As a New Times contributor, I'm getting to do what I was put on this planet to do: crank out drool-worthy lists (check out New Times' 11 Best Hot Dogs in Miami: Ranked). One thing about my lists is that I have single-handedly eaten my way through each spot, and when it comes to chicken tenders, it's no different. Every place on this list was personally tasted by yours truly, including the joints that claim to make their own tendies. (Pro tip: don't go by the menu — always ask your server if they're freshly made. I want to think they won't lie to your face. Then again, this is Miami.)
In order to nail down the top eight chicken tenders, I considered this: if it's boneless, long-ish, and fried (or grilled, if they pulled it off), it counts. Yes, "tenders" technically means tenderloin, while "fingers" and "strips" are usually breast meat, but I'm not here to be a poultry snob. I'm here for crunch. Chains like BurgerFi, Carl’s Jr., Flanny’s, Miller’s Ale House, and Raising Cane's all have a place in my heart, but I had to narrow it down. As for Publix, their tenders shine in a Pub Sub, but eaten solo? Pass. However, an honorable mention goes to Emmy Squared's "Chicken Crunchers" in Coral Gables — good enough for a shoutout, not quite good enough for the final cut.
Without further ado, your assignment is to try all eight of these Miami tenders before my next list drops.
Are You Hungry Grill Restaurant
12486 SW Eighth St., Miami305-200-5168
areyouhungrygrill.comAre You Hungry Grill's chicken fingers are hand-breaded to order and served with a must-try honey mustard dipping sauce. They're available tossed in any of the wing sauces, but the crispy breading and well-seasoned chicken shine best without distractions. There's no gimmick here, just solid, straightforward fingers made the right way, fresh and hot.
Bro's Hot Chicken
936 SW 67th Ave., Miami786-307-3159
broshotchicken.com
Bro's Hot Chicken specializes in jumbo Nashville-style tenders, crispy and full of flavor. Guests choose from heat levels ranging from mild to extra hot. The "fuego" version even requires a waiver. While the heat seekers will find plenty to love, the real star is the tender, juicy chicken, which holds up well and doesn't require the heat to be enjoyed.
Chefs on the Run
10 E. Mowry Dr., Homestead305-245-0085
chefsontheruninhomestead.comAt Chefs on the Run, the "Habanero Chicken" sits somewhere between a nugget and a tender, but its inclusion on this list was a must. The buttery habanero sauce adds just the right amount of heat without overpowering the juicy chicken. A side of blue cheese mousse balances the dish, while a lime ranch option is now available, giving fans of tangy flavors something extra.
El Pub Restaurant
1548 SW Eighth St., Miami305-642-9942
elpubrestaurant.comEl Pub Restaurant will surprise you with "Pollitos y Flan," a breakfast-only dish pairing panko-breaded chicken fingers around a flan. The caramel from the flan acts as a built-in dipping sauce, making this sweet-and-savory combo unexpectedly addictive. It's an interesting twist on two comfort food classics, and one you won't find anywhere else in Miami.
Hook, Fish, and Chicken
15850 NW 27th Ave., Miami Gardens305-430–9395
hooksfishandchicken.comHook Fish and Chicken might be known for its lemon pepper wings, but the lemon pepper chicken tenders steal the show. These hand-breaded tendies are juicy, full of citrusy zing, and dusted in that signature seasoning. The result is finger food that doesn't need sauce and probably shouldn't be shared, even with your favorite person; you'll want them all to yourself.
Huey Magoos
14967 S. Dixie Hwy, Palmetto Bay786-785-1855
hueymagoos.comHuey Magoo's has built its reputation around serving fresh, hand-breaded chicken tenders that are never frozen, earning the nickname the "Filet Mignon of Chicken Tenders." Their tenders can be ordered grilled or fried and pair perfectly with a lineup of signature Magoo's dipping sauces that are easy to fall in love with. With locations mainly across the Southeast and now finally in Miami, Huey Magoo's has become a destination for chicken tender purists who value quality over gimmicks.
Joanna's Marketplace
8247 S. Dixie Hwy., Miami305-661-5777
joannasmarketplace.comJoanna's Marketplace offers parmesan-crusted chicken tenders that lean more Italian deli than fast food. While ranch dressing is available, marinara is the way to go. If you're hungrier, their chicken cordon bleu tender sub with honey mustard drizzle is where it's at. This is the kind of comfort food that feels homemade, in the best way.
The Side Chick Food Truck
6776 SW 117th Ave., Miami305-565-9376
instagram.com/thesidechick_miaThe Side Chick food truck serves its tender box with three massive chicken tenders tossed in a rub or sauce. The dry-rub hot version packs serious heat, balanced by the tangy "Wifey" dipping sauce. Don't skip out on the standout hot honey sauce; bottle it already.
