Denny’s Premium Chicken Tenders have been a steady menu item for years — and there’s a good reason people keep ordering them. They show up on the starter menu, on the dinner menu, and even in a kids’ version. That’s a lot of ground for one dish.
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But before you order, it helps to know what you’re actually getting — the real price, the real calorie count, and whether it’s worth it for what you pay.
So here’s everything laid out clearly.
Denny’s Premium Chicken Tenders Price – What You’ll Actually Pay
The Denny’s Premium Chicken Tenders price depends on which version you order. There are three ways this dish appears on the menu, and they’re priced differently.
| Menu Version | Price (Approx.) |
|---|---|
| Premium Chicken Tenders (Starter) | $9.39 |
| Premium Chicken Tenders Dinner | $13.99 |
| Jr. Premium Chicken Tenders (Kids) | $6.69 |
The starter version gives you five golden-fried tenders with your choice of dipping sauce. That’s the one most people think of when they hear the name.
The dinner version is a bigger meal — same tenders, but served with two sides. That’s where the price jumps to around $13.99.
And the Jr. version is sized for kids (two tenders), priced at around $6.69.
One thing worth knowing: Denny’s prices can vary by location. A franchise in a high-cost city like San Francisco or New York will likely charge more than one in a small town in the Midwest. So treat these as a solid average, not a guarantee.
What Do You Get in an Order?
This part is easy to miss if you just skim the menu.
The standard starter order comes with five chicken tenders. They’re breaded and fried, with a crispy outside and juicy inside. Denny’s describes them as “golden-fried,” which is accurate — they come out with a light, crunchy breading, not overly thick or greasy when fresh.
You also get your choice of dipping sauce. The usual options include:
- Honey mustard
- Ranch
- BBQ sauce
Honey mustard is the most popular pick, and honestly, it works well with the flavor of the breading.
The dinner version adds two sides. Common choices include seasoned fries, onion rings, broccoli, or a garden salad. If you’re watching calories, broccoli or the salad is the smarter move (more on that in the nutrition section below).
Denny’s Premium Chicken Tenders Calories – The Full Picture
Here’s where people sometimes get caught off guard.
The starter order (5 tenders) has 680 calories. That’s just the tenders alone — no sauce, no sides.
When you add a side like seasoned fries or onion rings, you’re looking at a total that can easily push past 1,000 calories for the full plate. The dinner version, depending on your side choices, ranges anywhere from 1,030 to 1,950 calories total.
That’s a wide range. The lower end is if you choose something like steamed broccoli. The higher end is if you add fries and onion rings. Most people land somewhere in the middle.
Full Nutrition Facts – Premium Chicken Tenders (5 Tenders, Starter)
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | 680 |
| Total Fat | 40g |
| Saturated Fat | 5g |
| Trans Fat | 0g |
| Cholesterol | 100mg |
| Sodium | 2,520mg |
| Total Carbohydrates | 38g |
| Dietary Fiber | 3g |
| Sugars | 0g |
| Protein | 45g |
A few things stand out here.
The protein is genuinely good. 45 grams of protein in one dish is solid — that’s close to what you’d need for an entire day if you’re active. That’s one reason these tenders are filling.
The sodium is the real concern. 2,520mg is over 100% of the recommended daily intake for sodium. That’s a lot. People with high blood pressure or heart concerns should take that seriously. Even if you’re not watching sodium closely, it’s good to know.
The fat is also high — 40 grams, with 52% of total calories coming from fat. That’s typical for fried food, but it adds up fast if you’re also having a milkshake or a heavy side.
Jr. Premium Chicken Tenders – Nutrition (Kids Version)
The kids’ version is 2 tenders, and the numbers drop considerably:
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | 270 |
| Total Fat | 16g |
| Sodium | 1,000mg |
| Carbohydrates | 15g |
| Protein | 18g |
Still pretty high in sodium for a kids’ meal, honestly. But the calories are much more manageable. If you’re ordering this for a child, pairing it with fruit instead of fries makes a real difference.
Are the Chicken Tenders Actually Good?
Honest answer: yes, but with some caveats.
When they’re fresh out of the fryer, these tenders are genuinely good. The breading has a nice crunch, the chicken inside is moist, and the portion is generous for the price. Five tenders for under $10 as a starter is hard to argue with at a sit-down diner.
The problem some people run into is inconsistency. At a busy Denny’s on a Saturday night, you might wait a bit longer, and food that sits under a heat lamp starts to lose that crunch pretty fast. If you get them right away and eat them while they’re hot, it’s a solid experience.
