20 Fast Food Chains With the Best Chicken Tenders
Chicken tenders are a fast food classic. Although they don’t get as much love as burgers or fries, they’re undoubtedly popular and beloved by picky eaters and epicures alike.
Of course, not all chicken tenders are created equal. But depending on which fast food chain you get them from, they can be delicious and make a perfect vehicle for all kinds of dipping sauces.
In this article, we’ve rounded up the best fast food chicken tenders that check all the boxes: golden brown, crispy, juicy, and perfectly seasoned.
Whether you’re looking for a snack, lunch, or dinner, you’re sure to find your new favorite chicken tenders on this list!
20. Burger King: Chicken Fries
Burger King is one of the world’s largest and most popular fast food chains. And as their name suggests, they’re most famous for their burgers.
There are over 7,000 Burger King locations in the US, with at least one in all 50 states.
Although Burger King specializes in burgers, it also offers one of the most unique fast food versions of chicken tenders.
Burger King’s signature chicken tenders aren’t technically chicken tenders but rather Chicken Fries.
The Chicken Fries are made from breaded crispy white meat chicken and cut into the shape of French fries.
You can order the 9-piece Chicken Fries a la carte or as a combo with fries and a drink.
It contains 260 calories, 13 grams of fat, 780 milligrams of sodium, and 15 grams of protein.
You can also choose from a variety of Burger King sauces to enjoy with your Chicken Fries, including BBQ, Buffalo, honey mustard, ranch, sweet & sour, and zesty.
19. Long John Silver’s: Chicken Tenders
Long John Silver’s is a fast food chain famous for serving fried fish and other seafood items.
There are over 600 Long John Silver’s locations in 36 states.
Good news for those who don’t love seafood because Long John Silver’s also serves chicken.
Hilariously, they refer to chicken as “honorary seafood.”
Long John Silver’s chicken tenders are made from 100% white meat chicken and hand-battered using the same batter recipe used for their fried seafood.
You can order a 2-piece Chicken Combo, a 3-piece Chicken Meal, or a single chicken tender on its own.
The 2-piece Chicken Combo comes with two chicken tenders, one side of your choice, two hushpuppies, and a drink.
The 3-piece Chicken Meal comes with three chicken tenders, two sides, and two hushpuppies.
The sides you can choose from include fries, coleslaw, green beans, corn, rice, and cheese bites.
One Chicken Tender has 150 calories and contains 7 grams of fat, 570 milligrams of sodium, and 10 grams of protein.
18. Checkers/Rally’s: Fry-Seasoned Tenders
Checkers and Rally’s are two fast food chains with different names but are the same company.
There are over 560 Checkers and 300 Rally’s locations in the US.
Regardless of whether you’re at a Checkers or a Rally’s location, the menu is identical.
Checkers and Rally’s signature chicken tenders are called Fry-Seasoned Tenders.
The Fry-Seasoned Tenders are made from all-white meat chicken and are coated in a seasoned fry batter with a signature zesty taste.
You can order them in three sizes: 3, 5, and 8 pieces.
You can choose from a variety of sauces to dip your Fry-Seasoned Tenders, including BBQ, Buffalo, honey mustard, ranch, and blue cheese.
A 5-piece Fry-Seasoned Tenders has 680 calories and contains 33 grams of fat, 1,860 milligrams of sodium, and 44 grams of protein.
17. Carl’s Jr.: Hand-Breaded Chicken Tenders
Carl’s Jr. is a fast food chain most famous for its signature charbroiled hamburgers.
There are over 1,000 Carl’s Jr. locations in the US, mainly on the West Coast or the Southwest.
Although Carl’s Jr.’s signature menu item is the charbroiled hamburger, they also serve delicious chicken tenders.
Their chicken tenders are called Hand-Breaded Chicken Tenders.
These are made from premium all-white meat chicken, hand-dipped in buttermilk, and a light coat of breading.
The Hand-Breaded Chicken Tenders come in two sizes: 3 and 5 pieces.
You can choose a dipping sauce from options like buttermilk ranch, honey mustard, sweet & bold BBQ, and Buffalo sauce.
You can also order 3-piece and 5-piece combos, which come with fries and a drink.
A 5-piece Hand-Breaded Chicken Tenders has 440 calories and contains 21 grams of fat, 1,290 milligrams of sodium, and 41 grams of protein.
16. Jack in the Box: Crispy Chicken Strips
Jack in the Box is a fast food chain famous for its gigantic menu, which offers everything from tacos and egg rolls to burgers and fries.
There are over 2,000 Jack in the Box locations in 21 states.
One of the best Jack in the Box menu items is their signature chicken tenders, called Crispy Chicken Strips.
They are made from 100% all-white meat and come in 4 and 6 pieces.
