15 Best Fast Food Chicken Tenders Ranked in 2025

There’s something about fast food chicken tenders that keeps us going back for more, and you’d be hard-pressed to find people who disagree with us. Maybe it’s the satisfying crunch that never fails to hit the right spot. Or, it could be the tender, juicy bite that oozes a savory sensation, especially when dunked into a tangy barbecue sauce or silky honey mustard. 

No matter your reason, you're not alone in enjoying these delightfully convenient foods that are loved worldwide. According to IBIS World, the US fast food chicken industry has grown exponentially in recent years, with a 7.2% increase from 2019 to 2024. And with dining out having grown in popularity, you can bet that fast food chicken tenders are one of the most popular menu items at most restaurants.

But why settle for the same tired options when you can go for the very best chicken tenders in fast food that deliver on every level? To help you out, we’ve ranked our top picks of the best fast food chicken strips and tenders for you to try. From the perfect breading-to-meat ratio to seasoning that keeps you hooked with every bite, these tenders are in a league of their own.

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• How We Choose the Best Fast Food Chicken Tenders
• The 15 Best Chicken Tenders at Fast Food Places Ranked
• What Fast Food Chain Makes the Best Chicken Tenders?

How We Choose the Best Fast Food Chicken Tenders

With so many varieties of fast food chicken tenders being sold at different restaurants, deciding which ones sound the most appealing can be a daunting task. That’s why we’ve done the legwork for you and created a detailed guide on the best options. With more than 10 years of experience in the culinary industry, we know what customers are looking for in good-quality fast food chicken tenders.

Plus, our editorial team conducted thorough research to ensure that our guide is factual and as informative as possible. This included the views of chefs we connect people with on a daily basis, as well as reviews left by customers on platforms like Google My Business and Reddit.

Additionally, our ranking of the best fast food chicken tenders is based on the following criteria:

• Chicken Quality: We found that the best fast food chicken tenders are those made from real chicken and not processed meat.
• Flavor and Seasoning: Our list of the best fast food chicken tenders features those with a well-balanced seasoning and an overall unique flavor that sets them apart.
• Texture and Crispness: An important factor in ranking fast food chicken tenders is how well the batter forms the desired crunchy texture everyone hopes for.
• Value for Money: Aside from taste, we ranked fast food chicken tenders based on their affordability and quantity per meal.

The 15 Best Chicken Tenders at Fast Food Places Ranked

15. Burger King: Chicken Fries

Chicken Fries are Burger King’s spin on fast food chicken tenders, offering a fun and snackable option that stands out for its fry-like shape. Coated in seasoned breading, these are packed with zesty flavors of paprika, black pepper and onion. While not quite the same as traditional tenders, their crispy exterior and bold seasoning make them a popular choice for quick bites.

The texture is where these fall short of classic fast food chicken tenders, and why they’re in last place on our list. The processed interior lacks the juiciness of whole cuts of chicken, but the crunchy breading helps compensate.

However, we would have also been happy with slightly less breading, as each bite was somewhat dry. That’s why we suggest pairing these fast food chicken tenders with barbecue or ranch dipping sauces for a smoky-sweet or creamy upgrade. Speaking of pairing, if your appetite is calling for something extra, Frings from the Burger King secret menu are the way to go. 

On the plus side, the unique design of these fast food chicken tenders makes them incredibly portable, fitting neatly into Burger King’s signature dipping boxes for easy enjoyment during a busy day. Although the world-renowned brand is one of the unhealthiest fast food chains on this list, and in general, you’ll be glad to know that the Chicken Fries are one of the healthiest items at Burger King. 

14. Del Taco: Crispy Chicken Strips

Del Taco’s fast food chicken tenders offer a budget-friendly option for meat lovers craving something quick and filling. Known for its signature tacos, burritos and burgers, the popular Mexican restaurant chain offers this lighter meal for diners with smaller appetites.

