Not everyone visits a seafood restaurant for seafood — and Captain D’s knows that. Their 5 Piece Chicken Meal is built for exactly that customer: five crispy breaded chicken tenders, two sides, and a hush puppy, all for $12.89 and 900 calories.
In this guide, I’ll cover everything you need before ordering — the ingredients, the full nutrition facts, the allergen breakdown, and how this meal compares to chicken tender combos at dedicated chicken chains. If you’ve ever wondered whether a seafood chain’s chicken meal can actually compete with the specialists, this is the deep dive you’re looking for.
What Is the 5 Piece Chicken Meal?
The 5 Piece Chicken Meal is Captain D’s answer to customers who want a non-seafood option without sacrificing the sides and hush puppy that make a Captain D’s meal feel complete. It’s a straightforward, comfort-food plate built around crispy breaded chicken tenders.
The full meal includes:
Five crispy breaded chicken tenders
Choice of two sides
A serving of hush puppies
This makes it one of the more filling non-seafood options on the Captain D’s menu, appealing to families, picky eaters, or anyone simply craving fried chicken tenders instead of fish.
Why This Meal Works for Non-Seafood Eaters
A true chicken tender combo — Five full tenders is a generous portion for a fast-casual meal.
Same great sides — You still get access to Captain D’s full lineup of classic sides.
Hush puppy included — The signature Southern touch carries over even to the chicken meal.
Family-friendly — A safe, familiar option for kids or guests who don’t eat seafood.
Ingredients
Here’s what typically goes into this dish, based on Captain D’s standard preparation for their breaded chicken tenders:
Ingredient
Purpose
Chicken tenderloins (five pieces)
Primary protein
Breading/batter coating
Creates the signature crispy crust
Seasoning blend (salt, pepper, spices)
Base flavor on the breading
Frying oil
Used to cook the chicken tenders
Cornmeal-based batter (hush puppies)
Base of the hush puppy fritters
Note: Exact ingredient sourcing and formulations can change by region and over time. Always check Captain D’s official ingredient list in-app or in-store, especially if you have food sensitivities.
Nutrition Facts
At 900 calories, this is one of the higher-calorie meals on the Captain D’s menu, reflecting the fully fried preparation of both the chicken and the hush puppy.
Nutrient
Approximate Amount (Full Meal)
Calories
900
Total Fat
45–55g
Saturated Fat
8–11g
Cholesterol
120–150mg
Sodium
2,000–2,400mg
Total Carbohydrates
75–90g
Dietary Fiber
4–6g
Sugars
4–6g
Protein
40–48g
Important: These figures reflect general, publicly reported ranges for this style of fried chicken tender preparation and are meant as a helpful starting point — not an exact substitute for the restaurant’s official nutrition sheet. Full Captain D’s nutrition values can shift with recipe updates, so always confirm current numbers on Captain D’s official website or app before making dietary decisions.
Component Breakdown Estimate
Component
Estimated Calorie Contribution
Chicken Tenders (5 pieces)
400–450
Side 1 (varies)
100–250
Side 2 (varies)
100–250
Hush Puppy
60–80
Total Meal (Target)
~900
Just like the seafood meals, your side selection plays a big role here. Choosing green beans and rice keeps the meal on the lower end, while fries and coleslaw push it toward the top.
Allergen Information
Since this is a fried chicken tender meal, allergen considerations are somewhat simpler than the seafood options, but still important to review.
Allergen Category
Present?
Notes
Fish/Shellfish
No (direct ingredient)
Chicken-based meal, though cross-contact is possible in a shared seafood kitchen
Wheat/Gluten
Yes
Present in the chicken breading and hush puppies
Dairy
Possible
Depending on breading and buttermilk-style marinade
Soy
Possible
Common in seasoning and breading blends
Eggs
Possible
May be used in batter or hush puppy mix
Tree Nuts/Peanuts
Unlikely
Not a standard ingredient
Cross-contact risk is worth noting: because Captain D’s is primarily a seafood restaurant, chicken tenders may be prepared using shared fryers or equipment also used for fish and shrimp. If you have a fish or shellfish allergy, ask staff whether dedicated equipment is used before ordering.
Taste and Texture: What to Actually Expect
Captain D’s chicken tenders are built to deliver the classic fried chicken tender experience:
Texture: Crispy, golden breading on the outside with tender, juicy chicken inside.
Flavor: Savory and lightly seasoned — familiar, crowd-pleasing flavor rather than anything bold or spicy.
Portion: Five tenders is a generous serving, making this one of the heartier options on the menu.
If you’ve had chicken tenders at any quick-service chain, this will feel immediately familiar — Captain D’s isn’t reinventing the format, just executing a reliable, satisfying version of it.
Sides and Hush Puppies: Rounding Out the Plate
Two sides come standard with this meal, typically pulled from Captain D’s rotating list:
Green beans
Rice
Coleslaw
Baked potato
French fries
Corn
Side salad
The hush puppy — Captain D’s signature Southern-style cornmeal fritter — is included here too, giving the chicken meal the same comforting, Southern-inspired finish as their seafood plates.
Pro tip: Since the chicken tenders are already fried, pairing them with a non-fried side like green beans or a side salad helps balance out the meal’s overall fat and calorie load.
Captain D’s Chicken Meal vs. The Competition
Let’s see how this stacks up against chicken tender combos from dedicated chicken chains and other quick-service competitors.