One thing that surprised me the first time I paid closer attention — the seasoning on the breading is actually pretty decent. It’s not just plain breaded chicken. There’s a slight savory flavor in the crust that makes them better than a lot of basic chicken tenders at other chains.
That said, they’re not gourmet. This is comfort food at a diner price point. Expect that and you won’t be disappointed.
Denny’s Premium Chicken Tenders vs. Other Diner Chains
A quick comparison is helpful here.
| Item | Restaurant | Price (Approx.) | Calories |
|---|---|---|---|
| Premium Chicken Tenders | Denny’s | $9.39 | 680 |
| Chicken Tenders Platter | IHOP | ~$11.99 | ~700–800 |
| Chicken Tenders | Applebee’s | ~$12.99 | ~750+ |
Denny’s comes in cheaper than most sit-down competitors for a similar portion. If you’re comparing on pure value, the price-to-portion ratio at Denny’s is pretty strong.
The calorie range is comparable across all of them — fried chicken tenders are fried chicken tenders. There’s no magic lower-calorie option at the competition.
How to Make This Meal a Bit Healthier
Most people aren’t going to Denny’s for a diet meal, and that’s fine. But if you’re trying to be a little smarter about what you eat without giving up your order entirely, here are some practical adjustments:
Choose a lighter side. The tenders themselves already carry most of the calorie load. Swapping fries for steamed broccoli saves you 200–350 calories right there.
Go easy on the dipping sauce. Ranch dressing adds calories fast. Honey mustard is usually a better bet in terms of calories per tablespoon. Or just use a little of whatever you like.
Split the order. Five tenders shared between two people, plus a couple of sides, makes a completely reasonable meal for both. A lot of people order one starter portion to share before a main.
Order the Jr. version. If you’re not that hungry or just want something light, the kids’ tenders (you can usually order from the kids’ menu as an adult at Denny’s) are a surprisingly practical option.
Allergen Info – What to Know Before You Order
The chicken tenders at Denny’s contain wheat in the breading. That means they are not gluten-free.
For anyone with celiac disease or a serious gluten sensitivity, these aren’t a safe choice. Denny’s doesn’t have a dedicated gluten-free fryer, so cross-contamination is also a real risk even if you asked for something else.
The tenders may also contain soy, depending on the frying oil used. It’s always worth asking your server if you have specific food allergies — Denny’s staff are generally willing to check with the kitchen.
No dairy in the tenders themselves, but the dipping sauces (especially ranch) typically contain dairy.
Best Ways to Order Denny’s Premium Chicken Tenders
A few ordering tips that actually make a difference:
Order as a starter, not a dinner, if you’re also getting an entree. Five tenders is a lot of food. If you’re planning a full meal after, you may not finish both. The starter portion makes more sense for a shared table.
Ask for sauce on the side. This is basic, but some people forget. If you get sauce poured on top, the tenders lose their crunch fast. Dipping keeps them crunchier longer.
Order early during a rush. If the restaurant is packed, food can sit waiting for other dishes at the table. Tenders go from great to just okay pretty quickly once they cool down. Timing matters.
Denny’s Premium Chicken Tenders – Quick Summary
- Starter price: ~$9.39 for 5 tenders
- Dinner price: ~$13.99 with two sides
- Kids’ price: ~$6.69 for 2 tenders
- Calories (starter): 680
- Calories (dinner, with sides): 1,030–1,950
- Protein: 45g per starter serving
- Sodium: 2,520mg — high, worth noting
- Contains gluten — not safe for celiac
- Sauce choices: Honey mustard, ranch, BBQ
Read More: Denny’s Berry Waffle Slam Price, Calories, Nutrition and Meal Details In 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
How many chicken tenders come in a Denny’s order?
The standard starter order comes with five tenders. The dinner version also gives you five tenders but adds two sides. The kids’ Jr. version comes with two tenders.
What is the price of Denny’s Premium Chicken Tenders?
As a starter, the price is around $9.39. The dinner version is around $13.99. Prices can vary by location.
How many calories are in Denny’s Premium Chicken Tenders?
The starter order (5 tenders) has 680 calories. The full dinner can range from 1,030 to 1,950 calories depending on your side choices.
Are Denny’s chicken tenders gluten-free?
No. The breading contains wheat, making them unsuitable for people with celiac disease or gluten intolerance.
What dipping sauces does Denny’s offer with the chicken tenders?
The most common options are honey mustard, ranch, and BBQ sauce. Availability can vary slightly by location.
