Spicy chicken sandwiches have become a must-have on fast-food menus, and two big names are leading the charge. McDonald’s and Chick-fil-A each have their own take on this popular item, and both have loyal fans who swear by their favorite.
Tasting Table recently put the two sandwiches to the test, comparing flavor, heat, and overall experience. The final choice might surprise you.
Consumers feel McDonald’s spicy McCrispy chicken sandwich is bold and balanced
McDonald’s Spicy McCrispy is fairly new, joining the menu after the 2019 chicken sandwich craze. But it didn’t just join the trend—it came to win. Made with southern-style fried chicken, a spicy pepper sauce, and crinkle-cut pickles on a soft potato roll, this sandwich hits hard. According to taste testers, the heat is bold but balanced. The mayo-like sauce cools things just enough, making each bite spicy but still enjoyable.
Even better? McDonald’s launched a bold twist in 2024: the Bacon Cajun Ranch McCrispy. With smoky flavor and extra kick, it became a quick favorite.
Foodies feel Chick-fil-A’s Classic is simple, but does not have enough spice
Chick-fil-A’s Spicy Chicken Sandwich has been around since the 1980s. It’s simple—seasoned chicken breast, buttered bun, and pickle chips—but it’s also a long-time fan favorite. Still, in this match-up, reviewers felt it didn’t deliver enough spice. The flavor was good, but not fiery enough for true spice lovers. One tester compared it to “quitting at mile 25” of a marathon.
That said, Chick-fil-A has also spiced things up with newer creations like the Spicy Honey Pepper Pimento Chicken Sandwich. It’s a hit with fans and brings something different to the table. In the end, Tasting Table gave the crown to McDonald’s Spicy McCrispy. But don’t count Chick-fil-A out—when it comes to chicken, they’re still one of the best in the game.