Feature
Captain D’s 5 Piece Chicken Meal
Zaxby’s/Raising Cane’s Style Combo
Popeyes Tenders Combo
Calories (full meal)
~900
Often 700–1,000+
Frequently 800–1,100
Tender count
5 pieces
Typically 3–5 pieces
Typically 3 pieces
Price
$12.89
Often $9–$13
Varies, often $9–$12
Sides included
2 sides + hush puppy
Typically 1–2 sides + sauce
Varies, often extra cost
Specialty item
Hush puppy
Toast or fries
Biscuit (extra)
Takeaway: Captain D’s chicken meal holds its own against dedicated chicken chains, particularly with the inclusion of two full sides and a hush puppy. The tender count and portion size are competitive, even if Captain D’s isn’t a chicken specialist.
Is the 5 Piece Chicken Meal Healthy?
This is one of the more indulgent options on the Captain D’s menu, and it’s worth being upfront about that:
High calorie and fat content — At 900 calories with 45-55g of fat, this is comparable to or slightly higher than many competitor chicken tender combos.
Strong protein content — Roughly 40-48g of protein makes this a filling, protein-forward meal despite the higher calorie count.
Sodium is a significant factor — Between the breaded chicken, hush puppy, and sides, sodium can approach or exceed 2,000mg, which matters if you’re managing sodium intake.
Best treated as an occasional indulgence — If you’re specifically looking for a lighter option from Captain D’s, the baked Country-Style Garlic & Herb White Fish Meal is a considerably lighter alternative.
That said, for anyone craving classic, satisfying fried chicken tenders, this meal delivers a genuinely competitive option, even coming from a seafood-focused chain.
Tips for Ordering a Slightly Lighter Version
Choose non-fried sides like green beans, rice, or a side salad to offset the fried chicken tenders.
Go light on dipping sauces — ranch, honey mustard, and other dips can add meaningful calories quickly.
Split the hush puppy or share a portion of the tenders if you’re managing total calorie intake.
Check the app for updated nutrition info before ordering, since menu items and prep methods occasionally change by location.
Price and Value: Is $12.89 a Good Deal?
At $12.89, this meal sits at a higher price point than some fast-food chicken tender combos, but it comes with a few things that help justify the cost:
Five full chicken tenders (a larger portion than many competitors)
Two full sides, not just one
A hush puppy included at no extra cost
Compared to dedicated chicken chains, where five tenders plus two sides can sometimes cost more once you add sides and sauces separately, Captain D’s pricing here is competitive — even if it’s not the cheapest tender option on the market.
FAQs
1. How many calories are in the Captain D’s 5 Piece Chicken Meal?
The full meal comes in at 900 calories, including five crispy breaded chicken tenders, two sides, and a hush puppy.
2. Are the chicken tenders fried?
Yes. The chicken tenders are breaded and fried, giving them their signature crispy texture.
3. How many chicken tenders come with this meal?
Five crispy breaded chicken tenders are included as part of the standard meal.
4. Does this meal contain any seafood?
No, the chicken tenders themselves are not a seafood product, though cross-contact is possible since Captain D’s also prepares fish and shrimp in the same kitchen.
5. Is this meal gluten-free?
No. The chicken breading and hush puppy typically contain wheat, so this meal is not gluten-free.
6. What allergens are present in this meal?
Wheat/gluten is present in the breading and hush puppy, with possible dairy, soy, and egg content depending on preparation. Cross-contact with fish or shellfish is also possible due to shared kitchen equipment.
7. How much does the meal cost?
It’s priced at $12.89, which includes five chicken tenders, two sides, and a hush puppy.
8. What sides come with the meal?
Two sides of your choice, which may include green beans, rice, coleslaw, fries, baked potato, corn, or a side salad, depending on availability.
9. Is this a healthy option compared to Captain D’s seafood meals?
It’s higher in calories and fat than the baked “Country-Style” garlic and herb fish meal, since the chicken tenders are fully fried, but it offers a strong protein count for those prioritizing protein intake.
10. Can I customize the sides to make the meal lower calorie?
Yes. Choosing green beans, rice, or a side salad instead of fries or coleslaw will help keep the total calorie count lower.
11. Is the hush puppy included automatically, or is it optional?
It’s included as part of the standard meal at no extra charge.
12. How does this compare to chicken tender combos at dedicated chicken chains?
Captain D’s offers a comparable or larger tender portion along with two full sides and a hush puppy, making it competitive with — and in some cases better value than — dedicated chicken chains.
13. Are the chicken tenders seasoned or plain breaded?
They feature a classic seasoned breading rather than a specialty spice blend, delivering a familiar, crowd-pleasing flavor.
14. Is this meal a good option for kids or picky eaters?
Yes — it’s one of the more approachable, familiar options on the Captain D’s menu for guests who don’t want seafood.
15. Is this meal good for high-protein diets?
Yes — with roughly 40-48g of protein across the five tenders, it’s a strong option for protein-focused eating, though it comes with a notably higher calorie and fat count than lighter menu items.
16. Can I order a smaller portion of chicken tenders?
Availability of smaller portions can vary by location — check with your local Captain D’s or the app for alternative tender-count options.
17. Does Captain D’s offer this meal at all locations?
Menu availability can vary by region and location, so it’s a good idea to check your local Captain D’s menu or app before visiting.
Final Verdict
If you’re at Captain D’s with someone who doesn’t eat seafood — or you’re simply craving classic crispy breaded chicken tenders — the 5 Piece Chicken Meal delivers a satisfying, filling plate that holds its own against dedicated chicken chains. At $12.89 for 900 calories’ worth of chicken, two sides, and a hush puppy, it’s a solid, if indulgent, choice on the Captain D’s menu.
Just remember: nutrition and allergen details can shift over time, so always double-check current information through Captain D’s official app or website before making decisions based on strict dietary needs — especially if cross-contact with seafood is a concern for you.