These chicken tenders feature a light, crisp coating with a subtle seasoning of black pepper that complements the moist chicken inside. We must place emphasis on “light” here, as we found that these fast food chicken tenders could do with a bit more seasoning. Plus, they were a little too oily for our liking.

While the chicken may lean toward a processed texture, the strips are not only one of the better high-protein fast food options on the menu, but they also deliver on affordability. Still, we think they’re better when tucked away with other ingredients in a wrap.

The saving grace here is Del Taco’s sauces, especially the smoky and tangy chipotle sauce, which elevates the flavor with bold layers. Another great pairing for those with a liking for spicy food is the endless hot sauce packets from the Del Taco secret menu. 

Sure, they may not top the list of the best fast food chicken tenders, but these pieces are a convenient and reliable choice for a quick grab-and-go meal, especially since they come with a decent portion of fries.

13. Checkers and Rally’s: Buffalo Fry-Seasoned Tenders

Checkers and Rally’s takes its famous seasoning to a new level with the Buffalo Fry-Seasoned fast food chicken tenders. This is a unique spin on the one that loyal fans adore, but if you aren’t a fan of spicy foods, you’d be better off scrolling further down. 

These fast food chicken tenders feature the same punchy, pepper-forward garlic flavor as Checkers and Rally’s iconic fries, infused into a crunchy coating that locks in every ounce of piquant goodness. Unfortunately, the texture of the chicken leaves much to be desired. 

We were hoping that each bite would offer the perfect balance between a crispy exterior and a tender, moist interior, a defining characteristic of the best chicken strips. However, the moisture was definitely lacking, and the quality didn’t quite meet expectations. 

While they’re packed with flavor on their own, these tenders pair beautifully with a smoky barbecue dip, which adds a touch of sweetness that complements the spice. Another plus is that portion sizes are generous, making these fast food chicken tenders an ideal snack or meal on the go. 

12. Church’s Texas Chicken: Chicken Tenders

Known for its comforting Southern-style flavors, Church’s delivers fast food chicken tenders that balance crunch and juiciness better than those we’ve already spoken about. The golden-brown exterior and thick, crispy coating keep the chicken inside tender and juicy. 

As far as seasoning goes, it tends to lean on the subtle side, with hints of garlic and onion complemented by a buttery finish. With a bit more seasoning added to them, these would have gone from being ranked as good chicken tenders to cracking a spot in the top 10.

While the flavor might not rival the boldness of other chains, the tenders excel in texture, offering a gratifying crunch that pairs perfectly with Church’s signature hot sauce. This bright and citrusy dip, infused with habanero, elevates the mild profile of the chicken with a punch of heat. 

Available in both mild and spicy options, these fast food chicken tenders are a reliable choice for those looking to experience bliss with every bite.

11. Carl’s Jr.: Hand-Breaded Chicken Tenders

Carl’s Jr. serves up a satisfying take on fast food chicken tenders with its hand-breaded option. These tenders feature an (almost) perfectly crispy coating seasoned with hints of garlic, onion powder, black pepper and salt, delivering a flavorful crunch in every bite. 

The breading is substantial, but almost a little overly so. It provides a hearty texture that complements the tender all-white meat chicken inside, but with a little less batter, this would have easily been a shoo-in for a top 10 placing.

Something we did appreciate is that these fast food chicken tenders are carefully prepared and hand-dipped in buttermilk before frying. This adds a homemade touch that sets it apart from other fast food offerings. While the seasoning is subtle, pairing the tenders with Carl’s Jr.’s barbecue sauce brings a perfect balance of sweetness and mild spice to every bite.

10. Wingstop: Chicken Tenders (Louisiana Rub) 

Deservedly opening up our top 10, Wingstop’s fast food chicken tenders with Louisiana Rub deliver a bold, spiced experience that lingers on your palate in the best way possible. The dry rub clings beautifully to the breading, creating a crunchy texture that enhances the flavor delivery without feeling heavy.