You can also order them as a combo that comes with fries and a drink.
Jack in the Box offers many delicious sauces that pair well with their Crispy Chicken Strips.
A 4-piece Crispy Chicken Strips has 620 calories and contains 31 grams of fat, 2,350 milligrams of sodium, and 44 grams of protein.
15. Arby’s: Chicken Tenders
Arby’s is a fast food chain famous for its roast beef sandwiches and curly fries.
There are over 3,400 Arby’s locations in the United States.
Although Arby’s specializes in roast beef, they also serve some great chicken tenders.
Arby’s Chicken Tenders are chunks of chicken breast, breaded and deep-fried. They come in two sizes: 3 and 5 pieces.
They are served with BBQ sauce, but if you prefer, you can swap it out for Horsey Sauce or Arby’s Sauce.
You can also upgrade your 3-piece or 5-piece chicken tenders to a meal, which comes with a side of curly or crinkle fries and a drink.
A 5-piece Chicken Tenders has 610 calories and contains 30 grams of fat, 1,990 milligrams of sodium, and 39 grams of protein.
14. Sonic Drive-In: Crispy Tenders
Sonic Drive-In is a 1950s drive-thru-themed chain restaurant famous for serving classic American fast food menu items.
There are over 3,500 Sonic Drive-In locations in 46 states.
In addition to their burgers, hot dogs, and milkshakes, Sonic also makes great chicken tenders.
Their signature chicken tenders are called Crispy Tenders.
The Crispy Tenders are made from 100% all-white chicken and fried to a golden brown crisp. They come in two sizes: 3 and 5 pieces.
They are served with the Sonic Signature Sauce, but you can swap it out for honey mustard, BBQ sauce, or ranch dressing.
Each size can also be upgraded to a Crispy Tender Dinner, which comes with tater tots, onion rings, and a slice of Texas toast.
A 5-piece Crispy Tenders has 430 calories and contains 20 grams of fat, 1,210 milligrams of sodium, and 35 grams of protein.
13. Dairy Queen: Chicken Strip Basket
You’re probably familiar with Dairy Queen’s famous Blizzards, but select Dairy Queen locations also sell food, including chicken tenders.
There are almost 4,500 Dairy Queen locations in the United States. However, not all of them serve food.
To check whether your local Dairy Queen offers food, go to the Locations page of their website and type in your zip code.
Find your preferred location. The location only serves ice cream if it says “Treat Only” under the address. If it says “Food and Treat,” that location also serves food.
The Dairy Queen menu includes a delicious item called Chicken Strip Basket.
It’s made from all-white meat, seasoned chicken strips, crispy fries, and Texas toast and comes with your choice of dipping sauce.
Dairy Queen’s dipping sauces include gravy, BBQ sauce, Hidden Valley Ranch, honey mustard, Buffalo sauce, zesty queso, and ketchup.
The Chicken Strip Basket comes in two sizes: 4 and 6 pieces.
A 4-piece Chicken Strip Basket has 1,020 calories and contains 48 grams of fat, 2,120 milligrams of sodium, and 35 grams of protein.
12. Culver’s: Original Chicken Tenders
Culver’s is a Wisconsin-based fast food chain beloved for its ButterBurgers, cheese curds, and frozen custard.
There are nearly 900 Culver’s locations in 25 states.
Although Culver’s menu is most famous for its burgers and frozen custard, it also includes delicious chicken tenders.
Culver’s Original Chicken Tenders are made from all-white meat and fried to a golden crisp.
They are available in 2 and 4-piece orders and come with your choice of Culver’s dipping sauces.
A 4-piece Original Chicken Tenders has 540 calories and contains 24 grams of fat, 1,840 milligrams of sodium, and 40 grams of protein.
In addition to the Original Chicken Tenders, Culver’s also offers Buffalo Chicken Tenders, which include spices like paprika, chili, and black pepper added into the breading for an extra kick.
11. Wingstop: Crispy Tenders
Wingstop is an aviation-themed fast food chain specializing in chicken wings.
There are over 1,200 Wingstop locations in the United States.
Although Wingstop is most famous for its bone-in chicken wings, they also sell chicken tenders.
Wingstop’s signature chicken tenders are called Crispy Tenders.
Like their chicken wings, you can order Crispy Tenders in a variety of flavors, including plain, lemon pepper, hickory smoked BBQ, Spicy Korean Q, mango habanero, and atomic.
The Crispy Tenders come with your choice of Wingstop sauces, like ranch, bleu cheese, or honey mustard.
They are available in a wide variety of sizes, including 4, 7, 15, and even 30 pieces.
You can also order them as a combo, which comes with your choice of fries or veggie sticks and a drink.
