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McDonald’s & Chick-fil-A battle over chicken
May 19th, 2008, 3:00 am · 23 Comments · posted by Nancy Luna, Staff Writer and Blogger
Freebie alert: see update below
There’s a fierce fast-food fight going down in the chicken category.
Two weeks after McDonald’s introduced a Southern Style chicken sandwich with identical ingredients to Chick-fil-A’s two-pickle entree, the Atlanta-based chicken chain appears to be fighting back.
This week, Chick-fil-A, which is rapidly expanding in California, is expected to announce a major revamp to its menu.
Items getting a makeover include chicken strips, premium salads, cool wraps and the chicken salad sandwich. Chick-fil-A, whose West Coast headquarters is in Irvine, called the menu makeover “the chain’s most aggressive product roll out” in its 40-year history.
In the meantime, a debate has erupted among fast-foodies over which chain has the best fried chicken sandwich: McDonald’s or Chick-fil-A. McDonald’s gave away its chicken sandwiches last week to entice fans. To read, initial reviews by readers, click here.
Read on to learn about the menu changes expected at Chick-fil-A:
Chick-n-Strips: The chain is doubling the size of its breaded strips, and adding a special Dijon dipping sauce to go with them. Because the strips are bigger, the menu will offer serving sizes of 3 or 4 strips for adults and 1- and 2 strips for kids. I went to a Chick-fil-A over the weekend, hoping to get a sneak preview of the new strips, but store employees said the items won’t be changed until this week. The current strips (at, left) are already very big, I can’t imagine why the chain would want to super-si
ze them.
The strips run about $2.99 (4-count) and $4.45 (6-count). Chick-fil-A did not provide prices for the new strips.
Chargrilled and Fruit Salad: This new salad will feature Harvest Nut Granola topping. Packaging (at right) for all four salads will also change. “Chick-fil-A’s four entree salads will now be served in a larger, deeper salad bowl that is easier to eat out of and easily transported,” the company said.
The change comes as McDonald’s has made strides to offer healthier salads such as the successful Asian chicken salad. Wendy’s also plans to revamp its salads by topping them with warm chicken slices, instead of cold.
Chicken Salad Sandwich: The salad recipe is not changing. However, the revamped sandwich (at right) will be served on Wheatberry bread with leaf lettuce. Cost $3.65, or $6.05 as a combo meal, which is also new.
Cool wraps: Cool wraps are essentially a salad wrapped in a white tortilla. The new wraps will be hugged with a multi-grain flat bread. (at right, the current cool wrap)
Sides: Five additional side item choices will be available for customers to substitute for Chick-fil-A Waffle Potato Fries. A small Cole Slaw or Carrot and Raisin Salad can be substituted for free, or customers can choose a small bowl of Chicken Soup, medium Fruit Cup or Side Salad for nominal upcharge.m (I personally think the chain has the best “fruit option” of all fast-food. It rivals anything you’d get an upscale casual restaurant.)
Tell us: What chain has the best chicken sandwich? Go here, to take my POLL. Current count, Chick-fil-A beating McDonald’s and Carl’s Jr. by a landslide.
Updated 8:30 a.m. to include more info from Chick-fil-A, and photo of new menu items (above)
FREEBIE ALERT: Also, I just learned that the Chick-fil-A at 3601 S. Bristol Street in Santa Ana (2 blocks north of South Coast Plaza) is giving away samples of the new menu items TODAY. Starting at about 6 p.m., expect Chick-fil-A’s famous cows to arrive by limo.
May 19th, 2008 at 9:05 am
It’s been a while now, but this has to do with the an experience I had with the Chick-fil-A store that opened some time ago, on Tustin Street in Orange.
I went in by myself to have lunch. Bought a chicken sandwich and a drink. Was quite expensive, like about $7.00 or so. Waited quite a while, got it, and sat down to have the meal. Opened the wrapper, and found this little sandwich, opened it and absolutely nothing was on it. Went back to the counter and asked where was the lettuce, tomato and such. Was told I had to order it with the sandwich, and cost something like a dollar something, don’t remember.
