1. CM Korean Fried Chicken

7206 Towne Centre Dr, Liberty Township, OH 45069 – $13.99

CM Chicken is the crème de la crème of the restaurants on this list. CM Chicken specializes in Korean fried chicken. The breading-to-chicken ratio was perfect, and the actual flavor was delectable. With a garnishment of parsley and seasoning on the flawlessly crusted breading and chicken, CM Chicken has the quintessential representation of what chicken tenders should be. Every bite held up the same crunch and flavor. A bonus to this option is that CM Chicken has a wide array of different sauces and chicken flavors to fit the customer’s taste. However, even the classic, plain, no-sauce chicken exceeds in all aspects of what makes a good chicken tender. Their fries were no miss either, with a great flavor, seasoning, and texture. However, the fries did not come with the meal and were an extra $4.99. Everything about CM Chicken’s tenders was satisfactory, and the amount-to-price proportion is an additional pro to the establishment, with ten tenders for $13.99 price.

2. Raising Cane’s Chicken Fingers

7721 Tylersville Rd, West Chester Township, OH 45069 – $8.59

Raising Cane’s Chicken Fingers has a certain consistency and classic chicken-and-fries experience to it, making it one of the best. With a crunchy outer breading and tender chicken, the tenders themselves are delicious. However, what really sets Cane’s apart from the rest is their classic sauce. Along with this, their crinkle-cut fries never fail to meet the desired fry expectations. There is also a piece of Texas toast thrown into the mix, which has a fluffy inside, lightly buttered and toasted outside, and a great overall taste. The combination of the flavorful sauce, warm, crisp chicken, and classic crinkle-cut fries create a truly all-American experience. The one drawback I have is Cane’s can be a little greasy and heavy compared to other restaurants.

3. Popeyes

7412 Tylersville Rd, West Chester Township, OH 45069 – $9.99

Popeye’s chicken had the most naturally flavored taste and a perfectly crunchy texture. With a thin outer crust and tender inside, the overall composition of the chicken was satisfactory. However, Popeye’s fell short with their fries; the fries were soggy, flavorless, and had a less-than-appealing presentation. This meal does come with a biscuit, which has a warm and soft doughy center and a lightly salted exterior. In conclusion, Popeye’s is a great choice for chicken tenders, but their fries do not meet the same bar.

4. Chick-Fil-A

7602 Trailside Dr, West Chester Township, OH 45069 – $7.34

Chick-fil-A’s chicken tenders were exactly what I expected them to be: a slightly larger version of their more iconic chicken nuggets. The breading had the same flavor and texture, but the chicken inside had a softer bite to it than the nuggets. The Chick-fil-A sauce was very underwhelming, especially compared to other establishments’ staple sauces. The sauce was bland in flavor and had a thinner consistency. Their waffle fries are the only aspect of this meal that stands out among other restaurants. The fries have a good ratio of potato to salt, crispiness, and flavor. Overall, Chick-fil-A’s chicken tenders and fries combo is underwhelming, and the nuggets are more worth the expense.

5. Joella’s Hot Chicken

5016 Deerfield Blvd, Mason, OH 45040 – $15.28

 Joella’s Hot Chicken was squarely average and rightfully ranked as such. The chicken was dry, lacking flavor, and had an uneven ratio of breading to chicken, with there being essentially no outer crust. Although the size of the chicken tenders was sufficient for a meal, the actual texture and taste were underwhelming. It was tolerable, but not satisfactory. Similar to the chicken tenders. The fries were entirely average. There was very little potato taste to the fries, but there was decent flavor. However, there was a large selection of sauces offered for the chicken. Overall, Joella’s Hot Chicken was the exact middle of chicken tenders and fries: not the worst, but definitely not the best.

6. Culver’s

5742 Tylersville Rd, Mason, OH 45040 – $10.99

Culver’s chicken tenders and fries were dissatisfying and less-than-mediocre. The chicken’s breading had a plastic, fake look to it, and the actual chicken felt artificial to the bite. The breading had a strange cardboard aftertaste, and the meat had an off-putting texture. In regards to its flavor, the chicken was an underwhelming excuse for chicken tenders. Culver’s crinkle-cut fries lacked flavor, crunch, and any sort of seasoning. Overall, Culver’s chicken tenders and fries felt like a greasy waste of a meal and left me regretting my decision to fork out $10.99 on it.