10 Healthiest Frozen Chicken Tenders in 2025
Identifying the healthiest frozen chicken tenders can be a tricky affair, especially if you are not aware of what qualifies as healthy and what does not. The easiest way to start? Check the label. While terms like “tender” and “nugget” describe the shape and size, the real clues to the healthiest frozen chicken tenders lie in the ingredients.
The key is to look for brands that specify the chicken cut, as these are usually the least processed. The healthiest frozen chicken tenders and the healthiest frozen chicken nuggets will have lower amounts of sodium. You should also aim to get a decent amount of protein per serving. With these guidelines in mind, here are 10 of the healthiest frozen chicken tenders to try.
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The 10 Healthiest Frozen Chicken Tenders To Try
1. Tyson Crispy Chicken Strips
Tyson is a reputed brand whose product range includes beef, pork and poultry products. The crispy chicken strips are made with white chicken meat that is 100% natural. As defined by the USDA FSIS, this means that “the product does not contain artificial flavors, colorings, chemical preservatives or other synthetic ingredients.”
The boneless, skinless chicken breasts and ribs come with a generous amount of breading and look like typical chicken tenders with a large and slightly irregular appearance. Each serving of these chicken strips contains 210 calories, 13g of protein and 500mg of sodium with zero trans fats.
The chicken used is minimally processed and free from hormones and steroids, which is why these strips are considered one of the healthiest frozen chicken tenders available. They work well as a standalone meal but also as an appetizer or snack, offering a great source of protein. Fully cooked and backed by PubMed findings, they sidestep the risks tied to raw breaded chicken, making them among the healthiest frozen chicken tenders.
2. Perdue Crispy Chicken Strips
Perdue is well known for its poultry products. The chicken strips are advertised as made with only white meat and no fillers, preservatives or animal by-products. This is reason enough to consider Perdue's chicken tenders among the healthiest frozen chicken tenders on the market. They are also gluten-free and contain only 180 calories per serving, 12g of protein and 470mg of sodium per serving, keeping them high on the list of the healthiest frozen chicken tenders.
The chicken strips are made from boneless chicken breasts and rib meat and the breading is not too heavy either. It uses organic raisin juice as a binder and this helps to keep the moisture in, which is why the tenders are so soft and juicy. The look is more of a uniform nugget-like tender and they turn a nice golden brown in the oven.
There is a crunch to each bite but not overly so, due mainly to the lighter breading and the fact that the tenders are slightly smaller than other brands, including fast food chicken tenders. The fact that they are cooked before freezing makes them safe to consume as well as earns a place on the list of the healthiest frozen chicken tenders in the market.
3. Caulipower All Natural Chicken Tenders
Caulipower claims its All Natural Chicken Tenders are among the healthiest frozen chicken tenders thanks to its unique cauliflower-based breading. Cauliflower is widely recognized as a gluten-free alternative to wheat, adding a wholesome twist to classic breaded favorites.
While these tenders use whole, white meat chicken, it's the breading that sets them apart from the rest. They may look a bit on the skinny side and the cauliflower and rice flour coating does tend to have a distinctive odor but for many, the taste passes muster. Plus, the meat is antibiotic and preservative-free, making it very flavorful. This more than makes up for the lighter breading.
The tenders being fully cooked before being frozen also reduces the risk of salmonella poisoning. With 370mg of sodium per serving and 13g of protein, they deliver solid nutrition and it's easy to see why they are considered one of the healthiest frozen chicken tenders.
4. Realgood Foods Co. Lightly Breaded Chicken Strips
Another contender for the healthiest frozen chicken tenders is Realgood Food Co.’s Lightly Breaded Chicken Strips. The brand focuses on making nutritious food accessible to all and these gluten-free strips deliver both flavor and health.
The strips are coated in chickpea flour and seasoned with salt, paprika, onion powder, garlic powder and black pepper, all of which provide a complex blend of flavors. The lightly breaded strips use a mix of cauliflower and rice flour making them gluten-free. A closer look at the packaging tells you why this is one of the healthiest frozen chicken tenders available.
Each serving contains just 120 calories, 380mg of sodium and an impressive 21g of protein, which is a definite plus for those looking to boost their protein intake. The company also claims that its food contains no added sugar and has a low glycemic index, making it a safer option for diabetics. In short, these are some of the healthiest frozen meals to add to your shopping list.
5. Just Bare Chicken Chunks
Some might argue the Just Bare Chicken Chunks should not make the list of the healthiest frozen chicken tenders due to the higher sodium content but there's more to the story. Made from chicken breasts that are completely antibiotic and steroid-free, they offer moist, delicious and lightly breaded meat that delivers the perfect combination of crunchiness in each bite.
So, what qualifies these chicken chunks as one of the healthiest frozen chicken tenders around? A closer look at the label reveals that each 3-ounce serving provides 16g of protein and while the sodium count at 540mg per serving is slightly higher than other brands, it's still within a reasonable range.
The meat is minimally processed and contains no artificial ingredients or colors. It has also been fully cooked before freezing, reducing the risks associated with eating raw meat. Considering all these factors, these chunks stand out for their great taste. Considering all these factors — plus their fantastic flavor — these chunks stand out among the healthiest frozen chicken tenders you can buy.
6. Kidfresh White Meat Chicken Nuggets
Described on the packaging as “chicken patties with puréed cauliflower in a whole-grain breading,” these nuggets are one of the healthiest frozen chicken tenders. The wholegrain breading provides the perfect amount of crispiness, while the added cauliflower helps incorporate more veggies into your diet.
