Is there a comparable fast-food alternative to the classic Chick-fil-A sandwich?

[NurseJackie]

Wendys? McDonalds? Sonic? Burger King? KFC? Popeyes? Bojangles?

I'm craving a classic Chick-fil-A sandwich... but, well... you know.

What are your experiences with tasty alternatives? Any recommendations?

[MerryHolidays]

1. I'll vouch for Popeye's. Yum! nt

[CrackityJones75]

34. Agreed! The spicy one is divine!

[TheBlackAdder]

53. Best yet, especially if on a diet. Blackened Tenders. They are peppered and not breaded. Awesome.

.

They are made on demand, and an off-menu item.

Most locations make them, but a few are stopping it. They are the best offering Popeye's has.


Trivia: What did Rachel Maddow's patner thought Popeye's Chicken was called? POPE YES Chicken.

She joked about it on one of her episodes. The kids and I now call it Pope Yes too.

.

[CrackityJones75]

55. Oh I will have to try that!

But I am a sucker for fried chicken.

[BannonsLiver]

2. Popeyes customer service is best described as adversarial but when it's right it's pretty damn good.

I’ve only eaten Bojangles at the Atlanta airport. It was solid. Some other options depending on your locale: Slim Chickens, Raising Cains and Zaxby’s.

I find burger places don’t do the sandwiches quite as good as dedicated chicken places.

[Steelrolled]

21. I like your description of popeye's customer service.

I've tried several times to try their chicken sandwich but never even got a chance to order. I would eventually just give up and go somewhere else.

[Phoenix61]

3. I'll second Popeyes. nt

[intrepidity]

4. I hear very good things about Jollibees

Unfortunately, never tried one yet.

[jmowreader]

32. The last time I tried going to one, the line stretched very, very far

Jollibee (which has the best fried chicken) sets up shop in places where there is a substantial Filipino population, because it is based in the Philippines. When I have a serious desire for bangus - the most delicious of fishes, but one that makes you pay for it because the little bastards have twice as many bones as any other fish* - I go to the Southcenter Mall near Sea-Tac Airport, where there is a Filipino supermarket. Very close to it is a Jollibee. When the pandemic hit and closed all the fast-food joints in Seattle, Jollibee Corporate decided that would be a great time to replace the kitchen...and, because that place is always packed, they definitely needed it. Anyway, it took longer than they expected to do the work, so by the time they were done the entire population of the city of Seattle was in Jollibee withdrawal. So...I walk into the hallway where the Jollibee is and there are people lined up all the way down the hall to the corridor JC Penney is on, at which point the line turned right and stretched all the way to the next intersection.

* As to the bangus: It's also called the Pangasian Milkfish. When you get them they're about the size of a trout. They use passive sonar, so they have two sets of bones: the one where it is on other bony fishes, and a second set just under its skin, which is its sonar sensor.

[ironflange]

43. Jollibee chicken is the bomb

It's the very best, and I've tried them all.

[intrepidity]

45. I wish there was one nearby!

One of these days I'm going to bite the bullet and take a long drive to one.

[ironflange]

47. We have a couple here now

When the first one opened, you couldn't get near it for weeks.

[liberaltrucker]

49. Closest to me is Toronto and Edison, NJ

Looks like an international road trip once the border opens.

[ellie]

5. Popeyes

[Silent3]

79. My big problem with Popeye's...

...is that they seem to be vegetable-averse (unless pickle slices count as vegetables).

I like some lettuce and tomato on a chicken sandwich. There's not to be found at Popeye's, even optionally. It's not in stock.

Mayo and pickle slices instead? Gross. Leave that stuff off and the chicken sandwich is pretty good, but it's still missing something without the non-available lettuce and tomato.

[FlyingPiggy]

6. Popeyes for sure! But I don't find them consistent in quality.

When it’s on, it’s fantastic! That crispy chicken sandwich of theirs is amazing. Great pickles, good flavor, brioche bread, and just the right amount of crunch.

[xmas74]

7. Popeyes

But the new Signature sandwich at Zaxby's was pretty good.

[happybird]

8. I haven't had one as good as Chik Fil A's

I’ve been trying them all, but haven’t yet had the new(ish) one from Wendy’s. I’m a long time fan of their spicy chicken sandwich so I bet the Chik Fil A style one will be good.

