Best and Worst Fast Food Chicken Sandwiches, Ranked
After Popeyes set off the frenzy in 2019, nearly every fast food chain joined the fight with their own version of a golden, crispy handheld. Some nailed it. Others, not so much. We’ve compiled how these 15 popular picks stack up.
15. Jack in the Box Chicken Sandwich
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Dry bun, limp lettuce, and thin, rubbery chicken: that’s the trifecta here. It’s the kind of sandwich that tastes like it was built in a rush and left under a heat lamp too long. Even die-hard Jack fans might struggle to defend this one.
14. Culver’s Crispy Chicken Sandwich
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Despite a nice crunch on the outside, the meat inside is dry and bland. Even worse, the toppings feel like afterthoughts with limp lettuce, tomato, and pickles. For a place known for ButterBurgers, this item feels like the awkward guest at a party, especially with a $7 price tag.
13. Dairy Queen Chicken Sandwich
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Dairy Queen’s sandwich makes a solid case for sticking to soft serve. There’s a weirdly dry bun situation going on, and the chicken is about as exciting as a cup of room-temperature water. It’s just so wildly average that you forget you ate it.
12. Burger King Original Chicken Sandwich
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Soft bread, shredded lettuce, and mayo give it a nostalgia vibe, but not in a good way. The oblong patty is a processed throwback that hasn’t evolved with its rivals. Fans of tangy mayo might find a silver lining, but most would agree that it’s not a contender in today’s crowded chicken game.
11. McDonald’s McCrispy
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There’s promise in the name, but not much follow-through. The chicken is mildly crispy with a forgettable flavor profile. Pickles provide a needed tang, though the potato bun is more chewy than buttery. This feels like a missed opportunity for a chain that’s nailed consistency in other menu items.
10. Checkers/Rally’s Classic Mother Cruncher
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First of all, props for the name. Unfortunately, the sandwich doesn’t quite deliver in the same way. The chicken’s not terrible, but it’s more soggy than crunchy. The bun is nice, but the flavor is mild at best. If you’re into average sandwiches with cool names, this might still be your thing.
9. KFC Chicken Sandwich
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You’d expect the Colonel to crush this category, but it’s just… fine. The chicken’s big and coated with that familiar 11-herb magic, but the texture isn’t always consistent. Sloppy assembly and uneven mayo placement hurt the overall bite. Still, it delivers flavor in ways many others on this list do not.
8. Arby’s Crispy Chicken Sandwich
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Arby’s chicken sandwich is better than expected. The fillet is thick and juicy, and the soft sesame seed bun holds everything together nicely. Its seasoning could use a boost, and the mayo is a little bland. Even so, it’s a solid pick for someone not expecting much.
7. Sonic Crispy Chicken Sandwich
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Sonic doesn’t just serve up tater tots and shakes. This sandwich has a wide, crispy fillet that overflows from its brioche bun. The breading has a subtle sweetness, and the chicken stays moist without being greasy. Some toppings felt unevenly applied, but overall, it’s a flavorful surprise.
6. Raising Cane’s Chicken Sandwich
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Instead of a single patty, Cane’s stacks three of its famous tenders between a toasted bun and tops them with signature sauce. The crunchy, juicy bite plays well with the sauce’s sweet-savory flavor. It’s a smart move to stick to what Cane’s does best.
5. Shake Shack Chicken Shack
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This sandwich has tender chicken, herby buttermilk mayo, and sour pickles on a soft potato bun. While it is small for the price, the ingredients are high-quality. Shake Shack keeps things clean and classic.
4. Bojangles Bo’s Chicken Sandwich
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This Southern sleeper hit brings spice and crunch with a bold Cajun-seasoned fillet. It’s hand-breaded, juicy, and nicely balanced by thick pickles and creamy mayo. The only drawback is a chewy bun that doesn’t quite live up to the rest of the build.
3. Chick-fil-A Chicken Sandwich
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Sometimes, less really is more. Chick-fil-A keeps it simple: juicy chicken meat, a buttered bun, and a couple of tangy pickles. The pressure-cooked chicken is consistently tender, and the crust delivers every time. It nails the basics so well that you don’t need the extras.
2. Jollibee Original Chicken Sandwich
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This Filipino import brings serious flavor. The chicken is deeply seasoned, crispy on the outside, and ridiculously juicy inside. A swipe of umami mayo keeps the focus on the meat without overwhelming it. At around $6, it offers value and quality that’s hard to match.
1. Popeye’s Classic Chicken Sandwich
Credit: Reddit
This is the sandwich that launched the debate. Popeye’s’ sandwich features a buttery bun, thick pickle chips, and a perfectly fried chicken breast that’s as crunchy as it is juicy. The seasoning packs real depth, and the portion size feels generous without going overboard.