For the last few years Urbana has seen multiple new fast food restaurants popping up left and right. Within these restaurants an international competition of creating the best chicken sandwich has exploded. The most popular chicken sandwiches are sold at: McDonald’s, Chick-Fil-A, Popeyes, Burger King, and KFC.
Several of these locations offer multiple variants of the same sandwich or entirely different chicken sandwiches. For simplicity, only one sandwich will be counted per location. So which sandwich really is the best?
#5: KFC’s Classic Chicken Sandwich
Unleashed in 2021, the classic chicken sandwich from KFC initially received generally positive reviews online. It features a toasted bun, pickles, mayonnaise, and a crispy chicken filet (straight from the Popeyes playbook).
I found this sandwich to be the weakest entry on the list.
Before even unwrapping the alleged Macguffin, your hands will be layered in grease. The smell of likely stale fried chicken fills the air. You sink your teeth into the first bite, only to find you’re literally just eating a piece leftover from a fried chicken bucket placed between two slabs of bread.
The claim that this sandwich is anything but horrible 3 years into its stint at KFC would be an understatement. This abomination of chicken itself will make sure to upset your stomach by its third bite.
Out of the sample of students interviewed for this article, not one knew KFC even offered a chicken sandwich.
Lacking in flavor, quality, consistency, and originality, this sandwich rightly earns its spot last on the list.
#4: Burger King’s Chicken Jr.
Originally released in the late 80’s as a part of a value meal, the Chicken Jr. has been through it all.
Beginning as a competitor and response to McDonald’s ‘McChicken’, the Chicken Jr. was fierce competition. Consisting of lettuce, mayonnaise, a chicken filet, and a sesame bun it was no stranger to the market.
Boasting fresher ingredients than McDonald’s, what’s placing the Chicken Jr. below the original?
Flavor.
The Chicken Jr. lacks any and all additions in the flavor department, like plain boiled pasta or a piece of toast.
Clearly this lack in star quality stands out. The Chicken Jr. appropriately places above last, but is stiffed out from placing higher on the list by its own inspiration.
#3: McDonald’s McChicken
Initially debuting in 1980, the McChicken was quickly pulled from menus as it was (shockingly) deeply unpopular with the majority of consumers. Part of this unpopularity stemmed from the far superior product, the McNugget, hitting the scene around the same time.
Being the first “value product” from a fast food restaurant featuring a chicken sandwich, it was bound for eventual success.
The sandwich consists of lettuce, mayonnaise, a chicken filet, and a toasted bun; but what makes this sandwich standout?
Flavor and originality.
McDonald’s notably has far superior mayonnaise in comparison to its, so far listed, rivals. Not to mention, in only one request you can add the most delicious fast food sauce ever created: Big Mac Sauce.
So if it’s so great, why isn’t it higher?
Quality.
The McChicken is incredibly inconsistent in presentation. Bailey Smith (Class of 2026) describes the sandwich as “usually not great”, adding, “I would just get something else.”
With mediocre to decent, Urbana seemed to be lacking in quality fast food chicken sandwiches, until one of its most recent additions.
#2: Popeyes Classic Chicken Sandwich
The icon itself.
The Popeyes chicken sandwich has had by far the largest impact on fast food compared to anything on this list.
This chicken sandwich launched one of the largest fast food wars of all time, grew Popeyes revenue up 34% in one quarter, and, most famously, this chicken sandwich led to a fatal stabbing here in Maryland.
The Popeyes chicken sandwich is undeniably amazing. Featuring a truly toasted bun, fresh mayonnaise, dill pickles, and a perfectly crisp and juicy chicken filet this sandwich rightfully shook up the market.
As a former employee of Popeyes myself, I can fully back the claim that this sandwich is a divine creation.
Student’s like Hayden Jessop (Class of 2025) seem to agree, calling it “probably one of my favorite meals.”
With a sandwich so perfect, how can it possibly not rank #1?
Health.
An odd factor to account for in a fast food ranking, but the one thing holding this sandwich back is its ingredients. Not even referring to its absurd calorie ratio, the sandwich often contains enough grease to clog a city pipeline.
Similarly to Burger King, this sandwich also borrowed its recipe from another competitor.
#1: Chick-Fil-A Classic Chicken Sandwich
The original reigns supreme.
The first fast food chicken sandwich to ever hit the market, Chick-Fil-A has had over half a century to perfect its recipe.
Being unanimously ranked #1 by all interviewed, this sandwich no doubt proves its might. Featuring pickles, a delectable piece of chicken, toasted bread, and love, this sandwich boasts by far the freshest ingredients.
The one thing this sandwich lacks is a designated sauce. This is not without solution however as a simple addition of chick fil a sauce can suffice.
The consistency of this sandwich is hard to match. Ask yourself, how often does your Chick-Fil-A mess up your order compared to the previous names mentioned on this list?
No doubt the classic contender has rightfully earned its place atop the list.
As Urbana continues to grow and develop into a thriving exurb, we can expect many new franchises to open up to lukewarm welcomes! With new competitors arising everyday, will Chick-Fil-A continue to reign supreme?
