Are you looking for chicken tenders, fingers, or strips? These breaded and fried boneless chicken options have become popular items at many restaurants, with the fast food chicken industry set to reach $61.1 billion in revenue this year. Their versatile and mild flavor makes them appealing to a wide audience, and they can be seasoned and paired with various condiments to suit different tastes.
Although chicken tenders may seem like a timeless menu item, a restaurant in Manchester, N.H., claims to have introduced fried chicken tenders in 1974. Burger King launched its own chicken tenders in the ’80s, sparking a trend among other fast food chains. In 1996, Raising Cane’s opened its first location, focusing solely on these beloved chicken tenders.
When it comes to boneless chicken pieces, some people prefer tenders over nuggets for their perceived authenticity as whole pieces of meat. To compare the offerings from different chains, Deputy Food editor Betty Hallock and her team conducted a taste test of chicken tenders from 11 establishments, including Raising Cane’s, Chick-fil-A, and Kentucky Fried Chicken. Prices may vary based on location, ordering method, and dining in or out.
Let the battle of the tenders commence.
Sugar and sugar syrup are both included in the ingredients list. While the chicken was moist and lacked any greasy residue, the overwhelming sweetness of the tenders was a bit off-putting. The Chick-fil-A sauce, thick and excessively sweet, only exacerbated the issue.
Chicken Guy! offers a selection of fried tenders from Guy Fieri’s new establishment. The tenders, wide and flat in shape, are generously seasoned with a crunchy panko-crust coating. However, the sweetness was overpowering, and the chicken itself was somewhat tough.
Jollibee also serves chicken tenders alongside their famous chicken, gravy, and spaghetti. The tenders varied in shape and size, with a light coating that was unfortunately masked by the excessive taste of fry oil. Despite this, the chicken inside remained tender and juicy.
Kentucky Fried Chicken’s tenders featured a shaggy coating and seasoning reminiscent of their bone-in fried chicken. While crunchy and salty, the chicken itself was tough, and the accompanying sauces were overly sweet. Opting for gravy as a dipping sauce proved to be a better choice.
Church’s Texas Chicken tenders had a pale, crisp coating with minimal seasoning. Dipping sauce was a necessity, although sourcing it from another restaurant might be advisable due to the underwhelming options provided by Church’s.
Carl’s Jr. offers hand-breaded tenders that resemble something from a kids’ menu but are golden and crispy with juicy chicken breast meat. However, these tenders lose their crunch quickly and are best enjoyed immediately. Their barbecue sauce earns them extra points.
Raising Cane’s chicken fingers feature actual chicken with a crunchy coating that remains crispy. While the fingers may lack some flavor, the Cane’s sauce adds the necessary kick.
It’s as if you’re diving into a pool of creamy, extra peppery Thousand Island dressing with a zing of acid that transforms your humble lunch of chicken fingers and fries into a lighter, more flavorful experience.
Let’s start with the Popeyes chicken tenders, shall we? Picture a platter of five golden-brown tenders that beckon with their irresistible crunch. Each tender is enveloped in a crispy, jagged coating that sets the stage for an explosion of flavor. The seasoning is just right, infusing the chicken with a rich, almost buttery taste that lingers on your palate. Some tenders are juicy and plump, while others boast giant shards of crunchy goodness. They may lean more towards being a crunchy snack than a full meal, but trust me, you won’t mind. And while dipping sauce is not a necessity, the Bayou Buffalo sauce adds a tangy kick that elevates the experience to a whole new level.
Now, let’s turn our attention to the Wingstop crispy tenders. Imagine four tender pieces of chicken waiting to be devoured, each boasting a different kind of appeal. The Wingstop tenders are all about the meaty, juicy goodness that you expect from quality chicken. The coating, while sometimes uneven, offers a satisfying crunch that complements the tender meat inside. These tenders are substantial enough to stand on their own as a full meal, with each bite delivering a burst of flavor that keeps you coming back for more. And if you’re a fan of ranch dressing, prepare to be dazzled. The Wingstop ranch is a revelation, striking the perfect balance between thickness and flavor. It’s like a symphony of Hidden Valley ranch seasoning infused with hints of onion, garlic, and herbs that dance on your taste buds. It’s no wonder that both Popeyes and Wingstop were contenders for the top spot, but in the end, it was the Wingstop tenders that stole the show.
As we reflect on these two tantalizing options, it becomes clear that each has its own unique charm. Popeyes excels in the realm of crunch, with its crispy coating and bold seasoning creating a textural masterpiece. On the other hand, Wingstop shines in the realm of flavor, with its meaty, juicy tenders and delectable ranch dressing taking center stage. It’s a tough choice to make, but one thing is certain – both of these offerings leave a lasting impression that will have you coming back for more.
So, whether you find yourself craving the satisfying crunch of Popeyes or the mouthwatering flavor of Wingstop, one thing is for sure – you’re in for a treat. Dive into a world of savory delights, where every bite is a symphony of flavor and texture that will leave you craving more. And as you savor each tender morsel, remember that the journey of culinary exploration is a delicious one, filled with endless possibilities and mouthwatering surprises.
