The Chicken Sandwich Taste Test: Who Wins?
We have a winner in the battle for chicken sandwich dominance.
With reports of Popeyes’ new chicken sandwich selling out all over the country, we knew that we had to find out first-hand whether this newcomer to the chicken sandwich fast food scene was worth all the hype.
As a result, we sent Stetson, our very own taste-tester and chicken sandwich-lover, to sample the Popeye’s chicken sandwich and let us know how it stacks up against some of the other fast food favorites (Chick-fil-A, Wendy’s, KFC, and McDonald’s).
Our Chicken Sandwich Showdown included sandwiches from Chick-fil-A, KFC, McDonald’s, Popeyes, and Wendy’s. That’s a lot of poultry for one guy, not to mention the heavy responsibility of naming a winner in this battle of the birds. Stetson’s a total pro though, so we knew he’d be up to the task.
Stetson says: I knew this would be hard as I love chicken sandwiches, mainly Chick-fil-A. I wanted to put the others to the test against it. I did my best to be upfront with each item as I wanted to give you my honest thoughts on each review.
Popeyes Chicken Sandwich
Stetson says: Coming in at $3.99, I thought this was a flavorful, juicy sandwich, especially at the price point. It comes with 2 pickles and mayo. I honestly understand the hype with this new addition to their menu. Would definitely recommend.
HIP TIP: Check the Popeyes Offers page for special coupons and savings offers! We hope to spot a deal on this new chicken sandwich soon!
Wendy’s Homestyle Chicken Sandwich
Stetson says: I really wanted to like this sandwich. I know lots of people brag on Wendy’s and their sandwiches. This personally wasn’t the best, coming in at $4.79. I thought it was just a bland, “meh” taste. Don’t get me wrong – it wasn’t terrible, just not a go-to for me personally.
Hip Tip: Download the Wendy’s app to get access to mobile ordering and exclusive app-only offers. Right now, they’re offering a FREE 6-piece order of spicy nuggets when you order through the app!
KFC Crispy Colonel Sandwich
Stetson says: First time ever trying this sandwich. It took me by surprise, as it was layered with 4 pickles and mayo on top of juicy, crispy chicken. I didn’t expect to like this sandwich at all, and it became my runner up!
HIP TIP: Join the KFC Colonel’s Club to score special offers and deals!
McDonald’s Classic Chicken Sandwich
Stetson says: For $1.50, I wasn’t expecting too much out of this sandwich. I’ve had these numerous times in my life, and I can be honest that sometimes they can be tasty! This go around was awful though – it didn’t even taste like chicken. It was really hard and I thought it was a disappointment, but I wouldn’t ever count McDonald’s out as I know these sandwiches are good sometimes. It’s about consistency!
Hip Tip: Download the McDonald’s app and get access to mobile ordering, mobile pay, and exclusive deals available for those who order through the app!
Chick-fil-A Chicken Sandwich (Still our #1 Pick!)
Stetson says: Speaking of consistency, Chick-fil-A came in as my winner. Priced at about $4, it came out fresh and juicy. I love the fact that it has that extra pickle punch to it and I can honestly say I haven’t really had a bad experience with their chicken sandwiches, which makes me like it more and leaves me wanting more. Oh Chick-fil-A. However, it was a close call between this and KFC surprisingly – but I had to stick with my honest gut feeling and go with Chick-fil-A as the winner.
Hip Tip: Join Chick-fil-A One and download the app to earn and redeem points for free food and get other bonuses like a birthday reward!
Or skip the restaurant and make your own Chick-fil-A Copycat Chicken Sandwiches in the Air Fryer!
There you have it – Chick-fil-A has asserted itself as the best chicken sandwich of all time, at least in the eyes of our fearless taste-tester! Have you tried Popeye’s new chicken sandwich yet? Is it deserving of all the hype? Share your favorite chicken sandwich in the comments below!
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They did this exact same thing on the today show this morning. They also brought in a chef to create what they voted the best out of all. I am going to give it a try. They have the recipe on todayshow/food.
https://www.today.com/recipes/crispy-fried-chicken-sandwich-recipe-t161133
How cool! Thanks for sharing with us, A! That does look yummy!
Chick Fil A is my favorite chicken sandwich as well.
