The battle for chicken sandwich supremacy is fierce, and McDonald’s isn’t playing shy. From iconic classics to spicy newcomers, they’ve got a bird for every palate.
But if you’re facing down that illuminated menu board with a growling stomach, which one should you point to?
We’re cutting through the confusion and serving up a definitive ranking of all McDonald’s chicken sandwiches, from the humble beginnings to the undeniable champions.
1. McChicken: The Boring Baseline
The humble McChicken sits at the bottom of our list, not because it’s terrible, but because it lacks ambition.
A thin patty with basic mayo and wilted lettuce on a plain bun makes for a forgettable experience. Sure, it’s budget-friendly, but your taste buds deserve better than this uninspired sandwich.
2. Hot ‘N Spicy McChicken: All Bark, No Bite
Don’t be fooled by the promising name – this sandwich delivers more disappointment than heat.
The reddish coating suggests spiciness, but the actual kick is milder than a kitten’s meow. McDonald’s seemingly sprinkled the bare minimum of cayenne into the breading and called it a day. For spice lovers, this lukewarm offering feels like a broken promise.
3. Buttermilk Crispy Chicken: Middle-Of-The-Road Mediocrity
Remember this one? The Buttermilk Crispy had potential with its thicker patty and tangy buttermilk coating.
Unfortunately, execution issues plagued this sandwich – often arriving with soggy breading or dry meat. While better than the basic McChicken, it never quite delivered the premium experience McDonald’s promised before discontinuing it in most markets.
4. McCrispy: The Reliable Newcomer
Finally crossing into “actually pretty good” territory, the McCrispy brings respectable crunch factor to the table.
The chicken itself boasts reasonable juiciness, while the potato roll adds a welcome touch of buttery sweetness. Nothing revolutionary here, but McDonald’s has crafted a solid everyday option that won’t leave you feeling cheated. A reliable choice for chicken sandwich cravings.
5. Southern Style Chicken Sandwich: The Chick-Fil-A Challenger
McDonald’s not-so-subtle attempt to mimic Chick-fil-A actually worked surprisingly well!
A simple buttered bun, pickles, and a pressure-fried chicken breast created a clean, satisfying flavor profile. Though discontinued in most locations, this sandwich developed a cult following for good reason.
6. Spicy McCrispy: The Heat-Seeker’s Delight
Now we’re talking! Unlike its disappointing Hot ‘n Spicy cousin, the Spicy McCrispy delivers legitimate heat with actual flavor complexity.
The spicy pepper sauce brings a slow-building warmth that complements rather than overwhelms the chicken. Crispy coating maintains its texture even with the sauce, while the potato roll provides cooling relief between bites.
7. Deluxe Crispy Chicken Sandwich: The Fancy Frontrunner
Lettuce, tomatoes, and mayo might seem basic, but they elevate this sandwich to near-greatness.
The fresh vegetables provide textural contrast and brightness against the substantial chicken breast. A pillowy potato roll cradles everything in buttery comfort. What makes this work is the quality – when McDonald’s nails the execution, this sandwich rivals offerings from much pricier competitors.
8. Spicy Deluxe Crispy Chicken: The Undisputed Champion
Crown the king! This sandwich combines everything that works: substantial chicken breast with genuine crispiness, perfectly calibrated spicy sauce, and fresh toppings.
The heat level hits the sweet spot – enough to excite your taste buds without overwhelming the other flavors. When freshly made, this beauty delivers a fast-food experience that feels almost gourmet. McDonald’s finest chicken achievement, hands down.