Wendy’s has officially stepped into the chicken tender wars with a new menu addition: “Wendy’s Tendys.”
The tenders come in three-piece and four-piece orders, or as a two-piece option in a Kids’ Meal. Each order includes a choice of sauces, with six new and revamped flavors: Wendy’s Signature, Sweet Chili, Scorchin’ Hot, Creamy Ranch, Honey BBQ, and Honey Mustard. Kids’ Meals include one sauce, while extra dips can be added for a small fee.
Made with 100% white meat, the tenders are coated in a crispy, seasoned breading. “Our tenders and sauces are fantastic, and I’m confident our customers will love them, too,” interim CEO Kenneth Cook said during the company’s August earnings call.
Lindsay Radkoski, Wendy’s chief marketing officer, said the chain leaned heavily on customer feedback. “Consumers told us what they wanted in a chicken tender, and we listened – taste-tested, fine-tuned and delivered. With six bold new sauces, fans can dip, dunk and customize their Tendys with every bite!” she said.
The launch comes as fast-food chains battle over chicken offerings. McDonald’s recently expanded with McCrispy Strips and creamy chili dip, while Popeye’s, Sonic, Taco Bell, and McDonald’s have all revived or introduced chicken wraps. Wendy’s is already in the mix with its own wrap.
With its new tenders and sauces, Wendy’s is betting fans will bite — literally — in the next chapter of the chicken wars.