At the end of a long day, nothing hits like a sandwich. If you’re looking for the best fast food sandwiches to try this year, look no further. We’ve got you covered.
Chick-fil-A’s Chicken Sandwich
First up is Chik-fil-A’s notorious chicken sandwich. It’s pretty simple, all things considered: fried chicken and two pickle slices, served on a bun.
This doesn’t sound all that thrilling, but there’s no doubt that it works. They’ve been using that same recipe for decades, and it hasn’t failed them yet.
It’s all in the chicken. Chick-fil-A employees fry it in-house using peanut oil, and bread it in a blend of spices that the company keeps a secret.
Popeyes’ Chicken Sandwich
We can’t mention Chick-fil-A without talking about Popeye’s. Who could forget the Chicken Sandwich Wars? Arguably, it doesn’t matter whose sandwich came first. Which one is best?
Like Chick-fil-A, the Popeye’s classic chicken sandwich features fried chicken with pickle slices on a bun. However, the Popeye’s chicken has thicker, crunchier breading.
General consensus (and by “general consensus,” I mean a Reddit thread) seems to prefer this sandwich. They did admit that Chick-fil-A’s service is superior, though.
McDonald’s Big Mac
Alright, enough with the chicken. When you’re talking about the best fast food sandwiches, you can’t just leave out the burgers. They’re sandwiches, too!
Among all the fast food burgers, nothing is as iconic as the Big Mac. Okay, maybe the Whopper, but we’ll get into that later.
A Big Mac is basically two burgers in one, topped with American cheese, lettuce, pickles, and onions. The cheese could be better, but it’s a solid burger.
Wendy’s Baconator
If you’ve ever wished that Big Macs had more meat, then the Wendy’s Baconator is like a godsend. Like the Big Mac, it comes with two beef patties.
Unlike the Big Mac, it includes one extra ingredient: crispy bacon. Oh, and it leaves out the veggies, swapping them for mayo and ketchup instead.
Don’t worry, though: the Baconator still comes with melted cheese. Take one bite, and you’ll feel like you’re in carnivore heaven. This burger deserves more attention.
Shake Shack’s ShackBurger
Out of all the fast food sandwiches we’ve covered so far, the ShackBurger is as close to classic as it gets. Picture a cheeseburger. That’s it.
There’s nothing wrong with this at all. So many fast food chains are trying to be different, that Shake Shack’s back-to-basics approach makes it refreshing.
The ShackBurger consists of beef, cheese, lettuce, and tomato, on a potato bun. There’s a twist, though: Shake Shack’s secret sauce. It’s got mayo, and that’s all we know.
Arby’s Classic Roast Beef
Arby’s Roast Beef Sandwich, true to their slogan, has one ingredient: meat. Well, there’s also the sesame seed bun, but that doesn’t count.
The meat on this one is stacked super high. At first, you’ll probably be worried about fitting it in your mouth, but you’ll devour it anyway.
For toppings, you can add some Arby’s sauce. You can also add up to half a pound of more meat, because of course you can.
Subway’s Italian B.M.T.
It’s hard to pick the best sandwich from a store that prides itself on infinite customizations. So, we’re only looking at their pre-made offerings.
Forget fast food sandwiches for a sec. Out of all the sandwiches in the world, the Italian combo reigns supreme. That’s technically a personal opinion, but I’m right.
In true Subway fashion, you can choose your own veggies and condiments. It’s everything you love about Subway and classic Italian combos, wrapped up in one.
KFC’s Original Recipe Chicken Sandwich
Another chicken sandwich enters the ring. Like the others, it’s got fried chicken and pickle slices. It’s a delicious combo, so we’re not mad about the repetition.
KFC differentiates itself by including a layer of mayo on each bun. The chicken is also a lot crispier than Chick-fil-A’s, kind of like Popeye’s.
What really makes it stand out is KFC’s double breading technique. They max out the sandwich’s textures, ideal for those who like a crunch.
Burger King’s Whopper
The Whopper is Burger King’s claim to fame. It’s the Big Mac’s only rival. As a McDonald’s fan, it hurts me to say this, but…it might be better.
That’s because the Whopper’s got all the fixings. Beef, pickles, tomatoes, onions, lettuce, ketchup, and mayo, served in a sesame seed bun. Sorry, but that’s hard to beat.
