Foodgasm: Texas Chicken Habanero Honey Chicken Tenders

Ah, chicken tenders — the unofficial comfort food of our generation. And if you’ve been keeping track, you'd know that Texas Chicken's Habanero Honey Chicken Tenders were that girl when they first dropped. People were going wild. Sold out almost everywhere. And sadly, I never got to try it the first time around because it vanished faster than my motivation on a Monday morning.

But now — plot twist — they’re making a comeback this year, and of course I had to try them for myself.

The Taste Test: Meh with a Side of Disappointment

So I got myself a box, added the creamy garlic sauce (because apparently, it’s the perfect pairing), took a bite… and girl.

What is the hype even about? 😶

Don’t get me wrong, it wasn’t bad, but it wasn’t mind-blowing either. The tenders were crispy, sure. Slightly sweet with a teeny tiny kick — but I was expecting fire, or at least a bold smoky heat. What I got instead was... a bit of a sugar rush and some underwhelming garlic mayo.

Maybe it’s just me — because I like my chicken tenders HOT, SPICY, and dipped in something smoky. The Habanero Honey was more “mild sweet heat” than actual habanero-level spice. And the sauce? It felt more like a dressing for salad than a proper dip for fried chicken.

But Here's the Good News

Let’s give credit where it’s due: this tender craze kinda started with Texas Chicken. Ever since they launched these, other fast food joints hopped on the tender train — and honestly, some of them have outdone the original.

From extra crispy, to Nashville-style hot, to buttermilk brined goodness — I’ve had better chicken tenders since. So while this wasn’t a win for me, it’s still a moment in chicken history.

Final Thoughts

Was I late to the party? Yes.

Did I enjoy the tenders? Not really.

Do I regret trying it? Nope — because now I know, and now I can move on to better tenders out there. 😌

Have you guys tried the Habanero Honey Tenders yet? Are you a fan or was it just nostalgia carrying the hype? Let’s talk — I’d love to hear if it’s just me being picky or if we’re all on the same page here.