Layne Reviews “The chicken wars”
Ok. So, I have probably waited a year to write about this passion of mine. Yes, rating fast food items is a ‘not so secret’ pleasure of mine. This post is also about a year or two late because the competition of which fast food place boasts the best chicken sandwich is about as timely as Tiger King season 1 and us learning the term “social distancing.” Without even really meaning to, I feel like I have tried the best chicken sandwich from nine major fast food and fast casual restaurants. I may have tested Chic-Fil-A’s original chicken sandwich a few dozen times to be safe. Judge away. Let’s rate them in reverse chronological order to set some drama for my half-dozen or so fans and readers.
9. Mcdonalds Southern Style Chicken Sandwich— Not only was this the worst, but it was also the biggest surprise to me. I feel like Mcdonald does have a thick and juicy breaded chicken patty for some of their sandwiches. They also have the thin, breaded cardboard patty that they use on the dollar chicken sandwiches. So, for my $4 sandwich they either used the cheap one by mistake or they just randomly switch between the two. Either way, I got a scrub piece of chicken with way too much mayo and sauce on a bun that was more butter than bread. Gross. Do not recommend. 2/10
8. Wendy’s—See above because almost the same damn situation. I have had great chicken sandwiches from Wendy’s before. I love their burgers. But this time I got a flavorless dry chicken patty loaded with way too much sauce and mounds of lettuce. No need to try again. 3/10
7.Burger King—We have left gross and arrived at average. For the third time there was way too much sauce (even when requesting light sauce and/or mayo). But, the breaded chicken was juicy with a good spice and seasoning mix. I didn’t expect much, so maybe it even beat my expectations. Would order again if BK was my only choice and the supply chain issues struck the mighty Whopper. 5/10
6.Raising Canes—This could be the first restaurant that people might not be familiar with. I think they are out of Louisiana, but they are invading Southern California like Alexander the Great eyeing India. Their Chicken Tenders are in my top three of any restaurant so I was pumped to try their sandwich. I don’t know if Cane’s ever spoke out about being in the “chicken wars” but I definitely decided to throw them in the mix. The sandwich was delicious. If it was so good, why is it all way down at number six? I guess I put it so far down because it is lazy. It is three of their strips on their Texas toast with their Cane’s Sauce (so damn good) and lettuce. It is delicious, but so is Easy Mac with crushed Doritos but that doesn’t make it restaurant quality work. As good as this sandwich is I think they can do more. 6/10
5. KFC—Classic Chicken Sandwich—KFC is synonymous with American fast-food chicken. So, I also think they could do more. It was juicy, crispy, and well seasoned. It had all the right toppings. But I think they could do more and while it was good; it wasn’t mind blowing. I would still order again, and again request extra light mayo. 6/10
4 Popeyes—Classic Chicken Sandwich. The restaurant that started it all. We have one really close to our house, so this was easy. I had a few of these sandwiches when the chicken wars started early in 2020/the pandemic. If I was giving an award for most food/biggest sandwich, this would win. A massive crispy and crunchy buttermilk breaded patty with pickles and lite mayo. The bun is buttery and great too. But, how can you come for the king (see below) and finish 4th? It’s very good, but not life-changing. It’s an 8/10 and would eat again and again though.
3-Sonic—Classic Crispy Chicken Sandwich. I’m not sure why I was surprised because I have always been a fan of anything Sonic does. But in always eating burgers, tots, and ice cream I have never really tried much of their chicken. At this point, you know what a good chicken sandwich should have. The Sonic sandwich had it all and I would put ever so slightly ahead of Popeyes. 8.5/10
2.Zaxby’s—Signature Chicken Sandwich—Zaxby’s is one of my favorite places (yes, not just restaurants, I freaking love the entire experience) in the world. I have ordered everything on the menu at one time or another. I often lament to my family and friends that they aren’t in California (yet?). So it’s a must stop every time I’m back in the South. In October of 2021 I was in Charleston and made sure to make this order so I could compare. It’s a damn near perfect chicken sandwich. Strips=good. Pickles=yes please. Zax Sauce on it? Of course. All on a potato bun. It’ nearly perfect. What could beat it? 9.5/10
1.Chic-Fil-A—-The Original Chicken Sandwich- Chic-Fil-A could be beat it if you look at my closing question from the last paragraph. I don’t throw out the word “perfect” much in this world. But this is the perfect chicken sandwich and has been since 1964 when maybe God owed Truett Cathy a favor. Pressure cooked perfectly juicy chicken breast with 2 pickles on a multigrain bun. I add ketchup and mustard and it sounds too simple to be that good. Well, it’s not good, it’s great. NAY, it’s perfect. There can never be a true rivalry if both sides are racking up some wins. So, this isn’t a rivalry. Hands down Chic Fil A is the unrivaled Chicken War Champion. 10/10
HLR 3/29/22 (excuse me, while I need to head to a certain drive thru)