Are you craving that perfect combination of crispy coating and juicy chicken that only comes from a good chicken tender? We’ve all been there – that sudden urge for chicken tenders that just won’t go away until you get your hands on some. Whether you’re looking for a quick lunch, dinner for the family, or just satisfying a midnight craving, I’ve put together this comprehensive guide to help you find the best chicken tenders near you.
Fast Food Chains: The Reliable Classics
When you need chicken tenders fast these popular chains won’t let you down
Raising Cane’s and Popeyes
These two consistently rank as having the best fast-food chicken tenders according to many chicken enthusiasts. Raising Cane’s is especially celebrated for their crispy, juicy tenders and that signature Cane’s sauce that makes people drive miles just to get some.
Other Popular Chain Options
- Chick-fil-A – Known for their pressure-cooked chicken tenders
- KFC – The original fried chicken specialist with various tender options
- McDonald’s – Recently brought back their chicken tenders as McCrispy Strips in May after a five-year hiatus
- Burger King – Offers chicken tenders on their regular menu
- Wendy’s – Has chicken tenders available in combo meals
- Zaxby’s – Specializes in chicken with signature sauces
- Slim Chickens – Another chicken-focused chain with quality tenders
These restaurants are usually easy to find, have drive-thrus for convenience, and offer consistent quality. Plus, their value meals make getting tenders, fries, and a drink budget-friendly.
Specialty Chicken Tender Restaurants
For those truly devoted to the chicken tender experience, these specialty restaurants focus specifically on perfecting this beloved treat:
Raising Cane’s
Deserves a second mention because their entire business model revolves around making perfect chicken tenders. Their streamlined menu means they’ve mastered the art of the tender.
Other Tender Specialists
- Zaxby’s – Creative sauces and side options
- Slim Chickens – Fresh, hot tenders with multiple dipping options
These places have optimized their menus specifically for chicken tender meals meaning you don’t have lengthy decisions to make – just tasty tenders made exactly right.
Local Restaurants and Fried Chicken Spots
Some of the best chicken tenders come from local establishments that put their heart into making amazing food
Finding Local Gems
- Use Yelp and search for “chicken tenders near me”
- Sort by highest-rated to find beloved local spots
- Read reviews focusing specifically on their tender quality
Local restaurants often hand-bread their tenders to order using secret seasonings that give maximum crunch and flavor. You might also discover unexpected dipping sauce choices beyond the usual honey mustard and BBQ.
The best part? Supporting local restaurants feels good AND tastes good!
Grocery Store Options
When you want to stock up or cook at home, grocery stores offer excellent options:
Kroger Chicken Tender Options
Kroger has an impressive selection of chicken tenders, including:
- Kroger® Breaded Chicken Tenders – 48 oz for $9.99 ($0.21/oz)
- Kroger® Fully Cooked Frozen Crispy Chicken Strips – 25 ounces for $7.99 ($0.32/oz)
- Kroger® Frozen Boneless Skinless Raw Chicken Tenderloins – 2.5 lb for $9.49 (discounted from $9.99)
- Heritage Farm® Boneless Skinless Chicken Tenderloins – $4.49/lb (about $6.60 each)
- Simple Truth® Natural Boneless & Skinless Fresh Chicken Breast Tenders – $6.49/lb (about $6.10 each)
Other Popular Brands at Grocery Stores
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Tyson Products:
- Tyson Frozen Crispy Chicken Breast Strips – 25 OZ for $9.49 ($0.38/oz)
- Tyson Frozen Crispy Chicken Breast Strips Family Pack – 2.5 LB for $13.99 ($0.35/oz)
- Tyson Frozen Southern Style Chicken Breast Tenderloins – 25 OZ for $9.49 ($0.38/oz)
- Tyson Frozen Honey Battered Breast Tenders – 25.5 OZ for $6.99 ($0.27/oz)
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Perdue Products:
- Perdue® Frozen Fully Cooked Breaded Chicken Breast Tenders – 29 oz for $7.99 ($0.28/oz)
- PERDUE® Fresh Boneless Skinless Chicken Breast Tenderloins – $6.99/lb (about $7.69 each)
- Perdue® Frozen Fully Cooked Breaded Crispy Chicken Breast Strips – 26 oz for $11.29 ($0.43/oz)
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Just Bare Products:
- Just Bare Fully Cooked Lightly Breaded Chicken Breast Strips – 1.5 lb for $10.99 ($0.46/oz)
- Just Bare Fully Cooked Lightly Breaded Chicken Breast Original Fillets – 1.5 lb for $10.99 ($0.46/oz)
- Just Bare Fully Cooked Lightly Breaded Chicken Breast Spicy Bites – 1.5 lb for $10.99 ($0.46/oz)
According to taste tests, the best store-bought chicken tenders rankings are:
- Applegate Gluten-Free Chicken Breast Tenders
- Kroger Crispy Chicken Strips
- Perdue Crispy Chicken Strips
- Tyson Crispy Chicken Strips
Delivery Options
For those days when you don’t want to leave home, delivery services make getting chicken tenders super easy:
DoorDash and Other Delivery Apps
Simply open the DoorDash app or website, enter your address, and search for “chicken tenders.” You’ll find options from KFC, Popeyes, Chick-fil-A and many local restaurants.
