I tried Shake Shack chicken tenders (Chick’n Bites) for the first time—here’s my full review, taste test, calorie breakdown, sauces, and why they’re worth ordering.
Shake Shack Chicken Tenders – My First Chick’n Bites Experience
I’m a sucker for crispy fried chicken, so when I heard that Shake Shack chicken tenders were on the menu, I made a beeline to my nearest Shack. I expected the usual long strips, but instead, I met their Chick’n Bites—bite-sized, golden-brown pieces that looked way too good to ignore.
First Impressions of Shake Shack Chick’n Bites
When the box opened, I was hit with that warm, freshly fried smell. The hand-breaded chicken breast pieces were perfectly crispy on the outside and incredibly tender inside. No chewy processed meat—just real, juicy chicken.
They use all-natural, antibiotic-free chicken, and everything is cooked fresh-to-order. It’s a big step up from your average fast-food chicken tenders.
Shake Shack Chicken Menu (2025)
| Menu Item | Description | Price (Approx) |
|---|---|---|
| Chick’n Bites (6 pc) | Bite-sized tenders, served with 1 sauce | $5.49 |
| Chick’n Bites (10 pc) | Larger portion, served with 2 sauces | $7.99 |
| Hot Chicken Sandwich | Spicy fried chicken, slaw, pickles, and hot pepper sauce | $8.99 |
| Chicken Shack Sandwich | Crispy chicken breast, lettuce, pickles, buttermilk mayo | $8.49 |
Besides Chick’n Bites, Shake Shack offers several other chicken items:
What Makes Shake Shack Chicken Tenders Different from Regular Chicken Tenders?
| Feature | Chick’n Bites at Shake Shack | Typical Fast Food Chicken Tenders |
|---|---|---|
| Size | Bite-sized, nugget-like pieces | Longer, strip-shaped pieces |
| Quality | 100% antibiotic-free chicken | Varies (may contain fillers) |
| Cooking Method | Hand-breaded and fried | Often mass-processed |
| Sauces | Variety of gourmet-style sauces | Usually ketchup or basic dips |
| Freshness | Cooked fresh-to-order | Often pre-frozen |
Taste Test – Sauces Make the Difference
I started with honey mustard—sweet and tangy, it paired perfectly with the crunchy breading. The BBQ sauce brought a smoky depth, and the buttermilk-herb mayo was creamy and addictive.
If you’re ordering these, get at least two sauces—you’ll thank me later.
Serving Sizes & Calories And Nutrition Facts
You can get:
- 6-piece Chick’n Bites – about 300 calories
- 10-piece Chick’n Bites – about 500 calories
This doesn’t include dipping sauces, so if you’re counting calories, keep that in mind. The 6-piece is perfect as a snack, while the 10-piece is ideal for a full meal—or for sharing… if you’re feeling generous.
Why Shake Shack Doesn’t Call Them “Chicken Tenders”
While they taste just like premium chicken tenders, Shake Shack calls them Chick’n Bites because they’re smaller, chunkier, and easier to dip. It’s the same flavor and texture you’d expect from tenders—just in a more snackable format.
FAQs About Shake Shack Chicken Tenders (Chick’n Bites)
1. Are Chick’n Bites the same as chicken tenders?
Yes, just bite-sized instead of long strips.
2. How many calories do they have?
Roughly 300 for a 6-piece and 500 for a 10-piece.
3. Are they made fresh?
Yes—hand-breaded and cooked fresh for every order.
4. What sauces can I choose from?
Honey mustard, BBQ, and buttermilk-herb mayo are standard favorites.
5. Are they gluten-free?
No, the breading contains gluten.
6. Do they have allergens?
They may be prepared in a shared kitchen, so check with staff.
Most locations have them, but some smaller or special locations might not.
Final Verdict – Are Shake Shack Chicken Tenders Worth It?
Absolutely. From the crispy coating to the juicy, all-natural chicken, Shake Shack’s Chick’n Bites deliver on flavor, freshness, and quality. Whether you call them chicken tenders or not, they’re one of the best fast-casual chicken options I’ve tried.
