The Chicken Sandwich Wars: Chili’s Spicy Big Crispy Chicken Sandwich

Bottom Line: While the Chili’s Spicy Big Crispy Chicken Sandwich doesn’t bring much heat, it is a big and tasty sammy and a heck of a deal on their Three-for-Me special.

The Chicken Sandwich Wars are not just in the fast food joints these days; they have moved to fast-casual and casual sit-down restaurants as well. Popeyes kicked things off with its chicken sandwich, which turned into a big hit in 2019, and now everybody is trying to get you to come buy the bird at their place. One of the latest of note is long-running chain Chili’s, which is not only putting out a pretty tasty poultry sandwich but also offering a heck of a deal.

Their Spicy Big Crispy Chicken Sandwich includes a hand-battered crispy chicken breast filet, pickles, and spicy mayo on a buttered, toasted brioche-style bun. I picked one up recently on their Three-for-Me special (more on that below), and it proved to be quite a bargain.

This is no wimpy sandwich, as it appears similar in size to the Popeyes chicken sammy when they first started putting those out (shrinkflation has since set in). There is a big piece of breast meat that is cooked through well and is not greasy at all. It has a thick crust that delivers some crunch, but there is plenty of the bird in there as well. The pickles deliver the expected tang, and the spicy mayo adds some creaminess and a touch more tang along with a nice, peppery kick. The bun seems fresh enough, and it holds everything together pretty well.

As for the heat, you might expect some from a place named Chili’s, but that actually comes from the dish, not the pepper. The only thing bringing the burn is that spicy mayo, and that gets the sandwich to only about Mild on my scale. But I am not complaining because this is one darn good chicken sandwich. I don’t see that they have an option to add jalapeños, but I am sure if you asked your server, they would do it (and also add an upcharge). That would bring in some more heat, but I am still okay with the sandwich as is.

The Spicy Big Crispy Chicken Sandwich totals up to 870 calories, so this is not a diet-friendly option. And if you get their tasty, seasoned fries on the side, that adds another 420 cals, so you better be scheduling some extra time in the gym. (Might I recommend the steamed broccoli at 40 cals?) And if you get that Three-for-Me deal, you will be doing penance for several days!

This is certainly a heck of a good chicken sandwich and worth seeking out, and if you order right, you will be getting one of the best deals currently available from today’s restaurant industry. Their Three-for-Me special includes the sandwich, fries, an appetizer, and a drink for $10.99 in my area. Seeing as many fast food combos are at that price or above these days, you are making out like a bandit at Chili’s (they have several other entrée options beyond that spicy chicken sandwich available as part of the deal). This is definitely a step up from fast food, yet a much better value, especially if you get their endless chips and salsa (and they make a pretty good salsa which has a kick). With prices going up everywhere (I hear that the cost of toilet paper is the next to get hiked), this is one place where you can truly get your money’s worth along with some good food.

The Spicy Big Crispy Chicken Sandwich is a relatively new entry to the menu, and they have also added Honey-Chipotle, Nashville Hot, and Buffalo versions of that sammy (more on those here). Unfortunately, those three are not available on the Three-for-Me deal. But they look pretty good, and I will be trying one or more of them soon. I’m not certain if these will be headed back to Limited-Time-Only-Ville at some point, so you may want to pay a visit before too long if you are interested in trying them out. Note that the Three-for-Me deal is available for dine-in, pickup, and delivery.

Nutrition Info:

Calories: 870
Fat: 52g (9g Sat/0 Trans)
Protein: 43g
Carbs: 61g
Sodium: 2000mg