scorecardI tried the chicken sandwich KFC says it's seeing huge success with and saw why it's such a hit
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I tried the chicken sandwich KFC says it's seeing huge success with and saw why it's such a hit

Mary Meisenzahl   

I tried the chicken sandwich KFC says it's seeing huge success with and saw why it's such a hit
A KFC store is seen in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania in February 2018.Gene J. Puskar/AP
  • KFC's chicken sandwich has been selling well and propelling the chain through a successful year.
  • I tried the spicy and regular versions and was impressed.

KFC's chicken sandwich has been a major success for the chain this year, earning rave reviews.

KFC
Mary Meisenzahl/Insider

I decided I needed to try it, so I headed to my local KFC.

I decided I needed to try it, so I headed to my local KFC.
Mary Meisenzahl/Insider

I ordered through KFC's app, which directed me to go inside rather than through the drive-thru.

I ordered through KFC
Mary Meisenzahl/Insider

KFC has a pick-up window for mobile orders right at the corner, next to where you place orders.

KFC has a pick-up window for mobile orders right at the corner, next to where you place orders.
Mary Meisenzahl/Insider

Inside, the restaurant was decorated in signs promoting the spicy chicken sandwich, which I was there to try.

Inside, the restaurant was decorated in signs promoting the spicy chicken sandwich, which I was there to try.
Mary Meisenzahl/Insider

My food was ready and packed up when I walked in.

My food was ready and packed up when I walked in.
Mary Meisenzahl/Insider

I brought the sandwiches back to the car to dig in.

I brought the sandwiches back to the car to dig in.
Mary Meisenzahl/Insider

First up, the regular non-spicy version.

First up, the regular non-spicy version.
Mary Meisenzahl/Insider

Like its counterparts at Popeyes, the sandwich comes in foil that keeps it warm.

Like its counterparts at Popeyes, the sandwich comes in foil that keeps it warm.
Mary Meisenzahl/Insider

It comes on a bun with pickles and a creamy, ranch-like sauce.

It comes on a bun with pickles and a creamy, ranch-like sauce.
Mary Meisenzahl/Insider

From the first bite, it was crispy, juicy, and delicious.

From the first bite, it was crispy, juicy, and delicious.
Mary Meisenzahl/Insider

My fiance Joe was also a fan.

My fiance Joe was also a fan.
Mary Meisenzahl/Insider

Then we moved on to the second, spicier version.

Then we moved on to the second, spicier version.
Mary Meisenzahl/Insider

It's the same sandwich base as the first, covered with a mild hot sauce.

It
Mary Meisenzahl/Insider

The only thing I didn't love about the sandwiches was the messiness of the sauce.

The only thing I didn
Mary Meisenzahl/Insider

Though very tasty, the orange hot sauce got everywhere.

Though very tasty, the orange hot sauce got everywhere.
Mary Meisenzahl/Insider

Both sandwiches felt very substantial, each consisting of a large breaded chicken breast.

Both sandwiches felt very substantial, each consisting of a large breaded chicken breast.
Mary Meisenzahl/Insider

I thought the size of the sandwiches was an especially good deal for the price, which was $3.99 in Rochester, New York for both versions.

I thought the size of the sandwiches was an especially good deal for the price, which was $3.99 in Rochester, New York for both versions.
KFC

For comparison, a chicken sandwich from Chick-fil-A costs $4.65, or $4.99 for a spicy chicken sandwich.

For comparison, a chicken sandwich from Chick-fil-A costs $4.65, or $4.99 for a spicy chicken sandwich.
Irene Jiang / Business Insider

I'm not the only one who was impressed by KFC's chicken sandwiches. "It's doing four times better than any chicken sandwich we've ever had in the US before," Yum Brands CFO Chris Turner told analysts in a recent earnings call.

I
A KFC restaurant is seen in Shanghai      Reuters

Same-store sales are up more than 13% over 2019 levels, nearly the same level of growth as Popeyes has seen over the same period.

Same-store sales are up more than 13% over 2019 levels, nearly the same level of growth as Popeyes has seen over the same period.
Moses Robinson/Getty Images for KFC

I was also impressed by how quickly I got my food. Given the lower price point and shorter wait time compared to Chick-fil-A, I'd probably choose KFC next time I'm craving a spicy chicken sandwich.

I was also impressed by how quickly I got my food. Given the lower price point and shorter wait time compared to Chick-fil-A, I
Mary Meisenzahl/Insider

Do you have a story to share about a retail or restaurant chain? Email this reporter at mmeisenzahl@businessinsider.com.

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