Additional Coverage:
- I tried chicken tenders from Chick-fil-A, Zaxby’s, and PDQ. The best were crispy and had the perfect amount of seasoning. (businessinsider.com)
The Great Chicken Tender Showdown: Chick-fil-A Reigns Supreme in Fast-Food Face-Off
Chicken tenders are a quintessential American comfort food, but with countless fast-food chains offering their own spin on this classic, how do you choose the best? Our local culinary correspondent recently embarked on a delicious quest, pitting the chicken tenders from Zaxby’s, PDQ, and Chick-fil-A against each other in a head-to-head taste test. The results are in, and one chain clucked its way to the top!
Round One: Chick-fil-A Kicks Things Off
The journey began at a local Chick-fil-A, the Atlanta-born giant with over 3,000 locations nationwide. Our correspondent ordered the three-count chicken strips, priced at a reasonable $5.45.
The verdict? These tenders were a hit!
Praised for their ideal crispiness, balanced seasoning, and decent portion size, Chick-fil-A set a high bar right from the start.
Round Two: PDQ Enters the Fray
Next up was PDQ, a chain predominantly found in Florida, with a few outposts in North Carolina and New Jersey. Known for its tenders, salads, and sandwiches, PDQ offered three crispy chicken tenders for $7.
These tenders were notably larger than Chick-fil-A’s and impressed with their remarkable tenderness, practically falling apart with each bite. While a little messy, their fresh taste and pleasant seasoning were a definite plus.
Round Three: Zaxby’s Brings Up the Rear
The final stop was Zaxby’s, a chain specializing in chicken fingers and wings, with over 900 locations primarily in the South and Midwest. To get the most bang for the buck, a kid’s meal was suggested, including two tenders, fries, a Rice Krispie treat, and a drink for $5.70.
Upon tasting, the Zaxby’s tenders were distinctly salty, a fact later confirmed by their higher sodium content in online nutrition information. Despite the saltiness, they were flavorful with a subtle hint of pepper and perfectly cooked.
However, the prominent salty flavor ultimately placed them last in this tender trio.
The Champion Emerges: Chick-fil-A Takes the Crown
After a rigorous taste test, the clear winner in the battle of the plain, crispy, fried chicken tenders was Chick-fil-A. Their tenders struck the perfect balance of seasoning, offered good value for money, and came in an ideal portion size. Our correspondent concluded that a return visit to Chick-fil-A for more of their winning tenders is definitely on the menu!
Prices mentioned may vary by location.