Update 9/8/21: We also tried the BBQ version! Click here to read our review.
I don’t hang out with a gang of teenagers and a dog in a van who rip fake monster masks off the heads of conniving folks. So I’m probably not going to solve what the Mystery Sauce is in Jack in the Box’s new Cluck Sandwich.
It features Jack’s new thicker and crispier 100% all-white meat fried chicken fillet, pickles, and the chain’s Mystery Sauce on a toasted brioche-style bun. There’s also a Deluxe version with cheddar cheese, guacamole, bacon, tomatoes, lettuce, and mayo on a brioche-style bun.
As you can see, I decided to go with the regular version since the Deluxe doesn’t come with the Mystery Sauce. Why? That might be the real mystery here.
The first thing I noticed after pulling the Cluck Sandwich out of the pouch that all post-Popeyes Chicken Sandwich chicken sandwiches seem to come in now is that it’s less like a cluck and more like a cheep. The previously mentioned Popeyes offering is noticeably larger. But thank goodness Jack’s new fillet is thicker. Or is it?
I mean, is Jack counting the breading as part of the thickness like how I use the top of my spiky gelled hair to determine my height? To be honest, I really can’t say it’s noticeably thicker than Jack’s previous chicken. But thank goodness Jack’s new fillet is crispier. Or is it?
Just kidding. It is, but only at the edges of the fillet. It’s not a hearty crunch, but it’s better than what came before. Taking a closer look at the breading, there’s some seasoning in it, which gives the fillet a slightly peppery flavor when eaten separately. It’s not Popeyes-great, but it’s a step above Jack’s previous chicken.
Now I’ll attempt to solve the Mystery Sauce. I thought it was a combination of peppery barbecue sauce and Thousand Island dressing (minus the chopped bits) with my first taste. But after a few more bites and licks, I realized its flavor is like a less zesty Burger King Zesty Sauce, which is the only excellent dipping sauce at Burger King. And that sweet, tangy, and peppery condiment gets enhanced with the pickles’ tang and slight sweetness from the brioche bun.
With all of that said, Jack in the Box’s Cluck Sandwich is the best tasting chicken sandwich I’ve ever had from the chain and I’d be happy if it ended up being a permanent addition to the menu. Is it better than a Popeyes Chicken Sandwich? No, but while I think the current king of chicken sandwiches has better tasting chicken and a better bun, I prefer Jack’s Mystery Sauce over Popeyes’ mayo.
Purchased Price: $4.99*
Size: N/A
Rating: 8 out of 10
Nutrition Facts: 490 calories, 22 grams of fat, 4 grams of saturated fat, 0 grams of trans fat, 45 milligrams of cholesterol, 1260 milligrams of sodium, 54 grams of carbohydrates, 1 gram of fiber, 10 grams of sugar, and 23 grams of protein.
*Because I live on a rock in the middle of the Pacific Ocean, things are a bit pricier here. You’ll probably pay less than I did.
Click here for our previous fast food reviews.
I’m moving to Texas shortly and could not be MORE EXCITED that Jack in the Box will be a local fast food place again. Thanks for the review, I’m really looking forward to trying this.
At some point these companies will realize that a big part of why Chick-Fil-A and Popeyes’ sandwiches are so successful is because they’re not frozen and thrown in the fryer. Until they get a hand-breaded chicken program set up, they’re always going to be the b-team.
The cluck sandwich is big fail not worth the price , this sandwich is small like for a kids meal, this sandwich price wise and size its more like a value menu item , this in no way can.compete with other chicken sandwiches, im sorry I was looking forward to it and was disappointed, and I like Jack menu but this was not so great , sorry
Dare I say that this sounds like another lack “cluckster” JITB item…
I tried it last night and was really disappointed by the size of the sandwich. It was more of a slider than anything else. It also lacked flavor and tasted like a sandwich from the frozen section of a grocery store. Mine came in their standard box not a bag like shown in the review. I’d rather have their spicy chicken or the Homestyle Chicken Club. This was a weak attempt by JITB that was unnecessary if you ask me.
I’m not sure who all these other fat bastards are but I’ve had 4 and I wouldn’t day any are small. Certainly not as small as the regular one. Easy to measure that. Slider size? Christ, maybe my appetite has shriveled since I hit 30 last year or something but the size is not as small as these guys make it out to be. Too thick and the balance of skin and meat starts to fail. Same with enormous burgers, whats the point? Much, MUCH rather have 2 really good 1/3 lb burgers than a lb burger. Gross.
I used to really like JITB chicken sandwiches, but the chicken patties have really gotten thin in recent years. It’s hard to tell, but judging by the pickle slice, this looks smaller than their regular sandwiches, I guess for the price It’s not bad, but would prefer a full sized sandwich for a regular price.
Tried it last night, small dried out chicken patty. Doesn’t look at all like the product photos.
Tasteless garbage. Never again.
This is one the most pathetic attempts that JIB has ever produced. If you don’t plan to put 100 percent into a new product why waste our time. Popeyes and Chic fil specialize in chicken and will always be superior. This sandwich reminded me of food I was forced to eat after surgery when I didn’t have any other options.
Was in California today and they call it a Clucky! OMG Best chicken sandwich ever!!!!!!!!!!!!!
We tried the deluxe version and thought they were very tasty. and while it may look smaller then others, it didn’t eat that way, we were both very full. Paired with their delicious onion rings it made for a nice meal. I wish they would have used the “brain bun” though.
The biggest mystery about the “Mystery Sauce” on my Cluck Sandwich is WHERE WAS IT? I got an overcooked piece of chicken on a toasted dry bun with 2 slices of low-quality dill pickle — oh yes, and lots and lots of SALT! Bad first bite.
I opened the sandwich and found a quarter-sized slightly orange stain in the middle of the top and bottom of the bun. It didn’t even leave a taste behind. No creamy dripping sauce, just a stain!
My FIRST and LAST JITB Cluck Sandwich!