It’s easy to see why chicken tenders are so popular: they’re tasty, can be used in many ways, and are quick and easy to make into a meal or snack. But there are so many places that sell chicken tenders these days, how do you know where to get the best ones?
I looked into the chicken tenders at some of the most popular fast food restaurants, grocery stores, and restaurants to see who really sells the best ones. After tasting and rating chicken tenders from over 20 different places, I can tell you where to find crispy, juicy, and delicious chicken tenders.
Fast Food Chains With Top-Notch Tenders
Chicken tenders are now on the menu at a lot of fast food places. They’re easy to grab and go when you’re in a hurry. But not all fast food chicken tenders are the same! Here are some fast food places that have great chicken tenders:
Chick-fil-A
Chick-fil-A emerged as the clear fast food winner in my chicken tender taste test. Their Chick-fil-A Chicken Strips have an amazing crunch on the outside while staying juicy on the inside. And you can really taste the flavor of the chicken – it’s not overwhelmed by heavy breading or spices. The strips are well-seasoned with just a hint of saltiness and pepper. Chick-fil-A chicken always tastes fresh, never like it’s been sitting around.
Raising Cane’s
One thing is what this fast food chain does best: chicken fingers. And they’ve perfected them. Raising Cane’s chicken tenders are made by hand and cooked just for you, so they are crispy and hot. The simple breading on the juicy all-white meat chicken lets the chicken’s flavor shine through. They are really good when you dip them in their sour Cane’s sauce.
Popeyes
Popeyes is renowned for its fried chicken, so it’s no surprise their chicken tenders are also fantastic. Their chicken tenders have a satisfyingly crunchy breading with just the right amount of seasoning – I could taste notes of garlic, onion, and pepper. The meat itself is always moist and flavorful. You can get the tenders mild or spicy – I recommend spicy for the added kick.
KFC
KFC’s Extra Crispy Chicken Tenders have that signature KFC crunch thanks to an extra crunchy breading. The tenders are juicy and well-seasoned, with hints of garlic and black pepper coming through. The texture of the chicken is consistently great. KFC chicken tenders pack some serious flavor.
Grocery Stores With Quality Store-Prepared Tenders
Grocery stores are stepping up their prepared foods game, and many now offer restaurant-quality chicken tenders ready to take home and enjoy. Here are some of the best store-bought chicken tenders:
Whole Foods
Whole Foods makes chicken tenders daily in each store’s kitchen using all-natural chicken. The breading is light, letting the flavorful chicken shine. These tenders are juicy and crunchy. Whole Foods offers both original and spicy Sriracha chicken tenders, both with great flavor.
Trader Joe’s
Trader Joe’s crunchy chicken tenders are a favorite for good reason. They have a lightly seasoned panko breading that gets perfectly crispy when baked. The chicken itself stays juicy and tender. These are all breast meat tenders with no fillers or preservatives. Trader Joe’s chicken tenders are delicious plain or paired with one of their tasty dipping sauces.
Costco
Costco’s Kirkland Signature Chicken Strips are a great value and taste like they came from a restaurant. The thick cut breast meat strips have a crunchy breading seasoned with herbs and spices. They have a simple but tasty flavor. A 40-ounce bag of these restaurant-quality tenders can be yours for less than $15.
Wegmans
Northeastern grocery chain Wegmans makes excellent fresh chicken tenders daily. They coat large cuts of tender chicken breast in a crunchy, seasoned breading. Wegmans chicken tenders have the perfect balance of crispy outside and moist meat inside. The flavor is subtle enough to pair with any dipping sauce.
Convenience Stores for Quick Chicken Tenders
When you’re in a pinch and need some chicken tenders fast, convenience stores have you covered. Here are a couple go-to spots:
Wawa
Wawa, the popular gas station and convenience store chain, sells chicken tenders that are breaded and fried throughout the day. The white meat tenders have a thin, crispy breading with a little black pepper flavor. Wawa chicken tenders make for a quick, tasty snack or light meal when you’re on the go.
