Which Came First: Chicken Tenders or Baby Back Ribs? Settling the Great Debate

The question of which came first, chicken tenders or baby back ribs, has perplexed backyard grill masters and commercial chefs alike for ages. These two popular menu items seem to have been around forever, making it difficult to determine the true origin story. After diving into historical accounts, technological advancements, and pop culture influences, I believe we can finally put this culinary debate to rest.

A Look Back at the History of Each Dish

To trace the roots of chicken tenders and baby back ribs, we need to go way back in time. Archaeological evidence shows humans have been cooking ribs over open flames for thousands of years Ribs were likely cooked alongside other meat on the bone as an accessible source of food While seasonings and specific cultural styles varied greatly, ribs emerged as a global staple.

On the other hand, chicken tenders are a much more recent recipe. In the 1980s and 1990s, chefs made a new boneless chicken option by slicing chicken breasts into thin strips, coating them in crumbs, and frying them. This became a popular finger food for kids. The appealing shape and mild flavor was an instant hit.

So in terms of pure origination it’s clear that baby back ribs came first by a wide margin. But the story doesn’t end there.

Technological Innovations Change the Game

When ribs were first made, tougher cuts had to be cooked slowly and slowly. Modern meat processing has made it easier to cut and sort ribs more precisely, making tender baby back ribs easy to find. With better refrigeration, they could also be sent to places far away from where they were grown.

A similar leap came for chicken tenders. Chicken has been fried for a long time, but the commercial fryers in most modern kitchens have made it possible to make a lot of chicken tenders at once. With improvements in pressure cooking, they could be cooked to a golden brown in minutes.

Both dishes were propelled from humble beginnings into the mainstream thanks to these culinary innovations.

Regional Favorites Emerge

As baby back ribs and chicken tenders became more popular across the country, different regional styles began to form. There are barbecue hotspots like Kansas City and Memphis, and there are deep-frying traditions in the South. Each place added its own twist to these classics.

Charlie Vergos’ Rendezvous restaurant put Memphis on the map for dry rub ribs. Cities like Dallas and St.Louis crafted their own sauces and cooking methods to stand out from the crowd. Suddenly, baby back ribs weren’t just ribs anymore – they were a point of regional pride.

Chicken tenders experienced a similar phenomenon. Their mild flavor made them the perfect canvas for an array of dipping sauces and seasonings. Local restaurants experimented with different spices, herbs, and batter mixes to give their tenders a signature flair. Through this friendly competition, both dishes expanded from single recipes into full-fledged cuisine styles.

Pop Culture Boosts the Craze

By the 1990s, baby back ribs and chicken tenders had earned their place as staples of American comfort food. But a heavy dose of pop culture influence sent demand skyrocketing.

An iconic Chili’s jingle declared “I want my baby back, baby back, baby back ribs!” The catchy tune plastered itself in people’s minds and airwaves across the nation. Ribs were no longer just a food – they were a pop culture sensation.

Chicken tenders received a similar boost from clever marketing tactics. Fast food chains promoted fun dipping sauces and combo meals featuring chicken tenders, making them a fixture of kids’ menus everywhere. The innocent shape and familiar flavor was the perfect way to appeal to picky young eaters.

And the Winner Is…

After reviewing the origins of each dish, the verdict is clear. While both chicken tenders and baby back ribs have rich histories and popularity, baby back ribs claim victory as the original of the two. With primitive origins dating back thousands of years, ribs had millennia to cement themselves before breaded chicken strips were even conceived.

The story doesn’t end there though. Both dishes have evolved tremendously over time, buoyed by key innovations and boosted into mainstream fame. So whether you’re Team Ribs or Team Tenders, both options deliver the comforting, hearty flavors that Americans crave. Their lasting popularity proves that sometimes the classics really do deserve to stick around.

So next time you’re debating between finger-lickin’ barbecue or crispy chicken for dinner, remember this culinary saga. Pay homage to the primal origins of ribs, and celebrate the ingenuity that brought chicken tenders into the mix. Most importantly, appreciate how these two staples of Americana remain connected through their tasty roots and mass appeal. Now pass the barbecue sauce!