Unlike traditional wet coating options, the dry rub used on these fast food chicken tenders creates a perfect balance of smoky paprika, pungent garlic and a touch of cayenne for a mild kick. The reason we didn’t rank this Wingstop flavor higher is that the consistency of the coating was uneven on some of the tenders, and we also prefer the traditional coating technique.

However, this newer style is definitely worth a try, as the crispy breading locks in the flavor, making each bite satisfying. The Louisiana Rub seasoning is bold enough to enjoy these fast food chicken tenders as is, yet they also pair effortlessly with dipping sauces like creamy ranch or honey mustard.

9. Jollibee: Chicken Tenders

In true Jollibee fashion, its fast food chicken tenders bring a fresh take to a familiar favorite. Unlike many offerings at cheap fast food restaurants, these crispy pieces are bursting with flavor. They feature a slightly sweet and tangy flavor profile when paired with the Signature Tender Sauce they’re served with, which is a nod to the Filipino roots of this growing global chain. 

In terms of coating, these fast food chicken tenders are hand-breaded with an airy, crispy coating, delivering a light crunch without overwhelming the juicy white meat inside. 

A little more seasoning would have helped these fast food chicken tenders rank higher, although we enjoyed them a lot when paired with the Tender Sauce or Signature Gravy. Plus, although we get the craving for oily foods now and again, there was a little too much of it here.

8. Sonic: Crispy Tenders

When it comes to fast food chicken tenders, Sonic offers an option that prioritizes convenience over culinary excellence. However, if you’re not searching for the healthiest items at Sonic (they’re still somewhat healthy, with all-white meat), then this will be right up your alley. They feature a beautifully golden-brown breading that provides a crisp texture. 

However, we found that the crispy coating overwhelms the thin layer of chicken inside. That, and the fact that these fast food chicken tenders were a bit too bulky, are the reasons why they find a place in the middle of our list. 

As far as the flavor profile goes, it leans on the mild side, with a modest seasoning of salt and black pepper. As much as this allows the signature sauce to shine, it also leaves us wondering “what if” — more specifically, what if there was more seasoning variety?

The Carolina-style barbecue sauce adds a smoky sweetness and tangy taste, transforming the tenders into a more flavorful snack. If you feel like something extra, these budget-friendly fast food chicken tenders pair perfectly with the brand’s famous tots or fries, or even the Pickle-O’s from the Sonic Secret menu, if they aren’t part of the regular menu options.

7. Dairy Queen: Chicken Strips

Dairy Queen’s honey-barbecue sauced-and-tossed fast food chicken tenders add a sweet and smoky flair to its classic lineup. While you might not expect much from an ice cream powerhouse, its chicken strips earn a worthy spot in the middle of our list mainly because of the glaze. 

When it comes to quality, these fast food chicken tenders are made from 100% all-white meat, which ensures you’re not getting synthetic or overly processed food. Coated in a thick honey-barbecue glaze, they strike a balance of sweetness with a hint of smokiness. 

The texture is somewhat of a highlight — it's crispy on the outside yet tender and moist within. Each piece is hand-tossed in sauce for even coating, giving them a glossy, flavorful finish. Despite this, the breading could have been a bit more consistent and less chunky on some of the strips.

While these fast food chicken tenders can be enjoyed on their own, they pair wonderfully with ranch for an extra flavor boost. They’re available as part of a basket with fries and Texas toast, offering great value for a hearty meal. However, if you’d like to spice things up, ask for your fries to be converted into cheeseburger fries from the Dairy Queen secret menu (you can thank us later).

If you like the classics, there are also regular plain chicken strips, which happen to be one of the healthiest items at Dairy Queen. Unfortunately, you’ll likely be put off by how dry they are, which will lead you to order the glazed version anyway.

6. Culver's: Chicken Tenders 

Culver’s fast food chicken tenders might not steal the spotlight from its famous ButterBurgers, but they deliver a satisfying experience, whether as a snack or a main meal. 

