Best Fast Food Chicken Sandwiches Compared: Chick-fil-A, Popeyes, KFC and More
Quick answer
- Cheapest classic chicken sandwiches: Chick-fil-A, Popeyes, KFC and McDonald’s McCrispy, all about $5.49.
- Lowest calories: Chick-fil-A Chicken Sandwich at about 420 calories.
- Highest calories: Popeyes Chicken Sandwich at about 700 calories.
- Best grilled option: Chick-fil-A Grilled Chicken Sandwich at about 390 calories.
The chicken sandwich wars are still going strong. Every major chain now has a crispy chicken sandwich, and prices are closer than you might think. Here is how the biggest names compare on price and calories.
Classic crispy chicken sandwiches compared
| Restaurant | Sandwich | Typical price | Calories |
|---|---|---|---|
| Chick-fil-A | Chick-fil-A Chicken Sandwich | About $5.49 | 420 |
| Popeyes | Classic Chicken Sandwich | About $5.49 | About 700 |
| KFC | Classic Chicken Sandwich | About $5.49 | 650 |
| McDonald’s | McCrispy | About $5.49 | 470 |
| Burger King | Royal Crispy Chicken | About $6.29 | 600 |
| Wendy’s | Classic Chicken Sandwich | About $6.49 | Varies |
| Whataburger | Whatachick’n Sandwich | About $5.79 | 540 |
| Zaxby’s | Kickin’ Chicken Sandwich | About $5.29 to $7.99 | 690 |
| Raising Cane’s | Chicken Sandwich | Varies by location | 780 |
Spicy versions
| Restaurant | Spicy sandwich | Typical price | Calories |
|---|---|---|---|
| Chick-fil-A | Spicy Chicken Sandwich | About $5.79 | 450 |
| Popeyes | Spicy Chicken Sandwich | About $5.49 | About 700 |
| KFC | Spicy Chicken Sandwich | About $5.69 | 620 |
| McDonald’s | Spicy McCrispy | About $5.69 | 530 |
| Burger King | Spicy Royal Crispy Chicken | About $6.39 | 760 |
| Wendy’s | Spicy Chicken Sandwich | About $6.49 | 560 |
Grilled chicken sandwiches
- Chick-fil-A Grilled Chicken Sandwich: about $6.49, 390 calories.
- Whataburger Grilled Chicken Sandwich: about $6.49, 430 calories.
- Zaxby’s Grilled Chicken Sandwich: about $5.09 to $7.49, 470 calories.
- Popeyes Blackened Chicken Sandwich: about $6.99, 480 calories.
Which one is best?
For a lighter sandwich, Chick-fil-A is hard to beat at 420 calories. For a big, buttery brioche bun and crunchy coating, Popeyes is the fan favorite. If price matters most, Chick-fil-A, Popeyes, KFC and McDonald’s all sit around $5.49, and McDonald’s and Burger King often include chicken sandwiches in their $5 bundles.
What makes each sandwich different
- Chick-fil-A: pressure-cooked fillet on a buttered bun with two pickles. Simple and lighter.
- Popeyes: thick, crunchy buttermilk-battered fillet on a brioche bun with pickles and mayo or spicy mayo.
- KFC: extra crispy fillet on a brioche bun with pickles and mayo.
- McDonald’s McCrispy: crispy Southern-style fillet on a potato roll with crinkle-cut pickles.
- Burger King Royal Crispy: crispy white meat fillet with lettuce, tomato and savory sauce.
Best value as a meal
Ordering a chicken sandwich as part of a bundle is the cheapest way to try it. McDonald’s and Burger King often include chicken sandwiches in their $5 bundles, while a Popeyes or KFC sandwich combo runs about $8.49 to $9.49.
Frequently asked questions
Which fast food chicken sandwich has the fewest calories?
The Chick-fil-A Chicken Sandwich has about 420 calories, and its Grilled Chicken Sandwich about 390.
How much is a Popeyes chicken sandwich?
The Popeyes Classic or Spicy Chicken Sandwich costs about $5.49, or about $9.49 as a combo.
Is the McCrispy the same as the old McChicken?
No. The McCrispy is McDonald’s premium crispy chicken fillet sandwich. The McChicken is a smaller, cheaper sandwich.
What is the cheapest chicken sandwich?
Value sandwiches like the McChicken are cheaper, but among premium crispy sandwiches, Chick-fil-A, Popeyes, KFC and McDonald’s McCrispy are about $5.49.
Prices are typical U.S. prices before tax and can vary by location. Menus Info is not affiliated with any restaurant mentioned. See how we check prices.
