Hot 'N Spicy Vs Regular McChicken: The Difference Between McDonald's Sandwiches

Although the burger is the epitome of fast food, many are adamant that chicken sandwiches are the best fast food menu item. Chicken sandwiches can feel a little cleaner and lighter than a greasy beef burger, but pair equally as well with fries and a milkshake. Chicken sandwiches also offer something that burgers don't: a spicy version. The world's biggest fast-food chain offers both regular and spicy chicken sandwiches on its menu. McDonald's McChicken and Hot 'n Spicy McChicken are two sides of the same coin, but how different are they?

This duo of spicy vs. regular chicken is well-represented across fast food menus. Chick-fil-A, Wendy's, and KFC all offer both versions of chicken sandwiches — it seems as though where regular goes, spicy follows. This can be attributed to people's divided tastes. While some enjoy the classic flavor of lightly seasoned breading, others appreciate the kick of heat that pairs well with cooling sauces and fatty chicken. The breading of the McChickens, in fact, is the only element that accounts for their difference.

With its crispy breaded chicken patty, mayonnaise, and shredded lettuce on a soft bun, the McChicken is a simple and satisfying sandwich. Customers can expect a classic taste that's been around since 1980.  The McChicken used to be on the dollar menu before customers unwittingly bid the affordable menu goodbye in 2013. Now, the sandwich sits on the $1 $2 $3 Dollar Menu, with prices varying per location. One Redditor posted, "The McChicken is one of my favorite chicken sandwiches. I always add pickles to it... that [makes] the perfect chicken sandwich for me." Pickles are a great way to introduce acidity to its flavor profile.

The Hot 'n Spicy McChicken is a bold twist on the original, catering to those who like a bit of heat with their fast food. Introduced in 2006, the Hot 'n Spicy McChicken had a hard time finding its footing. Despite gaining fans of its own, it may have underperformed due to market competition and was removed from the menu after only six months. It took McDonald's seven years to reintroduce the sandwich in 2013. The Hot 'n Spicy McChicken has the exact same components as the regular version, only the patty is coated with a spicy seasoning. The blend of spices delivers a fiery heat, creating a noticeable contrast to the milder flavors of the original. For its value and kick, we appreciated the Hot 'n Spicy McChicken in a ranking on 16 popular McDonald's items. As to which McChicken is better, that's all a matter of taste.