McDonald’s Chicken Sandwiches Ranked From Worst To Best
McDonald’s has revamped its chicken sandwich lineup in recent years, aiming to compete with chicken specialists like Popeyes and Chick-fil-A.
The golden arches now offer several chicken options beyond the classic McChicken, with varying levels of spice, toppings, and quality.
Let’s see how these cluckin’ good (or not so good) sandwiches stack up against each other!
6. McChicken: The Budget Disappointment
The humble McChicken sits at the bottom of McDonald’s chicken hierarchy with its paper-thin patty that’s more breading than meat. Dollar menu nostalgia aside, this sandwich suffers from a soggy texture and flavor profile dominated by mayonnaise.
The shredded lettuce adds little beyond a wilted garnish. While kind to your wallet at under $2, it’s stingy on satisfaction. For those late-night cravings when nothing else is open, it’ll do—but just barely.
5. McCrispy: Pickle-Topped Mediocrity
McDonald’s basic McCrispy tries hard but lands firmly in meh-territory. The southern-style chicken fillet promises crunch but often delivers a chewy disappointment wrapped in a buttery potato roll. Those crinkle-cut pickles? They’re fighting a losing battle against blandness.
The sandwich lacks moisture and flavor complexity that sauce could provide. While the potato roll deserves praise for its pillowy texture, it’s like putting fancy tires on a bicycle—nice but not enough to win any races.
4. Deluxe McCrispy: Veggie-Forward But Flawed
Adding veggies should improve things, right? The Deluxe McCrispy brings lettuce, tomato, and mayo to the party, but sometimes more isn’t merrier. Those tomato slices often slide around like kids on a Slip ‘N Slide, creating structural chaos with each bite.
The mayo adds welcome creaminess but can’t mask the fundamental chicken issues. Vegetable-to-meat ratio feels off-kilter—like wearing a hat three sizes too big.
When fresh, it’s decent; when hastily assembled, it’s a sloppy mess masquerading as premium fast food.
3. Hot ‘n’ Spicy McChicken: Budget-Friendly Heat
Spice makes everything nice! This fiery cousin to the regular McChicken injects personality into the budget sandwich lineup. The heat level won’t have you breathing fire, but provides just enough kick to wake up your taste buds from their mayo-induced slumber.
Still stuck with that thin patty problem, this sandwich nonetheless offers bang-for-your-buck satisfaction. The spicy coating cuts through the mayo avalanche that plagues its blander sibling.
For under $3, it’s a guilty pleasure that punches above its weight class in the flavor department.
2. Spicy McCrispy: Heat That Brings The Sweet
Now we’re cooking with ghost peppers! The Spicy McCrispy elevates its basic brother with a zippy pepper sauce that doesn’t just bring heat—it brings actual flavor. That buttery potato roll finally has a worthy dance partner.
The pickles cut through the richness perfectly, creating a sweet-spicy-tangy trifecta that keeps you coming back for more. McDonald’s nailed the sauce consistency here—not too runny, not too thick.
The only downside? Occasional sauce distribution issues can leave some bites disappointingly dry while others drip down your arm.
1. Spicy Deluxe McCrispy: The Crowned Cluck
The chicken sandwich champion has arrived! McDonald’s Spicy Deluxe McCrispy combines everything that works: the heat-packed fillet, crisp vegetables, and that pillowy potato roll. The mayo and spicy sauce create a creamy-spicy alliance that elevates every bite.
Fresh lettuce provides crucial crunch while tomatoes add juicy brightness. Unlike its lower-ranked siblings, this sandwich achieves proper balance.
The premium price tag actually delivers premium taste. When McDonald’s gets it right, they really get it right—and this chicken masterpiece proves they can cluck with the best of them.