Sampling Chicken Tenders: Chick-fil-A, Zaxby's, and PDQ Comparison

Fried chicken tenders are as American as a summer barbecue. Each fast-food spot brings its own flair to this popular dish, so I embarked on an exploration of three prominent chains—Chick-fil-A, PDQ, and Zaxby's—to compare their takes.

First Stop: Chick-fil-A

My journey began at the renowned Chick-fil-A, a staple with more than 3,000 locations across the U.S., Puerto Rico, and Canada, since its inception in Atlanta in 1967. I opted for their three-piece chicken strips, priced at $5.45.

These strips impressed me with their crispiness and perfect blend of seasoning. They were not only delicious but also offered at a fair price, providing a generous portion to satisfy my appetite.

Next: A Visit to PDQ

My next stop took me to PDQ, primarily operating in Florida but also found in a few other states, with 58 outlets across the nation. The Tampa-originating chain, established in 2011, serves up a variety of chicken dishes along with salads and sandwiches. I purchased three crispy tenders for a cost of $7.

PDQ's tenders stood out for their tenderness, slightly larger than those from Chick-fil-A. They commenced with a delightful freshness. Despite their tendency to crumble while eating, they were seasoned with care.

Final Destination: Zaxby's

Zaxby's, a chain with over 950 outlets concentrated in the South and Midwest, is well-known for chicken fingers and wings. Established in 1990 in Statesboro, GA, I made my way here last. A practical suggestion from the cashier led me to get a kid's meal for $5.70, which included two tenders, a side of fries, a rice krispie treat, and a drink.

Biting into Zaxby's tenders, I noticed a strong salty taste, consistent with its highest sodium content among the three. Despite the saltiness, they offered a distinct peppery flavor. Cooked to perfection and easy to chew, they nonetheless ranked the lowest in my experience due to the overwhelming salt.

Conclusion: Chick-fil-A Triumphant

For crispy, perfectly seasoned chicken tenders, Chick-fil-A emerged as my top choice. They ticked all the boxes for flavor, price, and portion. Without a doubt, I will be revisiting Chick-fil-A for more of their delightful tenders.