Hey there, foodies! Today I’m diving into one of Burger King’s limited-time offerings that’s been causing quite a stir – the Mexican Original Chicken Sandwich. If you’ve been wondering what exactly is on this sandwich or if it’s worth trying, you’ve come to the right place. I’ve done my research (and taste-testing) to give you the full scoop!
What’s Actually on the Mexican Original Chicken Sandwich?
Let’s cut straight to the chase The Mexican Original Chicken Sandwich from Burger King consists of
- A crispy chicken patty (the same elongated one used in their Original Chicken Sandwich)
- Spicy queso sauce
- Crispy jalapeño slices
- All served on a sesame seed bun
That’s it! Pretty simple ingredient list, right? According to Burger King’s description, the sandwich features “ghost pepper cheese and crispy-fried jalapeños on a sesame seed bun,” though some sources refer to it as “spicy queso sauce” rather than ghost pepper cheese specifically.
Is It Actually Mexican?
Well… not really. As Lauren Harkawik from The Takeout bluntly put it, this sandwich is “about as Mexican as I am. Which is to say, not Mexican at all.”
The sandwich is part of Burger King’s “international” sandwich lineup, which also includes an Italian and (oddly enough) an American version But the Mexican elements here are pretty minimal – just some jalapeños and queso sauce that doesn’t even pack much heat despite the “ghost pepper” billing.
The Taste Experience
From what I’ve gathered (and experienced myself), here’s what you can expect:
- The Chicken: It’s the standard BK chicken patty – somewhat thin, oddly elongated, but decent enough.
- The Queso: Surprisingly mild for something with “ghost pepper” in the name. It has an unusual tanginess that’s not typical of authentic queso.
- The Jalapeños: They add a nice crunch and mild kick, but nothing overwhelming.
- The Bun: Just your standard sesame seed bun – fresh enough and does the job.
The sandwich does have a kick, but it’s not overwhelming – even for those with low spice tolerance. If you’re a spice lover expecting to be blown away, you might be disappointed.
Nutrition Facts: What You’re Getting Into
If you’re watching your waistline, you might want to know what you’re committing to with this sandwich
- Calories: 680
- Fat: 31g (7g saturated, 0g trans)
- Cholesterol: 50mg
- Sodium: 1900mg (yikes – that’s 79% of your daily value!)
- Carbs: 75g (3g fiber, 12g sugar)
- Protein: 28g
To put this in perspective, you’d need to run for about 60 minutes or walk for 97 minutes to burn off this sandwich! And with nearly 80% of your daily sodium intake, it’s definitely not winning any health awards.
Weight Watchers Points (if you’re counting)
- WW Freestyle Points: 20
- WW SmartPoints: 21
- WW PointsPlus: 18
Is It Worth Trying?
Based on customer ratings, opinions seem mixed:
- 0% of voters think it’s healthy (no surprise there)
- About 67% think it tastes good
My take? If you’re looking for authentic Mexican flavors, you’ll be disappointed. If you want a spicy chicken sandwich with a kick that won’t set your mouth on fire, you might enjoy it. It’s basically a cheesy jalapeño chicken sandwich – nothing more, nothing less.
How Does It Compare to Other BK Offerings?
Compared to the regular Original Chicken Sandwich, the Mexican version brings a bit more flavor and spice to the table. It’s an interesting alternative if you’re bored with the standard lineup, but don’t expect a culinary revelation.
The sandwich is part of a trio of international sandwiches, including:
- The Mexican Original Chicken Sandwich (this one)
- The Italian Original Chicken Sandwich
- The “American” Original Chicken Sandwich (which seems a bit redundant for an American fast food chain)
My Personal Experience
When I tried this sandwich, I was immediately struck by how… un-Mexican it was. The queso sauce had a weird tanginess I wasn’t expecting, and the spice level was definitely milder than anticipated. The jalapeños added a nice crunch, but they weren’t particularly fiery.
I think BK missed an opportunity to incorporate more authentic Mexican flavors – maybe some cilantro, lime, or even a different spice blend for the chicken itself? Something to make it feel more genuinely inspired by Mexican cuisine rather than just slapping on some jalapeños and calling it a day.
When Is It Available?
The Mexican Original Chicken Sandwich is a limited-time offering, so if you’re curious, don’t wait too long! These special items tend to disappear from the menu without much warning.
What Would Make It Better?
If I were in charge of reimagining this sandwich, I’d make some changes:
- Add some authentic Mexican spices to the chicken breading
- Include a more flavorful, authentic queso
- Maybe add some pico de gallo or cilantro for freshness
- Perhaps use a different type of bread (like a telera roll) to make it more authentic
Who Should Try This Sandwich?
- People who enjoy mild to moderate spice
- Fans of the original BK chicken sandwich looking for a slight variation
- Fast food enthusiasts who want to try all the limited-time offerings
- Anyone who enjoys jalapeños and cheese on their chicken
Who Should Skip It?
- Those looking for authentic Mexican flavors
- Spice enthusiasts hoping for a genuine ghost pepper experience
- Health-conscious diners (that sodium content is no joke!)
- People who want their international fast food to actually represent the country it claims to be inspired by
The Verdict
The Mexican Original Chicken Sandwich from Burger King is fine for what it is – a fast food chicken sandwich with some jalapeños and cheese sauce. It’s not revolutionary, it’s not particularly Mexican, but it’s not terrible either.
If you’re at BK and want something slightly different from their usual offerings, give it a try. Just keep your expectations in check about both the “Mexican” aspect and the spice level.
Quick FAQs About the Mexican Chicken Sandwich
Q: Is the Mexican Chicken Sandwich very spicy?
A: Despite containing jalapeños and “ghost pepper” queso, most people find it has a manageable kick rather than overwhelming heat.
Q: Is it a healthy option?
A: Not really. With 680 calories, 31g of fat, and 1900mg of sodium, it’s definitely in the indulgence category.
Q: What makes it “Mexican”?
A: Just the jalapeños and queso sauce, which is pretty minimal and not particularly authentic.
Q: Is it a permanent menu item?
A: No, it’s a limited-time offering as part of BK’s international sandwich promotion.
Q: Does it contain any allergens I should know about?
A: The sandwich contains wheat (bun) and dairy (cheese sauce), at minimum. If you have specific allergies, it’s best to check with Burger King directly.
Until next time, happy eating!
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