Slideshow: Chomping down on chicken innovation

KANSAS CITY — Foodservice operators continue to experiment with chicken-focused menu items through new formats and flavors.

Southern restaurant chain Zaxbys has expanded its handheld offerings with a line of chicken wraps. Each Zaxbys giant chicken finger wrap features three chicken strips, a flour tortilla, mixed greens, carrots and red cabbage. Varieties include chicken bacon ranch, with smoked bacon, cheddar jack cheese, cucumber, tomatoes and ranch; Buffalo blue, with blue cheese, tomatoes, Buffalo garlic blaze sauce and ranch sauce; and Asian zensation, with wonton strips, Asian slaw and a drizzle of teriyaki sauce.

Chili’s Grill & Bar is adding to its 3 For Me deal platform with the big crispy chicken sandwich. Featuring chicken breast with mayonnaise, pickles and a toasted bun, the chicken sandwich is available in original, spicy, honey chipotle, Nashville hot, Buffalo and deluxe varieties.

“Over the past few years, we’ve exposed the fast food shrinkflation by serving our massive burgers in the industry-leading $10.99 3 For Me meal for a value that can’t be found in the drive-thru,” said George Felix, chief marketing officer at Chili’s. “Now, we’re setting our sights on fast food chicken sandwiches, offering our gigantic big crispy and spicy big crispy chicken sandwiches in the same 3 For Me value meal.”

Bojangles has introduced Bo’s chicken rippers, a line of chicken sliders. The item combines the company’s Bo bites, a line of chicken nuggets launched in 2024, with potato rolls and a variety of dipping sauces.