However, every fast-food restaurant has its own take on the classic meal, so I decided to visit three chains — Zaxbys, PDQ, and Chick-fil-A — to see how their offerings compared.
Chick-fil-A’s chicken strips are a popular menu item, but are they as good as the famous Chick-fil-A chicken sandwich? I decided to do a thorough review to find out.
An Overview of Chick-fil-A’s Chicken Strips
Chick-fil-A offers two types of chicken strips on their menu – the original chicken strip and the grilled chicken strip Both are made from 100% whole breast chicken meat, seasoned, breaded (or grilled), and pressure cooked in refined peanut oil
The original chicken strips come served with a choice of dipping sauce, while the grilled strips come seasoned with a blend of spices. Both versions are available as a 3-count or 4-count entree, or as part of a meal with fries and a drink.
Crispy, Juicy Original Chicken Strips
Each bite of the meaty strips had a good amount of chicken in it. The breading gave the chicken a satisfying crunch without taking away from its flavor. The seasoning mix was simple but tasty, with just the right amount of salt, black pepper, and herbs.
The strips stayed crispy even as I finished my meal. The crispy exterior yielded to the juicy, tender chicken inside. Each bite was consistent from start to finish.
Lean and Flavorful Grilled Chicken Strips
The seasoning mix went all the way through the chicken, giving every bite of each strip a savory flavor. The grilled strips weren’t quite as crispy, but they were still juicy and soft. I ate it with a sweet and sour Chick-fil-A sauce. The smoky seasoning gave it more depth and contrast.
Both versions were lean, with just 4g fat in the original and 2.5g fat in the grilled. For chicken breast strips that are fried or grilled, the nutrition facts are quite impressive.
High-Quality Ingredients Make the Difference
The seasoning blends are also focused on enhancing the natural chicken flavor rather than masking it. Whether fried or grilled, Chick-fil-A’s strips let the chicken be the star.
Crunchy, Zesty Breadcrumbs Add Texture
The breadcrumbs are perfectly seasoned with a zesty blend of spices like garlic, paprika, and black pepper. Each piece has a thin, even coating that adheres well to the chicken. The uniform crispness from the first bite to the last is evident of high quality control.
Dipping Sauces Galore for Customization
I also enjoyed the smoky mesquite flavor of the Barbeque sauce, the herby tang of the Zesty Buffalo sauce, and the cool, creamy Garden Herb Ranch. With so many options, you’ll never get bored.
Heat Lamps Keep the Strips Crispy
The grilled strips don’t go under a heat lamp, but the open kitchen format allows batches to be cooked to order. Newly grilled strips are continuously brought out in small quantities to maximize freshness.
Consistent Quality and Convenience
If you’re a busy mom like me, I like that Chick-fil-A serves fast food and good strips. The chicken strips make it easy to enjoy Chick-fil-A flavor at home or while you’re out and about.
How Do They Compare to Chick-fil-A’s Nuggets?
I prefer the strips since you get more actual chicken in each piece, and the texture is meatier. However, the nuggets offer more surface area that’s crispy and perfect for dipping. Both are great in their own way.
Room for Improvement?
I would also love to see a spicy version of the strips available, either tossed in or with a spicy dipping sauce. This would satisfy those who like a little heat.
The Verdict: Yes, Chick-fil-A Strips Are Delicious
The original strips are crispy and juicy, while the grilled version packs incredible flavor. Dipping sauces allow you to customize your meal. While the sides are basic, the chicken is undeniably delicious.
So if you are wondering whether to get nuggets or strips during your next Chick-fil-A run, I strongly recommend opting for the strips. Just be prepared to enjoy every tender, juicy bite!
Next, I went to PDQ, a fast-food restaurant that predominantly operates in Florida.
After visiting Chick-Fil-A, I traveled to a nearby to PDQ, a chain restaurant known for its chicken tenders, salads, and sandwiches.
PDQ’s first store opened in Tampa in 2011. The chain now has 58 stores, most of which are in Florida. However, there are also a few restaurants in North Carolina, New Jersey, and New York.
Here, I ordered three crispy chicken tenders for $7.
The chicken from PDQ was very tender.
The tenders were tasty, and they appeared to be a little larger than the ones I got from Chick-fil-A.
When I bit into one, the inside was so tender it fell apart. Although this made them a little harder to eat, I was impressed by how fresh the tenders seemed.
I also thought they were seasoned nicely.
Raising Cane’s vs Chick-fil-A Chicken Tenders
FAQ
Does Chick-fil-A have good chicken?
Most people think that Chick-fil-A’s chicken is pretty good for a fast food place. They focus on using real, white breast meat with no hormones or fillers added. They also prioritize sourcing chicken from farms in the U. S. adhering to their Animal Wellbeing Standards, according to the company.
Why do Chick-fil-A nuggets and strips taste different?
We know that Chick-fil-A’s nuggets and chicken strips taste different because of the marinade, but lately, some customers have been complaining that the overall chicken quality at the restaurant has gone down, questioning if a change of supplier or something else is going on to affect its texture and flavor.
Which fast food has the best chicken strips?
Several fast-food chains are known for their chicken strips, but Chick-fil-A and Popeyes consistently rank high in taste tests and customer reviews. Raising Cane’s is also a strong contender, specializing in chicken fingers with a dedicated following.