One plain Crispy Tender has 140 calories and contains 7 grams of fat, 470 milligrams of sodium, and 10 grams of protein.
10. KFC: Tenders
KFC, which stands for Kentucky Fried Chicken, is famous for its iconic fried chicken recipe.
There are nearly 4,000 KFC locations in all 50 states.
Although KFC is most famous for its bone-in fried chicken, they also make great chicken tenders.
KFC Tenders are made using a signature recipe, giving them a lovely golden brown color and amazing texture.
If you want the KFC Tenders on their own, you can order them in 8, 12, or 16-piece buckets.
You can also order a 3-piece, 4-piece, or 5-piece Tenders Combo, which comes with fries, a biscuit, dipping sauce, and a drink.
Finally, if you want to share them with your friends or family, you can order an 8-piece, 12-piece, or 16-piece Tenders Meal, which comes with fries, biscuits, dipping sauce, and a variety of sides.
KFC offers many dipping sauces, like Buffalo ranch, honey BBQ, honey mustard, hot sauce, and the signature KFC sauce.
One KFC Tender has 140 calories and contains 7 grams of fat, 320 milligrams of sodium, and 10 grams of protein.
9. Whataburger: Whatachick’n Strips
Whataburger is a Texas-based fast food chain specializing in burgers.
There are over 900 Whataburger locations, many of which are in Texas.
Although Whataburger is named for its burgers, they also make delicious chicken tenders.
Their chicken tenders are called Whatachick’n Strips.
Whatachick’n Strips are the classic fast food chicken tenders, fried to a perfect golden brown color and crispy texture.
You can order three Whatachick’n Strips on their own or upgrade to a Whatameal, which comes with fries, Texas toast, gravy, and a drink.
A 3-piece Whatachick’n Strips has 460 calories and contains 27 grams of fat, 1,020 milligrams of sodium, and 24 grams of protein.
8. Zaxby’s: Chicken Fingerz
Zaxby’s is one of the most popular fried chicken chains famous for its wings, sandwiches, and chicken tenders.
There are over 900 Zaxby’s locations, all of which are in the Southeastern United States.
Zaxby’s calls their chicken tenders Chicken Fingerz.
They’re hand-breaded and fried to be super crispy on the outside but still tender on the inside.
On their own, you can order Chicken Fingerz in a 5-piece, 10-piece, or 20-piece size.
You can also order a Chicken Finger Plate, which comes with crinkle fries, Texas toast, coleslaw, dipping sauce, and a drink.
Zaxby’s signature Zax Sauce was specifically formulated to pair with Chicken Fingerz.
However, you can also enjoy Chicken Fingerz with Spicy Zax Sauce, ranch, honey mustard, or BBQ sauce.
In addition to the plain Chicken Fingerz, Zaxby’s also offers Sauced Fingerz, which are tossed in your choice of Zaxby’s sauces.
A 5-piece Chicken Fingerz has 480 calories and contains 22 grams of fat, 2,050 milligrams of sodium, and 49 grams of protein.
7. Jollibee: Chicken Tenders
Jollibee is a Filipino fast food chain famous for its fried chicken and sides.
There are over 60 Jollibee locations in 13 states.
Although Jollibee is most famous for its traditional bone-in fried chicken, they also offer chicken tenders.
Their chicken tenders are hand-breaded and made with all-white meat chicken, making them juicy and crispy.
They’re available in four sizes: 3, 6, 10, and 16 pieces.
Each size comes with your choice of dipping sauce, including gravy, ranch, pineapple BBQ, or honey mustard.
You can also upgrade your chicken tenders to a meal, which comes with a side of your choice and a drink.
A 3-piece Chicken Tenders has 550 calories and contains 33 grams of fat, 1,270 milligrams of sodium, and 26 grams of protein.
6. Golden Chick: Golden Tenders
Golden Chick is a Texas-based fast food chain specializing in chicken strips.
There are over 30 Golden Chick locations, most of which are in Texas.
Golden Chick calls its famous chicken tenders Golden Tenders, which come in original and spicy flavors.
They’re available in four sizes: 3,4,6 and 8 pieces.
Each size comes with a yeast roll, your choice of side, and a drink.
Golden Chick’s sides include mashed potatoes, fries, green beans, dirty rice, mac & cheese, coleslaw, fried okra, and salad.
You can choose your favorite dipping sauce, like Lotta Zing Sauce, BBQ sauce, homemade honey mustard, or buttermilk ranch.
One Golden Tender has 87 calories and contains 4 grams of fat, 110 milligrams of sodium, and 7 grams of protein.
5. Church’s Chicken: Tenders
Church’s Chicken is a beloved fried chicken fast food chain with nearly 900 locations in 26 states.
Although Church’s Chicken is most famous for its regular bone-in fried chicken, they also offer delicious chicken tenders.
