The 5 Best Fast Food Chicken Sandwiches, Ranked

Meredith Holser
Jul 01, 2024
Best Fast Food Chicken Sandwiches, RankedBest Fast Food Chicken Sandwiches, Ranked

There are endless places to go when you’re craving a crispy, juicy chicken sandwich, but only a few of the finest fast food joints prevail when it comes to having the whole package. As an avid drive-thru-er and massive chicken sandwich fan, I’ve landed on 5 of the best fast food chicken sandwiches you can order to satisfy your cravings. From the classic Chick-fil-A sammie to more unique takes, this definitive ranking prioritizes every aspect of the chicken sandwich (taste and texture) to help you discover the ultimate fast food chicken sandwich that reigns supreme.

Popeye's chicken sandwich

Popeye's

Popeye's: 5/5

Popeye's signature seasoning brings that authentic Louisiana flair to their chicken sandwich – a spice that I find most other fast food chicken sandwiches are missing! This chicken sandwich absolutely ranks first for me. The spice works really well against their always-tender chicken fillet that's coated in an outstandingly crunchy breadcrumb coat. Having these crunchy bits is extremely crucial for me, since they provide textural variety, keeping each bite fun and interesting.

Raising Cane's

Raising Cane's: 4/5

I gotta say that the Cane's sauce earns their chicken sandwich a ton of brownie points. It's downright addicting, and I refuse to listen to the haters that say otherwise! Raising Cane's' chicken sandwich features three chicken strips among a layer of lettuce and sauce – and though simple in construction, I find it's really complex in flavor. Of course, you have to hand it to the sauce for carrying all those flavors, so without it, I don't think I'd rate it as highly. Nonetheless, I grant it 4 out of 5 stars.

Chick-fil-A

Chick-fil-A: 3/5

Though The Original Chick-fil-A Chicken Sandwich is just chicken, pickles, and a bun, it's one of the most impressive fast food offerings out there. I mean, you can't really go wrong with CFA's chicken – they've mastered it! I love how buttery the bun on this sammie is, though I always wish for more pickles (a girl's gotta have her pickles). What really makes this sammie shine is getting to customize its flavor with one (or a few) of Chick-fil-A's sauces. I am a huge fan of the Polynesian sauce, but have also found success with honey mustard and straight-up ranch dressing. You do you!

Sonic

Sonic: 3/5

Sonic's chicken sandwich is a true underdog in my opinion. It's got crispy chicken, lettuce, pickles, and mayo all squeezed between a plump brioche bun. The only catch with this one is it tastes best when it's fresh. Waiting to eat it at home isn't worth it, since oftentimes, I've ended up with a very soggy sandwich. I think the chicken is appropriately seasoned, though it's nothing over-the-top. If a Popeye's or Chick-fil-A isn't remotely close, this is the fast food chicken sammie I opt for. I do love that there's a good amount of other toppings on it (they don't skimp on the pickles like Chick-fil-A does, a measly 2 is not enough)!

Wendy's

Wendy's: 2/5

Ranking very last is Wendy's chicken sandwich. Now, don't get me wrong, I love Wendy's, but mostly for their fries and Frostys (of course). Their chicken sandwich is pretty mid-tier considering all of their other menu items like chili and salads, though it's not horrible. What earns it extra points is all its toppings: lettuce, tomato, pickles, and mayo add some variety into the mix, doctoring up their very 'meh' (and very bland) chicken patty.

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Lead photo by Murtada Mustafa / PEXELS.

The McDonald’s Milkshake Hack We Wish We Knew About Sooner

I’ve seen (and indulged in) so many food trends in my day, and at this point, it can take a lot to really impress me. That being said, there’s one simple hack on the rise right now that truly has me in a chokehold – people have started adding matcha to their McDonald’s milkshakes, and it’s totally transformed how I see mass-produced milkshakes from here on out.

Scroll on to discover the viral milkshake hack that’ll have your matcha cravings running wild!

Nataliya Vaitkevich / PEXELS

As a certified matcha freak (yeah, I said it), I've been disappointed at the lack of matcha offerings amongst fast food giants like McDonald's, Wendy’s, In-N-Out, and more. Of course, Starbucks and Dunkin’ scoop out matcha on the daily, but it never comes in true dessert form!

