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Hello Chicken Lovers,

Happy National Chicken Tender Day 2026! I couldn’t resist sharing my favorite chicken tender ideas with all of you. After traveling through Texas and across the country for over a decade and visiting more than 15,000 restaurants in search of creative chefs, mouthwatering dishes, delightful sweets, and perfectly crispy, juicy fried chicken, I feel it’s my responsibility to share the best tenders I’ve ever enjoyed.

Creating masterful chicken tenders may sound simple, but it’s an art that involves several crucial steps. They should feature tender, juicy meat, a satisfying crunch, and rich, savory flavor. To achieve the perfect tender, you need to focus on four key elements: a flavorful batter, a delicious brine, a starchy double-dredge for added texture, and careful temperature control to ensure they remain tender rather than chewy.

They must taste good even without any dipping sauce. While the dipping sauce is an important element for me and should enhance the tender’s flavor, it shouldn’t be necessary to make a tender delicious. If you need a sauce to elevate the tender, then it’s not truly great. It has to be perfect on its own first. I love sauces, and my favorites include some great customer-inspired and unique blends you will love.

I believe we’ve discovered some of the best tenders in the USA with our list. I was initially going to make a top 50, but I’ve decided on my top 25 for now, as that feels most appropriate.

Let’s celebrate together and indulge in the ultimate chicken tender experience that everyone deserves to enjoy! Buckle up,  get your bib’s and let’s ride!

**Lucky’s Hot Chicken – Dallas, Texas**
Located in cool retro style building in Dallas this is the SPOT! If you’re on the hunt for a flavor explosion, look no further than Lucky’s Hot Chicken! This place delivers mouthwatering chicken that’s consistently savory and absolutely delicious. Whether you’re diving into their Hot Chicken or the zesty Nashville Hot Chicken, every bite is a crispy, fresh delight that keeps you coming back for more. The juicy chicken tenders are truly irresistible, packed with flavor that will make your taste buds dance! Plus, their in-house sauces and dips are crafted to perfection, bursting with freshness and vibrant tastes. Trust me, once you give Lucky’s a try, you won’t be able to stop raving about it!

**Mike’s Chicken – Dallas and Plano, Texas**
Mike’s Chicken has been my go-to fried chicken spot for years now. They were my number one fried chicken choice for 2025! The tenders are no different—tender, juicy, crispy, and delicious. It’s a popular, casual Southern-style eatery known for its legendary made-to-order fried chicken, which features exceptionally juicy meat and a shattering crunch. They offer original and spicy options, along with creamy sides and fresh biscuits.

**Gabe’s Chicken – Fort Worth, Texas**
Gabe’s Chicken is an exhilarating new find that had me hooked after just one bite! The scene of the family passionately crafting their chicken right in front of me was nothing short of mesmerizing. With their signature house-prepared sauces, dips, and rubs, every dish is a flavor explosion! This vibrant food truck destination is a late-night favorite, boasting two fantastic locations in Fort Worth, Texas. Known for their irresistibly crispy and juicy chicken tenders and sandwiches, Gabe’s is an absolute must-visit—trust me, you’ll want to make the drive to experience this deliciousness for yourself!

**Gus’s World Famous Fried Chicken – DFW Locations**
Get ready to experience the mouthwatering magic of Gus’ World Famous Fried Chicken, a culinary gem with locations across DFW! From the moment I took my first bite in Tennessee, I was hooked. This fried chicken isn’t just food; it’s an experience! Imagine ultra-crispy, dark-golden skin that crackles enticingly, juicy, succulent meat that melts in your mouth, and a signature cayenne kick that takes your taste buds on a thrilling ride.

And let’s not forget about the tenders—they’re equally irresistible, boasting that same crispy perfection! Originating in Mason, Tennessee, Gus’s is a Southern sensation that serves up hand-battered, bone-in pieces like no other. Each bite is a delightful explosion of savory spices, perfectly balancing heat and rich flavor. If you’re searching for fried chicken that’s truly legendary, look no further than Gus’s!

