Chicken sandwiches have become the main event at the drive thru, and everyone seems to have a favorite. But which one is truly worth the stop? The food site Chowhound ranked ten fast food chicken sandwiches from first to last, looking at the chicken, the bun, the toppings and the price. We pulled six from that list to tell the whole story, from the sandwich that earned the top spot to the one that landed at the bottom. Every opinion below belongs to the Chowhound reviewer, so feel free to try them yourself and see whether your taste buds agree.
1. Chick-fil-A Original Chicken Sandwich
The top spot in the Chowhound ranking went to this familiar sandwich. The reviewer admitted it looks plain, but said its flavor is unlike the others, with a pickle like sweetness. The patty was the darkest and crispiest on the list, and the buttery bun and low price helped it earn first place. That is a lot to say about a sandwich that looks so plain. Sometimes the simple recipes are the ones that hold up the best. If you have been wondering whether the long lines are worth it, this ranking suggests they might be, and it is the sandwich that finally beat the rest. Order it fresh, eat it while it is warm, and judge for yourself whether it lives up to its reputation. Pair it with a cold lemonade and a quiet spot in the shade, and you have a very pleasant afternoon.
2. Shake Shack Chicken Shack
Second place in the Chowhound ranking went to the Chicken Shack. The reviewer said the breast is fresh and tender, with a rich golden breading and a buttermilk herb mayo that pairs well with a soft potato bun. They called it nearly perfect, although the price is higher than most. That is a fair warning, because a premium sandwich can add up quickly when you are feeding the whole family. But if you are looking for a treat that feels a step above the usual drive thru fare, this one deserves a look. Settle in at a table, enjoy the crunch, and consider it a special lunch out. It is a good sandwich to share with a friend, with a side of fries between you. Treat yourself once in a while, because good food is one of life’s simple joys.
3. Popeyes Classic Chicken Sandwich
Popeyes landed fourth in the Chowhound ranking, and the reviewer had a mix of praise and complaints. The positive was a thick, crispy breast at a low price. The drawbacks were a squashed bread, limp toppings, and a sweet bun with an overall balance that fell short. It is a reminder that a sandwich is more than its chicken. If you love Popeyes chicken but find the sandwich a little uneven, you could ask for the toppings on the side so they stay fresh until you are ready to eat. Either way, the thick crispy chicken is what keeps this one near the top of the list. A handy tip for anyone who has ever opened a sandwich box and found a mushy mess inside is to ask for the toppings packed separately. It costs you nothing to ask, and it may save your lunch.
4. Culver’s Crispy Chicken
Culver’s came in sixth in the Chowhound ranking, and the chicken itself got a nice compliment. The reviewer said it was the moistest chicken on the list. The trouble was elsewhere. The toppings got soggy, the bun was dry, and the sandwich was less flavorful and crunchy than Culver’s chicken tenders. The reviewer also found it expensive. That makes it a good example of a sandwich with a strong start and a weak finish. If you are a Culver’s fan, you might get more happiness from the tenders. Check the price before you order, and see whether the juicy chicken is enough to win you over. Eat it quickly if you do order it, since soggy toppings do not improve as the sandwich sits. A hot, fresh sandwich eaten right away is almost always the better experience, no matter where you buy it.
5. Sonic Crispy Chicken Sandwich
Ninth in the Chowhound ranking, the Sonic sandwich drew a number of complaints. The reviewer pointed to poor toppings, including browning lettuce, limp sour pickles and oddly sweet mayo. They also said the chicken resembled a frozen patty. The one bright spot was the sturdy bun, which kept it above the McDonald’s sandwich in the rankings. If you have a soft spot for Sonic’s drive in atmosphere, you might still enjoy the visit, perhaps with a cherry limeade in hand. Just know that this particular sandwich was ranked low by Chowhound, so you may want to compare it with other options before you decide. A fresh squeeze of lemon in your drink may be the best part of the trip, so choose wisely. Everyone has a different idea of what makes a good sandwich, and yours might not match the reviewer’s.
6. McDonald’s McCrispy
At the bottom of the Chowhound list sat the McCrispy in tenth place. The reviewer described a cheap sandwich with a bland, frozen tasting patty, a flat bun and only two pickles. They also called it dry and said it offered weak value. Opinions on fast food are personal, and plenty of people enjoy this sandwich on a busy day. But since it was ranked last by this reviewer, it is a fair reminder that the cheapest option on the menu is not always the best bargain. Compare it with a couple of the other sandwiches on this list the next time you are hungry on the road. There is no shame in a quick, cheap bite, but it helps to know what the experts said before you spend your money. Compare, taste and decide for yourself, and share your favorite with a friend.
