Ranking Chicken Sandwiches: From Skip to Must-Try.

With over 3.5 billion chicken sandwiches ordered each year, fast food favorites like McCrispy, Double Down, and Ch’King dominate the market. But which chicken sandwich truly delivers on taste? Reddit users weigh in with spicy opinions in this saga of chicken sandwiches.

Thanks to a delightful combo of soft, toasted buns, tangy pickles, and creamy mayo, the fast food chicken sandwich has been competing strongly with beef patties since Chick-fil-A’s founder introduced it at The Dwarf Grill back in 1946. You might assume a chicken chain could lead the pack, but we’ve found some surprising takes on who really nails their chicken sandwiches.

We explored the opinions around popular chains like Shake Shack, Wendy’s, Popeye’s, and Chick-fil-A, gathering insights both for and against each establishment’s offerings. (See our methods below for more details.) In this ranking, we are categorizing fast food chicken sandwiches from those you can skip to the juicy hits worth savoring.

Don’t blame the player, blame the options. Unfortunately, McDonald’s chicken lineup, including the McChicken and McCrispy varieties, has faced harsh criticism from internet users. Described by some as “absolutely disgusting” and reminiscent of cleaning chemicals, the consensus on Reddit is not in McDonald’s favor.

The classic McChicken is viewed as a subpar offering, featuring limp lettuce and mayo on a chicken patty. Another user lamented the Spicy McCrispy as “the worst chicken sandwich ever,” suggesting it was merely an average chicken filet with an uninspired sauce. One dissatisfied customer compared it to a “chicken brick” drowned in lettuce, warning that the only redeeming feature was its low price. “Go to McDonald’s last for a crispy chicken sandwich,” cautioned one user.

Falling a notch above the last place is Hardee’s, landing in the 13th position thanks to being less scrutinized than McDonald’s. The Hardee’s Hand-Breaded Chicken Sandwich offers nothing remarkable except for its crispy, buttermilk fried chicken, served with pickles and mayo on a potato bun. However, some users lament that the sandwich disappoints compared to its former self, as shared by one Redditor: “Hardee’s chicken strips are good, but the sandwich is such a letdown.”

A diner noted that the current sandwich’s chicken texture felt questionable, with its flavor lacking. “The chicken was small compared to the bun and doused in mayonnaise,” rated one less than impressed customer with a score of 1 out of 5. Hardee’s seemingly struggles to recapture its glory days from years past.

Raising Cane’s, a chicken finger specialist since the ’90s, offers a sandwich featuring its signature tenders. However, not everyone raves about this option.

The sandwich features three crispy chicken fingers, lettuce, and Cane’s Sauce on a lightly toasted sesame seed bun, which may seem like a winning combination. Yet, the internet is divided, with one user plainly stating, “Raising Cane’s is pretty bad.” Others complained about the small portions and inconsistent quality.

Many argued that Cane’s Sauce is what makes the brand appealing, with users claiming, “The chicken is basically a vessel for the sauce.” Complaints of rising prices and shrinking servings foster further discontent among diners who find Raising Cane’s overrated.

Since 1979, Burger King’s Original Chicken sandwich has been a staple, yet it seems this classic combination of breaded chicken, lettuce, and mayo on a toasted sesame bun isn’t cutting it anymore.

A lucky Redditor recalled their experience, stating, “The chicken tasted stale and almost sour, with wilted lettuce.” After lamenting the loss of Burger King’s Tendercrisp sandwich, another diner noted that the Original was so salty it deterred them from even adding barbecue sauce — resulting in a more disappointing experience.

The soggy lettuce and mayo also drew ire, as users found it hard to appreciate the scrawny chicken on the bun. One frustrated customer admitted, “I just ate fries instead; they were terrible as well.”

If you feel a glimmer of hope for chicken sandwiches, you might consider Wendy’s. As of summer 2024, this chain offers seven variations of chicken sandwiches, each targeted for scrutiny (thanks to a subreddit dubbed “The chicken sandwiches are pure trash”).

