The Ultimate Guide to Good Times Chicken Tenders: Are Those 620 Calories Worth It?

Hey there, fellow food lovers! Today I’m gonna dive deep into something we’ve all probably wondered about while sitting in the Good Times drive-thru just how many calories are in those delicious chicken tenders? Specifically, the 5-piece chicken tenders that I personally can’t resist ordering almost every time

I remember the first time I tried Good Times chicken tenders – crispy on the outside, juicy on the inside. But then I started thinking about my waistline (ugh, adulting is hard) and wondered what the nutritional damage actually was. So I did some digging, and wow, there’s a lot to unpack here!

The Calorie Breakdown: What You’re Actually Eating

Let’s cut to the chase – a 5-piece order of Good Times chicken tenders contains 620 calories. That’s about 31% of a standard 2000 calorie diet which isn’t insignificant. But calories aren’t the whole story, right?

Here’s the complete nutritional breakdown

*Based on a 2,000 calorie daily diet

The first thing that jumps out at me is that sodium level – yikes! At 1780mg, that’s nearly 75% of your recommended daily intake in just one menu item. On the plus side, you’re getting a solid 45g of protein, which is actually pretty impressive for a fast food item.

The Macronutrient Distribution

If we break down where those 620 calories come from:

• Fat: 27g × 9 calories/g = 243 calories (40% of total)
• Protein: 45g × 4 calories/g = 180 calories (28% of total)
• Carbs: 50g × 4 calories/g = 200 calories (32% of total)

This is actually a fairly balanced macronutrient distribution compared to many fast food items that skew heavily toward carbs or fat. The high protein content is definitely a positive if you’re looking to build or maintain muscle.

Allergen Information You Should Know

For those with dietary restrictions, it’s important to note that Good Times chicken tenders contain several common allergens:

• Milk
• Soy
• Wheat
• Egg

If you’ve got allergies or sensitivities to any of these, you’ll sadly need to skip these tenders.

How Long Will It Take to Burn Off Those Tenders?

We all know that what goes in must be worked off (unless you’re one of those blessed people with lightning-fast metabolisms). So how much exercise would it take to burn off those 620 calories?

Based on a 35-year-old woman who is 5’7″ and weighs 144 pounds:

• Swimming: 52 minutes
• Jogging: 71 minutes
• Cycling: 95 minutes
• Walking: 173 minutes

Or if you prefer different calculations:

• Running: 43.6 minutes
• Jogging: 57.8 minutes
• Hiking: 85.7 minutes
• Cycling: 106.3 minutes
• Swimming: 110.7 minutes
• Walking: 166.1 minutes

So basically, you’re looking at about an hour of moderate-intensity exercise to work off those tenders. Is it worth it? Only you can decide!

How Do Good Times Chicken Tenders Compare to Other Menu Items?

Let’s be real – sometimes we’re deciding between different items on the Good Times menu, not whether to eat fast food at all. So how do the chicken tenders stack up against other popular Good Times items?

• Plain Burger: 370 calories (250 fewer calories than the tenders)
• Spicy Crispy Sandwich: 530 calories (90 fewer calories than the tenders)
• Kid’s Cheeseburger: 290 calories (330 fewer calories than the tenders)

So if you’re strictly counting calories, the tenders aren’t the best choice. However, they do offer more protein than most other menu items, which could make them worth the extra calories depending on your nutritional goals.

The Hidden Factors: Sauces and Sides

We need to talk about something important – the dipping sauces! The 620 calories in the chicken tenders doesn’t include whatever delicious sauce you’re dunking them in. Most dipping sauces add anywhere from 30-150 additional calories per serving, depending on what you choose.

And let’s be honest, who orders just chicken tenders? They’re typically paired with:

• French Fries: An average medium order adds about 350-400 calories
• Soda: A small soda adds roughly 90-150 calories, depending on the type
• Milkshake: If you’re really going for it, a medium Cookies N Cream Spoonbender adds a whopping 1120 calories!

Suddenly that 620-calorie tender meal could balloon to well over 1,000 calories with typical additions.