These tenders are proudly made with whole white meat chicken and feature a lightly golden, crispy coating that complements their juicy interior. The milder flavor and a touch of spice cater to those who don't enjoy overpowering heat with every bite.

What sets Culver’s apart is the quality of the chicken itself. It’s tender, flavorful and stands strong even with minimal breading that provides just the right crunch and allows the natural flavor of the chicken to shine. With a slightly thicker coating and a little more spice, these fast food chicken tenders would have landed in the top five.

While the tenders are delicious on their own, the Culver’s dipping sauces, including honey mustard, ranch and barbecue, elevate the taste to the next level. Whether you pick Buffalo-style or original, these fast food chicken tenders pair best with the restaurant's crinkle-cut fries. 

5. Popeyes: Chicken Tenders 

Popeyes has earned its reputation for delivering some of the most crave-worthy fast food chicken tenders on the market, which is exactly how we felt with each bite. What sets Popeyes apart is the seasoning — notes of garlic and onion powder dominate, with a touch of sweetness on the aftertaste that keeps you reaching for more.

While the breading can occasionally overshadow the chicken, the undeniable flavor and satisfying crunch make up for it. However, if you’re a low-carb eater who wants to forego the breading completely, there’s a way to do that — simply ask for the “Naked Chicken” from the Popeyes secret menu and voila, you have one of the best keto fast food options that still has the same seasoning as the regular tenders.

For those who aren’t watching their carb intake, these fast food chicken tenders are some of the best because they’re marinated in bold Louisiana herbs and spices, hand-battered and fried to golden perfection. The result is a crispy, craggy exterior that locks in the juiciness of the chicken.

You can also try drizzling honey over the mild tenders for more sweetness. Whether you choose the classic or the spicy version, Popeyes’ fast food chicken tenders deliver a consistently satisfying experience that cements its place as a fan favorite.

4. Dave’s Hot Chicken: Chicken Tenders

Dave’s Hot Chicken has quickly built a reputation for serving some of the most flavorful and fiery fast food chicken tenders in the game. Putting taste aside for a moment, you’ll be blown away by the size of these mammoth “bites” of chicken!

These massive tenders — almost comically oversized — are marinated, hand-breaded and expertly fried. Each bite is made up of tender chicken with a bold spice combination you won’t find anywhere else.

What makes these fast food chicken tenders unique is the customizable heat levels, ranging from "No Heat" to the infamous "Reaper," which requires a waiver to order. No matter which option you go for, the spice level strikes the perfect balance of flavors, offering a kick of heat with fruity, peppery undertones that leave a smoky aftertaste.

Another distinctive feature is that the seasoning is applied as a paste rather than a sauce, ensuring the crispy coating remains intact. Our only criticisms are that the outer layer lacks the extra crunch you hope for, and the size of each tender makes it more difficult to enjoy as an on-the-go meal.

If that’s what you’re looking for, you can also get Dave's Bites — miniature, bite-sized versions of the chicken tenders that are ideal for snacking on the go. Either way, we recommend pairing your tenders with the signature Dave’s sauce, a creamy and tangy blend that complements the bold flavors without overpowering the heat. 

3. KFC: Extra Crispy Tenders

KFC’s fast food chicken tenders bring a signature crunch that’s hard to ignore, which is part of the reason this offering kicks off our podium spots. The breading is heavy yet airy, delivering that iconic audible crispiness with every bite. It’s the kind of texture that feels handcrafted, with craggy edges perfect for holding onto your favorite sauces, or even gravy.

What sets KFC apart from other chicken fast food chains is its attention to detail when it comes to texture, nailing the breading-to-meat ratio for an ideal balance. The signature seasoning on these fast food chicken tenders is another reason it lands in third spot, leaning into the classic KFC flavor profile with black pepper, garlic and just the right amount of salt.

While the extra crispy tenders are a fan favorite, KFC recently teased a new original recipe option featuring the Colonel’s famous 11 herbs and spices, double-breaded and pressure-fried for extra juiciness.

