Okay, before I even begin this review, let me fess up that this is not a fair comparison. McDonald’s Hot’n Spicy McChicken is more of a value menu option and does not stand up well when compared to the premium spicy chicken sammies most places are putting out these days. But I am giving it some airtime because it is easy on the budget, and it’s actually not a bad sandwich.
The McDonald’s website refers to the patty for this sandwich as “crispy, tender chicken seasoned with a bold mix of spices”. It comes on a toasted bun with shredded lettuce and a slather of mayo. Now you should note that the “tender chicken” is actually ground-up meat, not a whole breast filet like most of the premium sandwiches out there. I assume it is the same mixture used for Chicken McNuggets, but then I am no fan of those greasy chicken bombs while I do like the Hot’n Spicy McChicken sandwich (as well as the regular McChicken).
As you would expect from McDonald’s, this sammy is not too spicy. The Golden Arches tailors its food for the blander palate, so its attempt at a spicy sandwich avoids offending the average patron and delivers a fairly mild product. But it still has a bit of a kick to it and good taste, and it currently counts as the spiciest selection on the menu. The mayonnaise does not overwhelm as long as they don’t add too much and actually pairs well with the chicken patty. The lettuce adds a little bit of texture and taste (though it tends to fall out, so you may have a mess to clean up if eating this on the go!), and the bun is pretty standard for a McDonald’s sandwich, neither adding much nor detracting from it. I recommend asking for this with mustard instead of mayo, though, as that helps enhance the spiciness and overall taste.
This is a sandwich I will pick up if I am looking for something fast and cheap in the drive thru that still has a bit of a kick. McDonald’s often gets a bad rap among the fast food places because many consider its food a step down from the other chains out there. But then you don’t go to McDonald’s for a great hamburger or a first-rate chicken sandwich. You go there for exactly what they have: fast food! You go there to get a Big Mac or a McChicken. What you are getting is in the name, don’t expect much more.
But on the positive side, I find McDonald’s to be among one of the most consistent fast food chains as far as their quality, and they are typically quite clean as well. Plus, they are usually the most affordable fast food option out there. When places like Chick-fil-A, Whataburger, and even Wendy’s and Burger King are pushing eight to ten dollars for a combo meal, McDonald’s usually comes in a few bucks less or better. The McChicken sells for about two bucks on the value menu (compared to about six bucks for the average premium chicken sandwich) and you can get the combo with a small fry for about three bucks. Add another buck for a drink (or just get water), and you have a pretty good deal. Plus, the sandwich will not derail your diet, coming in at only 400 calories.
So the Hot’n Spicy McChicken may not compare well to the premium chicken sammies out there, but it holds up well as a budget choice as well as a quick and easy option. Micky D’s does have a new line of whole breast chicken sandwiches on the way and they will have a spicy version available (watch for a coming review). But I typically find that their attempts at “premium” selections do not hold up well, and they should stick with what they do best: cheap eats and consistent quality. The Spicy McChicken falls into that category and has been a fixture on the permanent menu, so expect it to outlast the latest attempt by the Golden Arches to compete in the big leagues of the chicken sandwich wars.
Tale of the Tape:
Serving Size: 1 Sandwich
Calories: 400
Fat: 21g (3.5g Sat/0g Trans)
Protein: 14g
Carbs: 38g
Sodium: 600mg