Where Can I Get Chicken Tenders? A Guide to Finding Crispy, Juicy Tenders

Chicken tenders are a classic American food that never seems to go out of style. These strips of breaded, fried chicken breast are crispy on the outside and juicy on the inside – the perfect blend of flavors and textures. But where can you find the best chicken tenders? I’ve done some research to find the top places to get your hands on delicious chicken tenders.

Fast Food Restaurants

When you want chicken tenders, it’s easy to get them at a popular fast food chain. Here are some of the top picks:

• McDonald’s – McDonald’s Chicken McNuggets are a long-time favorite. While not traditional tenders these small nuggets of breaded white meat chicken satisfy that tender craving. McDonald’s also recently added a new Crispy Chicken Sandwich to their menu which features a juicy chicken breast fillet similar to a tender.

• Burger King: Chicken tenders are always on the menu at Burger King. You can order them by themselves or with fries and a drink. They are breaded in a crispy coating and are known for being juicy on the inside.

• Wendy’s: Homestyle Chicken Tenders at Wendy’s are soaked in buttermilk, then coated in bread crumbs and fried. On the outside, they have a unique flaky texture, but the inside stays moist. Wendy’s tenders can be part of a meal or eaten on their own as a snack.

• Chick-fil-A: Chick-fil-A is famous for their chicken dishes, like the Chicken Strips. These chicken tenderloins were marinated and then fried in a mix of peanut oils to make them as crispy as possible. Chick-fil-A also has a lot of different dipping sauces you can get to go with your tenders.

Fast Casual Restaurants

A step above traditional fast food, fast casual restaurants also offer high quality chicken tenders using fresh ingredients. Some top options include:

• Raising Cane’s – This chain has a singular focus on chicken fingers. Their tenders are made from premium chicken tenderloins battered and fried to order. Raising Cane’s also lets you pick from several dipping sauces like honey mustard and Cane’s sauce.

• Zaxby’s – Zaxby’s hand-breads their chicken tenders each morning for superior crunch. Their tenders are cooked in a secret marinade to keep them extra moist. Meal options come with Zax sauce for dipping.

• Slim Chickens – True to its name, Slim Chickens uses only 100% premium chicken breast for their tenders. They are hand-breaded and always cooked fresh to order. Fun dipping sauces include sriracha garlic and honey mustard.

• Guthrie’s – Guthrie’s breaded chicken tenderloins are lightly fried and seasoned to enhance the natural chicken flavor. Tenders are served on Texas toast with options like honey mustard or BBQ sauce.

Full Service Restaurants

Sit-down restaurants often elevate the simple chicken tender to create unique, chef-inspired versions. Here are some full service spots to check out:

• The Cheesecake Factory – Known for large portions, The Cheesecake Factory does not disappoint with their Crispy Chicken Tenders. Tenders are coated in a crunchy breading and seasoned, then served with your choice of sauce from honey mustard to ranch.

• Buffalo Wild Wings – Chicken tenders are available breaded or grilled, then you can toss them in one of Buffalo Wild Wings’ famous wing sauces. Options range from mild to very spicy.

• Applebee’s – Applebee’s Classic Chicken Tender Platter features hand-battered tenders fried golden brown. They are served with honey mustard and fries. Larger portions are available for extra hungry appetites.

• TGIFridays – TGIFridays offers Chicken Tender Baskets with four crispy chicken tenders and fries. You can choose to dip them in honey mustard or BBQ sauce.

Grocery Stores

When you want to enjoy chicken tenders from the comfort of home, grocery stores have you covered. Pick up frozen tenders or opt for making them homemade.

• Tyson – Tyson is one of the most common brands for frozen chicken tenders. They offer convenient ready-to-cook options like Crispy Chicken Strips that can go straight from freezer to oven.

• Foster Farms – Foster Farms makes all-natural frozen chicken tenders without any antibiotics or steroids. They have a light breading and come seasoned or plain.

• Perdue – Look for Perdue’s Fun Shapes Chicken Breast Nuggets to get bite-sized pieces similar to tenders. They are fully cooked so you just need to heat and eat.

• Homemade – For the freshest taste, bread and fry your own chicken tenders at home. Slice chicken breasts into strips, coat in eggs and breadcrumbs, then fry in oil until golden brown.

Tips for the Best Tenders

No matter where you get your chicken tenders, follow these tips for the optimal tender eating experience:

• Eat them hot and fresh – tenders are best right after frying when the exterior is crispiest.

• Try different dipping sauces – ranch, honey mustard, and BBQ sauce all pair deliciously with chicken tenders.

• Share with friends – chicken tenders make a great group snack for watching the big game or a movie marathon.

• Add sides like fries or coleslaw – the crunch of fries complements the juicy tenders perfectly.

• Watch out for fillers – aim for chicken tenderloins or breast meat, not processed chicken bits.

So next time you have a chicken tender craving, consult this guide on where to find the best tenders to satisfy your appetite! Crispy, juicy chicken tenders are just a restaurant visit, grocery run, or homemade frying session away.

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.