As you can imagine, they’re not among the healthiest items at KFC, but if you’re in the mood for a treat, we recommend pairing these tenders with the new comeback sauce, and you’ve got yourself a tender experience worth revisiting.

2. Raising Cane's: Chicken Fingers

Few menu items can rival the simplicity and quality of Raising Cane’s fast food chicken tenders. They're made from fresh, never-frozen chicken breasts that get marinated for 24 hours before being hand-battered and fried to order, delivering flavorful bites every time.

The crispy, golden exterior gives way to juicy, tender chicken inside, delivering a satisfying texture that’s nothing short of irresistible. The seasoning is simple yet effective, combining salt, garlic and onion powder with a subtle buttery finish and a hint of lemon for balance. Plus, the size of each tender is neither disproportionately large nor underwhelming, but rather fitting for the ideal bite-sized snack.

What truly sets these fast food chicken tenders apart is the Cane’s sauce — a creamy and tangy blend of mayo, ketchup and Worcestershire that’s so addictive it practically steals the show. When paired with crinkle-cut fries and Texas toast, these fast food chicken tenders form part of a meal that embodies comfort and flavor.

1. Chick-fil-A: Chick-n-Strips

When it comes to fast food chicken tenders, Chick-fil-A’s Chick-n-Strips are an undeniable crowd-pleaser, ticking all the boxes to reach the top of our list. These tenders have a crispy, golden-brown exterior that’s hand-breaded and pressure-cooked in 100% refined peanut oil, ensuring a crunchy bite that gives way to juicy, tender chicken inside.

Another feature that makes these the best chicken fingers around is the seasoning. It’s been expertly crafted to feature hints of black pepper and garlic, creating a sharp, savory flavor profile. Of course, the Chick-n-Strips are best enjoyed with this fast food powerhouse's iconic sauces, like sweet Chick-fil-A sauce or Polynesian sauce. Plus, the generous sauce policy makes it easy to enjoy without holding back.

We love that these tenders are made from real chicken breast, which is one of the many high-quality ingredients Chick-fil-A uses in its meals, adding to it being one of the healthiest fast food chains. Aside from being one of the healthiest items at Chick-fil-A, the Chick-n-Strips are also a more substantial and flavorful option compared to nuggets. 

For a filling meal, try pairing these fast food chicken tenders with the brand's famous waffle fries. And what’s a meal featuring some of the best fast food French fries and chicken tenders you’ll ever taste without a refreshing drink to wash it all down? If you’re looking for more than just a glass of water to sip on, ordering the strawberry lemonade from the Chick-fil-A secret menu is the way to go.

What Fast Food Chain Makes the Best Chicken Tenders?

It’s no secret that good chicken tenders can be found just about anywhere, but the best ones will usually prevent you from wanting to try any other options. That was our experience, at least, after trying the Chick-n-Strips from Chick-fil-A. 

We ranked these as the best fast food chicken tenders based on the ratio of chicken to breading, the quality of the meat and the combination of spices that were used. With a crunchy exterior formed by a coating with the ideal amount of crispness that gives way to tender chicken, ranking these at the top was a no-brainer. 

Plus, the peppery, garlic spices had us licking our lips with every bite. However, everyone has different taste preferences, so we wouldn’t be surprised if any of the top three or five rank as your number one choice.

And there you have it! If you're looking for a range of fast food chicken tenders to choose from, this is your go-to list. These are the perfect food choices for late-night cravings, hunger pangs and those moments when something crispy and satisfying is needed to fill the spot. 

Each option brings its own unique flair, from Raising Cane’s iconic signature sauce to Wingstop’s Louisiana Rub tenders bursting with bold, zesty flavor. Make your way through this list, carefully trying them all before giving your judgment on the best fast food chicken strips.

For even more ways to explore your favorite foods, check out other experiences happening on Cozymeal.