So here they are safe, sound, and steaming hot in their respective packages.
McDonald's clearly pushes the descriptions of the food a bit more, while Chick-fil-A relies simply on its name to get the idea of tender crispy chicken across.
Let the chicken championship commence!
The McDonald's offering has cooled a bit in its cardboard box, while Chick-fil-A's insulated baggie keeps the sandwich steaming hot, even after being delivered to our offices.
Out of the package, McDonald's has an early advantage: The sandwich is prettier. Bright green lettuce and a substantial tomato slice peek out under a fancy bun, while Chick-fil-A's chicken sits humbly on a bed of tiny pickle slices between an average bun.
Buns off for a closer inspection: Chick-fil-A's sandwich, on the left, is slightly smaller than the one from McDonald's — and the chicken sure looks different.
Way different. Chick-fil-A's breading looks more natural; McDonald's almost looks as though it's trying too hard to be fried chicken.
Chick-fil-A isn't breaded all that much. It's really just enough to get the idea of fried chicken across — nothing super crispy.
McDonald's, on the other hand, is ultra-crispy-looking. It's in the name, after all: Buttermilk Crispy Chicken. The breading is darker, more noticeably textured. Also, that piece of lettuce is huge, right?
Bun quality is key here. The McDonald's bun looks amazing, but it's easily smushed and tastes slightly sweet. There's definitely a lot of sugar in that. Chick-fil-A's bun is a modest, sturdy, Plain Jane bun — nothing more, nothing less.
I've done all the pre-taste inspections I can. They seem to be equals up to this point, although McDonald's looks more appetizing.
I take a bite of McDonald's, and I know what to expect. The chicken is adequately good, with decent seasoning and lots of crunch. They managed to do a good job with the chicken recipe revamp ...
... but almost always too much mayonnaise. Why must these sandwiches drown in gallons of mayo? The sweetish bun and the slightly tart buttermilk seasoning are a nice combo, but the overload of mayonnaise is a little gross. But we're not talking gourmet here — we're talking McDonald's, right?
A bite into Chick-fil-A, and suddenly I see the light. This sandwich is completely deserving of the fervent praise it gets. The chicken is thick and juicy — compare this to the thickness of McDonald's — and the pickles add a perfectly piquant hint of vinegar. Nothing but bun, chicken, and pickles here, and it's glorious.
In my mind, the winner is clear: Chick-fil-A's simple approach to the chicken sandwich eclipses the McDonald's attempts to make theirs look nice. The simple taste and visible quality easily crown Chick-fil-A the champion of this chicken showdown.
