Where to Get the Best Chicken Tenders

Chicken tenders are a quintessential American food. These tasty strips of breaded and fried chicken breast satisfy cravings for something crispy, juicy, and delicious. Chicken tenders evoke memories of childhood, backyard barbecues, and carefree summer days. Their popularity endures from elementary school cafeterias to trendy restaurants. Finding high-quality chicken tenders can be a challenge though. Not all chicken tenders are created equal. The type of chicken, coating, frying oil, and seasonings impact the final product. This article explores the best places to get chicken tenders based on taste, price, and accessibility.

Fast Food Chicken Tenders

Fast food chains offer a quick, affordable chicken tender fix. Convenience and consistency are the main advantages of fast food chicken tenders. Major chains have mastered the art of rapidly preparing fried foods that taste the same across hundreds or thousands of locations Their tenders typically feature white meat chicken with a seasoned breading fried in vegetable oil. Most fast food tenders come in around 200 calories for a 3-4 piece serving. Prices range from $2-6 for a small or regular size While not gourmet, fast food tenders satisfy the craving for piping hot, crispy, no-fuss chicken.

According to a recent taste test Chick-fil-A ranked as the #1 fast food chicken tender. Their tenders contain actual breast meat instead of processed chicken parts. The exterior breading strikes the right balance of crunchy yet light. Popeye’s earned high marks as well for their signature New Orleans-style flavorful breading and juicy interior. For a lighter breading Culver’s stood out for their crisp yet flavorful tenders. KFC and Sonic finished near the bottom due to their thin, uniform tenders containing chopped and formed chicken.

Chicken tenders are now sold at most big chains, like McDonald’s, Burger King, Wendy’s, Arby’s, and Jack in the Box. You can find a new favorite fast food chicken tender by trying them from a few different places.

Fried Chicken Restaurants

Chicken-focused restaurants serve more than just fast food. They are known for their high-quality fried chicken and tenders. Chains in the same area as Raising Cane’s and Zaxby’s have perfected the chicken tender. Compared to fast food tenders, which are thin and uniform, theirs are made with thicker, less uniform cuts of whole chicken breast that give them more flavor and heartiness. The chicken is fried in better oil and covered in special breadings that are made just for them. Side sauces give customers flavor options. A three to five-piece tender meal costs between $6 and $10, which is a little more than fast food. However, the portion sizes also tend to be more generous.

Dave’s Hot Chicken offers a Nashville hot chicken take on tenders with 7 spice level options. Their massive, juicy tenders packs some serious heat and flavor. Large independent chains like Gus’s World Famous Fried Chicken and Jolene’s Surf Club also earn rave reviews for their tender baskets. Trying tenders from local chicken spots can unveil some hidden gems. Don’t limit yourself to the big names. Many hole-in-the-wall chicken joints will fry up tender perfection.

Full Service Restaurants

In many restaurants, chicken tenders are no longer just for kids. They are now served as main dishes every day. Picky kids still like chicken tenders, but more and more adults are ordering them too. Their versatility and customization options appeal to sophisticated diners. Gourmet breadings and spice blends are used to cover fresh tenders in full-service restaurants before they are fried or baked. Tenders get served alongside upgraded sides and dipping sauces. They are advertised on the menu with phrases like “hand-breaded,” “buttermilk-brined,” and “fried to a golden crisp.” A full-size tender starter costs between $10 and $20.

Full service tenders allow choosing spice levels and sauces like honey mustard or barbecue. They work well in salads, wraps, tacos and other entrees. Upscale sports bars often feature elevated chicken tenders with chef-driven flavors. Mainstream chains like TGI Friday’s, Applebee’s, and Chili’s tout their scratch-made, hand-breaded tenders as well. Independent restaurants employ tenders in creative ways too, perfecting fusion flavors and modern twists. Keep an eye out for chicken tenders appearing in diverse cuisines from Italian to Indian.

Grocery Store Chicken Tenders

When home cooks buy raw tenders at the grocery store, they can save money and have more control over how the dish turns out. Fresh or frozen tenders come in packages ranging from $5 to $15. During certain times of the year, prices are lower. Thawing and breading frozen tenders at home brings tremendous flexibility. Home cooks can change the flavors by using different herbs, spices, cheeses, and crumbles in the breading and coating. When tenders are done, shallow-frying, air-frying, baking, or grilling them keeps the seasoning and moisture in. DIY tenders also let you change the ingredients to meet dietary needs.

When buying raw tenders, prioritize quality. Look for packages with thick, irregularly shaped pieces. Avoid thin, uniform tenders that indicate processed meat. Skinless, boneless tenders work best for homemade breading and cooking. For pre-breaded, frozen options, read labels carefully. Lower sodium and non-GMO versions exist for health-conscious shoppers. Compare costs to find good values. With a few pantry staples, creative home cooks can surpass restaurant-quality air fryer chicken tenders using grocery store purchases.

Satisfy Your Chicken Tender Craving

From fast food to fine dining, chicken tenders occupy a beloved place in the American appetite. Their nostalgic taste and endless versatility cement their status as a go-to comfort food. With so many options, finding the ultimate chicken tender comes down to individual preferences. Seek out tender perfection whether it is crackling fast food classics, gourmet restaurant recipes, or homemade culinary creations. Keep tasting chicken tenders everywhere you go, and you will discover can’t-miss tender bliss.