Fast food chicken sandwiches have become a national obsession, but some pack a dangerous secret—sky-high sodium levels. Too much salt can lead to high blood pressure and other health problems.
We’ve ranked the saltiest offenders from America’s popular chains so you know which ones to enjoy occasionally and which might deserve a second thought.
1. Popeyes Chicken Sandwich
Crowned the champion of flavor but also the sodium king. Popeyes’ famous sandwich packs a whopping 1,443mg of sodium—over 60% of your daily limit in one meal!
The special brine process creates that juicy texture fans love. Unfortunately, it also delivers a salt punch that might leave you reaching for water all day.
2. KFC Double Down
Remember this bread-free monster? Two fried chicken fillets replace the bun, with bacon and cheese stuffed between. Each sandwich contains a shocking 1,380mg of sodium.
Launched as a limited-time offering, its cult following brought it back several times. Your taste buds might celebrate, but your blood pressure certainly won’t.
3. Chick-Fil-A Deluxe Sandwich
Behind that polite service lurks a sodium bomb. The Deluxe version adds cheese, lettuce, and tomato to their classic sandwich, bumping sodium to 1,320mg.
The pressure-cooking method seals in moisture and flavor. It also traps salt that might have you exceeding daily sodium recommendations before dinner.
4. Zaxby’s Signature Sandwich
Southern chain Zaxby’s created this Chick-fil-A competitor with a pickle-brined filet. The sandwich contains 1,280mg of sodium—more than half your daily allowance!
Their special Zax sauce adds tangy flavor but also contributes to the salt content. The thick-cut pickle chips might seem innocent but add even more sodium to this already salty offering.
5. Wendy’s Spicy Chicken Sandwich
A fast food classic since 1995, Wendy’s spicy offering delivers heat and 1,210mg of sodium. The seasoning blend responsible for that kick contains multiple salt-based ingredients.
Mayo and tomato provide some moisture balance. Still, this longtime menu staple will have you consuming over half your day’s sodium in one sitting.
6. Burger King Ch’King Sandwich
BK’s answer to the chicken sandwich wars weighs in with 1,180mg of sodium. The thick, hand-breaded filet gets a savory sauce that cranks up both flavor and salt content.
Pickle chips add crunch and even more sodium. Despite being relatively new to the fast food scene, this sandwich quickly established itself as a sodium heavyweight.
7. McDonald’s McChicken
Don’t let the budget price fool you. This sandwich packs 1,150mg of sodium into its small frame. The crispy coating receives multiple salt treatments during processing.
The mayo-based sauce seems innocent but contributes significantly to sodium levels. For decades, this inexpensive option has been quietly loading customers with more than half their daily salt intake.
8. Arby’s Buttermilk Crispy Chicken Sandwich
Known for roast beef, Arby’s chicken option surprises with 1,100mg of sodium. The buttermilk brine that creates tenderness also infuses salt throughout the meat.
Topped with tomato, lettuce, and mayo on a star-cut bun. The buttermilk breading process creates that satisfying crunch but leaves behind a substantial sodium footprint.
9. Sonic’s Classic Crispy Chicken Sandwich
Drive-in favorite Sonic serves up 1,070mg of sodium in their crispy chicken offering. The batter contains a blend of seasonings that boost flavor while adding substantial salt.
Mayo, lettuce and tomato complete the package. What looks like a standard fast food chicken sandwich hides enough sodium to make your doctor wince at your next blood pressure check.
10. Hardee’s Hand-Breaded Chicken Sandwich
Hardee’s boasts about hand-breading their chicken fresh. Each sandwich still delivers 1,050mg of sodium—nearly half your daily limit!
The buttermilk marinade creates juiciness but infuses salt throughout. Their signature sauce adds flavor complexity and even more sodium to this already salt-heavy option.
11. Culver’s Crispy Chicken Sandwich
Wisconsin-based Culver’s may be famous for ButterBurgers, but their chicken sandwich sneaks in 1,030mg of sodium. The chicken receives a signature seasoning blend before and after frying.
Lettuce, tomato and mayo add freshness but minimal sodium reduction. The pickle-brined chicken creates juiciness at the cost of significantly elevated salt levels.
12. Jack In The Box Cluck Sandwich
Jack’s southern-style offering contains 1,010mg of sodium. The giant chicken filet gets double-breaded for extra crunch, which means double the salt opportunity.
Mystery sauce and pickles complete the package. The brioche bun might taste buttery and delicious, but it also contributes to making this sandwich a sodium-heavy choice.
13. Carl’s Jr. Hand-Breaded Chicken Sandwich
Carl’s Jr. promotes their hand-breaded process while quietly delivering 990mg of sodium. The chicken soaks in a buttermilk brine that infuses flavor and salt throughout.
Mayo-based sauce and dill pickles add tanginess and more sodium. The brioche bun looks innocent but contains additional salt that pushes this sandwich close to half your daily sodium limit.
14. Dairy Queen Crispy Chicken Sandwich
Better known for Blizzards, DQ’s chicken sandwich contains 950mg of sodium. The all-white meat chicken patty receives multiple seasoning layers during processing.
Crisp lettuce and tomato add freshness. The mayonnaise might cool the palate but adds to the substantial sodium content that makes this sandwich a salt-heavy meal choice.
15. Whataburger Whatachick’n Sandwich
Texas favorite Whataburger serves up 930mg of sodium in their chicken offering. The distinctive rectangle-shaped patty gets a special seasoning blend during preparation.
Lettuce, tomatoes and mayo complete the package. The signature Whataburger cooking method creates that recognizable flavor profile while contributing to its place among America’s saltiest chicken sandwiches.
16. Shake Shack Chick’n Shack
Upscale chain Shake Shack offers a buttermilk-marinated chicken sandwich with 920mg of sodium. The herb-mayo adds distinctive flavor and additional salt content.
Pickles and lettuce provide crunch contrast. Despite its “premium” positioning, this sandwich still delivers nearly 40% of your daily sodium allowance in one sitting.
17. Five Guys Chicken Sandwich
Known for burgers, Five Guys’ chicken sandwich contains 900mg of sodium. The marinated grilled chicken breast receives multiple seasonings during preparation.
Customizable toppings can add even more sodium. While slightly lower than competitors, the sandwich still delivers approximately 39% of your recommended daily sodium intake.