The Popeye’s sandwich was just ok, imho.
McDonald’s and Burger King were blah.
KFC’s was surprisingly bad. Maybe that’s just the local KFC? They went out of business this past year. Idk if it was covid related or because they were a crappy franchise?

[underpants]

9. Popeyes is better than Chic Fella. I saw an ad for clearly a rip off

Recently but I can’t remember the chain. It was a bun, a fillet, and two pickles just like a Chic Fella sandwich

[no_hypocrisy]

10. Popeyes

[bullimiami]

11. its crazy the lines of cars waiting at chick-fil-a when the others are only a couple deep.

i guess they got something correct.


today tuesday at around 230, mid weekday, lines filled up and into the street.







of course the 1400 mg of sodium in the chicken sandwich means i wont be eating it.

[happybird]

19. Even crazier is how fast and efficiently they move the lines

I drive a friend to get groceries and do her errands once a week and we always stop at a drive thru so she can pick up dinner. Usually, it’s Chik Fil A. The line is always ridiculously long, no matter the time of day, and we just glide on through in a few minutes.

Since we’ve been going there a few times a month, I downloaded their app and they give good rewards. Got a free sandwich and a brownie last week.

[Steelrolled]

27. Yeah, I'm not a boycotter so

I have no problem going to Chick-Fil-A, although there are none near me. But the times I do go I am always impressed by their efficiency and their customer service. Nothing comes close.

[rockfordfile]

28. Nope. It's just their crazy cult religious nutjobs going only to that place.

When I was kid years ago, I tried one at the mall it tasted terrible.

Most people go to different places.

[soothsayer]

12. All in on Popeyes

[48656c6c6f20]

13. I make a damn good chicken sandwich

Haven't been to a fast food joint in a decade or so. Waffle shaped fries like substance may be harder to make, but I think I will be happy with some air fried ones.

[NurseJackie]

16. I never enjoyed their waffle fries.

I'd eat them... of course. But I prefer McDonald's fries (and Whataburger fries).

[Tommy Carcetti]

14. When it comes to fast food, I honestly prefer chicken on the bone vs. chicken sandwiches.

Chick-Fil-A sells chicken patties with honey mustard sauce.

I mean, okay, not awful but I don't get the hype.

[ismnotwasm]

15. I just make one

[SoCalDavidS]

17. Isn't Popeye's Owned By A Right Winger?

I know they used to have a wealthy conservative owner, and they owned another chain besides Popeye's.

Hopefully someone can confirm. Wouldn't want someone to patronize a right wing establishment while trying to avoid another one.

[jmowreader]

36. It currently belongs to a Canadian holding company, Restaurant Brands Inc.

They own Tim Hortons, Burger King and Popeyes.

[SoCalDavidS]

38. OK, Sounds Like The Right Winger Sold To Them At Some Point

Good to know. I guess I can feel comfortable patronizing them if I choose to.

[CitizenProle]

39. Popeyes Founder

Popeyes was founded by Al Copeland (since passed), New Orleans restauranteur, who opened the first one on Canal Street in Nola, not sure of his politics

[CitizenProle]

60. Al

Copeland was a colorful character even by New Orleans standards- never finished high school, nine children by four wives, lost a casino license to an (allegedly) better briber, and more...

[brush]

59. Chik Filet too. LGBTQ rights doing the Obama admin.

I won't give them a penny of my money.

[SoCalNative]

18. They just opened a Chick-fil-A in my city

not happy about it. I hope they can't pay the exorbitant rent where they are and have to close.

[PJMcK]

20. Two suggestions

First, Popeyes has a great chicken sandwich. It comes as a crispy filet or as a spicy crispy filet which is pretty sharp. They're both excellent... for fast food.

Which brings me to my second idea. Make it yourself! It's pretty easy, it'll be healthier and it'll be cheaper.

I like to cook. If you want to try some copy-cat recipes, try this site:

https://tasty.co/article/candacelowry/fast-food-favorites-you-can-easily-make-at-home

In any event, enjoy your sandwich!