DoorDash often offers:
- Contactless delivery options
- Great deals for first-time users
- $0 delivery fees on orders over $15 for new customers
- The convenience of hot, crispy tenders arriving at your door
Make Your Own Amazing Chicken Tenders
When I have the time, I love making chicken tenders at home. It’s rewarding and lets me control the ingredients exactly to my liking:
Simple Homemade Chicken Tenders Recipe
- Start with boneless, skinless chicken breasts and slice them lengthwise into long strips
- Set up a breading station with:
- Bowl 1: Flour seasoned with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and paprika
- Bowl 2: Beaten eggs
- Bowl 3: Breadcrumbs (panko works great!)
- Coat each chicken strip in flour first, then egg, then breadcrumbs (press firmly to adhere)
- Fry in 1/2 inch oil at 350°F, turning once, until golden brown and cooked through
- Drain on paper towels and serve with your favorite dipping sauces
Get Creative With Your Homemade Tenders
- Try using crushed potato chips, corn flakes, or nuts in the breading for extra crunch
- Mix buffalo sauce or ranch seasoning into the breadcrumbs for built-in flavor
- Experiment with different cooking methods like air frying or baking for a healthier option
Healthier Chicken Tender Options
If your watching what you eat but still want to enjoy chicken tenders, these are considered some of the healthier frozen options:
- Applegate Naturals
- Good & Gather
- Kidfresh
- Just Bare
- Realgood Food Co.
- Caulipower
- Perdue
- Tyson
Many of these brands offer organic, gluten-free, or lower-calorie alternatives to traditional tenders.
Final Thoughts: Finding Your Perfect Chicken Tender
Chicken tenders are a comfort food that never goes out of style. The crispy outside and juicy meat inside makes them universally loved, which is why so many places have figured out how to perfect them.
No matter where you are or what your specific craving is, there’s undoubtedly a great option to get fantastic chicken tenders nearby. Between national chains, beloved local joints, convenient takeout, grocery store options, and DIY homemade tenders, you have all your bases covered.
The next time that tender craving hits, you’ll know exactly where to turn. Your future chicken tender meals will be the crispiest and most mouthwatering yet thanks to all these diverse options available right around you. Happy munching!
FAQ About Chicken Tenders
Which fast food chain has the best chicken tenders?
Raising Cane’s and Popeyes consistently rank highest for fast food chicken tenders. Raising Cane’s is especially loved for their crispy, juicy tenders and signature sauce.
What are the best store-bought chicken tenders?
According to taste tests, the rankings are:
- Applegate Gluten-Free Chicken Breast Tenders
- Kroger Crispy Chicken Strips
- Perdue Crispy Chicken Strips
- Tyson Crispy Chicken Strips
Who sells the healthiest chicken tenders?
Some of the healthiest frozen chicken tender options include Applegate Naturals, Good & Gather, Kidfresh, Just Bare, Realgood Food Co., Caulipower, Perdue, and Tyson’s healthier lines.
Does McDonald’s have chicken tenders again?
Yes! McDonald’s announced that chicken strips returned to their menu in May 2023 after being removed five years ago. They’re now called McCrispy Strips and are all-white chicken tenders coated in golden-brown breading.
What’s the best way to reheat chicken tenders?
For the crispiest results, reheat in an air fryer at 375°F for 3-4 minutes. Alternatively, place them on a baking sheet in a 400°F oven for 10-15 minutes.
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Because of the hand-crafted nature of much of our food, ingredients may differ by restaurant location. Click below to find your local restaurant to see updated product ingredients and full menu availability. For additional dietary information, please access the Nutrition and Allergens page.
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