F&N Goode Chick’n Tenders Serves the Tastiest Tenders in Town

We judged five local spots by crispiness, juiciness, size, and overall flavor to help you decide which fried chicken joint serves the tastiest tenders (and jazziest sauces).
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Editor’s Note: CHX closed in October 2019, and Money Chicken closed in January 2020

Photograph by Aaron M. Conway

F&N Goode Chick’n Tenders ★★★★★
F&N’s perfectly crispy flour-based breading is so heavenly the chef won’t tell us his “proprietary blend of spices.” We won’t complain as long as he keeps serving his perfectly portioned, juicy fried chicken. Sauce of Choice: Awesome Sauce (chipotle-ranch base)
5102 Crookshank Rd., Westwood, (513) 451-3000

Photograph by Aaron M. Conway

CityBird Tenders ★★★★
Though small in size, CityBird’s tenders are mighty in flavor. The flour-based breading is less crisp than soft, but it’s perfectly spiced with paprika, cayenne, black pepper, and sugar, to name a few. And the chicken tastes just as good. Sauce of Choice: City Sauce (mayonnaise-ketchup base)
1344 Vine St., Over-the-Rhine, (513) 864-5720

Photograph by Aaron M. Conway

Fiery Hen ★★★★
If Nashville-style hot chicken is your thing, you’ll love Fiery Hen. Sizeable tenders are caked with a thick, flour-based breading (grab extra napkins; it’s on the greasy side!) and your choice of five spice levels, ranging from Yella Belly to Bless Your Heart. Level three, Commodore Caliente, is just hot enough to warm you up. Sauce of Choice: Carolina Gold
26 W. Court St., downtown, (513) 381-1107

Photograph by Aaron M. Conway

Money Chicken ★★
These tenders run standard in size and crispiness, but if you order them “without spice,” you’ll be sadly disappointed. The “with spice” tenders are tossed in a Szechuan peppercorn-and-garlic mixture, adding a much-needed dose of zest. Sauce of Choice: Spicy Honey
300 E. Seventh St., downtown, (513) 381-3590

Photograph by Aaron M. Conway

CHX ★★
The “banty” is CHX’s specialty. Neither tender nor strip, banties are boneless chicken breast pieces fried in a flour-and-cornmeal breading. The original breading could have more flavor and crispiness, but the chicken is incredibly juicy. The portion sizes aren’t bad, either. Sauce of Choice: Memphis BBQ
1211 Broadway St., Pendleton, (513) 381-2575

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