@eatsbyrachel

That’s where this viral milkshake hack comes in – foodies have been pulling up to the drive-thru with their own doses of matcha prepped and ready, then adding it to vanilla or even strawberry milkshakes. Oh, yum! The matcha turns the frozen treats a gorgeous green color, and of course, gently caffeinates each sip.

Matheus Henrin / PEXELS

I think any theoretical matcha dessert offering from popular destinations like McDonald’s or In-N-Out would surely see an up-charge if the chains were adding in the green powder themselves, so I’m also stoked about this new method from the perspective of affordability.

Anna Pou / PEXELS

This hack also presents those who are not yet totally sold on matcha (um, how?!) with an accessible way to enjoy the powdered green tea blend. Matcha drinks have an infamous reputation for tasting either too grassy or too bitter (or both), so mixing it into a milkshake sweetens up each sip to the point that it doesn’t taste at all like a traditional latte – but a full-on dessert!

Taylor Musser / Dupe

You can apply this super easy food hack to just about any milkshake from any chain that sells milkshakes like McDonald’s, Wendy’s (need me a Frosty, stat), In-N-Out, Dairy Queen, Sonic, and more. I suggest you pick your favorite place and try it out ASAP!

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Did Natalia Grace's Parents Go To Jail? Here's What Really Happened To The Barnetts

Ever since Good American Family premiered on March 19, there has been renewed interest in the real-life adoption case of Natalia Grace.

The latest Hulu series stars Ellen Pompeo as Kristine Barnett, who adopted an orphan from Ukraine with her husband, Michael Barnett. However, after taking in Natalia, who had a rare form of dwarfism, Kristine began to suspect that she was an adult pretending to be a child.

New episodes of Good American Family are being released on Wednesdays, but as we wait to see what happens next in the TV dramatization, many fans are wondering whether Natalia's adoptive parents ever faced jail time. Here's everything we know.

Scroll to find out what happened to Natalia Grace's adoptive parents, Kristine and Michael Barnett...

Who is Natalia Grace Barnett?

Max

For those unfamiliar with the infamous case, Natalia was born in Ukraine in 2003 and was first adopted by a different couple, Dyan and Gary Ciccone, back in 2008. She only lived with the Ciccone family for two years before they claimed her behavior was disruptive and relinquished their parental rights.

This led Natalia to be placed up for adoption again, and in 2010, the Barnett family welcomed her into their Indiana home. She was thought to be 6 or 7 years old at the time, but soon afterward, the Barnetts claimed Natalia had adult traits, such as adult teeth and body hair, and believed she wasn't actually a little girl.

Additionally, they alleged Natalia was a "sociopath" and had tried to harm them and their biological children, Jacob, Wesley, and Ethan.

What happened to Natalia Grace and the Barnetts?

Max

The Barnetts ultimately petitioned an Indiana court in 2012 in order to change her birth year from 2003 to 1989. Legally, this made Natalia 22 years old, and she was placed in a Lafayette, Indiana, apartment by herself; meanwhile, the Barnetts relocated to Canada with their three sons, Jacob, Wesley, and Ethan.

Afterward, the Barnett family reportedly cut contact with Natalia, who moved in with another couple, Cynthia and Antwon Mans, about one month later. The Mans family petitioned to become her legal guardians in 2016, and by 2023, they were able to legally adopt Natalia.

What happened with Natalia Grace and the Mans?

Max

Nonetheless, Natalia wound up leaving Cynthia and Antwon's home by the end of 2023 after alleging they were controlling. She currently lives in upstate New York with the DePaul family and appeared in the docuseries The Curious Case of Natalia Grace: Natalia Speaks. There, she called the Barnetts abusive and alleged Kristine had hit her with a belt and pepper-sprayed her.

What happened to Kristine and Michael Barnett?

Max

Following their move to Canada, Michael and Kristine eventually got divorced but maintained that Natalia had exhibited violent behavior. Some allegations include that she'd appeared at the foot of their bed with a knife in her hand and attempted to poison Kristine's coffee.

