{"id":290850,"date":"2025-06-13T12:59:23","date_gmt":"2025-06-13T12:59:23","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/peraltafinancing.com\/recipes\/category-a-b\/burger\/the-best-boneless-chicken-tenders-a-definitive-guide\/"},"modified":"2025-06-13T12:59:23","modified_gmt":"2025-06-13T12:59:23","slug":"the-best-boneless-chicken-tenders-a-definitive-guide","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/fivemor.com\/?p=290850","title":{"rendered":"The Best Boneless Chicken Tenders: A Definitive Guide"},"content":{"rendered":"


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Once upon a time, ordering chicken tenders or strips at a restaurant was met with raised eyebrows and the occasional \u201cIsn\u2019t that for kids?\u201d remark. It wasn\u2019t enough to stop anyone from enjoying boneless chicken\u2019s crispy, tender goodness, but the stigma was real. <\/p>\n

Thankfully, we\u2019ve entered a golden age for chicken tenders, and what was once considered a \u201ckids\u2019 meal\u201d is now an undeniable culinary favorite. A chicken tender renaissance<\/strong> has arrived, and it\u2019s here to stay.<\/p>\n

While chicken tenders aren\u2019t new, their recent popularity is closely tied to the boom of chicken nuggets in the 1980s. This evolution has paved the way for chicken tenders to take center stage in the culinary world. <\/p>\n

As a result, we now see entire restaurant chains dedicated to serving these delicious, breaded wonders, from popular spots like Huey Magoos<\/a><\/strong> and Raising Cane\u2019s<\/a><\/strong> to fast-casual favorites like PDQ<\/a><\/strong> or even KFC\u2019s Saucy!<\/a><\/strong> Chicken tenders\/strips\/fingers have gone from an afterthought on the menu to the star attraction in many eateries.<\/p>\n

Tell Me More About the Chicken Tender Revolution<\/strong><\/h2>\n

So, who makes the best chicken tenders, strips, and nuggets in South Florida? You may ask, \u201cDoes it even matter?\u201d Well, it does! The Boneless Chicken Revolution <\/strong>is here, and the choices are endless. <\/p>\n

With new restaurants and concepts popping up, there\u2019s a fresh, innovative approach to preparing and serving chicken tenders, ensuring that the possibilities for flavor and texture are virtually limitless. What was once relegated to kids\u2019 menus has now evolved into a full-fledged culinary movement.<\/p>\n

The future of chicken tenders looks brighter than ever. Gone are the days of being judged for enjoying a plate of tenders\u2014today, everyone\u2019s in on the secret. From local diners to fast-food giants, you\u2019ll find tenders in many forms: crispy fingers, spicy strips, popcorn chicken, or the classic nugget. <\/p>\n

So, next time you\u2019re perusing a menu, rest assured that ordering chicken tenders is no longer just for the kids\u2014it\u2019s a tasty choice that anyone can enjoy, no matter their age.<\/p>\n

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Best Chicken Tenders in South Florida<\/h2>\n<\/div>\n

Don\u2019t forget to celebrate\u00a0National Chicken Finger Day<\/a><\/strong>\u00a0every\u00a0July 27th!<\/p>\n

Below is the list of the best chicken fingers, chicken strips, chicken tenders (or tendies<\/em>), and boneless chicken bites I\u2019ve eaten over the last few years. Please note that I make some mention of the dipping sauces<\/a><\/strong>, but that\u2019s cause they deserve a separate post altogether.<\/p>\n

Chicken Tenders \u2013 Mom and Pop Restaurants<\/strong><\/h2>\n

BRGR STOP<\/strong><\/h3>\n
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\"Captain\"Captain
Captain Crunch Chicken Fingers from BRGR STOP<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n

BRGR Stop<\/a><\/strong> is through and through, a comfort food burger joint. Of course, the burgers are great, but the Captain Crunch Chicken Fingers<\/em>\u00a0are unbelievably addictive. If that wasn\u2019t enough, the jalape\u00f1o ranch dipping sauce was incredible.<\/p>\n

How good was it?\u00a0It was so good\u00a0that I would have filled my car trunk with chicken fingers and jalape\u00f1o ranch sauce if they had no expiration date.<\/p>\n

BRGR Stop<\/a><\/strong>
1930 E Sunrise Boulevard
Fort Lauderdale, FL\u00a0
(954) 533-8621<\/p>\n