[marble falls]

44. Pressure cooking is pretty hard to fake at home, isn't it?

[Collimator]

22. I tried Popeyes just to see what the fuss was all about.

Honestly, wasn't impressed. But in fairness, I did choose to eschew any flavored sauces. Royal Farms' chicken tenders are meaty and delicious, if that is helpful. They don't have drive-through, though, and I don't know about their sandwiches.

Kudos to you on sticking to your boycott of Chick-fil-A. Goddess, how I miss those brownies!

[ironflange]

46. I agree, I was totally underwhelmed

I finally got around to trying Popeye's chicken sandwich, and it sure didn't change my life, as some would make you believe. Too much crunchy stuff. To be perfectly honest, I enjoyed the sandwich that 7-Eleven is selling now more than Popeyes.

[JI7]

72. It's ok but not as good as it's talked up

[lagomorph777]

23. A block of salt on a bun?

When I was a carnivore, I couldn't stomach all that salt at Chikophilia.

[NurseJackie]

25. That's the best part.

Mmmm

Extra pickle and mayo on both sides of the bun.

[JuJuChen]

24. fuck chick-fil-A and their wet ass meat

Popeye's has won the chicken wars

[yonder]

26. Never ate at CfA but have had exactly two at Popeyes.

The first was better than the second.

[XanaDUer2]

29. Zaxby's new signature sandwich

even my SO loves it and he hates everything

[GoCubsGo]

66. Yep, Zaxby's is my choice for fast food chicken sandwiches, too.

Not that I eat the stuff more than once a decade. It also helps that there's a Zaxby's a mile from my house.

[XanaDUer2]

68. I don't eat fast food that much, but Zaxby's is an exception

They're not greasy. The sandwich is really wonderful!

[pamdb]

30. definitely

Popeyes. And it's cheap, something like $5. I usually end up taking half out and just
eating it plain, I can't eat a whole one. Well, I probably could if we didn't also get fries
with it.

[lpbk2713]

33. I like Popeye's

A side of red beans and rice is good too.

[Bluesaph]

35. Farmer Boys has the BEST one!

Better than Chick-fil-A and bigger!

[NurseJackie]

52. That's one I haven't heard of. Is it regional? Where are you located?

Some of the best chain/franchise restaurants aren't in MD/DC area.

[JI7]

71. I got a burger and fries from there once and the food had no taste

I'm not sure if they just made it wrong and missed some things or if it was supposed to be like that.

[Cognitive_Resonance]

37. Popeye's (regular or spicy) sandwich is very good and generously sized. I need to try the newer

McDonald's offerings for comparison.

[wcast]

40. I ate at Chick fil A one time while traveling.

Line out the door. Sandwich tasted like any other fried chicken sandwich, didn’t notice anything special about it that would distinguish that sandwich from BK or Wendy’s.

[doc03]

41. I got the new Wendy's chicken with bacon

and jolopeanos, it was good if you like hot stuff. All I can say about Chic fa la is they are very efficient. The food not so great.

[marble falls]

42. KFC's new chicken sandwich was good when we tried it last week. Really good.

[whistler162]

48. I like Krispy Krunch chicken tenders

https://www.krispykrunchy.com/ haven't had their sandwich.

[NurseJackie]

50. Thank you! I'll check this out... I had NEVER heard of this chain before!

But using their store locator, I see that there's one nearby! I'll give it a shot!

[whistler162]

51. It is a odd setup

1 store in Ithaca NY is in a gas station and the one in Auburn NY is in a smoke shop.

[KarenS]

54. Do you have any Smash Burgers around you?

Love their hamburgers,,,,, but now they have a chicken sandwich and a fish sandwich that are very yummy,,,, more expensive but yummy.

[csziggy]

58. Oh, yeah - I love their Smash Chicken sandwich, but I get the grilled version

I haven't been to Smash Burger in a couple of years - maybe next time I'm in town, I'll go by and get one for take out.

Thanks for the reminder!

[lame54]

56. I don't boycott Chick-Fil-A...

I was so unimpressed the one time I went there

Dry and bland

[SoCalDavidS]

62. Same Here

I went there once, and couldn't understand what the big deal was.

The one near my office always has a line snaking through the parking lot at lunch time. It's always amazed me.

