Burger King's Chicken Sandwiches: The Contenders
Burger King has offered a chicken sandwich for decades, but the fast-food giant has more recently evolved its menu to compete in the highly competitive chicken sandwich market. Currently, customers can choose between two primary chicken sandwich options: the classic Original Chicken Sandwich and the newer Royal Crispy Chicken series.
The Original Chicken Sandwich (OCS)
The OCS is the longstanding staple on Burger King's menu. It features a long, oval-shaped chicken patty that is lightly breaded and fried, served on a sesame seed bun with mayonnaise and lettuce. Unlike its crispier counterparts, the OCS has a softer texture and a more nostalgic feel. Long-time fans praise it for its unique flavor and affordable price point, though others find the texture unappealing, especially if the sandwich is not fresh.
- The Patty: A processed, formed chicken patty with a tender texture, not a whole breast fillet.
- The Breading: A thin, subtle layer that adds flavor but not significant crispiness.
- The Bun: The signature long sesame seed bun.
- The Toppings: A simple combination of mayonnaise and shredded lettuce.
The Royal Crispy Chicken Sandwiches
In the wake of the fast-food chicken sandwich wars, Burger King introduced the Royal Crispy line. This series is designed to directly compete with the crispy chicken sandwiches offered by rivals. It features a thicker, juicier hand-breaded chicken breast filet on a potato bun, available in several varieties.
- The Chicken: A thicker, hand-breaded white meat filet that delivers a satisfying crunch and juicy interior.
- The Bun: A soft potato bun that complements the chicken well.
- The Varieties: The Royal Crispy comes in several flavors, such as the Classic, Spicy, and Bacon and Swiss, offering more variety than the OCS.
Component Breakdown: A Closer Look at the Royal Crispy
Since the Royal Crispy is BK's direct attempt to win the chicken sandwich wars, a deeper dive is necessary. Reviewers have highlighted several key aspects that make this sandwich noteworthy.
The Chicken Fillet
The most important component of any chicken sandwich is, of course, the chicken. BK's Royal Crispy filet is a notable improvement over the Original. It's thick, juicy, and has a satisfyingly crunchy breading that stands up against competitors. It's a significant upgrade that offers a more premium fast-food experience.
The Breading
The breading is a highlight, offering a deep, golden-brown color and a substantial, crispy texture. While some may prefer the Cajun-style seasoning of other chains, BK's breading provides an excellent crunch-to-meat ratio that is genuinely impressive for a burger-focused chain.
The Bun
Choosing a potato bun was a wise decision for the Royal Crispy line. It's soft, fluffy, and provides the perfect complement to the crispy chicken. Unlike some fast-food buns that can be stale or soggy, the Royal Crispy's bun holds up well.
The Toppings and Sauce
The toppings are simple yet effective. The pickles are consistently large and flavorful, though some find them lacking in crunch. The sauce, a savory, mayo-based concoction, provides the right amount of creaminess and tang. For the spicy version, BK uses a glazed chicken filet in addition to the savory sauce, a different approach that delivers a noticeable kick.
Comparison Table: Burger King vs. The Competition
| Feature | Burger King (Royal Crispy) | Popeyes | Chick-fil-A |
|---|---|---|---|
| Chicken | Hand-breaded, juicy, thick filet. | Thick, hand-battered, marinated filet. | Marinated, pressure-cooked breast filet. |
| Breading | Golden-brown, substantial crunch. | Crispy, flaky, with Cajun seasoning. | Crispy, savory, and less oily. |
| Bun | Soft potato bun. | Buttery brioche bun. | Toasted, buttered bun. |
| Pickles | Large, silver-dollar size, flavorful. | Barrel-aged, thick, crispy. | Two crinkle-cut pickles. |
| Sauce | Savory mayo (plus spicy glaze on spicy). | Spicy or classic mayo. | Chick-fil-A sauce (optional). |
| Price | Often comparable or slightly higher than Popeyes. | Competitive. | Competitive. |
Conclusion: So, Is Burger King's Chicken Sandwich Good?
The answer to whether Burger King's chicken sandwich is good depends on which one you're asking about. The long-standing Original Chicken Sandwich is a classic for some but a disappointing, processed patty for others, especially if not served fresh. However, the newer Royal Crispy Chicken line has genuinely elevated Burger King's game. With its thick, juicy, and crispy chicken filet and soft potato bun, the Royal Crispy is a strong contender in the fast-food chicken sandwich market, capable of going head-to-head with rivals like Popeyes. For those seeking a quality, crispy chicken sandwich from a burger chain, the Royal Crispy is surprisingly good and well worth a try. As for the Original, it’s best enjoyed fresh by those who prefer a non-crispy, nostalgic experience. https://www.thrillist.com/news/nation/burger-king-chicken-sandwich-taste-test
