Is Breaded Boneless Chicken Tenderloins Gluten Free?

The Ingredient Breakdown

As a food scientist, I analyze ingredient labels to determine safety for specific dietary restrictions. For these Breaded Boneless Chicken Tenderloins, the verdict is clear: they contain gluten. The danger lies in the three-step coating process used to achieve that crispy texture.

First, the product is pre-dusted with wheat flour and wheat gluten. Wheat gluten is a protein derived from wheat that provides elasticity and chewiness. It is a direct source of gluten. Following this, the chicken is battered with enriched wheat flour. Finally, it is breaded with wheat flour. This triple-layer approach ensures that every bite contains wheat derivatives.

Additionally, while the chicken itself is the primary ingredient, the solution injected into the tenderloins (containing water and salt) is generally safe. However, the presence of dried buttermilk and whey indicates that these tenderloins contain dairy, which is a separate allergen to be aware of.

Nutritional Value

While the gluten content is the primary focus here, it is worth looking at the nutritional profile. Breaded chicken tenderloins are typically high in sodium and carbohydrates due to the coating. The inclusion of dextrose (a sugar) and partially hydrogenated soybean oil contributes to the calorie count and processed nature of the food.

For those watching their sugar intake, the dextrose in the breading is a minor but present factor. The partially hydrogenated oils are trans fats, which are generally recommended to be limited in a healthy diet. If you are looking for a high-protein meal without the added carbohydrates from breading, unbreaded chicken breast is a superior choice.