I tried chicken tenders from 14 fast-food chains and ranked them from worst to best
Fast-food chains are increasingly competing for market share by introducing or updating chicken tender offerings. The trend is driven by consumer demand, particularly among Gen Z, leading to new menu launches across major brands.
Why it matters
This reflects shifting consumer preferences in the quick-service restaurant industry and the strategic importance of menu innovation for brand loyalty.
I tried chicken tenders from 14 different fast-food chains and ranked them based on taste and value. Erin McDowell/Business Insider I tried chicken tenders from 14 different fast-food chains. Chick-fil-A and KFC's chicken tenders had similar textures. Raising Cane's impressed me with its crispy yet juicy tenders and delicious signature sauce. The fast-food chicken wars have entered a new battleground — now, it's all about the tender. McDonald's launched its McCrispy Strips in May 2025, marking the first time chicken strips had been on its menu since the COVID-19 pandemic. Next up, in June 2025, Taco Bell introduced its new Crispy Chicken Strips, with Taco Bell's CMO Taylor Montgomery telling Business Insider that Gen Z was eating more crispy chicken than other generations, and "we need to evolve to where youth culture and the next generation of consumers are going."
Get smarter about the news
Sign up free for a feed built around what you actually care about, Dive Deeper research on any story, and the full text of every article.
Create free accountAlready have an account? Sign in