Making Healthier Choices (Without Giving Up the Goods)

Look, I’m not here to tell you to never eat chicken tenders again. Life’s too short! But if you’re trying to enjoy them while being a bit more mindful of nutrition, here are some tips:

1. Skip the sauce or use just a tiny amount
2. Share your tenders with a friend (I know, I know, but hear me out)
3. Substitute a side salad for the fries if that’s an option
4. Drink water instead of soda or a shake
5. Make it a treat, not an everyday meal

The Bigger Picture: Fast Food in Your Diet

One order of chicken tenders isn’t going to make or break your health – it’s the overall pattern that matters. If you’re eating fast food multiple times a week, that’s when these nutritional numbers start to become more concerning.

I’ve found that allowing myself occasional indulgences actually helps me stick to healthier eating most of the time. If I know I can have Good Times tenders once in a while, I’m less likely to feel deprived and binge on even less nutritious foods.

Beyond Nutrition: The Taste Factor

Let’s get subjective for a minute – are Good Times chicken tenders actually worth 620 calories? In my humble opinion, they’re pretty darn good. The breading has a nice seasoning to it, and the chicken itself is usually moist and tender (hence the name, I guess?).

Compared to other fast food chicken tenders, Good Times offers a more “premium” experience. They’re not quite restaurant-quality, but they’re definitely a step up from some other drive-thru options.

The Convenience Factor

One thing we can’t ignore when talking about fast food is convenience. Sometimes you’re hungry, in a hurry, and Good Times is right there. In those moments, chicken tenders can be a relatively sensible choice compared to some alternatives – at least you’re getting a decent amount of protein!

When Chicken Tenders Fit Into a Healthy Lifestyle

Believe it or not, there are scenarios where these chicken tenders could be part of a reasonably healthy eating pattern:

• Post-workout refuel: The protein and carbs combo can help with muscle recovery
• Occasional treat: As part of an otherwise balanced diet
• On-the-go protein source: When healthier options aren’t available
• Shared meal: Split with others to reduce the caloric impact

The Bottom Line: Are Good Times Chicken Tenders Worth It?

After all this analysis, we come back to the original question: are 620 calories of Good Times chicken tenders worth it?

The answer is… it depends! (I know, not very satisfying, but hear me out)

If you’re:

• Enjoying them as an occasional treat
• Balancing them with healthier meals the rest of the day/week
• Actually savoring and enjoying every bite
• Not dealing with health conditions that require strict dietary control

Then yes, they absolutely can be worth it! Food is more than just fuel – it’s also about enjoyment, social experiences, and sometimes just the simple pleasure of something delicious.

However, if you’re:

• Trying to lose weight
• Managing conditions like high blood pressure (remember that sodium!)
• Finding yourself eating fast food multiple times per week
• Not even really enjoying them that much

Then perhaps those 620 calories could be better spent elsewhere.

My Personal Take

I’ll be real with you – I still get Good Times chicken tenders occasionally. Maybe once a month when I’m craving them or having a particularly busy day. I try to balance it out with extra veggies at my next meal and maybe an extra walk with my dog.

Life’s about balance, and sometimes that balance includes crispy, delicious chicken tenders. The key is being aware of what you’re consuming and making informed choices most of the time.

Final Thoughts

So there you have it – everything you could possibly want to know about the calories and nutrition in Good Times 5-piece chicken tenders. While 620 calories isn’t insignificant, it’s also not the nutritional disaster that some fast food items can be.

As with most things in life, moderation is key. Enjoy those tenders when you really want them, be mindful of what else you’re eating that day, and maybe take a slightly longer walk afterward.

What do you think? Are Good Times chicken tenders a regular part of your diet, an occasional treat, or something you avoid? I’d love to hear your thoughts and experiences!

Until next time, happy (and mindful) eating!

Chicken tenders can be part of a weight loss plan if they are prepared in a low-calorie method like baking, grilling, or air-frying, and if they are made with lean chicken meat and light breading.

The calories in three chicken tenders can range significantly, from around 220 to over 890 calories, depending on factors like size, preparation method (fried, baked, or grilled), and the specific fast-food chain. For example, a three-piece order from Sonic has 260 calories, while a similar order from Checkers can have 890 calories.

A Popeyes 5-piece Tenders Meal has a wide calorie range, from approximately 1,087 to 2,767 calories depending on the side dish and drink choices, with the 5 pieces of tenders themselves containing around 740 calories. The specific side items, such as mashed potatoes or fries, and any sauces or drinks selected will determine the total meal calories.