I hate admitting it. I really do. But a burger without tomatoes barely counts as a burger. As iconic as the Big Mac is, it loses this fight.
Five Guys’ Cheeseburger
This burger stands out because of its versatility. On the outside, it’s just a regular cheeseburger: beef patty, American cheese, a bun, and nothing else.
However, you can customize it however you want. Whatever toppings or condiments you think would go perfectly with a cheeseburger are at your fingertips.
If you want to add bacon, though, you’ll have to pay a little extra. Five Guys’ Bacon Cheeseburger is its own standalone menu item.
Culver’s ButterBurger
Right off the bat, the Culver’s ButterBurger differentiates itself from other fast food sandwiches. Every chain’s got a cheeseburger, but not a “ButterBurger.” What even is that?
Well, it’s not much different from a regular burger, to be honest. It’s got beef, pickles, onions, cheese (if you want it), ketchup, the whole shebang.
While other restaurants aim to make their burgers special with condiments, this one goes for the bun. The bun is buttered, making for a unique flavor.
Sonic’s Bacon Double Cheeseburger
The roller skates aren’t the only thing that makes Sonic’s food good (though it’s a plus). The Bacon Double Cheeseburger is exactly what it sounds like — awesome.
It comes with two beef patties glued together by melted slices of American cheese. As for toppings, you’ve got tomato, lettuce, mayo, and bacon.
There’s a couple of downsides, though. Like, why can’t fast food places have lettuce, tomato, and onions? And what’s so wrong with cheddar?
In-N-Out’s Double Double
If any fast food restaurant knows burgers, it’s In-n-Out. It’s their whole thing. It’s hard to choose just one, but we’re going with the Double Double.
Want to know why? Well, there’s the sauce, for one. According to their website, it’s been unchanged since 1948. It’s actually a version of thousand island.
Aside from that, there’s the toppings — cheese, lettuce, tomato, and onions. Guess I spoke too soon. In-n-Out’s clearly got the burger thing down pat.
Jersey Mike’s Original Italian Sub
This New Jersey-based sandwich company isn’t quite giving Subway a run for its money. Still, its Italian combo can go toe-to-toe with the BMT.
Unlike the bulk of Subway’s offerings, Jersey Mike’s Original Italian isn’t customizable. It comes with sliced tomatoes and shredded lettuce, alongside a bunch of different meats.
Specifically, this sub offers ham, cappacuolo, pepperoni, salami, and prosciuttini, served with provolone cheese. They were not kidding when they called this sandwich Italian.
Panera Bread’s Toasted Frontega Chicken
Ah, Panera Bread. No other chain restaurant makes me feel as classy as you do. We had to include their Toasted Frontega Chicken in this lineup.
The Toasted Frontega Chicken includes mozzarella, tomatoes, onions, and basil. As if that didn’t make it fancy enough, it’s topped off with chipotle aioli.
When it comes to fast food, Panera really changed the game. Seriously, who would’ve thought a panini would make its way onto a list of fast food sandwiches?
White Castle Sliders
These sliders are White Castle’s bread and butter. Regular burgers hadn’t even been around in America for a hundred years when they entered the scene (per NPR).
It might not seem like much nowadays, but these sliders completely changed the game in the early 20th century. Their convenience (not to mention their deliciousness) was unbeatable.
They offer lots of sliders now, but their 1921 Slider is a classic. It features lettuce, tomato, pickles, and cheddar cheese, instantly making it better in my book.
Chipotle’s Chicken Burrito
Yes, we’re including a burrito on a list of fast food sandwiches. No, we don’t care what you think. It’s close enough. Argue with the wall.
Aside from chicken, you get rice, beans, salsa, cheese, and sour cream. You know what? We’re wrong. It’s not just a sandwich. It’s a supreme sandwich.
Yes, I’m going to die on this hill. A burrito can technically be classified as a type of sandwich, and I revel in technicalities.
Jimmy John’s Vito Sub
We’ve got a third Italian combo in our competition. The Vito Sub from Jimmy John’s comes with all the meaty trappings of Italian sandwiches.
Well, okay, maybe not all the meaty trappings. We’re specifically talking about salami and cappacuolo. Like Jersey Mike’s, this one also comes with provolone.