That’s my favorite too! 🙌
Totally Chick-fil-A!!!!
I can’t wait to try the new Popeyes chicken sandwich. I agree with you, Stetson… Chick-fil-A is always consistent, but I would like an alternative for a good chicken sandwich on Sundays. Thank you for your review. 😋
Thanks for the kind comment, Rachel! I’ll be sure to pass that along to him!
The Popeyes chicken sandwich is delicious! Especially for those who can’t take the spices at Chick-fil-A (not me, but I know people with food sensitivity). This chicken sandwich at Popeyes tastes like good ole juicy, crispy, flavorful chicken. It’s become so popular they’re selling out all over my state. By the way, this was my first time tasting anything from Popeyes.
Your making me hungry!!!
Tried the Popeyes last night. To my surprise it was really good. Chick fil a is still better because maybe it’s the cleanliness of the store and their customer service. No one can touch that with fast food.
Speaking of cleanliness, my husband refuses to go to our neighborhood Popeyes because he saw the manager cleaning the hood of the warmer with wet sponge and who knows what chemicals and dirty water was dripping down the chicken that was ready for sale.
I told my husband the same thing! I don’t care how good the sandwiches, the cleanliness and service of Chick-fil-A cannot be topped by Popeyes!
Chik-Fil-A all the way!!!! My favorite
Wendy’s spicy chicken sandwich is their best.
My all-time favorite fried chicken sandwich is at Hattie B’s in Nashville. It is amazing, and I wish it was available in more places! (And at less than $10 for the sandwich and fries, it is one of the best deals in Nashville, too!)
How cool! Thanks so much for the suggestion!
Love Hattie B’s!!!
Awesome job Stetson!! Way to take one for the hip2savers!! I’m still all about Chick fil A
Aww, Thanks so much! I’ll be sure to let him know you enjoyed the review!
I agree, I too appreciated the review. I’ve never had the chicken sandwich from Wendy’s or McD’s, happy to know I’m not missing anything.
Chick-fil-a is consistent and that’s what makes them the best! You know what you are going to get everytime !
I have to say that Raising Cane’s has one of the best chicken sandwiches out there. And this is coming from a huge Chick-fil-A fan!
I agree!
Love Cane’s too!!! ♥️♥️ Can’t find them everywhere… so when you can’t, then Chick Fil A ALL DAY!
Cane’s is always fresh and clean.
Arby’s has a really good crispy chicken sandwich. My favorite.
I like Arby’s too but the stores around us have been closing down 🙁
My husband loves Wendy’s spicy chicken sandwich too!
my husband loves the spicy chicken sandwich at wendy’s. typically, we are ordering on a budget and getting the 4 for 4 but he always asks “if its too much i’d love a spicy chicken” he’s a man of simple needs
That 4 for $4 is an amazing deal! Hubby and I share a set when we get the munchies.
The app usually has $2 off a premium meal which in my area would bring the meal down to $5 so just a lil above the 4 for $4 and make the hubs happy. Also you can sub the fries for chili or a salad.
CFL has the best hands down!
Chick fil-A is my favorite. However, when I go back home I always get Zaxby’s Grilled Blackened Club best grilled chicken for fast food, hands down. Wish I had a Zaxby’s near me.
I think it is a little unfair to include McDonald’s value sandwich (the McChicken) in this comparison. Probably should have used their more comparable chicken sandwich that is priced around the same. Although my kids do love the McChicken – it is a great value for kids!
I agree!
Thanks for sharing your thoughts with us, KS! My kids enjoy that one too!
Right, have a separate comparison of $1-$2 sandwiches.
I was wondering the same thing. McDonald’s has a crispy chicken sandwich for around $5 – why get the $1 mcChix?
He needs a redo! 😂😂
I agree.
I said the same when I watched Stetson’s review. That being said, the McDonalds buttermilk chicken sandwich is inconsistent. I like the flavor but sometimes it’s really dry.
Love that Chick- fil-a!!!
Yes…Totally Chick-Fil-A…..My favorite Place…Thank you….It was my pleasure…very courtesy Employees…The best…🌺
Had the Popeye’s sandwich yesterday and it was fabulous! I already love their fried shrimp and the Cajun Sparkle seasoning. Definitely recommend!!