Well how outrageous! Spent what I thought was a bunch of money already for this little sandwich and drink, and they expect their customers to pay more for the normal condiments! No way. I’ve never been back.
May 19th, 2008 at 10:04 am
I believe if I stay away from both McDonald’s AND Chick-fil-A,
I will live longer.
May 19th, 2008 at 10:21 am
Ummm, tastes like chicken… but is it???
May 19th, 2008 at 10:45 am
Go to Waffle House!
May 19th, 2008 at 10:47 am
I’ve tryed the Chick-fil-A sandwiches at the Orange store on Tustin and also the Irvine store and I will not go back. The help was nice, but the sandwiches are not worth the money. I thought the sandwiches were small and the appearance of the sandwich is poor. I’m better off going to Subway sandwiches and get a healthy chicken sandwich that is prepared while I watch.
May 19th, 2008 at 11:27 am
I’ve also been to the Orange store on Tustin, exactly once. I ordered the combo meal with the “famous” sandwich, and I was surprised at the high price. The chicken sandwich was a small bun with a meaty filet and exactly two very sad, thin pickles; nothing else on it, no spread, no lettuce, no nothing. The chicken was good, as far as fast food chicken filets go.
But I’ve never been back. For a couple bucks more I go across the street to Panera Bread and have a delicious sandwich and salad there, buy the WSJ at the counter to read on the patio, and enjoy a healthier lunch.
It doesn’t help that there’s an In-N-Out right next door to the Orange Chick-Fil-A; I veer to the left and head through their drivethrough for a DoubleDouble instead of going back for the expensive pickle bun thing. This location is the same spot where the failed Krispy Kreme used to be. Perhaps there’s just a curse on that plot of land and Southern fast food chains just shouldn’t try to do business there? The South has not yet risen again, especially on Tustin Avenue in Orange.
May 19th, 2008 at 12:00 pm
I guess I join this discussion with a different perspective because I grew up on the east coast and had Chick-Fil-A day at the school cafeteria every Tuesday for years. Nothing beats the taste of chick-fil-a’s chicken. I personally love the simplicity of the original sandwich. Add a little mayo to the sandwich and some criss cut french fries and it’s my favorite lunch.
I go to the store on Bristol and MacArthur and always have fast, excellent service. If it wasn’t a twenty minute drive I’d be there more often. Has anyone tried their salads? You can’t find a better, more fresh chicken salad anywhere else.
I can’t believe someone suggested going to subway for a chicken sandwich! ha. what a joke. I was ecstatic when Chick-Fil-A started expanding to California, I hope they’ll stay.
May 19th, 2008 at 12:15 pm
I have been a long time fan of Chik-fil-A and was happy to see them expand in California.
I ate one of the McDonalds sandwiches and threw half of it out. I could tell they were trying to make a Chik-fil-A one but just missed the mark.
For my money it’s the original inventor of the Chicken Sandwich. chik-fil-A.
And they’re worth every penny.
May 19th, 2008 at 12:33 pm
Not sure how anyone could say the sandwich was small… It is darn near an entire breast filet and I often have trouble getting my admittedly big mouth around one of them!
The genius of the Chik-fil-A sandwich is its simplicity. For those (like me) who dislike wilted lettuce, tasteless tomato slices and gloopy mayo on their sandwiches, Chik-fil-A is a godsend.
But if that *IS* how you like your sandwiches all you need to do is speak up! The thing that *REALLY* sets Chik-fil-A apart from any of the rest of the fast-food choices is the sincerely *STELLAR* service from start to finish. Their employees are are friendly, professional and eminently polite… Three things woefully absent in almost every other fast-food establishment one is unlucky enough to wander into.
Do yourself a favor and give Chik-fil-A a try… You won’t be disappointed.
