests feel welcomed and comfortable, whether they are dining with family or hosting a special event. The attention to detail, generous portions, and focus on fresh, high-quality ingredients set Der Dutchman apart and make it a popular destination for both locals and travellers seeking an authentic Amish Country dining experience.
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Frequently asked questions
Der Dutchman restaurants are located in Ohio and Florida, and they serve Amish Country dishes, including chicken fingers.
Chicken fingers are made from the pectoralis minor muscles of the bird, which are strips of white meat located on either side of the breastbone, under the breast meat.
Chicken fingers were popularized in the mid-to-late 1980s as an alternative fast-food choice to chicken nuggets. While there is no definitive answer, some sources claim that they were invented in 1974 by Charlie Pappas at the Puritan Backroom in Manchester, New Hampshire.
