Are you craving that legendary Publix chicken tender sub but wondering about the price before you head to the store? I totally get it – these subs are practically famous in the Southeast, and knowing what you’ll pay helps plan your lunch budget. Let’s break down everything you need to know about Publix’s most beloved sandwich creation!
How Much Does a Publix Chicken Tender Sub Actually Cost?
The price of a Publix chicken tender sub varies depending on a few factors, but here’s what you can expect to pay:
- Whole Sub (12-inch): $9.99 to $11.99
- Half Sub (6-inch): $6.99 to $8.99
As of my latest research, the standard price for a whole chicken tender sub hovers around $10.99 in most locations, while a half sub will typically cost you about $7.99. But there’s more to the story than just these baseline prices!
Price Variations by Region
Publix operates across several states in the Southeast, and prices do fluctuate based on your location
- Florida: $9.99-$10.99 (whole) / $6.99-$7.99 (half)
- Georgia: $10.49-$10.99 (whole) / $7.49-$7.99 (half)
- Alabama: $10.99-$11.49 (whole) / $7.99-$8.49 (half)
- South Carolina: $10.99-$11.99 (whole) / $7.99-$8.99 (half)
- Tennessee: $10.99-$11.49 (whole) / $7.99-$8.49 (half)
- North Carolina: $10.99-$11.99 (whole) / $7.99-$8.99 (half)
I’ve noticed that stores in cities with higher costs of living (like Tampa or Atlanta) tend to charge on the higher end of these ranges.
What Makes the Publix Chicken Tender Sub Special?
Before we dive deeper into pricing let’s talk about why people go crazy for these subs in the first place!
The Publix chicken tender sub isn’t just any sandwich. It features:
- Double hand-breaded chicken tenders (fried to golden perfection)
- Fresh-baked sub rolls made daily in-store
- Your choice of cheese (provolone is a popular pick)
- Crisp vegetables like lettuce and tomatoes
- A variety of condiments and sauces
Publix takes serious pride in their ingredients. Their sub rolls are baked fresh daily in the store bakery (you can often smell them when you walk in!), and the chicken tenders are hand-breaded not once but TWICE to ensure they’re fully coated in that signature crispy breading.
Customization Options and How They Affect Price
One of the best things about ordering a Publix chicken tender sub is how customizable it is. However, some options will add to your final price:
Bread Options:
- White or wheat: Included
- Sub kit or wrap: +$1.00
- Specialty breads: +$0.50 to $1.00
Cheese Choices:
- American or provolone: Included
- Swiss, cheddar, pepper jack: +$0.50
Vegetables:
- Lettuce, tomato, onion, pickles: Included
- Avocado: +$1.00
- Spinach: +$0.50
Condiments and Sauces:
- Mayo, mustard, buffalo sauce, ranch: Included
- Signature or specialty sauces: +$0.50
Premium Add-ons:
- Bacon: +$1.50
- Double meat: +$3.00 to $4.00
Pro tip: If you wanna maximize flavor without extra cost, stick to the included options. My personal favorite combo is provolone cheese with lettuce, tomato, pickles, and a mix of mayo and buffalo sauce – absolutely no upcharges and absolutely delicious!
Money-Saving Hacks for Your Publix Chicken Tender Sub
I’m always looking for ways to save money without sacrificing taste. Here are some tricks I’ve learned:
1. Watch for Weekly Specials
Publix frequently runs specials on their chicken tender subs. The most common deal is when they go on sale for $6.99 for a whole sub – that’s nearly half price in some locations!
2. Buy the Sub Club Card
Some Publix locations offer a Sub Club Card for around $35 annually, which gets you $5.99 subs all year long. If you’re a frequent sub buyer, this pays for itself quickly.
3. Order During Evening Hours
Some Publix delis offer $1 off subs after 4 PM. This isn’t available at all locations, but it’s worth asking about!
4. Stick to Standard Ingredients
As shown above, specialty ingredients can add up quickly. The standard options are delicious on their own!
5. Split a Whole Sub
A whole Publix sub is pretty massive – easily enough for two meals or two people. Splitting one with a friend or saving half for later can cut your per-meal cost significantly.
How to Order Your Publix Chicken Tender Sub
Ordering is super straightforward:
- Visit the deli counter at your local Publix
- Request a chicken tender sub (whole or half)
- Select your bread, cheese, veggies, and condiments
- Wait about 10-15 minutes while they prepare it fresh
If you’re in a hurry, Publix also offers online ordering through their website or mobile app. You can customize your sub, pay online, and pick it up at your convenience.
Frequently Asked Questions About Publix Chicken Tender Subs
Can I get half a chicken tender sub?
Yes! Half subs are available and cost about $2-3 less than whole subs.
How many calories are in a Publix chicken tender sub?
A whole (12-inch) chicken tender sub with standard toppings contains approximately 2,000 calories. A half sub has around 800-1,000 calories, depending on your toppings.
Can I customize my chicken tender sub?
Absolutely! That’s one of the best parts about ordering at Publix. You can choose your bread, cheese, veggies, and condiments to create your perfect sub.