Diners reported that the chicken is often tough, with one user assertively stating, “Wendy’s burgers and fries are legit. Everything else? Unpalatable.” Complaints of declining quality over the years resonate strongly, with a previously loyal customer lamenting, “Now it always comes out soggy, like rubber. Hard pass, so disappointing.”

Jack In The Box edges out its competitors with a slightly better offering. Despite some late-night praise, even Jack’s Good Good Sauce couldn’t quite salvage the Cluck Sandwich.

One Redditor wrote, “I had no expectations, yet I was still disappointed,” commenting on the crispy chicken filet with pickles and sauce nestled in a toasted brioche bun. Customers felt it didn’t justify its higher price compared to chains like Popeyes or Chick-fil-A, with feedback stating that the chicken lacked flavor and moisture. “That sauce isn’t good at all,” they added, suggesting Jack In The Box is notorious for great marketing that fails to deliver on taste.

No hot chicken discussion is complete without highlighting Dave’s Hot Chicken sandwich. The Reaper slider, which can reach fiery heat levels, is not for the faint-hearted (you may even be asked to sign a waiver to enjoy it depending on the location). While it’s intended to be overwhelmingly spicy, some claim it doesn’t reach their fiery expectations.

Domineering and intensely flavorful, the Reaper slider can overpower its accompanying kale slaw, pickles, and bun. Yet, inconsistent experiences lead some diners to coin the term “Reaper Roulette,” suggesting one may either be disappointed or left burning for hours after. For many, the heat is overwhelming enough to detract from the enjoyment of the meal; as one individual shared, “It’s right past the threshold of being enjoyable. A tad less heat would be perfect.”

Founded in 1977, Bojangles serves up Cajun chicken, Southern biscuits, and tea across its locations. While some fans sing praises to the Bo’s Chicken Sandwich, which launched in 2021, others have opposite views.

One Redditor remarked, “It was just ‘meh.’ The chicken was dry, and the seasoning overwhelmed the other flavors.” Another similarly criticized the sandwich, stating that the mayo and pickles added no value, with the pickles being particularly mushy.

Some users claimed it couldn’t compete with Chick-fil-A’s chicken sandwich. However, one positive post noted, “It’s pretty solid but doesn’t bring much to the chicken sandwich world.” For those near a dependable Bojangles location, this chicken sandwich might be worth sampling.

Zaxby’s positions itself at number six, garnering mixed reviews. Originating in 1990, they serve a Spicy Signature Sandwich featuring breaded chicken on a potato bun, complete with Spicy Zax Sauce, purportedly its redeeming quality.

Customers appreciate this sandwich, noting that the spicy Zax Sauce enhances it greatly. One Reddit user boasted, “The spicy Zax sauce is fantastic! The pickles, bun, and chicken are equally impressive.” However, some comments revealed a disparity in opinions, with critiques about the chicken tasting like frozen fare lacking crunch or flavor. Despite this, others maintained their love for the spicy Zax sauce.

With the chain present in 26 states, fans may have to travel to enjoy this one. The Spicy Crispy Chicken sandwich is served with lettuce, tomato, and pickles on a toasted Kaiser bun. “Best spicy chicken sandwich I’ve had,” raved one Reddit user.

Culver’s features crunchy Southern-style breading enriched with spices, making it a repeat favorite since its debut in 2018. Customers expressed disbelief over its former limited availability, often questioning, “Is this really only ‘for a limited time’? I don’t know how I’d cope without it.” Due to its impressive initial reception, the Spicy Crispy Chicken became a permanent feature on the menu.

Culver’s sources its chicken from local farms, humanely raised on a vegetarian diet free from hormones or antibiotics. That might contribute to the delightful taste of this chicken sandwich, which pairs well with Culver’s signature sauce if patrons choose to add it.

From a chain that meticulously tests its menu, including the profoundly reliable (though never fresh) crinkle-cut fries, it comes as no surprise that their chicken sandwich also receives the same thoughtful examination. Introducing the Chicken Shack, a favorite for many, including food personalities like Ina Garten.