Despite the fact that they filed the petition to change Natalia's age in 2012, Michael and Kristine weren't charged until 2019. They faced multiple counts of neglect, but Michael was found not guilty in 2022, and the charges against Kristine were subsequently dropped in 2023 after Michael testified in her pretrial.

Kristine Barnett reportedly wrote in a since-deleted Facebook post, "If there had been any abuse of Natalia or evidence of it, I would have been found guilty of it, and I would be in jail. I believe Natalia takes advantage of that sympathy to manipulate people."

Michael filed for divorce in 2014 and later appeared on The Curious Case of Natalia Grace: Natalia Speaks. As for Kristine, she has mostly flown under the public radar.

Still, following the finale of the docuseries, Kristine shared a long post on Facebook, responding to allegations against her.

"Natalia was a very much loved and cared for member of my family. She was not abused by anyone in my family. Let's get straight to these allegations. Nobody ever took a belt to Natalia, and the allegations that she was 'beaten' are just plain false. Any discipline of Natalia was very minimal and not out of the bounds of normal parenting," she wrote.

Natalia went on to call the docuseries "highly sensationalized," adding, "Michael Barnett and Natalia Barnett may have the same monster, but that monster is not me. That monster, whether it's mental illness, sociopathy, or whatever it actually is, may be different for each of them. But it's within their own psyche."

Who plays Natalia Grace Barnett today?

Disney/Ser Baffo

In Good American Family, Imogen Faith Reid plays Natalia Grace, and Mark Duplass depicts Michael Barnett. Ellen Pompeo has said the latest series intends to show both sides of the adoption story in an "intentional and thoughtful" way.

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Girl Scout Cookie Lovers: Wendy’s Thin Mints Frosty Is Here!

Thin Mints are undeniably the best Girl Scout cookie flavor, which is why I’m so pumped that Wendy's Thin Mints Frosty is finally here!

That’s right – Wendy’s gave their regular Frosty roster a tasty upgrade in lieu of Girl Scout cookie season. It’s ahh-mazing!

Read on for everything we know about the Wendy’s Thin Mints Frosty.


Wendy's

Starting February 21, you can order the Thin Mints Frosty from Wendy’s. The chain teamed up with Girl Scouts of the USA for the all-new flavor, which was initially announced on January 27. I've been counting down the days to the launch since!

Wendy's

The Thin Mints Frosty is concocted with a mint-chocolate swirl that uses actual Thin Mints cookies to create a “crumbly, cookie butter-esque texture.” As far as the Frosty base goes, you’ll be able to order it in either of Wendy’s classic Frosty flavors: vanilla or chocolate.

Girl Scouts of the USA

Though I haven't tried it yet, I anticipate that the Thin Mints Frosty will simply be a 10/10 treat – or perhaps even a solid 11 or 12/10! It’s widely known that the crispy chocolate cookies are always better straight from the freezer (at least in my family), so knowing they're going to be incorporated into a frozen treat is truly so exciting.

Wendy's + Girl Scouts of the USA

The Thin Mints Frosty is available nationwide – but only for a limited-time – starting Friday, February 21.

Girl Scouts of the USA

The 2025 Girl Scout cookie season began on January 7 with 12 flavors available for purchase. Girl Scouts of the USA did sadly announce two flavors, Girl Scout S’mores and Toast-Yay!, will not return for the 2026 cookie season.

I luckily don’t see Thin Mints going anywhere – they’re a cult favorite!

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This post has been updated.

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Dunkin’ Just Refreshed Their Spring Menu With 4 “Fan-Favorite” Items

Looks like it's time for a Dunkin' run, because the chain just added even more goodies to their spring menu! The first part of the Dunkin' spring menu dropped last month with the “highly requested” return of both the Dunkalatte and Pistachio Coffee. This time around, Dunkin's introducing a brand-new energy drink flavor (that truly rivals one of Starbucks' new items) alongside three sweet bites.

Scroll on to see the full Dunkin’ spring menu, including the new 'part 2' drop!