[Dem4Life1102]

57. Ah Chick-fil-A

Where every sandwich is served with a side of intolerance and bigotry 😉

[rampartc]

61. if there is a popeye's nearby their's is far superior.

[PJMcK]

63. A further observation

I had a McDonalds crispy chicken sandwich today, partly inspired by your post yesterday.

Stay away!

The chicken breast was chewy and grisly, the breading was flavorless and hard as a rock and the bun as crumbly.

Just a friendly warning!

[NurseJackie]

65. I think they have quality control issues there...

... I've heard good reports AND bad reports. The "good" ones were lukewarm, passable. But the other bad reports were similar to yours.

I imagine it's because the chicken breasts were left in the steamer/warmer for too long because they'd cooked too many. Those things MUST be served right away, and I think this is a battle that McDonalds will lose (or they'll just be an also-ran).

Thanks for your information.

[LiveToLurk]

64. Popeye's!

Their spicy chicken sandwich is awesome - way better than Chock-ful-Ass

[DFW]

67. None of that stuff near me

There is the occasional McD and recently even a few KfC franchises, but we don’t visit them. None of them compare with a freshly made up Döner Kebap. A Döner usually has mutton or veal, but due to demand, most places now offer chicken or vegetarian as well.

[jcgoldie]

69. They have that chik fila shit for the kids at the HS once a month

Then they give the leftover sandwiches to the teachers. Seems like someone’s always trying to give me some of that crap and I have to tell them I wouldn’t eat that nazi christian slop if they paid me. Sorry thought I’d share I can’t answer the question about alternatives because I don’t even know what the shit tastes like.

[WarGamer]

70. the hell with politics... if you want CFA, eat it.

I'm not going to change every aspect of my life because a dooshbag here and there promotes, owns or represents a brand.

Oh and I still fondly remember Ted Nugent music as would ANY young man who grew up in Southern California as a teen in the 70's.

Flaming dooshbag or not, Cal-Jam II in 1978 was a life changing experience for me. Check out Youtube, it was epic.

[JI7]

73. No , and that's why they stay in business and do well in liberal areas also

Their hiring including for top positions is also diverse including hiring lgbtq people.

But didn't there guy who donated to right wing caused die ?

[Goodheart]

74. The Popeye's sandwich is better. But good luck finding a grilled chicken sandwich anywhere.

[NurseJackie]

76. I know!

But good luck finding a grilled chicken sandwich anywhere.

I know! Is it that people aren't interested in them? Or is it too hard for a fast-food joint to make economically?

My husband makes a good "grilled" chicken breast... on our double-sided panini grill/press. He uses Colgin liquid smoke as his "secret" ingredient to make it taste like it actually came from a grill.

[KY_EnviroGuy]

75. I suggest you try Buffalo Wild Wings.

Their sandwiches: https://www.buffalowildwings.com/en/food/mains/sandwiches/

My son loves the hot wings but this old man can't take the hot stuff anymore. So, last time I sent him there I got the chicken tenders and they are excellent and not hot. I assume the sandwiches would be made from similar cuts.

I have no idea of their political leanings, I just know their tenders are great.

KY..........

[NurseJackie]

77. Yes yes yes... I feel you digestive pain.

I used to love spicy foods too. I can barely tolerate mild picante sauce any more. The "mild" canned chili is almost too much. (I still love the taste! But I'll need a half a bottle of Maalox as my after dinner mint.)

[GulfCoast66]

80. Eat more fiber!

Way back when I was 36 my female doctor told me most Americans, even if they cook at home which I do, don’t eat the amount of fiber we evolved to eat. And eat too many fats. So for 20 years have followed her recommendation of a glass of Psyllium fiber twice a day. Morning and night.

She is retired now but that advice has been great.

My dad always warned me by the time I got my age I would have a more sensitive stomach. Nothing yet. Can still munch jalapeños with no problem.

But may just be my make up.

[electric_blue68]

78. Occasionally I love a Wendy's Crispy Chicken sandwich 😁

[Roisin Ni Fiachra]

81. Never had a chik-fil-a sandwich, never will.

Do not knowingly support hateful fascist bigots.

Friends don't let friends eat chik-fil-a.

[MineralMan]

82. Never been to a Chik-Fellate.

I was boycotting them since before they opened here in Minnesota.