Shake Shack’s chicken sandwich is available daily — a playful jab at Chick-fil-A, which is notably closed on Sundays. The Chicken Shack features tender, white meat chicken breast on a fluffy potato bun with pickles, lettuce, and buttermilk herb mayonnaise. Reddit users often rave, “Chicken Shack is amazing!”

Diners encourage newcomers to also try their bacon cheese fries when extra hungry. “Chick’n Shack was a highlight of my culinary experiences,” remarked another. Some even state, “The Chicken Shack essentially reigns supreme in the chicken sandwich arena.”

The conversation wouldn’t be complete without mentioning the KFC Double Down, a bun-less, dual chicken-stacked marvel. However, in this ranking, we are focusing on KFC’s standard menu for the undisputed third finest fast food chicken sandwich available.

In Canada, it is known as the KFC Spicy Famous Chicken sandwich, while U.S. customers recognize it as the KFC Spicy Chicken sandwich. Both the spicy and classic versions receive high praise for their double-breaded, extra crispy, white-meat chicken, combined with crunchy pickles and spicy sauce on a toasted brioche bun. One satisfied Redditor shared, “I tried the KFC Spicy Famous Chicken sandwich for the first time; I’ve had three in just four days. It’s mind-blowingly amazing.”

The quality and consistency from location to location appears to be part of KFC’s appeal, with customers noting that it is generally more reliable than its rivals. One fan fondly recalled, “My heart belongs to KFC. It was a cherished treat growing up, signaling that parents were taking us out and leaving us with a babysitter!”

Popeyes, always close behind the top competitor by a hair’s length, harnesses TikTok trends and limited-time offerings to maintain its position. However, when it comes to their chicken sandwiches, opinions vary widely.

A Reddit thread titled “Popeyes has the worst chicken sandwich” was bombarded with supporters voicing their love for the Spicy and Classic Chicken sandwiches. Both sandwiches feature hand-battered, buttermilk, crispy-fried chicken breast, nestled in a toasted brioche bun with pickles and mayo, and the spicy version includes a zesty mayo. “I absolutely LOVE Popeyes chicken sandwich! It’s #1 for me! The spicy version with pickles is incredible!” one enthusiastic patron claimed. Another user compared Popeyes to McDonald’s, remarking, “Popeyes’ chicken patty is crispy, much larger, and generally fresher, plus that spicy mayo is freshly made.”

Despite not being the most popular sandwich overall, the resurgence of the Popeyes chicken sandwich since its 2019 launch has garnered significant fanfare as they strive for the top title.

Chick-fil-A’s cult-status chicken sandwiches remain unmatched. “Chick-fil-A sets the bar; nothing else compares,” affirmed one Reddit user. Its dominance is so strong that even those who don’t eat there frequently still regard it as their favorite.

Praise is often directed toward the Spicy Chicken and classic Chick-fil-A sandwiches. With a buttery toasted bun, dill pickles, and tender, freshly breaded chicken breast, it’s tough to dethrone this chain. “My favorite is a spicy sandwich with extra pickles and cheese sauce,” a fan nestled in the northeast recounted, while an employee chimed in, “I always choose the regular CFA sandwich, just pickles & mayo. It’s too good as is.”

Even some customers bypass the brand’s well-known controversy, appreciating the food and the people. “I’m a member of the LGBT community,” one user shared, acknowledging their fondness for Chick-fil-A. “You all are wonderful people, and personal beliefs shouldn’t interfere with that.” Should you find yourself with leftovers, Chick-fil-A provides recipes to ensure nothing goes to waste.

For authentic insights from the internet community, one must delve into Reddit’s depths. (It was a wild journey filled with wrinkled napkins and rants.) Amongst the passionate discussions of purists and restaurant staffers, we discovered thought-provoking opinions, debating topics such as, “Why would someone order a chicken sandwich with lettuce? That’s a salad.” (Perhaps the truth remains elusive.)

However, amidst the rants, we unearthed valuable gems in the form of genuine reviews, insights, and perspectives that are reflected in this ranking. If this overview made you hungry, remember that nothing complements a fast-food chicken sandwich quite like a creamy milkshake on the side.