Their Chicken Tenders can be ordered in an original or spicy flavor and are available in 3 or 5 pieces.
Each size comes with a drink, your choice of side, and a scratch-made honey butter biscuit.
Church’s Chicken’s sides include jalapeno cheese bombers, corn, fries, baked mac & cheese, fried okra, jalapeno peppers, coleslaw, and mashed potatoes.
One Chicken Tender with the original flavor has 110 calories and contains 6 grams of fat, 430 milligrams of sodium, and 8 grams of protein.
4. Bojangles: Homestyle Tenders
Bojangles is a Southern, Cajun-inspired fast food chain specializing in fried chicken.
There are almost 800 Bojangles locations in 14 states.
Although Bojangles is most famous for its bone-in fried chicken, they also serve amazing chicken tenders.
Bojangles’ Homestyle Tenders are made from chicken breast tenderloins and seasoned using their signature blend of spices.
They’re available in a 4-piece combo, which comes with a made-from-scratch biscuit, your choice of side, and a drink.
You can also order a 12-piece Homestyle Tenders Meal, which comes with four biscuits, two sides, and a half gallon of their signature iced tea.
Bojangles’ sides include seasoned fries, Bo-Tato Rounds, dirty rice, mac & cheese, mashed potatoes and gravy, Cajun pintos, green beans, and coleslaw.
A 4-piece Homestyle Tenders has 490 calories and contains 24 grams of fat, 1,130 milligrams of sodium, and 31 grams of protein.
3. Chick-fil-A: Chick-n-Strips
Chick-Fil-A is one of the largest and most popular fried chicken fast food chains in the US.
There are almost 3,000 Chick-fil-A locations in 47 states, plus Washington DC and Puerto Rico.
Although Chick-fil-A’s chicken sandwiches are a cult classic, don’t sleep on their chicken tenders.
Chick-fil-A calls their chicken tenders Chick-n-Strips.
They’re made from boneless chicken, perfectly seasoned, breaded, and pressure cooked in 100% peanut oil.
They come in three sizes: 2, 3, and 4 pieces.
Chick-n-Strips pair amazingly well with any of Chick-fil-A’s dipping sauces, which include Chick-fil-A Sauce, Polynesian Sauce, BBQ sauce, honey mustard, garden herb ranch, zesty buffalo, and sweet and spicy sriracha.
A 3-piece Chick-n-Strips has 310 calories and contains 14 grams of fat, 870 milligrams of sodium, and 29 grams of protein.
2. Popeyes: Tenders
Popeyes is another one of America’s largest and most beloved fried chicken fast food chains.
There are nearly 3,500 Popeyes locations in 46 states, plus Washington DC and Puerto Rico.
Although Popeyes’ menu is most famous for its fried chicken and classic chicken sandwich, it includes some incredible chicken tenders.
Popeyes’ Tenders are handcrafted, marinated, and fried until perfectly golden and crispy.
They come in three sizes: 3, 5, and 10 pieces.
You can also order a 10-piece Tenders Bundle, which comes with five Cajun biscuits and two sides, or even a 12-piece or 16-piece Family Meal, perfect for feeding a large group.
In addition to Popeyes’ classic chicken tender flavor, you can customize them to be spicy or blackened.
A 5-piece Tenders has 770 calories and contains 33 grams of fat, 3,040 milligrams of sodium, and 63 grams of protein.
1. Raising Cane’s: Chicken Fingers
Raising Cane’s is a fast food chain specifically famous for its chicken tenders.
There are over 550 Raising Cane’s locations in 31 states.
Chicken fingers are the only entree on Raising Cane’s menu.
The premium chicken that goes into their chicken fingers is marinated for 24 hours before getting hand-battered and fried to order.
Raising Cane’s offers a variety of chicken finger combos, including the 3-Finger Combo, the Box Combo (which comes with four chicken fingers), and the Caniac Combo (which comes with six chicken fingers).
Each combo is served with Texas toast, Raising Cane’s signature Cane’s Sauce, crinkle-cut fries, and a drink.
The Box and Caniac Combos also include coleslaw.
Raising Cane’s even offers giant catering options, including 25, 50, 75, and 100-piece Tailgates, which come with plenty of Cane’s Sauce for dipping.
One Chicken Finger has 130 calories and contains 6 grams of fat, 190 milligrams of sodium, and 13 grams of protein.
Conclusion
There you have it – the best fast food chicken tenders!
These fast food chains offer the best chicken tenders that are juicy on the inside, crispy on the outside, and perfectly golden brown.
They’re delicious on their own, but they also make a perfect vehicle for a variety of dipping sauces.
No matter where you are, you’re sure to find your new favorite chicken tenders from the fast food chains on this list.
