If you're looking for a quick after-school snack, you can't beat chicken tenders. They offer substance to satisfy and cost less than a burger. Where do you go for the best in town?

DAILY Photo by John Godbey Drew Smalley relies on his taste buds to find quality chicken tenders.

We left this question up to six DECATUR DAILY Teen Board members, who sampled chicken from five fast-food restaurants in search of the tastiest tenders at the best price.

We blindfolded panel members to avoid bias toward a favorite restaurant and gave them water after sampling each piece of chicken. Teens rated chicken for taste, texture, crispiness, greasiness, seasoning and aftertaste.

The panel gave Sonic's Popcorn Chicken an F. The meat was tender, but the coating ruined the taste, the panel agreed. The breading was crispy on the outside and soft on the inside, Lawrence County High School junior Karen Baggett said.

"It tastes doughy, like it's not cooked enough," Karen said.

Decatur High School sophomore Drew Smalley didn't like the strong seasoning.

"It tastes too salty," Drew said. "You want something to drink after this."

Lawrence County High School junior McKenzie Armstrong found the chicken "way too grease-infested," so much so that it tasted "like a gross chemical." Priceville High School sophomore Kayla Lowery grimaced at the "plastic-like" taste it left in her mouth.

A snack size of Sonic's Popcorn Chicken costs only $2.19, but teens said it wasn't worth the price.

Burger King's Chicken Tenders trailed with a D-minus. Teens didn't like the texture or taste.

"It wasn't like real chicken at all," McKenzie said. "It was rubbery."

The chicken wasn't greasy, but it seemed processed, said Karen, who gave the tenders a low rating.

"It was gross," she said. "It tasted like a sausage ball, like it had cheese in it."

Burger King's tenders were the cheapest ($1.19 for a 5-piece box), but panel members said they would rather spend a few dollars for better-tasting chicken.

"Use your $1.19 for something else," Kayla advised. "It tastes fake."

Kentucky Fried Chicken's Crispy Strips lived up to their name, but they were too crispy for most teens' taste, earning a C-minus.

"They were hard and crunchy," Karen said.

McKenzie gave the strips points for their spicy seasoning, but didn't like their dry, overcooked taste. She enjoyed the aftertaste more than the chicken. The price, $2.99 for a generous 3-piece box, wasn't bad, the panel agreed.

"While the chicken wasn't the best in town, it wasn't bad for the quantity," said Decatur Heritage Christian Academy sophomore Ashley Pentecost.

Chick-fil-A's Chick-n-Strips finished second with a B. Teens liked the juicy texture of the strips, but were conflicted about the taste. McKenzie described them as "flavorful" with just enough crispiness, while Ashley was turned off by the "strong aftertaste of pickles and onions."

Karen compared the strips to the chicken-on-a-stick band boosters serve during football games.

"It's a little greasy, but I like the pickle flavoring," said Karen.

Most found the price — $2.55 for a 4-piece box — reasonable.

McDonald's new Chicken Selects Premium Breast Strips won surprising favor among the panel. Teens gave the strips an A-plus and high marks for texture, taste and seasoning.

"It was tender and juicy with an even crispiness and not too much grease," McKenzie said.

Drew liked the subtle, peppery seasoning.

"It has a true chicken flavor with few spices, which is a plus," Drew said.

Lauren raved after the good aftertaste, which "leaves you wanting more."

"I was totally surprised that it was McDonald's," she said.

Some panel members thought that the cost — $2.90 for a small, 3-piece box — was a little pricey, but most agreed it was the best bargain for the quality of chicken they sampled.

"It's definitely a good choice for a lunch break," McKenzie said.

— Emily McMackin

TeenFRONT Editor

emcmackin@decaturdaily.com

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