Unlike Jersey Mike’s, they spell cappacuolo like “capocollo” on their website. This makes them seem less Italian to me, an American, so I’m docking them a point.
Jack in the Box’s Jumbo Jack
Are you ever in the mood for a huge burger? Like, a burger so big that it’s the size of a small child’s head?
Well, the Jumbo Jack burger should satisfy those cravings. It comes with lettuce, tomato, pickles, onions, mayo, and ketchup. You can opt for American cheese, too.
Its size is really the thing that makes (or, rather, made) it special. They used to have a commercial featuring a kid that could barely eat it.
Firehouse Subs’ Hook & Ladder Sub
Unlike the other subs on this list, the Hook and Ladder isn’t an Italian combo spinoff. It’s a pretty classic sandwich, with meats, cheese, lettuce, etc.
The Hook and Ladder has two different meats: turkey and ham. It comes with Monterey Jack cheese, a welcome diversion from the other fast food sandwiches.
The rest of the toppings are pretty standard. It does come with mustard, and is served with a pickle on the side, which is new.
McDonald’s McChicken
There’s only one thing on the McDonald’s menu that rivals the Big Mac, and it’s the McChicken. Unlike other chicken sandwiches, the meat isn’t fried.
Instead, the chicken breast comes in patty form, making it closer to a burger than anything else. It isn’t served with pickles, either.
The McChicken only has two toppings: shredded lettuce and mayo. With chicken as juicy as this, though, you won’t need anything else.
Shake Shack’s Chick’n Shack
Unlike a lot of these undisputed classics, the Chick’n Shack is a relatively new addition to the fast food sandwich family. That doesn’t make it any less good.
Debuted in the 2010s, the Chick’n Shack comes with lettuce, pickles, and mayo. The chicken breast’s tangy, crunchy crust seals the deal.
While not as popular as the ShackBurger, we think it deserves its flowers. Its flavor combo makes it a solid choice for anyone seeking a satisfying fast food sandwich.
Chick-fil-A’s Spicy Chicken Sandwich
What could be better than a Chick-fil-A chicken sandwich? A spicy Chick-fil-A chicken sandwich, of course. It’s all in the breadcrumb blend.
According to the Chick-fil-A website, they make it with hot peppers to really set your taste buds on fire. Thankfully, they don’t go overboard.
The spicy chicken sandwich is hot enough to be flavorful, but definitely won’t burn your tongue. Like we said, Chick-fil-A keeps it simple — and it works.
Jimmy John’s Turkey Tom
Who doesn’t love a good, old turkey sandwich? Jimmy John’s Turkey Tom takes this classic to the next level with fresh-sliced turkey, crisp lettuce, ripe tomato, and creamy mayo.
If that wasn’t convincing enough, it’s all served on their soft, signature French bread. Perfect for a light dinner, the Turkey Tom is a go-to choice for many.
Sure, it doesn’t have any fancy sauces. But who needs ’em when your ingredients are this fresh and tasty? I certainly don’t.
Wendy’s Dave’s Single
You don’t always have to go big or go home. Sometimes, you just don’t want a Baconator. That’s when the Dave’s Single swoops in to save you.
It’s got the works: beef patty, cheese, onions, tomato, pickles, lettuce, ketchup, and mayo. Obviously, it tastes good, but that’s not the only draw.
In March, Dave’s Singles are often chosen for March Madness deals. A whole cheeseburger, for one dollar? Now that’s a steal.
Five Guys’ Bacon Cheeseburger
It’s a cheeseburger with bacon. You were probably sold on it the second you saw the name. And who wouldn’t be? Five Guys delivers on their promises.
Known for their generous portions, Five Guys creates an unbeatable burger experiencet. The Bacon Cheeseburger is packed with flavor, from the melted cheese to the smoky bacon.
Whether you’re a long-time fan or a first-time taster, this burger will leave you satisfied. It’s no wonder the Five Guys’ Bacon Cheeseburger stands out.
Wingstop’s Buffalo Chicken Sandwich
Does Chick-fil-A’s spicy chicken sandwich just not cut it for you? Enter Wingstop. Their buffalo chicken sandwich serves up spice in spades.
It features a perfectly fried chicken breast drenched in their famous Buffalo sauce, topped with fresh lettuce and tangy pickles. The soft bun ties it all together.