7-Eleven
7-Eleven offers hot chicken tenders at many of its locations. Their chicken tenders are juicy white meat coated in a crunchy seasoned breading. Grab a package of 7-Eleven chicken tenders along with one of their dipping sauces when hunger hits and you need a fast food fix.
Who Really Has the Best Chicken Tenders?
After extensive tasting and consideration, I have to give the top prize for best chicken tenders to Chick-fil-A. Their chicken strips consistently deliver everything you want – juicy chicken, crunchy coating, and great flavor. The taste and texture is near-perfect.
Raising Cane’s all-natural chicken fingers also deserve high praise. Their fresh, hand-breaded tenders let the chicken flavor shine. For grocery store tenders, Trader Joe’s and Whole Foods were my favorites for their crisp breading and juicy meat.
While plenty of places now sell chicken tenders, not all are created equal. To get the most delicious chicken tenders – ones that are crunchy, juicy, and packed with flavor – go with Chick-fil-A, Raising Cane’s, Trader Joe’s, or Whole Foods. Their fresh chicken tenders deliver on all fronts, making them the top picks for satisfying your chicken tender craving.
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I Tried Every Fast Food Chicken Tender In America
FAQ
Which place has the best chicken tenders?
Raising Cane’s and Chick-fil-A are often cited as having some of the best chicken tenders. Raising Cane’s is known for its fresh, never-frozen chicken that is marinated for 24 hours before being hand-battered and cooked to order, according to Yahoo. Chick-fil-A is praised for the flavor and seasoning of their chicken, with a light breading that allows the chicken to shine. Other popular options include Wingstop and Popeyes.
What are the best store-bought chicken tenders?
- Best Crispy: Foster Farms Classic Crispy Chicken Strips.
- Best Gluten-Free: Applegate Naturals Gluten-Free Chicken Breast Tenders.
Does Wendy’s have chicken tenders?
Yes, Wendy’s does have chicken tenders on their menu. They are referred to as Wendy’s Chicken Tenders. They are made with all-white meat and are available in various sizes like 3 pc, 5 pc, or 7 pc.
Does McDonald’s have chicken tenders anymore?
McDonald’s announced Thursday that chicken strips will return to its menu after being removed five years ago. Beginning on May 5, McCrispy Strips, all-white chicken tenders coated in golden-brown breading, will be back on menus nationwide.
Can I order chicken tenders online?
And now, best of all, you can order our chicken tenders for delivery or pick-up online. What is our secret ingredient? We’ll tell you. There’s Filipino joy in it! Check out our Family Bucket Meals, Fried Chicken Sandwiches, and Burger Steaks for more great options. Find Chicken Tenders & Fingers at Jollibee.
Which fast-food chains serve the best chicken tenders?
Find out which fast-food chains serve the best chicken tenders, according to real customers. Chicken tenders are among the most popular menu items at fast-food restaurants, which is why McDonald’s recently announced it was giving the item a slot on its permanent menu.
How many restaurants are there for chicken tenders?
Grubhub has around 500,000 restaurants available on its platform making it easy to get delivery or pickup for Chicken Tenders when you order online. 3) What are the best restaurants near me for Chicken Tenders?.
How much does chicken tenders cost on Grubhub+?
Grubhub is free if you have Amazon Prime or a Bank of America account, which means delivery costs nothing. Get Chicken Tenders delivered from national chains, local favorites, or new neighborhood restaurants, on Grubhub. Order online, and get Chicken Tenders delivered, fast. Deals and promos available.
Why are chicken tenders so popular?
Chicken tenders have come a long way. This dish, which used to be the most basic order and was only for picky, indecisive eaters, has become a fast food giant. The days of over-processed mystery meats are behind us (for the most part!) and there are restaurants whose entire businesses revolve around the mighty chicken tender.
How much does a 5 piece Order of chicken tenders cost?
A five-piece order of chicken tenders cost $8.41, excluding tax. The chicken tenders were evenly fried but on the thinner side. The chicken tenders were flatter than some of the others I tried. Erin McDowell/Business Insider Rather than thick and juicy like some of the other chicken tenders I tried, these were flatter.