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Bud\u2019s Chicken and Seafood<\/strong><\/h3>\n
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\"Chicken\"Chicken
Chicken Fingers from Bud\u2019s<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n

I\u2019m telling you that the boneless chicken game is strong at Bud\u2019s Chicken and Seafood<\/strong>. Again, much like their sandwich, the chicken fingers don\u2019t need anything else. But you have to try that Bud\u2019s Sauce<\/em>! It\u2019s their version of the Southern Comeback Sauce<\/strong>.<\/p>\n

Bud\u2019s Chicken and Seafood<\/a><\/strong>
2579 Northlake Boulevard
West Palm Beach, FL
(561) 848-7500<\/p>\n

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Chefs on the Run<\/strong><\/h3>\n
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\"Habanero\"Habanero
Habanero Butter Chicken from Chefs On The Run<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n

There is no settling here at Chefs on the Run<\/a><\/strong>, as the Habanero Butter Chicken<\/em> is beyond excellent. It has the just-right buttery habanero sauce (not too spicy<\/em>) and a side of blue cheese mousse sauce. What a dish!<\/p>\n

Chefs on the Run<\/a><\/strong>
10 E Mowry Drive
Homestead, FL
(305) 245-0085<\/p>\n

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Gilbert\u2019s 17th Street Grill<\/strong><\/h3>\n
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\"Chicken\"Chicken
Chicken Strips with Fries from Gilbert\u2019s 17th Street Grill<\/strong><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n

What exactly to eat at\u00a0Gilbert\u2019s 17th Street Grill<\/strong><\/a> is always a tough call<\/span>. However, those panko-breaded <\/em>chicken strips are always a great choice. Your best bet is to order them as an appetizer and pick at them throughout the meal so you can be fulfilled.<\/p>\n

Gilbert\u2019s 17th Street Grill<\/a><\/strong>
1821 Cordova Road
Fort Lauderdale, FL
(954) 768-8990<\/p>\n

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Hook Fish and Chicken<\/strong><\/h3>\n
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\"Chicken\"Chicken
Chicken Tenders from Hook Fish and Chicken<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n

As crispy and tasty as the lemon pepper<\/em> wings are at Hook Fish and Chicken<\/a><\/strong>, and trust me, they are, it was the hand-breaded chicken tenders that knocked my socks off. The tendies I chose were dusted with the lemon pepper seasoning. Do not share these babies; you will regret it\u2026I know I did.<\/p>\n

Hook Fish and Chicken<\/a><\/strong>
1001 Palm Beach Lakes Blvd
West Palm Beach, FL
(561) 835-9035<\/p>\n

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Hot Chicks House of Chicken<\/strong><\/h3>\n
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\"Nashville\"Nashville
Nashville Hot Chicken Tenders from Hot Chicks House of Chicken<\/strong><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n

The Best Nashville Hot Chicken\u00a0sandwich I\u2019ve eaten is from\u00a0Hattie B\u2019s<\/strong><\/a>\u00a0in Nashville and\u00a0Swine & Sons<\/a><\/strong>\u00a0in\u00a0Winter Park.\u00a0Hot Chicks<\/a><\/strong>\u00a0is just as good as those and possibly better cause they\u2019re within driving distance of me. But, and it\u2019s a big but\u2026the tenders are five stars across the board. It\u2019s what we call the next level.<\/p>\n

Hot Chicks House of Chicken<\/a><\/strong>
14816 Pines Boulevard
Pembroke Pines, FL
(754) 703-5119\u200b<\/p>\n

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Legends Tavern and Grille<\/strong><\/h3>\n
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\"Chicken\"Chicken
Chicken Tenders from Legends Tavern<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n

The tenders from Legends Tavern and Grille<\/a><\/strong> are crispy and crunchy, reminiscent of a fish fry dinner we ate at\u00a0Boyce General Store<\/strong>\u00a0in Kentucky. This is a compliment of the highest order, and don\u2019t sleep on the housemade honey mustard cause that would be a mistake.<\/p>\n

Legends Tavern & Grille<\/a><\/strong>
1387 S University Drive
Plantation, FL
(954) 652-1162<\/p>\n

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North South Grill<\/strong><\/h3>\n
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\"Chicken\"Chicken
Chicken Tenders from North South Grill<\/strong><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n

If you show up with your big boy pants at North South Grill<\/a><\/strong>, you must leave room for their hand-breaded buttermilk chicken tenders. These are some of the heaviest tenders I\u2019ve encountered in my boneless chicken adventures. <\/p>\n

