2025 is gearing up to be the year of the chicken tender as sandwiches take a backseat.Getty Images; Chelsea Jia Feng/BIChicken tenders are the new focus for fast-food chains, replacing chicken sandwiches.Chicken tenders have driven growth for chains like Chick-fil-A and Raising Cane's.KFC just launched tenders to capitalize on the growing demand.Few things evoke childhood memories, like biting into a crispy, crunchy chicken tender.