I like the original chicken from BK, but it is more of a McChicken thing, not real meat probably. I used to love the spicy chicken from Wendy’s, but remember when it was bigger? Personally I would probably have to pick chick-fil-a also 🙂
My husband likes the original chicken from BK too!
Going to Nashville next week and there is a Hattie B’s across the street from hotel. Have not had there chicken Sandwich though… guess I know where I’ll be eating at least one night 🙂
How exciting! Hope you have a wonderful trip and enjoy your chicken sandwich!
I had no idea there was a Hattie B’s. One of my 22 month old twins name is Hattie. Her middle name starts with t and her nickname is Hattie T!
I’m obviously in the minority, but I tried chickfil-a once and was not impressed at all. Chicken sandwiches are my go to, always, so maybe it’s just harder to impress me, but I wouldn’t even give it a second chance because it was really that bleh.
I am not a fan either. I find their chicken over spiced and dry but that could be from chicken sitting. This is the first location in my area and I never see a line. I am still a Roy Rogers girl even though the only locations I have are on the NJ Turnpike and Popeyes is my second fave.
I have tried chick fil a once and was also not impressed. Chicken sandwich was boring and did not like the lettuce they use. Sauces were not good either. The fried tasted good though. Would not order again. In my opinion culvers has the best chicken sandwiches for fast food.
Oh, I definitely don’t recommend the grilled sandwich. The fried sandwich is the original one, and in my opinion the only one to order.
I’m in the minority too. I tried it years ago in Fl, was not a fan even after relatives rave about it. They recently entered the NYC market. I tried twice – and this is their largest location – I was not jmpressed. U fortunately for my stomach, hips and thighs, I thoroughly enjoyed their shake.
My kids and I agree with you. Something just tastes… WEIRD with the chicken sandwich, esp the grilled over the fried. And since they are soooo anti-LGBTQ, I don’t mind a bit giving up going there altogether! 😉
Chick fil A for me all the way! I do really like some of the others too.
Yes! Hands down chic fila for us too
💖🙌
“Chick-fil-A has asserted itself as the best chicken sandwich of all time” … of course! Though I also like spicy chicken and find their version to “tabasco-y”. I’ll try Popeye’s if spicy is an option – now they do spicy nice! 🙂
Today, the line to get into Popeyes was blocking traffic. People were stopped in the road to get into the restaurant. It wasn’t even lunchtime.
The Shake Shack Chicken Sandwich – Chikn Shack is to die for!!! I love Chick-fil-A but this beats theirs!!
YUM! Thanks for sharing, Jules! I haven’t tried that one!
Shake Shack just opened up in my area. We got the burgers and while my husband enjoyed his, I didn’t find it was anything special, that everyone seems to rave about. Will give their Chicken Sandwich a try next time he wants a burger!
Raising Cane’s, anyone? Never heard of them, but they just opened one up in our area and passed by it couple of times. Someone said it’s reallly good. I don’t know if they have chicken sandwiches, but since they are a chicken place, I’m assuming they do.
My husband and I tried one in Texas. Having been from the Pacific Northwest, we had never heard of them. In my opinion, just average. Like a scaled down Red Robin for comparison.
Cane’s is more like a chicken finger sandwich, made with 3 fresh fried chicken tenders rather than a huge piece of breast. Their chicken is really good, esp with the sauce!
Mel I agree chicken and their sauce was great. We were in Texas last week and decided to eat there. Wish they had one in Ohio I would eat there over kfc
Here in central ohio we have several Cane’s 😊
There are a couple in CLE area. Strongsville and one is opening soon in Lakewood!
Raising Canes🙌🏻🙌🏻🙌🏻🙌🏻🙌🏻
I had them a few times in Louisiana while I was there and was not impressed with anything they served.
Love Canes, the Box combo is my jam lol. I use their sauce with the bread and fries also. Delicious!
Chick-fil-A is the best!
I just don’t understand the hype behind Chik-fil-A. I have only eaten there twice as they are new to my area. Both times the bun was way bigger than the piece of chicken. I bite into the sandwich and get nothing but bread, both times. The chicken was fresh and juicy but not very flavorful and not enough of it. I just don’t get it.
