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To ensure a fair comparison, specific criteria were established for each participating restaurant. Only chains with a national presence and a minimum of 300 locations across the US were considered. The taste test focused exclusively on the chicken tenders themselves, excluding sauces to guarantee that the quality of the tenders alone dictated their rankings.
The Evaluation Begins
Zaxby’s: A Promising Start
Kicking off the taste test was Zaxby’s, known for its freshly fried chicken. The anticipation was high with a 10-piece order of chicken fingers. Initial impressions revealed a tender that was juicy and hot, albeit slightly oversalted. The review concluded with a score of 6.7, marking it as an above-average contender.