Everyone from McDonald’s to Popeyes has had tenders on the board for years. Wendy’s is late to the fight, but it’s showing up anyway with something it’s calling “Tendys.”
Here is the scoop on Wendy’s Tendys (also known as chicken tenders).
What’s the Deal with Wendy’s Chicken Tendys?
In a September 30 press release, Wendy’s announced that chicken tenders are officially on the menu, now available under the cheeky name of “Tendys.” The chain is treating the larger chicken tenders, which feature 100% white meat and a crispy breading, as a core item and will place them alongside heavy hitters like nuggets and the Spicy Chicken Sandwich.
“Chicken innovation is in our DNA at Wendy’s, and we’ve tapped into our years of chicken experience to craft our new Wendy’s Tendys,” said Lindsay Radkoski, U.S. Chief Marketing Officer. “Consumers told us what they wanted in a chicken tender, and we listened—taste-tested, fine-tuned, and delivered.”
The announcement comes months after McDonald’s McCrispy Strips, its own version of chicken tenders, was added to its menu permanently.
Wendy’s previously featured chicken tenders on its menu in 2007 and 2017, but discontinued them in 2019, according to Today.
What Sauces Are Available for Wendy’s Tendys?
Wendy’s says Tendys are “designed to be dippable,” so it built six new sauces and made the cups nearly twice the size of the old ones. Each order includes two.
- Wendy’s Signature — creamy, peppery, with a touch of hot sauce
- Sweet Chili — sriracha, garlic, ginger
- Scorchin’ Hot — creamy base, heat that builds
- Creamy Ranch — thicker and richer than the usual
- Honey BBQ — smoky-sweet
- Honey Mustard — sweet with Dijon tang
How Can You Order Wendy’s Tendys?
You can buy the chicken tenders on their own or as part of a combo with fries and a drink. Each three- or four-piece order comes with two sauces, while kids’ meals include a smaller two-piece serving with one sauce. Extra sauces cost a little more. The tenders also come in new boxes with a built-in cutout to hold dipping cups, so you’re not juggling lids in the car.
How is Wendy Promoting Them?
The chain is approaching Tendys as more than just a menu update. In October, select restaurants will temporarily rebrand as “Tendys,” which will turn the launch into a marketing event. Davis said the move builds on Wendy’s chicken history: “Ever since we launched our first Spicy Chicken Sandwich to our beloved chicken nuggets and now our brand new Tendys, we are always exploring ways to innovate with chicken and deliver for our customers.”
More Wendy’s News and Stories From Cheapism
- Wendy’s Frosty Is Getting Fancy. Here’s Every New Flavor — Wendy’s is making huge changes to the Frosty for the first time ever. Here’s the scoop.
- Wendy’s Opened Over Two Dozen New Locations in 18 States. Here’s the List — It’s another good year for the square burger as the fast-food giant has added nearly 30 new restaurants across the country this year alone, part of a larger growth plan that’s just getting started.
- 17 Photos of What Eating at Wendy’s Looked Like Back in the Day — Whether you remember eating a Frosty at the first location in Columbus, or digging into your SuperBar plate in the sun-drenched dining area as a kid, these vintage Wendy’s photos are sure to stir up some nostalgia.