Are there any additional charges for toppings?
Basic toppings like lettuce, tomato, and standard condiments are included. Premium ingredients like avocado, bacon, or specialty sauces will cost extra.
Can I order my chicken tender sub online?
Yes, Publix offers online ordering through their website and mobile app for convenient pickup.
Are Publix chicken tender subs available in all locations?
Yes, all Publix supermarkets with a deli section offer chicken tender subs.
What are the best Publix locations for chicken tender subs?
According to customer reviews, the Publix on Bayshore in Tampa has a rating of 4.7 from 1,238 reviews, making it one of the top-rated locations for subs.
The Perfect Chicken Tender Sub: Pro Tips
Want to elevate your Publix sub experience? Here are some insider tips:
Strategic Layering
Ask for lettuce and tomato to be placed next to the bread to prevent sogginess from the sauces.
Sauce Combinations
Try mixing buffalo sauce and ranch for a tangy kick, or go classic with yellow mustard for a sharper flavor profile.
Add Crunch
Pickles and red onions add texture and acidity that balances the richness of the chicken tenders.
Consider Toasting
While not everyone knows this, you can ask for your sub to be lightly toasted, which adds another dimension to the texture.
Why Publix Chicken Tender Subs Have a Cult Following
There’s a reason these subs have developed such a devoted fan base:
- Quality ingredients: Publix doesn’t cut corners on their chicken or bread
- Consistency: The subs taste great no matter which location you visit
- Customization: You can make it exactly how you like it
- Value: For $10-12, you get a massive, satisfying meal
- Nostalgia: For many Southerners, these subs are tied to fond memories
I remember my first Publix chicken tender sub back in college – it was during finals week, and that sub literally got me through three straight hours of studying. Sometimes comfort food really is the best food!
The Bottom Line
So, how much is a chicken tender sub at Publix? You’re looking at around $10.99 for a whole sub or $7.99 for a half in most locations. Prices vary by region and can be affected by customization choices.
Whether you’re a longtime fan or trying one for the first time, knowing the price range helps you plan accordingly. And with the money-saving tips I’ve shared, you can enjoy this iconic sandwich without breaking the bank.
Next time that chicken tender sub craving hits (and we all know it will), you’ll be prepared with all the info you need to order like a pro!
Why I LOVE this recipe!
- They’re just so good! – There’s something about that combination of crisp and tender chicken with mayo, cheese, and veggies that tastes amazing. Publix chicken tender subs are super popular for a reason!
- 10-minute recipe – Chicken tender pub subs are SO fast and easy to make!
- Perfect for leftovers – This chicken tender subs recipe is the perfect way to repurpose leftover chicken tenders.
- Customizable – Toss the chicken in sauce like buffalo, honey mustard, or ranch before adding it to your sub, switch up the cheese, pile on pickles and more veggies … grab your favorite and best chicken tender sub toppings and make it your own!
This Chicken Tender Subs recipe is as simple as promised! Just a handful of simple ingredients and only 10 minutes for a family friendly meal.
In this section I am going to go through a few tips and tricks I use for how to make Chicken Tender Subs to get the absolute best and most delicious results.
Make sure to scroll to the bottom for the FULL recipe card.
- French bread – Grab your favorite brand of French bread. The softer and more bakery-fresh, the better!
- Mayonnaise – Use your favorite mayo brand. Lite or olive-oil based mayo work, too.
- Chicken tenders – You can use frozen chicken tenders, homemade chicken tenders, or even no-breading chicken tenders. These subs are also a terrific way to use up leftovers!
- Provolone cheese – Adds creamy, cheesy flavor. Colby jack or mild cheddar are also delicious.
- Lettuce – Iceberg lettuce, shredded, has a nice crisp bite, but shredded romaine or curly lettuce are good too.
- Tomato – Juicy ripe slicing tomatoes, cut thin.
- Oregano, salt, & pepper – Seasonings amp up the flavors in these chicken tender subs.
Make sure to see the recipe card at the bottom of this post for the full quantities and ingredients list.
If you love this recipe as much as we do and want some quick ways to change it up for variety, these little tips will do the trick!
- Buffalo Chicken Tender Sub– Drizzle chopped chicken tenders with a mix of 3 tablespoons buffalo sauce and 2 tablespoons melted butter and toss well. Pile on subs with the other ingredients and crumble some blue cheese over the top.
- Baked Chicken Tender Sub– For a healthier spin on chicken tender subs, nix the breading and used baked chicken tenders.
- Cordon Bleu Chicken Tender Subs– Add slices of honey ham and replace the provolone with Swiss cheese.
- Dill Pickle Chicken Tender Subs– Top with slices of dill pickle and a few sprigs of fresh dill.
What to Serve with Chicken Tender Subs
Since this protein-based dinner has the delicious flavors of sub sandwiches, it will pair well with many of your favorite classic American side dishes.
Choose one or several of these side dishes to create a wholesome, well-rounded dinner. There are both classic options and some healthy options to keep it light.