It’s the perfect combo of Wingstop’s wings and a fast food sandwich. Bold flavors, good quality — what more could you ask for?
Checkers’/Rally’s Big Buford
Checkers’/Rally’s Big Buford is a burger lover’s dream, featuring two seasoned beef patties stacked high with melted cheese, crisp lettuce, and tangy pickles. It’s a flavor-packed classic.
The combination of juicy patties and fresh toppings creates a satisfying crunch. Texture and flavor lovers alike have something to look forward to.
Even though it’s delish, that’s not what makes it unique. The Big Buford stands out with its generous portion size and hearty build, making it a fan favorite.
Arby’s Beef ‘n Cheddar
Arby’s Beef ‘n Cheddar is a classic favorite, featuring thinly sliced roast beef topped with melty cheddar cheese and Red Ranch sauce. It’s comfort food in a bun.
The combination of savory beef and creamy cheddar, paired with a soft onion roll, creates a deliciously satisfying sandwich. It doesn’t skimp on the flavor.
They even added cheddar sauce, if the cheese wasn’t enough for you. The next time you’re in an
Arby’s, do yourself a favor and order this.
Whataburger’s Honey Butter Chicken Biscuit
These breakfast sandwiches completely changed the fast food breakfast game. They debuted a few years ago, and completely satisfy your craving for a warm breakfast.
As for the contents, the name speaks for itself. Whataburger’s masterpiece serves up crispy fried chicken with honey butter on a warm biscuit.
We wish we’d had this sandwich for longer, but at least we’ve got it now. Plus, it makes for a delightful recreation, if you know your way around the kitchen.
Subway’s Meatball Marinara
Of course, the best Subway sandwich will always be the one you make (and the Italian B.M.T.). The Meatball Marinara is still up there, though…
…Or, it would be, if it hadn’t been recently replaced. You can still get a Meatball Marinara as a custom item, but its menu status has been revoked.
The Meatballer, which includes pepperoni, is its replacement. It’s meatier, but it’s nowhere near as good. Subway, consider this our official request.
KFC’s Spicy Chicken Sandwich
KFC’s Spicy Chicken Sandwich packs a punch with its crispy chicken fillet, topped with crunchy pickles and creamy, spicy sauce. It’s a fiery twist on a classic favorite.
The sauce is what sets this apart from other spicy chicken sandwiches. It’s what holds all the spices, not the breading.
The soft, buttery bun complements the heat well. It ties all the flavors and textures together, ensuring that every bite is satisfying.
Long John Silver’s Fish Sandwich
Long John Silver’s Fish Sandwich features a crispy, golden fish fillet, topped with fresh lettuce and tangy tartar sauce. It’s a seafood lover’s delight in a toasted bun.
The perfectly fried fish fillet offers a satisfying crunch, while the tartar sauce adds a zesty kick. The lettuce provides a refreshing contrast, making each bite flavorful and balanced.
If you want a break from traditional fast food, Long John Silver’s Fish Sandwich is for you. It delivers a tasty seafood option.
Carl’s Jr.’s Charbroiled BBQ Chicken Sandwich
Carl’s Jr.’s Charbroiled BBQ Chicken Sandwich features a juicy charbroiled chicken breast, smothered in tangy BBQ sauce, and topped with onion rings. Yes, please.
The chicken offers a juicy bite, while the crispy onion rings add a delightful crunch.The best fast food sandwiches combine flavor and texture, and we’re here for it.
Ultimately, if you want a hearty, flavorful sandwich, Carl’s Jr.’s Charbroiled BBQ Chicken Sandwich is an excellent choice. Its smoky BBQ flavor is heavenly.
Togo’s Pastrami Sandwich
Togo’s Pastrami Sandwich is a meat lover’s dream. It’s loaded with tender, thinly sliced pastrami, melted cheese, tangy pickles, and mustard, all on freshly baked bread.
The generous portion of pastrami is perfectly seasoned, offering a rich, savory flavor. The melted cheese and mustard add a creamy and tangy balance.
Ideal for lunch or dinner, Togo’s Pastrami Sandwich offers a fulfilling and tasty option for fast food enthusiasts. Its robust taste and quality ingredients make it a top contender.