Jack in the Box has claimed the top spot in a new ranking of America's best fast-food spicy chicken sandwiches, surpassing long-time favorite Chick-fil-A. The San Diego-founded chain's Spicy Chicken Sandwich was awarded the blue ribbon by food experts at Tasting Table, who evaluated offerings from nine popular fast-food restaurants.
Tasting Table described the Jack in the Box sandwich, made with 100% all-white meat, as comparable to a dish found at a sit-down restaurant. The food experts praised its large, tender, and flavorful chicken portion, as well as its big, fluffy, and moist bun. "The savory flavor came through the strongest," Tasting Table noted. While acknowledging the sandwich might be on the pricier side for fast food, the outlet deemed it worth the cost.
The Jack in the Box Spicy Chicken Sandwich is priced at $7.69 and contains 550 calories. IMAGE4
Chick-fil-A's spicy chicken sandwich secured the second position on the list. Tasting Table commended its "succulent, tender" chicken but criticized its buns for being "dry and tasteless." The outlet suggested that while the sandwich is substantial, its value proposition was diminished by its price point, likening it to a value menu item without the corresponding low cost.
Other fast-food chains rounding out the top five included KFC, Popeyes, and McDonald's. Whataburger, Wendy's, Burger King, and Church's Texas Chicken also made the list.
The ranking generated buzz among fast food enthusiasts online. "Surprised at the number 1 choice. I might have to check it out," one commenter wrote on Reddit. Another user stated, "I’ve been saying Jack has the best spicy chicken sandwich."