Who has the best fried chicken burger in Singapore? We review eight fast food restaurants to find out

When it comes to fast-food chicken burgers, the real test lies in the balance – spice, crunch, juiciness and that all-important bun. 

We put favourites from KFC and McDonald’s to the test, comparing heat levels, texture and overall satisfaction to see which one truly delivers – and which is better suited for those who prefer things a little less fiery.

Shake Shack

Hot Chicken, $12.80 a la carte

More is more when it comes to its Hot Chicken Burger. Choose between crispy chicken breast or thigh, dusted with a bold hot pepper blend, then topped with slaw and pickles, all served on a lightly toasted bun. It’s messy, punchy and unapologetically indulgent – built for those who like their heat turned up and their toppings generous. The tangy coleslaw cuts through the juicy patty, making the burger dangerously easy to devour. No sides needed.

• Spice level: 8/10
• Juiciness: 9/10
• Crunch factor: 8/10
• Freshness: 8/10
• Bun texture: 8/10
• Overall: 8.5/10

Popeyes

Spicy Chicken Sandwich, $9.80 a la carte

Surprisingly tasty for a “bare” chicken sandwich, this one keeps things simple yet satisfying. A crispy, buttermilk-battered chicken breast fillet sits on a toasted brioche bun, topped with barrel-cured pickles and spicy Cajun sauce. 

The two pickles, made from Japanese cucumbers, add a nice crunch, though we wish there had been a little more sauce. For the price ($9.80), they could also add more pickles.

Fun fact: Popeyes and Chick-fil-A had a dispute in 2019 over who was first to serve the chicken sandwich. The debate sparked a “chicken sandwich war” in the US, prompting more than 20 American fast-food brands to add fried chicken sandwiches to their menus over the following two years.

• Spice level: 5/10 (with spicy mayo)
• Juiciness: 8/10
• Crunch factor: 8/10
• Freshness: 9/10
• Bun texture: 6/10
• Overall: 8/10

Chick-Fil-A

Spicy Chicken Sandwich, $6.90 a la carte

The chicken sandwich in contention with Popeyes features a boneless chicken breast seasoned with a fiery pepper blend, breaded, and pressure-cooked in 100% refined peanut oil. It’s served on a toasted, buttered bun with dill pickles.

Unfortunately, spicy chicken sandwiches aren’t their forte. While the chicken breast is tender and juicy, it lacks depth and complexity when it comes to heat. Our take? Stick to the classic chicken sandwich instead. 

That said, the lettuce and tomatoes are impressively fresh – making this one of those rare fast-food indulgences where you can almost convince yourself it’s a little bit healthy.

• Spice level: 4/10
• Juiciness: 8/10
• Crunch factor: 7/10
• Freshness: 8/10
• Bun texture: 8/10
• Overall: 6.5/10

Jollibee

Spicy Chicken Sandwich, $7.95 a la carte

Appearance-wise, Jollibee’s Spicy Chicken Sandwich looks promising: a crispy, hand-breaded chicken breast fillet topped with spicy sriracha mayo and jalapeños, all served on a toasted brioche bun. It certainly delivers on visual appeal, with a golden crust and vibrant toppings that hint at serious heat. 

However, the spice leans more peppery than umami-rich, lacking the depth of marinade found in some of the other fast-food contenders on this list. The patty also leans more greasy than juicy.

• Spice level: 8/10
• Juiciness: 5/10
• Crunch factor: 5/10
• Freshness: 7/10
• Bun texture: 8/10
• Overall: 6/10 

Texas Chicken 

Spicy Classic Chicken Burger, $8.50 a la carte

Perhaps the most underrated of the lot, Texas Chicken’s Spicy Classic Chicken Burger comes topped with a hand-breaded, marinated spicy fried chicken fillet, mayonnaise, lettuce and tomatoes on a toasted sesame seed bun. The thigh meat is juicy and crisp, with just the right amount of heat. It’s a safe bet for anyone who wants a satisfying chicken burger without overpowering spiciness.

• Spice level: 6.5/10
• Juiciness: 8/10
• Crunch factor: 8/10
• Freshness: 8/10
• Bun texture: 7.5/10
• Overall: 7/10 

Burger King

Spicy Chicken King, $9.60 a la carte

Honestly, Burger King’s Spicy Chicken King wasn’t on our radar until this taste test – and we’re pleasantly surprised. While the burger itself didn’t look particularly impressive at first glance, the chicken fillet was crisp and tender, with just the right amount of spice. The lettuce, creamy mayonnaise and pickles came together for a satisfying crunch, and we especially liked the look of the toasted brioche bun.

• Spice level: 7/10
• Juiciness: 8/10
• Crunch factor: 7.5/10
• Freshness: 7/10
• Bun texture: 8/10
• Overall: 7.5/10

KFC

Zinger Burger, $6.95

The bun was fluffy and soft, with a light sprinkling of breadcrumbs on top. The patty is large and generous, crisp without being overly spicy, and still juicy inside. Comparable to McDonald’s in terms of satisfaction. A good option for those who aren’t too keen on spice. The lettuce was slightly wilted, but nothing major.

• Spice level: 6/10
• Juiciness: 8/10
• Crunch factor: 8/10
• Freshness: 7/10
• Bun texture: 9/10
• Overall: 8/10

McDonalds

McSpicy, $6.80

Spicy with a satisfying crunch, this burger delivers a juicy, fresh chicken patty that really hits the spot. The lettuce is generous and adds a nice contrast, though the bun gets a little soggy from the extra mayo. Perfect for spice lovers – but fair warning, it packs serious heat if you’re not great with spice.

• Spice level: 9/10
• Juiciness: 9/10
• Crunch factor: 8/10
• Freshness: 9/10
• Bun texture: 6/10
• Overall: 9/10