Popeyes Vs Chick-Fil-A: Who Makes The Better Chicken Tenders?

When I think of chicken tenders, the first thing that comes to mind is the kids' menu. After all, it's all my boys ate pretty much from birth to tweendom. But just because it's a favorite of the elementary school crowd doesn't mean they're the only ones who partake. As a matter of fact, I tend to enjoy an occasional tender myself, especially when I get an itch for fried chicken. And I'm not alone. There are several fast food joints that carry those savory chicken tenders and two of them happen to be just down the street from me: Popeyes and Chick-fil-A. 

So, since I recently had a craving, I ventured out to the two fast food spots to see who had the better tender. While I could have gone with the combination meal which comes with a drink and fries, I was only interested in the tenders. So, I grabbed a three-piece box from each location as well as a dipping sauce (honey mustard is my favorite) and dove in. I wanted to see which tender was crispy on the outside but moist and tender on the inside. Flavor was also really important to me, so I was curious who had the better spice combo and if that dipping sauce was really necessary. Read on to see which tender came out on top.

When judging each box of tenders, I considered the size of the chicken strips, texture, flavor, and the price of each box. Once I tasted each tender on its own, I then sampled each strip dipped into that sweet and tangy honey mustard sauce. While I made sure to order the same honey mustard flavor at each location, I didn't factor the sauces into my evaluation since there are so many different dips to choose from and patrons may favor a barbecue or ranch dip instead. I was only curious if the dip enhanced or detracted from the overall experience. 

Since both locations were within a mile of each other I made sure to taste the chicken strips shortly after ordering. This way, they still had the crispiness that might disappear after sitting in a to-go bag during the trip home. 

When I popped open the box of Popeyes tenders, I couldn't wait to dive right in. At first glance, these tenders had a stunning color and were of a decent size. The coating was very inviting, with plenty of nooks and crannies that were sure to provide a satisfying crunch. Then I took a bite.

That crunch I was craving was seriously lacking. Instead, the coating had a stale quality that made it seem like the tenders had been sitting under the hot lights for a while. Thankfully, the flavor was just what I expected. I wanted all those Creole spices Popeyes is known for, and that's exactly what I got — hints of onion, garlic, paprika, and salt. While the tenders packed a flavorful punch, I bet they would have been even better if I'd followed one of Popeyes unwritten rules and ordered a few packets of its Cajun Sparkle to sprinkle over the tenders before I indulged. 

But it was the chicken hiding inside that turned this okay lunch into a standout meal. It was tender and full of flavor, thanks in no small part to the preparation Popeyes chicken goes through before it hits the fryer. While the coating had hints of spice, the marinade created a luscious protein of which I couldn't get enough. Even though I failed to try the tender with every sauce on the Popeyes menu, the tangy honey mustard made the overall experience even more enjoyable. I just wish that coating had been crispier.

Upon opening the box of Chick-fil-A tenders, I could already see a difference. These tenders were significantly smaller than Popeyes version, and they were also darker, which I assumed was from the seasoning and amount of time spent in the fryer. While it didn't appear to be nearly as much breading on each piece, there was enough that I was sure I'd get a decent crunch. And I was right. My first bite, although on the greasier side, was filled with spicy, savory deliciousness that tickled my tongue. While there wasn't a serious crunch, the coating had a nice texture that delighted me. 

Unfortunately, once I got past that delectable coating, the chicken wasn't nearly as enticing. It had a weird texture that left me wondering if it was real chicken tender cut from the breast or a mixture of various cuts that are ground and combined before being breaded and deep fried. After several bites, I could understand why these tenders were near the bottom of our Chick-fil-A chicken ranking. Dipping it into the zesty honey mustard sauce definitely helped, but it wasn't enough to mask that off-putting consistency. Considering a three-pack comes in at close to $7 (prices may vary depending on location), I'm just not sure they're worth it.

Just like our Popeyes vs Raising Cane's chicken sandwich showdown, Popeyes takes the crown in this taste test because of its chicken. Don't get me wrong, I love a crispy coating, but if the meat inside isn't tender, rich, and full of flavor, I'm out. So, even though the breading on Popeyes tenders wasn't as crispy as I would have liked, the flavor was decent and the chicken inside was absolutely top-notch. These tenders were definitely heartier than the Chick-fil-A option, and considering they were almost a third of the price — coming in at only $5 — I definitely got more bang for my buck. 

Also, Popeye's honey mustard dipping sauce had more depth and flavor than Chick-fil-A's version making for a thoroughly enjoyable experience overall. So, while Chick-fil-A really wants you to "eat more chicken," I'd say if you're in the mood for a box of tenders, skip the Georgian franchise and go for some classic Louisiana Creole cooking. Add a dash or two of Popeye's Cajun Sparkle, your favorite dipping sauce, and you've got yourself a winning meal.