I tried chicken sandwiches from McDonald's, Popeyes, and Bojangles. The chicken sandwich from the smallest chain was my favorite.
Erin McDowell/Business Insider
I tried chicken sandwiches from three fast-food chains: McDonald's, Popeyes, and Bojangles.
All three sandwiches were tasty, but one was the clear winner.
Bojangles, which just opened a new location in New York City, impressed me with its crispy filet.
Fast-food chicken sandwiches may look similar on the surface, but not all sandwiches deliver the same crunch, flavor, or value.
To find out how popular chains compare, I ordered chicken sandwiches from McDonald's, Popeyes, and Bojangles and compared them based on taste, texture, toppings, and price.
From classic Southern flavor profiles to more flaky filets, each sandwich brought something different to the table.
Here's how the three chicken sandwiches ranked from worst to best.
McDonald's delivered a classic chicken sandwich without much fanfare.
Erin McDowell/Business Insider
McDonald's crispy chicken sandwich, which is aptly named the McCrispy, was released amid the 2021 chicken sandwich wars and is available in classic, spicy, and — as of January 27 — a new, limited-edition hot-honey flavor.
It cost $7.69, excluding tax, at my local chain in Brooklyn, New York.
The sandwich comes with a large chicken filet, two pickles, and mayonnaise.
Erin McDowell/Business Insider
When I opened it, I noticed the sandwich had a very light smattering of mayonnaise. As someone who loves condiments, this was a little disappointing.
I was eager to see how it would affect the taste.
The chicken sandwich was juicy enough without the excess mayonnaise, but it lacked the distinct crunch I was looking for.
Erin McDowell/Business Insider
The sandwich was moist but almost soggy. The bun held the sandwich's contents together perfectly, and in terms of size, I thought McDonald's nailed the bun-to-chicken ratio.
I'd order it again, but it didn't blow me away.
Popeyes had a great chicken sandwich, even though it wasn't my favorite.
Erin McDowell/Business Insider
Popeyes practically invented the chicken sandwich wars after it introduced its signature sandwich in 2019, sparking fistfights and a ton of online discourse.
The sandwich may not be as talked about as it once was, but it's still a fan favorite. It cost $6.49, excluding tax.
The sandwich came with a more generous serving of mayonnaise and two thick pickle slices.
Erin McDowell/Business Insider
Popeyes puts mayonnaise on both buns, with pickles layered under the chicken filet, which sets it apart from other chains.
The sandwich was delicious, but it didn't have quite the same impactful flavor as the winner.
Erin McDowell/Business Insider
The chicken filet crunched and flaked with every bite, and the thick pickle slices were actually tart — they certainly weren't just for show. The sandwich was also moist and tender, without being a soggy mess.
Overall, I was impressed. However, another chain clinched the win.
Bojangles' chicken sandwich delivered the most on taste and value.
Erin McDowell/Business Insider
The sandwich, which the chain updated in the aftermath of the chicken sandwich wars, features a large filet of fried chicken on a buttery brioche bun. Its flavor profile is classically Southern, built around fried chicken, pickles, and mayonnaise.
The chicken sandwich cost $8.81, excluding tax.
The chicken filet is marinated in Bojangles' signature blend of spices and buttermilk.
Erin McDowell/Business Insider
Like the other chicken sandwiches, Bojangles' chicken sandwich was topped with mayonnaise, but it was thicker than the mayonnaise from other chains. It also came with two crunchy pickle slices.
Bojangles' process of marinating its chicken helped to infuse flavor deep into the meat rather than just coating the surface.
What really stood out to me, though, was the texture.
Erin McDowell/Business Insider
The filet was hand-breaded and fried in-store, creating an extra-crispy, craggy coating that delivered a satisfying crunch with every bite. The pickles added even more crunch, with a bright, briny flavor that cut through the richness of the fried chicken.
The sandwich also had a subtle kick from the marinade — it wasn't overwhelmingly spicy, but it was enough to add flavor and keep each bite interesting.
Together, the crispy breading and flavorful filet created a layered texture and flavor profile that set the sandwich apart from its competitors.
While it was the most expensive sandwich, I thought it was worth the price considering the extra work that went into making it and the fact that it hit all the marks of a truly great chicken sandwich.
The chicken sandwich wars are over — for me at least. I declare this sandwich the winner.