Chicken sandwich lovers, listen up! Burger King has completely revamped their chicken sandwich game, and I’ve got all the juicy details for you. After ditching their Ch’King sandwich (which honestly broke some hearts), BK has introduced a brand new lineup of chicken sandwiches that’s worth checking out. Let’s dive into what these new cluckers have to offer!
The Chicken Drama at Burger King
First, let me catch you up on the chicken drama that’s been happening at Burger King. Back in 2021, they launched the hand-breaded Ch’King sandwich with massive fanfare. People loved it! Then in 2022, they suddenly pulled it from menus, leaving fans outraged on social media.
Why did they discontinue the popular Ch’King? According to Tom Curtis, President of Burger King North America, while the Ch’King “was a great product,” it was “difficult or challenging for teams to execute” Jose Cil, CEO of Restaurant Brands International (Burger King’s parent company), added that the Ch’King “complicated things” and “created a ton of bottlenecks operationally.”
One angry Reddit user summed up many customers’ feelings “The Ch’King was my go-to. They dropped that sandwich I dropped BK.” Another said “Ch’King was the only reason I started going back to BK.”
The New BK Royal Crispy Chicken Sandwich Lineup
So what’s replaced the beloved Ch’King? Burger King has introduced a brand new lineup called the BK Royal Crispy Chicken Sandwiches. These sandwiches feature a crispy white meat chicken breast fillet served on a toasted potato bun, but with different toppings and flavor profiles.
The new lineup includes four varieties:
- BK Royal Crispy Chicken Sandwich (Classic) – $5.09
- BK Spicy Royal Crispy Chicken Sandwich – $5.89
- BK Bacon and Swiss Cheese Royal Crispy Chicken Sandwich – $6.49
- BBQ Bacon and Cheese BK Royal Crispy Chicken Sandwich (also called Southern BBQ)
Let’s break down each sandwich:
1. BK Royal Crispy Chicken Sandwich (Classic)
This is the base model of the lineup, featuring:
- Crispy white meat chicken breast fillet
- BK’s new savory royal sauce
- Fresh lettuce and tomatoes
- Toasted potato bun
Nutrition Facts:
- 605.2 calories
- 33.1g fat (5g saturated fat)
- 1331.2mg sodium
- 54.4g carbs
- 7g sugar
- 30.1g protein
2. BK Spicy Royal Crispy Chicken Sandwich
For those who like it hot:
- Crispy white meat chicken breast fillet
- Triple pepper spicy glaze
- Savory sauce
- Lettuce and tomatoes
- Toasted potato bun
Nutrition Facts:
- 764.5 calories
- 49.5g fat (7.9g saturated fat)
- 1588.1mg sodium
- 58g carbs
- 9.4g sugar
- 30.3g protein
3. BK Bacon and Swiss Cheese Royal Crispy Chicken Sandwich
The fancy option:
- Crispy white meat chicken breast fillet
- Royal sauce
- Creamy Swiss cheese
- Crispy bacon
- Lettuce and tomatoes
- Toasted potato bun
Nutrition Facts:
- 831.2 calories
- 49.8g fat (15.3g saturated fat)
- 2263.8mg sodium
- 57.7g carbs
- 11g sugar
- 42.8g protein
4. BBQ Bacon and Cheese BK Royal Crispy Chicken Sandwich
The saucy BBQ option:
- Crispy white meat chicken breast fillet
- Southern-spiced BBQ sauce
- Crispy bacon
- Melted American cheese
- Toasted potato bun
Nutrition Facts:
- 647.6 calories
- 27.2g fat (8.5g saturated fat)
- 1980.2mg sodium
- 65.7g carbs
- 17.4g sugar
- 35.5g protein
But Wait, There’s More! The International Sandwiches
In addition to the Royal Crispy lineup, Burger King has also launched a trio of “international” chicken sandwiches in 2023:
- American Original Chicken Sandwich
- Mexican Original Chicken Sandwich
- Italian Original Chicken Sandwich
These sandwiches all feature a lightly-breaded chicken breast on a long sesame seed bun, but with different toppings:
- American: Lettuce, tomatoes, cheese, and mayonnaise (a classic!)
- Mexican: Ghost pepper cheese and crispy fried jalapeños (spicy!)
- Italian: Mozzarella cheese and marinara sauce (pizza vibes!)
Interestingly, both the Italian and American versions are throwbacks to menu items from the late 1980s. Back then, there was also a French chicken sandwich with mayo, ham, and Swiss cheese, but in 2023, the Mexican version has replaced the French in the lineup.
The Taste Test: Are They Any Good?
I had the chance to try all three of the international sandwiches, and here’s my honest take:
The Italian version was better than I remembered from the 80s. The mozzarella was a bit rubbery, but the marinara sauce was pretty solid.
The American was fine but nothing special. The chicken was a little dry, which was disappointing.
But the real winner was the Mexican chicken sandwich! With gooey ghost pepper cheese and a generous helping of crispy fried jalapeños, it packed a serious flavor punch. If you love spicy food, this might be one of the spiciest fast-food sandwiches out there!
As for the Royal Crispy lineup, the consensus seems to be that while they’re decent sandwiches, they don’t quite reach the glory that was the Ch’King. But they’re certainly worth trying if you’re a Burger King fan or just curious about what’s new in the fast-food chicken sandwich wars.
The Ongoing Chicken Sandwich Wars
The fast-food chicken sandwich wars have been raging for years now, with chains constantly trying to one-up each other with new and improved offerings. Burger King’s latest entries show they’re still committed to competing in this space, even if they’ve had some missteps along the way.
