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It seems like every fast food chain is on a chicken kick this year, with McDonald's rolling out its new Spicy McNuggets, Panda Express announcing that honey sesame chicken is back, and Popeyes unleashing its Ghost Pepper Wings. It came as no surprise, then, that Wendy's chimed in this week to announce its newest handheld: the Classic Chicken Sandwich.
Longtime Wendy's fans might be wondering what sets this recipe apart from its predecessor, the Homestyle Chicken Sandwich. The new kid on the block promises to be "crispier, juicier and so packed with flavor that, upon first taste, it'll be an instant classic," according to an announcement from Wendy's HQ. More specifically, it stars a white-meat breast that's fried to craggy perfection, tossed on a toasted bun and topped with tomato, lettuce, pickles and mayo.
The newly upgraded crispy filet will also be used in all of Wendy's premium chicken sandwiches, including the Spicy Asiago Ranch Club and the newer Pretzel Bacon Pub Chicken. Purists, don't fret: Wendy's hasn't touched its cheaper, down and dirty sibling, the Crispy Chicken Sandwich—which is still available for a dollar and change.
So, how'd the new menu item stack up? It's downright delicious and, more importantly, amends some of the Homestyle sandwich's faults. The meat is juicier, plumper and perfectly cooked, and the breading is more defined and craggy. You know how you usually come across one suspect bite, where the meat is tough and rubbery? Not here—consistency seemed to be a top priority with the new recipe. The biggest game-changer, though, is the addition of pickles, which should honestly be mandatory for every fried chicken sandwich. Forget the limp lettuce and wimpy tomato and ask for an extra helping of pickles; they lighten the beige overload with crunch and lip-puckering acidity.
But Wendy's new Classic sando lacks in both flavor and overall oomph—two areas where rival Popeyes excels with its recently updated, wildly popular chicken sandwich. Their breast is marinated in Louisiana seasoning and battered in a heartier, more craggy buttermilk coating. And when it comes to toppings, Popeyes keeps it simple with pickles and your choice of classic or spicy mayo.
The verdict? While Popeyes still reigns supreme as the king of fast food fried chicken, Wendy's new and improved recipe is a venerable runner-up that's absolutely worth trying. Just be sure to ask for extra pickles.
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