What Are Chicken Tenderloins?
Chicken tenderloins, often referred to as chicken tenders, are premium strips of meat found beneath each chicken breast. These naturally tender cuts are part of the breast muscle but are considered a delicacy due to their exceptionally soft texture and versatile cooking properties. Just like our free-range whole chicken, these cuts come from birds raised to the highest welfare standards.
Each chicken produces only two tenderloins, making them a prized cut for discerning chefs and home cooks alike.
These lean cuts typically measure between 10-12 cm and are instantly recognisable by the white tendon that runs along one side—a hallmark of a genuine chicken tenderloin rather than simply sliced breast meat.
Why Choose Our Free-Range Tenders?
When you choose Bird & Barrow's free-range chicken tenders, you're selecting meat from some of New Zealand's happiest chooks. Our chickens roam freely daily and receive plenty of enrichment with pecking objects and music via radios, allowing for an environment that promotes physical and mental health.
This dedication to chicken happiness isn’t just good for the birds; it directly impacts the quality of our tenderloins, resulting in more tender and flavourful meat.
Whether you're a chef seeking consistency for your restaurant's signature dishes or a home cook who values quality, our free-range chicken tenderloins deliver exceptional results while supporting sustainable, ethical farming practices right here in New Zealand.
How to Store And Handle Chicken Tenderloins
Proper storage and handling of your Bird & Barrow chicken tenderloins is essential for enjoying their premium quality and fresh taste.
Refrigeration: Once purchased from your local stockist, tenderloins should be transported promptly in a chilled bag. If you plan to use them within a few days, keep them refrigerated below 4°C. Always store raw chicken on the bottom shelf of your fridge to prevent juices from dripping onto other foods.
Freezing: For extended storage, freeze them at -18°C or below, where they'll maintain their quality for up to six months. Once thawed, cook within 24 hours and don’t refreeze.
Cooking: For food safety, ensure tenderloins are cooked to a core temperature of 75°C. They should be white throughout with no pink areas. For the best eating experience, let the meat rest for 3-5 minutes after cooking to allow the juices to redistribute.
Hygiene: After handling the raw chicken tenders, thoroughly clean all surfaces, utensils, and cutting boards with hot, soapy water. Remember to use dedicated utensils for cooked and raw meat to prevent cross-contamination.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I cook chicken tenderloins without drying them out?
Getting perfect juicy chicken tenderloins is easier than you might think, especially when you follow these helpful tips:
- Marinate your chicken: Use a marinade that includes ingredients like yogurt, buttermilk, or oil, which can tenderise the meat. Alternatively, consider brining your chicken in a solution of water, salt, and sugar before cooking, which will help keep the meat juicy.
- Cook at moderate heat: The key to juicy chicken is cooking it to the right internal temperature of 74°C, using a meat thermometer to check for doneness.
- Add fat: Incorporate fats like butter or olive oil during cooking to enhance moisture and flavour.
- Rest after cooking: Letting your cooked chicken tenderloins rest for a few minutes before slicing allows juices to redistribute throughout the meat, keeping them flavourful and moist.
Are chicken tenders healthy?
Yes, Bird & Barrow’s free-range chicken tenderloins are an excellent choice for health-conscious diners. These lean cuts are particularly rich in high-quality protein and naturally low in fat. This makes them perfect for those watching their calorie intake while still wanting a satisfying and nutritious meal.
Simply grill, bake, or pan-fry your chicken tenders without added fats for a nutritious protein option that fits into any balanced diet.
Are tenderloins better than breasts?
While both cuts are excellent choices, Bird & Barrow"s free-range chicken tenders offer several advantages over free-range chicken breasts. As their name suggests, tenderloins are naturally more tender due to their location beneath the breast, where these smaller muscles do less work. This results in a softer, more delicate texture that many people prefer.
They're also more forgiving to cook – their smaller, uniform size means they're less likely to dry out than breasts, making them ideal for quick meals and stir-fries. The choice ultimately depends on your cooking plans. Breasts might be better for recipes requiring stuffing or butterflying, but for quick, reliably tender results, our free-range tenderloins are hard to beat.
Try Bird & Barrow’s Chicken Tenderloins Today
Experience the difference with our premium free-range chicken in NZ. Whether cooking for your family or catering for hundreds, our commitment to chicken welfare and sustainable farming practices ensures you’re serving the finest quality meat New Zealand has to offer.
Your journey to better chicken starts here; find your nearest stockist using our simple store locator today!