Surprise! Here's What's On 'The Part 2' Dunkin' Spring Menu

Dunkin'

NEW! Arctic Cherry Dunkin’ Energy

Coming up on the first anniversary of Dunkin's energy drinks, this new flavor brings forth sweet and tart notes of cherry alongside blueberry and grapefruit. Each sip is slightly sparkling and said to supply a "revitalizing burst" of energy. Per the name, this drink also comes complete with a kick of caffeine!

Dunkin'

NEW! Blueberry Sprinkle MUNCHKINS

These lil' donut hole treats are dotted with blueberries on the inside and coated with some bright blue sprinkles on the outside, which taste just as good as they look.

Dunkin'

NEW! Spring MUNCHKINS Bucket

You'll be able to order this big bucket full of Dunkin' MUNCHKINS starting April 2, too. It comes with a 50-count assortment of flavors, including the all-new Blueberry Sprinkle option.

Dunkin'

NEW! Cotton Candy Specialty Donut

Sweet on sweet! This new donut from Dunkin features a cotton candy-flavored buttercreme filling, a strawberry icing on top, and plenty of blue sprinkles to go around.

2 "Fan-Fave" Drinks Return To The Dunkin' Spring Menu

Dunkin'

Dunkalatte

After selling out last fall, the "highly-requested" Dunkalatte returned to the Dunkin' spring menu! Crafted with rich coffee milk, the latte (that truly tastes like a milkshake) also boasts shots of espresso that make it totally charged with caffeine. Dunkin' called it an "instant sellout," which is all the more reason to give it a try. You can order this baby iced or hot.

Dunkin'

Pistachio Coffee

Another Dunkin' fan-favorite, the Pistachio Coffee, has also made its return to the spring menu! This nutty coffee flavor first debuted in 2018, and I've been dreaming about it ever since. It's made with a "subtly sweet" pistachio syrup and Dunkin's Original Blend coffee for a satisfying sip. It's also orderable iced or hot.

More Drinks On The Dunkin' Spring Menu

Dunkin'

Brown Sugar Shakin’ Espresso

This Sabrina Carpenter-approved sip will thankfully stay on the Dunkin' menu. It boasts an icy, shaken mix of "bold" espresso, brown sugar, and oat milk.

Dunkin'

Raspberry Watermelon Dunkin’ Refresher

With notes of raspberry and watermelon, this Refresher is the perfect springtime sipper! You'll have a choice of mixing it with either green tea or lemonade this season.

New Dunkin' Snack Alert!

Dunkin'

Ham & Swiss Pretzel Sliders

Sound the alarms! There's an all-new breakfast snack on the Dunkin' spring menu this go-around. Featuring King's Hawaiian Pretzel Slider Buns, these sliders are stacked up with Black Forest ham, honey mustard, and Swiss cheese. There are two sliders per box, so you can easily snack away.

Dunkin' Snacks Returning (For A Limited Time!)

Dunkin'

Sweet Black Pepper Bacon

The Sweet Black Pepper Bacon will also be available at Dunkin' (for a limited time!) this season, available as a Breakfast Sandwich, Wake Up Wrap, or just the plain Snackin’ Bacon.

Dunkin'

Chicken & Bacon Croissant Stuffer

Just when I was missing chicken-filled breakfast options at Dunkin', the Chicken & Bacon Croissant Stuffer returns to the spring menu! Available for a limited time, this flaky pastry is stuffed with chicken, bacon, and Colby Jack cheese.

Don't Miss Out On The $6 Meal Deal

Dunkin'

The greatness of the famed Dunkin' $6 Meal Deal continues! For just $6, this bundle includes a medium (14-ounces) hot or iced coffee, a Sausage, Egg & Cheese breakfast sandwich, and hash browns. Deal? More like a steal!

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This post has been updated.

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8 "Old School" Western Movies Every '1923' Fan Needs To Watch

No films today can quite measure up to old school Western movies, which transport audiences back to a time of dusty plains, rugged landscapes, and larger-than-life heroes.

These timeless classics, which were often set in the wild frontier of the American West, have helped shape much of modern filmmaking and continue to influence storytelling today.

