The Spicy Chicken Sandwich Wars have dominated fast food menus since 2019, and two heavyweight brands, McDonald’s and Chick-fil-A, are leading the way in this delicious battle. Since both brands have attracted a loyal following, the question of which spicy chicken sandwich is the most popular has become a heated one. As a lover of well-crafted, spicy sandwiches, I was fully prepared to compare these two iconic choices.
McDonald’s, a giant in the fast-food world, made waves with its fairly new Spicy McCrispy, while Chick-fil-A’s Spicy Chicken Sandwich has been a staple since the 1980s. On the surface, the two sandwiches seem similar, but the differences between them are worth exploring.
McDonald’s has mastered the art of balance with its Spicy McNuggets Crispy Chicken. They lean more toward the Southern-style fried chicken patty, which is always crispy and tender. What really elevates this sandwich is the Spicy Chipotle Sauce, which has a rich but not pungent spicy flavor. Spicy food lovers will love it.
Then there are the Crisp Cut Pickles. These refreshingly tart little slices are a nice contrast to the spicy, rich sauce. McDonald’s has done a great job of balancing the spicy, tart and creamy flavors that make this sandwich stand out from the crowd of fast food restaurants.
Next let’s talk about spiciness.The Spicy McCrispy has a spicy taste that builds up, making this sandwich the perfect balance for those who like it spicy but don’t want to break a sweat. This sandwich will tell you, “I’m spicy, but I won’t give you a hard time.”
Its spiciness especially appeals to veteran spice lovers. Unlike some fast food that claims to be spicy but has little to no spice, the Spicy McCrispy delivers on its promise. It’s perfect for those who want their chicken sandwiches to be spicy but not too spicy.
In 2024, McDonald’s took its competitiveness to the next level with the introduction of The Bacon Cajun Ranch McCrispy. This new sandwich adds smoky bacon and flavorful Cajun Ranch sauce. The sauce adds a layer of spice, while the bacon brings a smoky richness that complements the chicken.
This innovative twist shows that McDonald’s isn’t satisfied with the status quo. McDonald’s is always looking for ways to improve its menu and please its customers with new flavors.
Another advantage of McDonald’s is convenience. McDonald’s has locations all over the world, so it’s easy to find and enjoy a Spicy McSpicy Sandwich. Whether you’re on the go or just grabbing lunch on a busy weekday, this sandwich is a solid choice that is both delicious and convenient.
All in all, McDonald’s Spicy Chicken Sandwich has proven itself to be competitive, and it’s no wonder the sandwich has earned a loyal following. We’ll discuss Chick-fil-A’s Spicy Chicken Sandwich next.
Chick-fil-A’s Spicy Chicken Sandwich features seasoned chicken breasts fried to a golden brown, served on a buttered bun with sliced pickles as the only topping. Perhaps the best feature of this sandwich is its simplicity. Unlike its competitors, Chick-fil-A doesn’t rely on sauces or multiple toppings to enhance the flavor. Instead, it focuses more on the quality of the chicken itself, which is tender, well-cooked, and perfectly seasoned. The buttery buns add a subtle richness that complements the chicken’s flavor.
However, simplicity can be a double-edged sword. For spice lovers, it may not feel spicy enough. Nonetheless, there’s a reason this sandwich has a loyal following – it’s a classic for those who prefer a more subtle approach to spice.
Pickles may seem like a small detail, but they play a crucial role in Chick-fil-A’s Spicy Chicken Sandwich. These cucumber slices add a fresh, crisp layer of flavor, and unlike McDonald’s crinkle-cut pickles, Chick-fil-A’s pickles are sliced thinly, allowing them to blend seamlessly into each bite without feeling out of place.
When it comes to spiciness, Chick-fil-A’s Spicy Chicken Sandwich is milder than McDonald’s Spicy McSpicy Chicken Sandwich. The spiciness is present but milder, making it more palatable to a wider range of people. This could be a pro or a con depending on your tolerance for spicy flavors. Chick-fil-A’s are a good choice for those who like a moderate spice flavor that isn’t overwhelming.
