We ranked chicken tenders from popular chains to find a healthier option for you.
Chicken tenders are more popular than ever, but how healthy are they? I analyzed the nutrition labels on six different brands to compare factors such as sodium and saturated fat as well as total calories. The results showed that some types of cooked chicken are definitely better choices for you than others, which are better as a treat or treat. Here’s a list, ranked from worst to #1, of the unhealthiest fast food chicken you can order right now.
Sonic Crispy Tenders
Calories
: 260fat: 12 g (Saturated fats: 1 g
sodium: 730 mg
Carbohydrates: 16 g (Fiber: 2 g, Sugar: 0 g)
Protein: 21 g
Sonic tenders are generally high in calories and saturated fat. Sodium and carbohydrates are also moderate compared to the competition.
Chick-fil-A Chick-n-Strips
Calories
: 310fat: 14 g (Saturated fat: 2.5 g)
sodium: 870 mg
Carbohydrates: 16 g (Fiber: 0 g, Sugar: 2 g)
Protein: 29 g
As expected, Chick-fil-A tenders are high in calories and saturated fat and protein. The sodium is also moderate, placing the brand in the “better for you” category.
Raising Kan Chicken Fingers
Raising chicken fingers (3 pieces)
Food (for 3 chicken tenders):
Calories: 390
fat: 18 g (Saturated fat: 3 g)
sodium: 570 mg
Carbohydrates: 15 g (Fiber: 1 g, Sugar: 0 g)
Protein: 39 gr
Cane raises are higher in calories, but lower in sodium (lowest on the list, actually) and the protein is fantastic. Saturated fat and low carbohydrates are also important points of Kahn’s benefit.
Zaxby’s Chicken Fingers
Food (for 3 chicken tenders):
Calories: 300
fat: 12 g (Saturated fat: 2 g)
sodium: 1230 mg
Carbohydrates: 13 g (Fiber: 1 g, Sugar: 0 g
Protein: 30 g
Zaxby’s is also relatively low in calories and saturated fat and has an excellent amount of protein. The brand also lists the lowest carbohydrates, which indicate the lightest bread and meat. The high sodium is what keeps Zaxby’s from getting a better score overall.
Arby’s Chicken Tenders
Arby’s Chicken Tenders (3-Piece)
Food (for 3 chicken tenders):
Calories: 370
fat: 3 g (Saturated fat: 0 g)
sodium: 1190 mg
Carbohydrates: 28 g (Fiber: 2 g, Sugar: 0 g)
Protein: 23 g
It’s not all bad for Arby’s chicken tenders: they’re low in fat (with saturated fat), but very high in carbs and high in sodium. That puts Arby’s at number 2.
Popeyes Chicken Tenders
Food (for 3 chicken tenders):
Calories: 390
fat: 19 g (Saturated fat: 9 g)
sodium: 1700 mg
Carbohydrates: 25 g (Fiber: 1 g, Sugar: 0 g)
Protein: 35 g
The protein content of Popeyes Chicken Tenders is great, but the rest is what puts the chain at No. 1 unhealthiest: Highest saturated fat by a wide margin (9g vs. 0-3g for other chicken brands), highest sodium (1,700mg!), and highest carb count, indicating that meatloaf is heavier.
