Guess what? Wendy’s is jumping into the chicken strip game—just like McDonald’s did with its McCrispy Strips. It is launching chicken tenders in the fourth quarter of 2025. That means by October through December, you should be able to order them at a nearby Wendy’s. This is part of the brand’s big plan to simplify its menu and give you what you want—crispy chicken and fresh drinks.
Why is Wendy’s following McDonald’s playbook now?
Here’s what’s going on behind the scenes. Wendy’s saw its sales dip—especially in the U.S., where same-store sales were down about 3.6% in the second quarter. The interim CEO, Ken Cook, said that offering too many promotions at once—streaming deals, breakfast bundles, digital collabs—created way too much confusion. He put it plainly: “This summer, we learned when we have too many priorities, we have none.”
So now, Wendy’s is refocusing. They want to keep things simple and exciting again—chicken tenders and drinks is the new focus heading into the holiday season.
What will the new chicken tenders be like?
According to Cook, these won’t be just run-of-the-mill tenders. They are “crafted using the highest quality ingredients, including 100 % white meat coated in light, crispy, and flavorful breading.” Those are strong words—and early social media buzz agrees. People who’ve spotted the tenders in test markets are saying they look “much crispier and crunchier” than McDonald’s strips, even reminding them of the good-old chicken selects. So, expect a juicy strip that snaps when you bite into it—if early reactions are anything to go by.
What about sauces?
Because every good chicken needs a great sauce, Wendy’s is rolling out six new varieties to go alongside the tenders. One of them is a sweet chili flavor, and there is also a new Wendy’s signature sauce that has a “tangy kick.” Cook believes these pair well with the chicken and will help make it a craveable hit.
Will new drinks join the party too?
Yes, they will. Wendy’s is also shaking up its beverage game—because they know breakfast and mid-day snacks often hinge on drinks. They are adding:
- Cold brew coffee with cold foam,
- Sparkling energy drinks in Pineapple Citrus and Cherry Limeade flavors.
You will get these via Coke Freestyle machines, which makes roll-out easier in busy spots. The energy drink segment is booming—it’s up 50% year-over-year, and Wendy’s wants in on that growth.
