These chains serve tender and juicy chicken baskets with decent sides.
I love a good one chicken tendersespecially when it is served in a basket with fries or even coleslaw. What makes a chicken tender or finger? It should be juicy and tender on the inside, but toasted and toasted on the outside so that the breading doesn’t interfere with your chosen flavor when dipping. Where can you get the best chicken fingers? Here are the 8 best chicken baskets at chain restaurants.
Raise Cane
Cane tenderloins are the focal point of the menu, crispy on the outside and juicy on the inside, and served in baskets with fries and slaw. “Fresh Raising Cane literally melts in your mouth…they only use the brisket part,” says Redditor u/idontevenliftbrah. “100% of the best tenders in the food market. They use real chicken,” another writes.
Church’s Texas Chicken
Church’s Texas Chicken uses real chicken breast strips for hand tenders, and diners love them. “I like that it’s not greasy, but sharp and tasty!” a fan he says. “Went to church the other day and I have to say it was the best fried chicken I’ve had in a long time. Better than Popeyes and KFC imo” added.
Skinny chicks
Slim Chickens, a fast-growing chain specializing in fresh, handmade tender Southern breads made with real chickens. “Since moving south I’ve discovered Slim’s Chicken and Whataburger. Now I prefer one over all the others,” writes u/Zacharacamyison.
Popeyes
Popeyes is also popular for Cajun-style chicken tenders, which are made from whole cuts of white meat. The highlights include the spicy and crunchy salad, and the meat inside is so juicy and tender, I’m always amazed that I’m eating fast food.
Culver
According to Redditor u/Beautiful-Cat245, diners are craving Culver’s fresh, hand-baked bread with a “thinner but very crunchy crust.” Tenders are made to order, making them one of the freshest options. “Culver’s Chicken Tenders Made Fresh” says one. If you like a little spice, they have options as well. “Buffalo’s Bids Are Unmatched at Culver” adds other
Zaxby
Zaxby’s, the Southern chain with flavorful boneless wings, is a new favorite. “Yes, Zaxby’s fingers tossed in a tongue torch (ask for the heavy sauce) are absolutely as good as the drive-thru hot wings.” keeps. “Zaxby’s is definitely the best place with a drive-thru for wings” agrees.
Bojangles
According to Redditors, Bojangles’ herb-enriched tenders are the champion of chicken fingers. “Bojangles Supremes are the best,” writes u/timterp72. “I gained a lot of weight when a Bojangles set up shop near my house. Now there isn’t a store within 10 miles of where I live and unfortunately it’s a necessity. Very cool,” writes a fan
Chick-fil-A.
Chick-fil-A nuggets are the chain’s most popular order, but some diners insist that chicken strips are even better. “Their tenders are 1000 times better than nuggets IMO” one person said keeps. They taste like breadcrumbs, but offer a greater source of protein.
Leah Groth
Leah Groth is an accomplished shopping editor and columnist for Best Life and Eat This, Not That! Bringing readers the best finds, trends and new deals every week. Read more about Leah
