Us Brits love a delicious McDonald's treat from time to time, and things get suitably tribal when it comes to favourite orders. While the golden arches continue to reign supreme for Big Mac or Chicken Select fans, there are plenty of other fast food haunts chomping at the bit to take a slice of the pie.
A surge of Stateside restaurant chains have set up shop in the UK in recent years, from Taco Bell and Wingstop to Tom Hortons. Many Americans hail the humble chicken sandwich (or fried chicken burger, to you and I) and household name Wendy's has just launched its famous Biggie Meal in the UK for fans to try.
Living up to American portion sizes, this hefty-looking meal deal offers more than just a burger and chips, as there's four items in the mix. It's geared towards those who love a bit of spice in their lives, with a chicken burger coated in a fiery blend of peppers and spices, a small portion of chips, spicy nuggets and a drink - costing £7.99.
As a big fan of the McDonald's McSpicy burger, I had to see how Wendy's latest offering compares. I'd overlooked the American chain until now, and it's safe to say I'm adding it to my roster of takeaway favourites from now on.
The packaging
Wendy's packaging has that old-American feel, with bright red cartons and kitsch logo across the front. The nugget and fries boxes were quite wide at the rim, meaning some of the contents fell out in the bag, but other than that the food travelled well and looked the part once it arrived.
The chicken burger comes wrapped in shiny foil, much like the classic Five Guys burger. It's a fun novelty but helps the burger retain heat without making it soggy.
The burger
This was the real star of the show and might just be my new favourite spicy chicken burger on the market. Those who usually opt for a McSpicy at McDonald's will love this, but be warned, it has a far more fiery kick.
The bun was rather squashed and sad-looking when I took it out the wrapper, but looks can be deceiving as the flavours and texture were top-tier.
The chicken was succulent and juicy, which offset the heat of the spicy breaded coating perfectly. It wasn't ultra crispy but held up well, with no sogginess in sight.
I'm not normally a huge fan of brioche buns as I find they can be a bit too sweet, but this bread was incredibly moreish, with its glorious glazed top and soft, spongy interior. I was worried it would be a messy endeavour to eat, but the sandwich itself wasn't greasy at all and the ratios were just right.
The creamy mayo was generously slathered on the chicken, and definitely beats McDonald's sauce. Meanwhile, a bed of crunchy lettuce set the whole thing off perfectly.
The sides
I was initially disappointed by the portion size of the fries and nuggets, as the box looks half empty - particularly for the nuggets. Then I realised it was the perfect amount paired with the burger - anything larger would have been overkill.
The skin-on chips remind me of Five Guys and tasted fresh, with a double-fried feel. The fiery nuggets were a welcome addition, and felt far posher than the likes of McDonald's - I'd say they are better described as juicy chicken bites with a seriously spicy finish.
The verdict
The Wendy's Biggie Meal Deal has opened my eyes to the fast-food chain's offering, and I regret overlooking it. The meal was far more premium than I was expecting, and felt more akin to the likes of Five Guys and Shake Shack than McDonald's.
The chicken burger was a real standout and I can't wait to order it again. If you're looking for a new takeaway to try out, I’d definitely recommend it.
It's slightly pricier than Maccies, with the McSpicy meal costing £5.79, but you also get an extra side of chicken nuggets with the Wendy's offering, which feels good value.
The Biggie Meal Deal is available from 3 April to 2 June, so you'll need to act fact to try it.
Would you try the Wendy's chicken burger? Let us know in the comments.
