When it comes to fast food chicken tenders, one might assume there’s a set list of favorites that would universally dominate any ranking. After all, who doesn’t know and love the crispy, seasoned strips of fried chicken served up at the likes of Chick-fil-A or Popeyes? But Jenn Harris, a dining writer for the *LA Times*, has upended expectations with her recent ranking of the best fast food chicken tenders in America, and let’s just say, there are a few surprises — and some glaring omissions.
Harris’s rankings have caused quite a stir, particularly with her number one pick, which has left many scratching their heads. While some choices might not surprise you, others are guaranteed to ruffle a few feathers, especially if you consider yourself a connoisseur of America’s beloved fast food chicken offerings.
11. Burger King – The Great Chicken Fry Failure
At the bottom of Harris’s list, we find Burger King’s Chicken Fries. According to Harris, the once-popular fast food item was a major letdown. Describing them as “long, rubbery nuggets,” she didn’t hold back in her assessment. Harris called the fries worthy of “eternal chicken tender damnation,” claiming that an order of four felt more like a “light snack” rather than a satisfying meal. Given Burger King’s reputation for flame-grilled burgers, it’s no wonder their foray into chicken tenders fell flat.
10. Jack in the Box – The Greasy Disappointment
Next up is Jack in the Box, another chain that fell well short of Harris’s expectations. The Western fast food chain’s tenders were described as greasy with a “bitter taste of old grease.” Harris didn’t mince words, claiming that as soon as she bit into them, “the illusion of greatness crumbled.” For a company known for its innovation in the fast food world, it seems their chicken tenders are a serious misfire.
9. Chick-fil-A – The Overrated Sweetness
Chick-fil-A fans, prepare yourselves: the chicken chain that many consider the gold standard of fast food poultry didn’t even crack the top five in Harris’s ranking. While the tenders were deemed moist and free of oily aftertaste, the overriding flaw was the overwhelming sweetness. Harris criticized the chain’s signature sauce as “thick and gloppy,” noting that its sweetness only intensified the already sugary profile of the chicken itself. For those who have long considered Chick-fil-A to be the pinnacle of fried chicken, this assessment may come as a bitter pill to swallow.
8. Chicken Guy – The Sweet Overload
Guy Fieri’s Chicken Guy chain, known for its panko-style crusted tenders, didn’t fare much better. Harris wasn’t impressed with the excessively sweet flavor that dominated the crust. Though the food network star’s brand has garnered a loyal following, Chicken Guy’s tenders apparently failed to stand out for the right reasons, making them a forgettable contender in the crowded fast food market.
7. Jollibee – A Juicy, But Off-Putting Fry Oil Flavor
Jollibee, the Filipino chain that has gained a cult following, also didn’t meet Harris’s high standards. While the tenders were juicy, the overpowering taste of fry oil was off-putting. Despite the ample juiciness, Harris felt the tenders’ flavor veered toward the “rancid,” ultimately disqualifying Jollibee from a top spot.
6. KFC – Colonel Sanders, Almost But Not Quite
The legendary Colonel Sanders made his way into the middle of the pack, with KFC’s tenders getting a lukewarm review. While the gravy was praised as a redeeming factor, the chicken itself was “tough” and felt more like strips of string cheese than tender, juicy meat. For a chain that prides itself on its crispy chicken, it seems KFC missed the mark this time around.
5. Church’s Chicken – A Sauce Savior
Church’s Chicken wasn’t bad enough to land near the bottom, but Harris found their tenders to be the least memorable of the bunch. However, the real issue was the lack of flavor — Church’s chicken needs a serious boost in the sauce department. Without an accompaniment, Harris described the tenders as lacking any significant taste. With some extra hot sauce or gravy, they could be salvageable, but as they stood, they didn’t quite cut it.
4. Carl’s Jr – A Kid’s Meal with Potential
Carl’s Jr. made it to the fourth spot, but Harris noted that the chicken tenders tasted more like something you’d find on the kids’ menu. While the tenders were juicy, they lacked the necessary crunch to make them stand out from the competition. This fast food chain might want to rethink its approach to chicken tenders if it wants to rise above the rest.
3. Raising Cane’s – A Solid Performance, But Not Quite Top-Tier
Raising Cane’s, the Louisiana-based chain known for its simple yet effective menu, earned third place. The tenders were praised for tasting like actual chicken, and while the coating didn’t quite grip the meat as well as Harris would’ve liked, they maintained a satisfying crunch. Though the tenders could have used a bit more flavor, Harris credited Cane’s signature sauce with adding the necessary kick. For many, Raising Cane’s is a fan favorite — but clearly, it didn’t quite make it to the top of this list.
2. Popeyes – Almost Perfect, But Not Quite There
Popeyes, the Louisiana favorite, came very close to securing the top spot but ultimately fell short. Harris described the tenders as “juicy and succulent,” but some inconsistencies in texture — with some pieces being too crunchy and others too dry — kept Popeyes from claiming the number one position. Despite these flaws, Popeyes’ chicken tends to deliver a satisfying crunch, making it a worthy contender in the fast food chicken game.
1. Wingstop – The Dark Horse Champion
And now, the most controversial pick of all: Wingstop. A chain better known for its wings than its chicken tenders, Wingstop took the top spot in Harris’s ranking. The reason? According to Harris, Wingstop’s tenders delivered a satisfying crunch, a good size, and an “ideal consistency” when paired with the ranch dip. The ranch was described as thick enough to coat the tender but not “gloppy,” making it the perfect accompaniment. For a chain that’s typically associated with wings, Wingstop’s chicken tenders managed to beat out the competition.
While Wingstop’s win may raise eyebrows among fast food chicken aficionados, it certainly speaks to the unpredictable nature of taste testing. With this surprising ranking, it’s clear that the humble chicken tender is still a fiercely competitive category, one that has fans and food critics alike continuing to search for the perfect crispy bite.