What sets these healthiest frozen chicken nuggets apart is the low sodium content at just 250mg per serving. The protein content at 12g per serving packs a punch as well and with just 0.5g of saturated fat, the “healthy” tag is well justified. Just pop them in the air fryer, oven or microwave for an easy and convenient dinner food idea, especially after a long day at work.
7. Good & Gather Crispy Chicken Breast Strips
At first glance, you might not expect Target's Good & Gather Crispy Chicken Breast Strips to make the list of healthiest frozen chicken tenders. However, a closer inspection of the label reveals that they are made up of white meat chicken breasts from birds that have not been pumped full of antibiotics, hormones and steroids.
In addition to the breasts, chicken rib meat and tenderloin are also used in the making of these strips, adding to their chunky, satisfying texture. With a price point that is very pocket-friendly, these strips are definitely worth a try.
Some might find the breading on the thicker side but as with all food, it is a matter of preference. Nutritionally, each serving contains 600mg of sodium per serving, which is on the higher side. But at 190 calories and with 13g of protein per serving, Target’s Good & Gather Crispy Chicken Breast strips balance indulgence with nourishment and can be considered one of the 10 healthiest frozen chicken tenders.
8. Applegate Naturals Chicken Breast Tenders
Applegate's Chicken Breast Tenders stand out as one of the healthiest frozen chicken tenders, thanks to the clean ingredient list and ethical sourcing. The brand promises chicken tenders that are casein and gluten-free and made from animals that are raised humanely on a completely vegetarian diet without the use of antibiotics.
The final product has no chemical nitrates or nitrites, artificial ingredients or preservatives, no fillers and no GMO ingredients. All of these factors make the Applegate Naturals Chicken Breast Tenders one of the healthiest frozen chicken tenders in the market. Other ingredients used include raisin juice, onion and garlic powder, paprika and turmeric extracts that add to the rich savory taste.
The nutrition information on the label underscores why these are considered one of the healthiest frozen chicken tenders. Each serving contains only 350 mg of sodium, one of the lowest levels per serving among the competition.
There are 13g of protein per serving with a calorie count of only 170 calories. While some may find this product to be a bit expensive, the gluten-free status and high-quality ingredients make it well worth the higher price point.
9. Trader Joe’s Breaded Chicken Tenderloin Breasts
The pieces in Trader Joe's Breaded Chicken Tenderloin Breasts are slightly larger than the packaging suggests but that's not necessarily a bad thing. The bigger size does mean a slightly longer cooking time, though.
Twenty minutes is more than enough for tenders with a satisfying crunch and a well-balanced ratio of crust to juicy white meat chicken. The chicken used is white meat and has a delicious juicy flavor to it and the breading is pretty even and covers all the meat, making Trader Joe’s Breaded Chicken Tenderloin Breasts stand out in this list of the healthiest frozen chicken tenders.
The nutrition label shows that each serving contains 200 calories with 400mg of sodium, 14g of carbs and 15g of protein with zero added sugar, all of which makes them one of the healthiest frozen chicken tenders. Whether you cook them in an air fryer, oven or microwave, they are an easy and healthy choice for a quick meal.
10. Beyond Meat Beyond Chicken Tenders
While some may question the inclusion of plant-based tenders in a list of the healthiest frozen chicken tenders, the fact remains that many people are looking for plant-based substitutes for their favorite comfort foods. And so, in the spirit of accommodating all diets, we have included Beyond Chicken Tenders by Beyond Meat.
Beyond Meat has crafted these plant-based chicken tenders by combining the key components of meat from plant-based sources. These include protein, carbohydrates, fat, minerals and fiber. Through a process that involves heat, cooling and pressure, they create a product that closely resembles real chicken tenders both in appearance and texture.
Catering to both vegetarians and vegans, these flavorful tenders are gaining popularity and the brand continues to expand its offerings, including hamburger patties made using the same innovative process. Nutritionally, each serving provides 210 calories, 450mg of sodium, 3g of fiber and 11g of protein.
While the protein content may be slightly lower as compared to regular chicken, it's important to note that this is plant-based protein. All these factors, along with the delicious taste, ensure that Beyond Chicken Plant-Based Tenders are a worthy addition to this list of healthiest frozen chicken tenders.
What Are the Healthiest Frozen Chicken Tenders?
When choosing the healthiest frozen chicken tenders, there are a few key factors to look for on the label:
- Look for the term “chicken breast” on the label as it indicates that the tenders are made from high-quality meat.
- Opt for sodium levels below 450mg per serving. It is okay to go a bit higher, just don't add them to your diet too often.
- Look out for protein levels of 12g or higher per serving.
- Avoid tenders with heavy breading.
- Keep an eye out for the serving size and stick to the recommended serving.
- Don't forget to balance your meal with vegetables.
Following these guidelines will help ensure that the ones you choose will be among the healthiest frozen chicken tenders available. From the list above and if all factors are taken into consideration, the chicken strips from Realgood Foods, primarily because of their very high protein content (21g per serving) are at the top of the list of healthiest frozen chicken tenders.
While the debate over the healthiest frozen chicken tenders will continue, with new entrants making their mark in this competitive category. For now, we've provided a list of the best options available. If you're looking for a healthier approach, making your own version of chicken tenders at home is usually the best choice.
When you do so, you are in control of how much breading and oil is used as well as what cut of meat is chosen. If frozen food is your only option, be assured, it is not impossible to eat healthy. For a well-balanced diet, just try to keep frozen chicken tenders as an occasional treat and always pair them with plenty of vegetables.
For even more ways to explore your favorite foods, check out other experiences happening on Cozymeal.
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