Drawing in Younger Eaters with Nuggs and Tendies
Chicken nuggets, tenders, and strips have a unique ability to connect with diners of all ages. For adults, they’re a nostalgic comfort; for kids and teens, they’re fun, familiar favorites with playful nicknames like “nuggs” and “tendies.” By featuring these beloved chicken options, restaurants can capture the attention of Gen Alpha and Gen Z while creating more opportunities for family dining.
Why “Nuggs” and “Tendies” Are Always Trending
Thanks to the familiarity of nuggets and tenders, they’re menu mainstays across all foodservice segments in every geographic region. Children are introduced to these snackable chicken options on kids’ menus and in school lunches, and they hold on for life. Tenders are a go-to choice in university dining, nuggets are readily available as adult-sized fast food meals, and chicken strips can even be found on Mexican or Asian restaurant menus as a shareable appetizer.
Although nuggets and tenders have been around for decades, they remain so frequently mentioned that today’s eaters give them playful nicknames to fit into online conversations. The term “chicky nuggies” gained popularity via memes in the early 2020s,1 and “tendies” became a common way to refer to tenders on platforms like TikTok.2 The fun nicknames have made their way into the mainstream too. Fast food giant Wendy’s has permanently added “nuggs” as a menu item, and the word “nuggies” is now officially included in Dictionary.com.3
Another reason nuggets and tenders stay popular is their versatility. Their comfort and familiarity make them excellent vessels for trying trendy new flavors. If a guest is hesitant to order something like Nashville hot or Korean fried chicken, operators can apply the flavor to tenders or nuggets to create an exciting yet approachable option. These bold new takes on snackable chicken often turn into social media challenges that keep chicken nuggets, tenders, and strips in constant rotation on consumers’ feeds.Young Diners Influence Where Families Eat
When it comes to food-away-from-home, young generations have a lot of influence on choosing where to eat. This often comes down to four key factors:
1. Pickiness
Parents know that when a child loves a certain food, it can be nearly impossible to convince them to try something new. Familiar options like chicken nuggets become an easy win for families seeking an easy pleasing meal.
2. Flavor Trends
Spicy and “swicy” (sweet + spicy) flavors are growing in popularity among younger diners,4 and fun add-ons like dipping sauces are always a hit.
3. Playful Presentations
Unique shapes, vibrant packaging, and creative presentations—like mini chicken sliders or themed chicken nuggets—keep kids engaged and make meals more memorable.
4. Parents' Preferences
Today’s health‑conscious parents are driving demand for quality ingredients,5 like gluten free and natural options. Restaurants that offer these options are likely to earn loyalty.
Get in on the Trend with No-Fuss Chicken
The versatility of these chicken formats makes them ideal for fast-paced kitchens. By bringing in just one or two different styles, you can offer several different kid-friendly menu items. For example, one type of chicken nugget can be repurposed into wraps, quesadillas, and rice or noodle bowls.
Some menu ideas to get you started:
- Kid-friendly versions of adult meals, like chicken nugget Parmesan
- A “dipping flight” with sauces to pair with nuggets or tenders
- Shareable baskets with a mix of nuggets, tenders, and fries
- Spicy nugget bowls with bold sauces and fresh veggies for Gen Z
- Mini chicken sliders with unique toppings like pickled onions or chipotle aioli
- Incorporate teriyaki, tikka masala, or chimichurri for a modern twist
Ready to cater to young diners and their families? Try these:
Spicy, Glazed Fiery Fingers® Strips
Zoo Crew™ Animal-Shaped Nuggets
A Safe Bet for Your Menu That Never Goes Out of Style
As trends continue to evolve, one thing stays the same: young diners love chicken. By combining timeless favorites with bold flavors and creative builds, you can tap into a reliable category that keeps families coming back. Adding versatile chicken formats to the menu is an easy way to stay relevant, boost engagement, and meet your guests where their cravings are.
1 Know Your Meme, 2021
2 TikTok User Data
3 Dictionary.com
4 Mashed, 2023
5 The Food Institute, 2024
2 TikTok User Data
3 Dictionary.com
4 Mashed, 2023
5 The Food Institute, 2024
