The restaurant that claims to have invented chicken fingers is The Puritan Backroom in Manchester, N.H. According to an article in USA Today, they introduced chicken tenders to their menu in 1974. It may seem surprising that something as simple as chicken tenders needed to be invented, but sometimes innovation comes from necessity.
The Puritan Backroom’s creation of chicken tenders was likely driven by a desire to offer a more convenient and appealing option for their customers. Traditional chicken dishes often involve bones and can be messy to eat. By creating boneless, bite-sized pieces of chicken, The Puritan Backroom made it easier for patrons to enjoy their meal without the hassle of dealing with bones.
In the article, it is mentioned that The Puritan Backroom claims to have invented chicken tenders, suggesting that there may be some debate or controversy surrounding the origin of this popular dish. It’s possible that other restaurants or individuals may also lay claim to creating chicken tenders, but The Puritan Backroom is recognized as one of the pioneers.
Chicken tenders have since become a staple on menus across the country, with many variations and flavors available. They are often served as an appetizer, snack, or main course. The tenders are typically made from boneless, skinless chicken breast that is coated in breadcrumbs or batter and then fried or baked until crispy and golden brown.
As an expert, it’s important to note that while The Puritan Backroom may have popularized chicken tenders, it is difficult to definitively attribute the invention of a dish to a single restaurant or person. Food innovations often occur simultaneously in different places, and it’s likely that variations of boneless chicken dishes existed prior to The Puritan Backroom’s introduction of chicken tenders.
The Puritan Backroom in Manchester, N.H., claims to have invented chicken tenders in 1974. They were likely driven by a desire to offer a more convenient and enjoyable chicken dish to their customers. However, it’s important to recognize that food inventions often have multiple origins, and the true origin of chicken tenders may be difficult to determine definitively.