The #1 Unhealthiest Fast Food Chicken Tenders You Can Order Right Now | XpertsReviews.com

We ranked chicken tenders from popular chains to find the most unhealthy option for your health.

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

Sonic Crispy Fillets

Sonic offerings are lowest in calories and saturated fat overall. Sodium and carbs are also moderate compared to the competition.

Chick-fil-A Chick-n-Strips

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

Raising Cane’s Chicken Fingers

Raising Cane’s Chicken Fingers (3 pieces)

Nutrition (for 3 chicken fillets):
Calories: 390
Fat: 18 g (Saturated fat: 3 g)
Sodium: 570 mg
Crabs: 15 g (Fiber: 1 g, Sugar: 0 g)
Protein: 39g

Raising Cane’s has more calories but less sodium (the lowest on the list, in fact) and the protein is fantastic. Low saturated fat and carbohydrates are also major points in Cane’s favor.

Zaxby’s Chicken Fingers

Nutrition (for 3 chicken fillets):
Calories: 300
Fat: 12 g (Saturated fat: 2 g)
Sodium: 1230 mg
Crabs: 13 g (Fiber: 1 g, Sugar: 0 g
Protein: 30g

Zaxby’s is also relatively low in calories and saturated fat, with an excellent protein count. The brand also has the lowest carbs, which indicates the lightest breading compared to meat. The high sodium content is what keeps Zaxby’s from getting better overall results.

Arby’s Chicken Tenders

Arby’s Chicken Tenders (3 pieces)

Nutrition (for 3 chicken fillets):
Calories: 370
Fat: 3 g (Saturated fat: 0 g)
Sodium: 1190 mg
Crabs: 28 g (Fiber: 2 g, Sugar: 0 g)
Protein: 23g

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

Popeyes Chicken Tenders

Nutrition (for 3 chicken fillets):
Calories: 390
Fat: 19 g (Saturated fat: 9 g)
Sodium: 1700 mg
Crabs: 25 g (Fiber: 1 g, Sugar: 0 g)
Protein: 35g

The protein count in Popeyes Chicken Tenders is great, but the rest is what lands the chain at No. 1 for unhealthiest foods: the highest saturated fat count by far (9g versus 0-3g for other chicken brands), the highest sodium (1,700mg!), and the highest carb count, indicating heavier breading than meat.