The Chicken Tender Spot People Drive Miles for in Illinois

Business Insider just ran a taste test of chicken tenders from 14 different fast-food chains and handed the top prize to Raising Cane's. I'm not shocked, as Cane's is super popular here in Rockford, as it is in many other states. Their tenders are thick, crispy, and juicy. The sauce, though, has that tangy kick that fans go nuts over.

Raising Cane’s Takes the Crown

The Canes hype is real, too. If you've been out in the Forest City for the past year or so, you know all about it. When the city's first location opened earlier this year, the drive-thru appeared to be hosting a Black Friday sale.

READ MORE: People Drive From All Over Illinois For This Drool-Worthy Fried Chicken

Rockford’s Cane’s Craze

Months later, the buzz has cooled, but the place is still busy. When you charge $12 for a three-finger combo with toast, fries, and a drink, it could be considered a decent value if you're the type for a safe bet. For me, it's fine. Solid. Overall, though, I prefer Cane's sauce to the chicken.

Business Insider raved about the sauce too, saying "it paired perfectly with the chicken and was unlike any other sauce I've ever tried."

The Secret Sauce Debate

While I do enjoy the Cane's sauce at Raising Cane's there's nothing better than dunking some Chicken George into a vat of Jan's Sauce. For that stuff, you'll need to head to Rock Falls and stop at the Candlelight Inn. Cane's is good, but Candlelight is the place people drive out of the way for.

READ MORE: Local Rockford Chicken Joint Deliciously Shades Raising Cane’s

Where’s the Best Chicken Tender in Rockford?

If you had to pick the best place for chicken tenders in the Rockford area, where would you go?