Recipe details: Classic French Cornichon Pickles
Cook time: Unknown Total time: 110
Level: Unknown Servings: 14
Total weight: 1886.5 g Calories: 245.8 kcal
Energy: 245.8 kcal Protein: 6.8 g
Carbs: 38.9 g Fat: 1.3 g
Dish Tags: french, american, condiments and sauces, lunch/dinner, Low-Fat, Sugar-Conscious, Low Potassium, Kidney-Friendly, Keto-Friendly, Vegan
Ingredients:
2 pounds fin de meaux cucumbers (2-inches long is best)
1/2 cup kosher salt (divided)
2 cups white distilled vinegar
2 cups water
1 tablespoon white onion (finely chopped)
1 clove garlic (peeled and halved)
1 teaspoon fresh dill (chopped)
1 1/2 teaspoons black peppercorns
2 cloves
2 bay leaves
Get the recipe: Classic French Cornichon Pickles
In 2024, Chick-fil-A introduced The Spicy Honey Pepper Pimento Chicken Sandwich, a creative new product that quickly became a fan favorite. The sandwich’s sweet and spicy honey pepper sauce, creamy pimento cheese and pickled jalapeños add a layer of complexity. The combination of flavors is both cohesive and innovative, offering a new option for those who love Chick-fil-A’s traditional offerings but crave a little more excitement.
Pimento cheese adds a creamy flavor that pairs well with seasoned chicken, while pickled jalapeños bring extra heat and acidity. This sandwich exemplifies Chick-fil-A’s ability to innovate while staying true to its roots. This bold move has paid off, giving fans a whole new appreciation for their beloved spicy chicken.
One of the biggest draws of Chick-fil-A’s Spicy Chicken Sandwich is its reliability. Whether you’re a longtime fan or a first-time patron, you can count on this sandwich to deliver a satisfying and enjoyable meal. Its traditional approach may not win over everyone, especially those looking for a spicier or more adventurous option, but it’s a classic for a reason.
In the battle of the Spicy Chicken Sandwich, both McDonald’s and Chick-fil-A bring unique treats to the table. McDonald’s Spicy McCrispy stands out for its bold flavors, innovative variations and unbeatable value, making it a favorite among spice lovers and adventurers alike. Chick-fil-A’s Spicy Chicken Sandwich, on the other hand, stands out for its simplicity, tradition and subtle flavors, appealing to those who prefer the classic approach.
Related posts:
A: Who Wins The Spicy Chicken Sandwich Battle?
McDonald’s Vs Chick-Fil-A: Who Actually Makes The Best Spicy Chicken Sandwich
All Of McDonald’s Chicken Sandwiches Ranked From Worst To Best
Classic French Cornichon Pickles
Ingredients
Instructions
- In a large bowl, toss cucumbers in 1/4 cup plus 2 tablespoons of salt.
- Arrange cucumbers in a single layer on paper towels or clean kitchen towels to allow salt to draw moisture out of cucumbers. Let sit for 90 minutes, then rinse cucumbers thoroughly.
- Sterilize 2 (1-pint) jars, along with their lids and rings, and keep hot until ready to fill with pickling mixture.
- In a medium, nonreactive saucepan over medium-high heat, bring vinegar, water, and remaining 2 tablespoons of salt to a boil.
- Divide onion, garlic, dill, peppercorns, cloves, and bay leaves between the 2 sterilized jars.
- Pack cucumbers into the jars, leaving 1/2-inch of headspace.
- Fill jars with hot vinegar mixture, leaving 1/4-inch headspace from the top of the jars.
- Tap jars to remove any air bubbles, cap jars, and process them for 10 minutes in a boiling-water canner.
- Cool jars and store in a cool, dark place for at least three to four weeks before opening.
Notes
- Grow your own gherkins: If you are having trouble finding the French varieties but are determined to make authentic cornichons, you can buy the seeds and grow them yourself. Plan ahead, as this method will take much longer than the three- to four-week canning time. If you have the right growing conditions, think about adding 10 weeks to the process if you grow your own.
- If you do not have a canner: Place the jars into a large pot of water, bring to a boil for 10 minutes, switch off the heat, and then carefully remove the jars from the water.