The five-piece tenders arrived on a bed of super tasty fresh cuts with our choice of honey mustard, BBQ sauce, or ranch. I would consider this a shareable plate unless you are a bottomless pit.<\/p>\n

North South Grill<\/strong>
<\/a>154 S Flamingo Road
Pembroke Pines, FL
(954) 404-8308<\/p>\n

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The Side Chick<\/strong><\/h3>\n
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\"Dry\"Dry
Dry Rub Hot Chicken Tenders from The Side Chick<\/strong><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n

If you are starving, the giant chicken tenders at the Side Chick<\/a><\/strong> food truck are the way to go. The\u00a0Tender Box<\/em>\u00a0has three giant tendies tossed in a rub or sauce; we chose dry rub, hot with the Wifey dipping sauce.<\/p>\n

The heat from those tenders had me crying happy tears. While the\u00a0Wifey Sauce<\/em>\u00a0was good for dipping the dusted fries, it was no match for the\u00a0Hot Honey<\/em>.<\/p>\n

The Side Chick<\/a><\/strong>\u00a0at\u00a0Westar Gas Station<\/em>
6776 SW 117th Avenue
Miami, FL
(305) 565-9376<\/p>\n

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Chicken Tenders \u2013 National or Regional Restaurants<\/strong><\/h2>\n

Carl\u2019s Jr.<\/h3>\n
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\"Hand-breaded\"Hand-breaded
Hand-breaded Chicken Tenders from Carl\u2019s Jr.<\/strong><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n

As a longtime fan of Carl\u2019s Jr.<\/a><\/strong>, my excitement when they finally opened in Miami was off the charts. The handbreaded chicken tenders might be the best thing on their menu, with the Jalape\u00f1o Cheeseburger <\/em>being a close second. What I\u2019m trying to say is, make sure that you order some chicken tenders for \u201csharing.\u201d<\/p>\n

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Huey Magoo\u2019s<\/strong><\/h3>\n
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\"Chicken\"Chicken
Chicken Tenders Platter with Slaw, Buttered Toast and Crinkle-Cut French Fries<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n

The nearest\u00a0Huey Magoos<\/strong><\/a>\u00a0is still *45 minutes away from but <\/span>worth the drive. We always eat in our car cause of the current situation. Even if I had the willpower to wait till I got home, those tenders wouldn\u2019t be the same as piping hot, just fried tenders.<\/p>\n

Huey Magoo<\/strong>\u2019s chicken tenders are juicy and perfect for dipping in one of their sauces (Magoo\u2019s, Spicy Magoo\u2019s, Homemade Ranch, Bleu Cheese, Honey Mustard, Buffalo, Barbeque, Garlic Parmesan, Sweet Heat<\/em>).<\/p>\n

*not anymore<\/em><\/p>\n

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Popeyes<\/strong><\/h3>\n
\"Popeyes\"Popeyes
Chicken Tenders from Popeyes<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

I can\u2019t hit up the Popeyes<\/a><\/strong> drive-thru and not order some of those crispy chicken tenders<\/strong>. Everyone will probably lean toward the ranch dipping sauce, but you should get that Mardi Gras Mustard<\/em> dipping sauce cause it\u2019s killer.<\/p>\n

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Raising Cane\u2019s<\/strong><\/h3>\n
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\"The\"The
The Box Combo from Raising Cane\u2019s<\/strong><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n

The rug that ties the room together at Raising Cane\u2019s<\/a><\/strong> is their Cane\u2019s sauce, a close cousin of comeback sauce. It\u2019s served with the tenders, their sandwich, and it\u2019s great for dunking your Texas toast.<\/p>\n

Listen, these chicken tendies are great if you choose to go sauce-less, but I wouldn\u2019t, and this comes from a less is more kinda guy.<\/p>\n

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Twin Peaks<\/strong><\/h3>\n
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\"Buffalo\"Buffalo
Buffalo Chicken Tenders from Twin Peaks<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n

The chicken tenders from Twin Peaks<\/a><\/strong> are legitimately delicious. These fellas are fried and then tossed in a buttery Buffalo hot sauce. I made the mistake of ordering the sampler on my first visit, which means the amount of tenders was limited. We corrected the mistake the second time around and haven\u2019t looked back since.<\/p>\n

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If you love chicken tenders, you must also enjoy chicken sandwiches. You might as well check out my Best Chicken Sandwiches in Miami<\/strong> list!<\/p>\n<\/div>\n