Agreed…
Same
McDonalds Tomato Mozzarella chicken sandwich was my favorite of all. It was a limited time item on the international menu so I really hope they bring it back sometime….it was soooo good.
McDonald’s is our go to for lunch when traveling and my husband always orders 2 mcchickens. Where else can 2 adults eat lunch for about $6. Of course we only eat there when we’ve gone through out take along meals. McDonald’s are on every highway it seems too.
Anyone try Jollibee chicken sandwich? I like Jollibee the BEST! The chicken itself a lot more juice than Popeyes and chick-fil-A.
I haven’t had Jollibee fried chicken in a looooong time, and i’m from the Philippines, where it came from. But i remember from when I was young that it was really good!
Chick-fil-A is my favorite! I think it’s not only the food is also the cleanness, environment and CULTURE SERVICE 🙂 smiles go a long way 🙂
I agree with Chick-fil-A. No other chicken sandwiches can compare. Plus the employees are all so friendly and polite. I definitely recommend if you haven’t tried it.
I read this this morning and just had to go to Chick-fil-A for lunch. When I went to pay their drive through register was having a random issue so the cashier said lunch was on them and they tossed in a cookie!! I always have loved Chick-fil-A!!
Same. Won’t eat there. Hopefully the Popeyes one is good so I can enjoy a chicken sandwich without the social guilt.
I’ve never had Chick-fil-A but ours opens on the 28th! I’m so excited to try it! I love supporting companies that have morals and values!
That’s the reason I WON’T support them.
Agreed.
Agreed
Agree. Gross.
I agree Beth, I like the company values. I find the service in CFA better than any other fast food place. So nice to hear please, thank you and my pleasure.
I don’t even have a Chick-fil-A in my area but I would love to try one. I absolutely LOVE their tv commercials, they make me crack up and tear up at the same time. That older one where the 2 guys find out they both play trumpet is so cute. The newer one where the girl brings food to the new mommy in the hospital wen she has here baby is neat too. See what an impression they leave on me!?
Should have done a blind test!
do you have Raising Canes where you are? I heard theirs is super tasty but have not tried it. Their strips are yummy. The only negative to me is that I think its chicken strips on a bun. LOVE Chik-Fil-A.
Chick-fil-a all the way!!! Glad to hear you liked that one the best. I think they do have THE best chicken sandwich and on top of that their service is amazing and the drive tru is always super fast. Win,win,win 😉👍😁
Love Popeyes spicy chicken sandwich!!
So good and perfectly crispy.
We love Chick-fil-A as well but sadly found out recently that it actually contains MSG!☹
I worked at Chick fil a a few months & I still eat there 😀. I don’t do spicy but all the other food is really good. I also like the chicken fingers from Raising Canes.
Now for some reason I want a chicken sandwich.
My favorite “cheap” chicken sandwich is the ~$1 chicken sandwich at Wendy’s. Compared to the dollar menu chicken sandwich at Jack in the Box & McD’s I think theirs is the best. I also really like the Chicken Littles at KFC, and back in July KFC’s Cheetos Chicken Sandwich was my absolute favorite. My favorite more expensive fast food chicken sandwich used to be a crispy bacon ranch sandwich that was either at BK or Carl’s, it’s been forever since I had one that I can’t remember anymore haha
I love this post. I can’t recall, but have you done a post similar to this but for burgers from some of these fast food joints? I would be interested in knowing those results. Thank you.
You might be thinking of this post, Ann!
So disagree. Chick Fil A makes me ill every.single.time I eat it. I had to quit getting it because there was never a time I didn’t get sick from it. Haven’t tried Popeye’s yet but most people online are raving over it more than CFA. I guess for a change they’d both work (just not CFA) for me. I don’t care for the McD’s ones. So I pretty much quit eating them at fast food restaurants.
Jill I think they cook their chicken in peanut oil. You said you feel ill after eating just curious if you have a peanut sensitivity
The Popeyes chicken sandwich was way to greasy for me. The sour pickles and grease made my acid reflux act up and threw up all night. Worst sandwich ever and the combo comes with greasy spicy fries.
Popeyes can’t compete until they are able to keep up with supply and demand. All of the restaurants in my area have signs posted being out of chicken sandwiches. Poor marketing in my opinion.
But doesn’t that say something about their chicken sandwich?!?