May 19th, 2008 at 1:48 pm
I think I actually jumped up an down with delight when the first Chick-Fil-A opened around here. A Chick-Fil-A sandwich is SUPPOSED to be just chicken, pickles and a bun. It is perfect just the way it is, but they will be happy to add lettuce, etc. I tried the McDonald’s sandwich. It was awful. We gladly drive 20 minutes at least once a month for a Chick-Fil-A!!
May 19th, 2008 at 2:26 pm
i try this one and it is not as good as carl’s place.
May 19th, 2008 at 2:43 pm
Chick-Fil-A has Mc Donalds beat…always has & always will. I hope their expansion comes my way. I’ve eaten their chicken sandwiches & cols slaw for over 20 years. The have an excellent menu, chicken salad sandwich is great too.
May 19th, 2008 at 2:57 pm
As I mentioned in Maven’s Initial Review thread, this sandwich disappoints on many levels. McDonald’s has missed the mark big time and I hope this goes away soon. I think the 99 cent chicken sandwich is a much better value since it’s got may and lettuce along with a crispy patty. It’s piece and parts but at least it’s a more filling meal with some eye appeal. While initially intrigued thinking McDonald’s was going pull off another winner aka Iced Coffee, I think they need to go back to the test kitchen on this one.
May 19th, 2008 at 4:03 pm
Sorry for posting this so late, but I just learned that the Santa Ana Chick-fil-A is giving away free samples today..see update on this post
Nancy
May 19th, 2008 at 4:46 pm
Which crap smells better? You gotta love these articles.
I once asked a friend of mine who is a franchise McDonalds owner if he ever at his own establishments. His response was a laughing “You’ve got to be kidding right?”
May 19th, 2008 at 11:41 pm
I can’t imagine whose chicken is worse. Chick-Fil-A on their best day has boring, tasteless chicken. McDonald’s is the home of homogenised, boring food.
Popeyes Po’ Boy chicken sandwiches have some flavour and so do those from Checkers/Rally’s.
May 20th, 2008 at 3:02 pm
I received a coupon for a free breakfast chicken biscuit and a free chicken sandwich for lunch. This morning I went to redeem my breakfast sandwich, in addition to ordering a hashbrown and iced coffee also. The total was $4.88 without the coupon. I then drove up to the window and was given 40 cents change from a $5 bill. I asked why and she said bc of the coupon, but I assumed I would get the price of the sandwich (1.99) back. I was wrong and she said bc I ordered it separatley instead of a combo. Regardless the breakfast sandwich was disapointing and boring. I would rather have a coffee and donut.
May 20th, 2008 at 10:22 pm
Chick-Fil-A is a start. I want more Sonic Burgers!! Now.
June 13th, 2008 at 5:11 pm
my mom gave me her free coupon and I tried the chicken sandwich a couple of nights ago. I have to disagree with some of you here. It was actually pretty good if you remove the pickles. I just think it’s pricey for the size you get. I might get another if I win the lotto.
June 18th, 2008 at 5:41 pm
I ate Chick-fil-a every day (except sundays) for 10 months and lost 60 lbs. I did nothing else, no “diet”, no extra excercize. I just turned off my brain when i got hungry and ordered the same chargrilled chicken sandwich, side salad, and unsweet iced tea 2 or 3 times a day.
What happened when that one guy ate only McDonalds for a month?
June 29th, 2008 at 1:45 pm
Chick-fil-a is nasty overpriced processed chicken. I don’t go to McD’s for chicken. Do yourselves a favor and steer clear of Chick-fil-a.
July 2nd, 2008 at 1:36 pm
Hi - just wanted you guys to know that Chick-fil-A is giving away free food on July 11th to anyone who comes in wear a cow costume or any type of cow-related attire.
There are some tips on the website: http://www.cowappreciationday.com on how to dress.
August 10th, 2008 at 1:00 am
okay I’ve only been to Chick filet once and I remember that the reason I never returned was because of their high prices. Now that I’ve tasted the mickey d’s chix sandwich I may have to go back and compare since I don’t remeber much about how the chik filet tasted!