**Bonchon Korean Fried Chicken -DFW Locations and Beyond**
I recently stumbled upon Bonchon Korean Fried Chicken, and wow, it completely blew me away! I couldn’t help but add it to my top 10 list of favorite chicken tender spots. What sets Bonchon apart is the way they craft their chicken—each piece is hand-brushed with sauce, ensuring that every bite is evenly coated and packed with flavor!

This global sensation is renowned for its authentic Korean fried chicken, characterized by an incredibly thin, super-crispy exterior that perfectly complements the juicy, tender meat inside. Founded in South Korea back in 2002, Bonchon has mastered the art of achieving that signature crunch not through heavy batter, but through a meticulous preparation process. If you haven’t tried it yet, you’re seriously missing out on a delicious experience!

We rarely stumble upon something so astonishing and concealed. I’ve visited over ten thousand restaurants in thirty-three states, from L.A. to Miami, and this visit was a WOW.

Nestled within the enchanting Village of Dallas lies a world-class restaurant that brings the exciting concept of live-fire cooking to life, all wrapped in a welcoming, mid-century-inspired garden ambiance that feels effortlessly comfortable and far from pretentious. The culinary experience offered here is so unforgettable that I found myself dreaming about it for a week after my visit.

As you drive into The Village of Dallas, you’re transported to a charming European-esque setting. The surroundings are warm, refined, and impeccably clean, all contributing to a picturesque scene that perfectly primes you for the memorable experience that follows. It truly is something extraordinary!

The restaurant itself is stunningly beautiful, exuding a cozy and inviting atmosphere. The vibe is relaxed and comfortable, especially when you catch a glimpse of the meticulous workings within Chef Eduardo’s kitchen. They’ve cultivated an environment, mood, and menu that beckons you to return, drawing you back to this delightful space time and time again.

The cuisine is nothing short of exceptional, with each dish presenting a unique and fresh flavor profile that sings with deliciousness. Every bite is savory, velvety, and smooth—truly unforgettable. Each dish delivered an impressive “WOW factor.” I found myself exclaiming “WOW” and “PHENOMENAL” so often that it started to feel redundant, but each reaction was warranted—the culinary team’s innovative approach and flawless execution deserve to be celebrated. It’s exceedingly rare for me— and I truly mean RARE—to visit a restaurant and be blown away by every single dish, regardless of size. The bite-sized offerings were particularly enjoyable, as Chef Eduardo aims to “leave people wanting more,” providing just enough to ignite a passion for the dish while encouraging a return visit.

Let me be frank: that was one of the absolute best overall restaurant experiences I’ve encountered in 2026, both front-of-house and back-of-house. The menu is brilliantly imaginative and well-organized, featuring aromatic dishes brimming with deliciousness. Unlike many new menus that can feel ostentatious, this one feels familiar yet thrilling, complete with Chef Eduardo’s distinctive twist that invigorates your taste buds and leaves you craving more. Honestly, the menu could simply be titled ‘MORE,’ as that’s all I desired after every delectable bite. It was such a breath of fresh air; I was truly in disbelief.

The service was attentive and warm, with staff who were knowledgeable, friendly, and efficient, catering to our every need without being intrusive. A great server, like the one we had, can elevate the dining experience, making it memorable, enjoyable, and effortlessly comfortable.

The inviting atmosphere was a perfect blend of stunning curation and cozy charm, offering a fantastic setting for anything from a romantic date night to a casual meal or special celebration. The space resembled an art gallery, yet exuded the warmth and familiarity of home—what a vibe, indeed!

We found it exceptional, with thoughtful details such as creative and expertly crafted dishes, a well-considered menu, tasty craft cocktails, and personalized touches that enriched the overall experience tremendously.

Meridian Dallas is a must-visit, whether you’re going for Chef’s succulent burger, some small bites, a tasty craft cocktail, or just to meet friends. I can promise you it will be one of your best restaurant experiences, so memorable that you’ll want to return time and time again.

Trey’s Pro Tip: Sit at the chef’s table and you will be mesmerized by Chef Edward and his culinary team as the kitchen hums, live fire flames dance, and the delicious aromatic aromas permeate the air.

Thank you so much to the entire staff and culinary team for bringing back and enhancing my desire to sit, sip, dine, and enjoy for hours. “I love this FU$%ING place! Yes, it’s that delicious!”