That's why old school Western movies are more than just a genre; they're a piece of Hollywood history. Here are eight of the most iconic films that still deserve to be rewatched today.

Scroll to see all the old school Western movies you should definitely watch!

Stanley Cramer Productions

1. High Noon (1952)

High Noon, which came out in 1952, depicted themes of duty, loneliness, and moral courage. It followed lawman Will Kane, played by Gary Cooper, who intends to retire and start a new life after tying the knot with his wife, Amy.

However, his plans are derailed when he learns that a dangerous outlaw named Frank Miller is returning to town to get revenge. Will has to decide whether to flee or face Frank himself.

The movie builds a sense of urgency and isolation, as well as provides commentary on the nature of heroism, showing how even people who claim they stand for justice can fold when confronted with personal risk.

Warner Brothers Entertainment

2. The Treasure of the Sierra Madre (1948)

In 1948, The Treasure of the Sierra Madre followed two down-on-their-luck oil workers, Dobbs and Curtin, who team up with a miner named Howard to search for gold in the Sierra Madre mountains. Yet, after they literally strike gold, paranoia creeps in, and the group's bond starts to unravel.

While this film is a classic Western, it also doubles as a psychological thriller and features a lot of unexpected twists that will capture the attention of even modern viewers.

20th Century Studios

3. Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid (1969)

Paul Newman plays Butch Cassidy in Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid, the leader of a group of bank robbers. Meanwhile, the Sundance Kid, portrayed by Robert Redford, is Butch's loyal partner, and together, their lives get tougher as banks become increasingly harder to rob.

So, they turn to train heists, but even though the new scheme is successful at first, it soon leads to deadly consequences. They become the most wanted men in the West and get caught up in thrilling escapes and shootouts.

20th Century Fox

4. The Gunfighter (1950)

Released in 1950, The Gunfighter provided a fresh take on the classic Western hero. Gregory Peck starred as Jimmy Ringo, a notorious gunfighter who returned to the town of Cayenne to reconnect with his estranged wife and son.

But since his reputation precedes him, Ringo finds himself facing some people who want revenge and others who wish to make a name for themselves by killing him.

The plotline offers a more somber view of the consequences of being a gunfighter, which challenges the glorified image of the Western hero.

United Artists

5. Stagecoach (1939)

Stagecoach follows a group of passengers aboard a stagecoach, one of whom is Ringo Kid, played by John Wayne. Ringo is an escaped convict who wants revenge for the murders of his family members.

It's true that the movie's portrayal of Native Americans is outdated today. Nonetheless, Stagecoach marked a significant moment in John Wayne's career and remains a popular favorite among Western enthusiasts.

Paramount Pictures

6. Shane (1953)

Shane tells the story of a mysterious drifter named Shane, played by Alan Ladd, who gets involved with two homesteaders, Joe and Marian, as they face harassment from a land developer. After the developer's intimidation tactics get more violent, Shane decides to stay with Joe and Marian's family to protect them.

This film defined the archetype of a strong anti-hero, with a main conflict of violence versus the desire for peace. It also has beautiful cinematography.

United Artists

7. The Good, the Bad, and the Ugly (1966)

Unfolding against the backdrop of the American Civil War, The Good, the Bad, and the Ugly follows three men who get tied up in a race to discover $200,000 buried in gold.

A bounty hunter, a convict, and a mercenary each hold a piece of the puzzle, but none of them has all the information they need to pinpoint the treasure. So, despite their ruthlessness, there are some moments of cooperation that arise out of necessity and set the stage for a showdown.

Clint Eastwood, who portrays the bounty hunter, delivered a poignant performance, as did Eli Wallach and Lee Van Cleef.

20th Century Fox

8. My Darling Clementine (1946)

Finally, My Darling Clementine, directed by John Ford, portrays the famous events surrounding the O.K. Corral shootout. It centers on Wyatt Earp, played by Henry Fonda, who becomes the Marshal after the brutal killing of his younger brother James.

Spoiler alert: Wyatt ultimately learns that one of the Clanton brothers was responsible for James' death. This leads to the legendary gunfight at the O.K. Corral.

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