REVIEW: McDonald’s Classic Chicken Sandwich

McDonald s Classic Chicken Sandwich

Despite its oblong-shaped filet, squished profile, and two perfectly-centered pickles, McDonald’s Classic Chicken Sandwich is not as good as Chick-fil-A’s namesake chicken sandwich.

That said, it’s a better and more economical showcase for McDonald’s buttermilk chicken than the Buttermilk Crispy Chicken Sandwich and a dramatic upgrade over the McChicken.

McDonald s Classic Chicken Sandwich 2

It’s built similarly to the bygone Southern Style Chicken Sandwich, but skips the butter and steamed bun for a regular bun and McDonald’s signature sauce. Otherwise, it makes no attempt to shy away from borrowing a page from Chick-fil-A’s book.

Overall, its minimalist approach works great. I’ve had McDonald’s buttermilk chicken on three or four occasions and always thought it was okay if not a little out-of-place in the Buttermilk Crispy Chicken Sandwich. Sans mayo, tomato, and lettuce (and $1.89 cheaper) the buttermilk flavor really comes out.

McDonald s Classic Chicken Sandwich 3

With a crispy, uniform breading, the buttermilk chicken checks the prerequisite boxes for adequate juiciness and flavor, although it doesn’t wow you. Nevertheless, a slightly spicy aftertaste, with strong notes of black pepper and garlic powder, tastes wonderful with the tangy-sweet signature sauce, which like a mustard-spiked ketchup. The pickles add a nice layer of crunch, but otherwise go unnoticed.

McDonald s Classic Chicken Sandwich 4

It’s good, but not Chick-fil-A good, lacking the succulent, plump texture from Chick-fil-A’s pressure cooking, as well as the sweet and nutty flavors imparted by the peanut oil and seasonings. Additionally, I found myself missing Chick-fil-A’s buttered bun, as well as the steamed effect when you get it to go in one of those specially-designed pouches. Still, the Classic Chicken Sandwich is probably the most enjoyable McDonald’s chicken sandwich I’ve ever had, and at 45 cents cheaper than Chick-fil-A’s, it’s a good value.

That said, I’m not crazy about the national rollout of the $1-$2-$3 menu at McDonald’s, which killed the 2 for $3 and 2 for $4 deals that had been staples at my local restaurant. Pressed between spending $3 on a medium fries and double cheeseburger or spending the same amount on the Classic Chicken Sandwich, I’d choose the latter 9 out of 10 times, if only because of its modest size.

All things considered, if you love McDonald’s buttermilk chicken, you’re going to love this sandwich. I can only hope the Golden Arches finds a way to increase the value a bit more by including it on the 2 for $5 menu.

(Nutrition Facts – 510 calories, 210 calories from fat, 23 grams of total fat, 4 grams of saturated fat, 0 grams of trans fat, 65 milligrams of cholesterol, 1040 milligrams of sodium, 50 grams of carbohydrates, 0 grams of dietary fiber, 6 grams of sugar, 25 grams of protein.)

Purchased Price: $3.00
Size: N/A
Rating: 7 out of 10
Pros: Chicken is both crispy and juicy, with strong buttermilk flavor. Tangy and sweet signature sauce pairs well with the kick of the chicken’s seasoning. Cheaper than most similarly sized chicken sandwiches.
Cons: Not as good as Chick-fil-A’s. Bun is lackluster and would be better steamed and buttered. Moderate size and not the greatest deal if you add a medium fries, which McDonald’s somehow decided to leave off the value menu.

8 thoughts to “REVIEW: McDonald’s Classic Chicken Sandwich”

  1. I didn’t realize this was the buttermilk chicken fillet. Selling this for $3 when the buttermilk chicken sandwich is close to $5 is a little ridiculous. Over a $1.50 more for mayo, lettuce and tomato? I liked this sandwich but the signature sauce was applied to liberally and I would probably prefer it with mayo. If I can swap out the sauce for mayo I will never order the buttermilk chicken sandwich again. This sandwich is just going to cut into the sales of all the pricier chicken sandwiches.

    1. It’s on the 1, 2, 3 dollar menu which is probably why it’s only $3 and unfortunately I’m sure if it stays on the menu the price will eventually go up (but hopefully not). I know most stores will happily sub the sauce for mayo if you ask without charging any extra, of course I know it will vary whether it’s a franchise or corporate store.
      I remember several years ago McDonald’s sold a Southern Style Chicken Sandwich and I was OBSESSED with it! Nothing will be as good as Chick-fil-A’s sandwiches, but it was the perfect substitute on Sunday when you’re craving one. The manager at my closest McDonald’s store said this sandwich is the same thing, except the bun on the Southern Style Chicken Sandwich was steamed and the bun on this new Classic Chicken Sandwich is not steamed. She also said if you ask, they will steam it, which I’m sure would make it a lot better but is also something I’m not about to go there and do if they’re busy. I don’t know why they ever discontinued the original Southern Style Chicken Sandwich in the first place, it was one of the best things on their menu!

      1. I agree I used to love the southern style chicken and missed it ever since. I tried this the other day and didn’t even notice a difference I was so excited its back and pretty similar!

    2. Yeah, this thing is going to kill sales of the normal chicken sandwich. Wait, you want me to pay how much more for your sad fast food lettuce and terrible fast food tomato? Lol, no thanks, give me the $3 one.

      Of course, that premium is nothing compared that of the Big Mac over a McDouble. $3 for a middle bun, some lettuce, and swapping special sauce for ketchup/mustard…it’s ridiculous.

  2. I know, i HATE apps cause i don’t know what info they are taking from my phone…but if you have the Micky Skeaze app on ur phone, you can get a medium fries for free with any purchase on some (if not all) Fridays.

  3. Agreed on the 2-for-5 wish. Seeing it on the value menu I can’t help but compare it to 3x the McChicken. And while it’s clearly better, I don’t know if it’s 3x better.

  4. They should bring back the Southern style sandwich that was one of my favorites still nothing beats chick fil a

  5. Truth be told if you are missing the elements of the more expensive buttermilk chicken sandwich you can just get a side salad (at a dollar) with ranch. It’s fresher than the lettuce/tomato they offer & cheaper given these numbers here.

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