The #1 Unhealthiest Fast Food Chicken Tenders You Can Order Right Now

Chicken tenders are more popular than ever, but how healthy are they? I analyzed the nutrition labels on six different tender brands to compare factors like sodium and saturated fat, plus overall calories. The results showed that some fast food fried chicken tenders were definitely a better-for-you choice over others that are better as a treat or indulgence. Here is the list, ranked from least worst to the #1 unhealthiest fast food chicken tenders you can order right now.

Sonic Crispy Tenders

Sonic’s tenders are the lowest in calories and saturated fat overall. Sodium and carbs are moderate too, compared to the competition.

Chick-fil-A Chick-n-Strips

As expected, Chick-fil-A’s tenders are low in calories and saturated fat, and high in protein. Sodium is moderate too, placing the brand firmly in the “better-for-you” category.

Raising Cane’s Chicken Fingers

Raising Cane’s Chicken Fingers (3-piece)

Raising Cane’s has higher calories but lower sodium (the lowest in the list, in fact), and the protein is fantastic. Low saturated fat and low carbs are also major points in Cane’s favor.

Zaxby’s Chicken Fingers

Zaxby’s is also comparatively low in calories and saturated fat, with an excellent protein count. The brand also shows the lowest carbs, which indicates the lightest breading vs meat. The high sodium is what keeps Zaxby’s from scoring better overall.

Arby’s Chicken Tenders

Arby’s Chicken Tenders (3-piece)

It’s not all bad for the Arby’s Chicken Tenders: They are low fat (with saturated fat), but very high in carbs, and with sky-high sodium levels. This puts Arby’s in at number 2.

Popeyes Chicken Tenders

The protein count on Popeyes Chicken Tenders is great, but the rest is what puts the chain at number 1 most unhealthy: The highest saturated fat by a huge margin (9 g vs 0–3 g for other chicken brands), the highest sodium (1700 mg!), and the highest carb count, indicating heavier breading vs meat.