It’s worth noting that despite Burger King’s insistence that they were focusing on the Whopper, they’ve continued to innovate in the chicken sandwich space. This suggests they recognize the importance of having strong chicken options on their menu to compete with chicken specialists like Chick-fil-A and Popeyes.
What’s That Royal Sauce, Anyway?
One question that keeps coming up from customers is: “What exactly is the Royal Sauce?” One commenter specifically asked, “But what is the Royal Sauce!?!?” Unfortunately, Burger King hasn’t provided much detail about the specific ingredients or flavor profile of their new sauce.
From taste tests, it appears to be a creamy, savory sauce that complements the crispy chicken well. It’s likely a mayo-based sauce with herbs and spices, but the exact recipe remains a Burger King secret.
Where Can You Find These Sandwiches?
The good news is that these new chicken sandwiches are available at participating Burger King locations nationwide. Prices may vary depending on your location, but they generally range from $5.09 for the Classic Royal Crispy to $6.49 for the Bacon and Swiss Cheese version.
My Final Thoughts
Will any of these new sandwiches replace the beloved Ch’King in fans’ hearts? For die-hard Ch’King lovers, probably not. But for the rest of us, these Burger King chicken sandwiches should satisfy any chicken cravings just fine.
I think the Royal Crispy lineup offers a good variety of flavors, and the international sandwiches provide some unique options you can’t find at other fast-food places. The Mexican chicken sandwich in particular is worth trying if you’re into spicy food.
What I appreciate about these new sandwiches is that Burger King seems to be listening to feedback and trying to improve their chicken offerings. While they might not have hit a home run with every version, they’re definitely still in the game.
The Bottom Line
If you’re wondering whether to try Burger King’s new chicken sandwiches, here’s my advice:
- If you loved the Ch’King, keep your expectations in check
- If you’re looking for something spicy, go for the Spicy Royal Crispy or the Mexican sandwich
- If you’re a BBQ fan, the BBQ Bacon and Cheese option is worth a try
- If you want the most indulgent option, the Bacon and Swiss Cheese is your best bet
Burger King’s chicken sandwich journey has been a bit rocky, but with these new options, they’re definitely trying to win back chicken lovers. Whether they succeed or not depends on how much you miss the Ch’King—and how open you are to trying something new.
Have you tried any of these new chicken sandwiches? Which one is your favorite? I’d love to hear your thoughts in the comments!
FAQ: Burger King’s New Chicken Sandwiches
Q: How much do the new BK Royal Crispy Chicken Sandwiches cost?
A: Prices vary by location, but generally range from $5.09 for the Classic to $6.49 for the Bacon and Swiss Cheese version.
Q: Are the new chicken sandwiches healthier than the Ch’King?
A: The Royal Crispy Chicken Sandwiches still pack quite a caloric punch, ranging from about 605 calories for the Classic to 831 calories for the Bacon and Swiss Cheese version.
Q: When did Burger King introduce these new chicken sandwiches?
A: The Royal Crispy Chicken Sandwiches were introduced in August 2022, while the international sandwich lineup was added in 2023.
Q: Will Burger King bring back the Ch’King?
A: As of now, there’s no indication that Burger King plans to bring back the Ch’King. The company has stated that operational challenges were the main reason for discontinuing it.
Original Chicken Sandwich
Last on my list is Burger Kings Original Chicken Sandwich, featuring a long slab of lightly breaded chicken topped with lettuce and mayo on a sesame seed bun. There really isnt anything else quite like it at Burger King (or elsewhere in the fast food world). From shape to taste, this one set itself apart, but it certainly wasnt the best chicken Burger King had to offer.
While I did love the bread — light, fluffy, and fresh — the chicken was moist, but not in a good way. The texture and mouthfeel were off, making me feel like there should have been some type of sauce component outside of the mayo. I guess soggy is the only word I can use to describe it. Speaking of mayo, why was this condiment the best part of the sandwich? The answer is still unclear.
I think I expected more from a sandwich titled the “original,” and while it wasnt bad, there are way better sandwiches on this list. The breading was fine, and so were the rest of the layers of this miniature hoagie, but Im opting for any other sandwich on this list. Next!
There is always something to be said about simple, and I think Burger King did a great job with their nice and simple Chicken Jr. Made with breaded chicken, lettuce, and mayo on a sesame seed bun, this value menu item is a great go-to snack.
The Chicken Jr. had great flavor in the chicken and its breading, offering up a fresh taste. You get a nice crunch on the outside with juicy chicken inside. I think my only complaint here was the chicken-to-bread ratio, offering up a little less chicken than desired. Otherwise, it was pretty balanced, especially for the price.
If youre on the go and need some quick calories, Id definitely recommend the Chicken Jr. The only reason it didnt make it higher on the list was due to the incredible topping combos and bold flavors in the Royal collection.
Royal Crispy Chicken
Another favorite that took the silver was Burger Kings Royal Crispy Chicken. I really liked this one, and honestly, it was a battle not to put it in first. It tasted super fresh, with another crispy white meat breast fillet topped with savory sauce, lettuce, and tomatoes, housed in a toasted potato bun.
What stood out for me here the most (and out of all of the sandwiches) was that this chicken fillet had the best flavor. Maybe it was just the piece I was given, but it tasted like someone seasoned it and grilled it just before I picked up my order. The taste and texture were both seemingly very real and natural, and the toppings were a perfect addition to the perfect chicken.
Burger Kings Royal Crispy Chicken was a star. It simply offered a balance the others dont have, and I cant stress this enough — you have to try it to believe it. Solid chicken, solid toppings, a solid bite every time.