USA TODAY tries ‘KPop Demon Hunters’ McDonald’s meal
USA TODAY samples McDonald’s “KPop Demon Hunter” menu, featuring bright purple “Demon” sauce and Ramyeon Mac shaker fries.
Chili’s and Zaxby’s are taking on the McDonald’s brand with their latest food releases.
From Chili’s Big Crispy Chicken Sandwich to Zaxby’s Giant Chicken Finger Wrap, both restaurant chains are launching new menu items that they claim are better than similar items from McDonald’s.
Zaxby’s took a more nuanced approach, saying wraps are “far from a snack.” However, Chili’s took a more direct approach, claiming that its “expanded full lineup” of six Big Crispy Chicken Sandwiches is “much bigger than McDonald’s McCrispies.”
“How big is WAY BIG?” Chili’s said in an April 14 news release. “Chili’s has found in local research that the average Big Crispy Filet is over 80% larger than the average McCrispie Breaded Filet.”
With the addition of the Original Big Crispy and the new Spicy Big Crispy to the 3 for Me menu, Chili’s offers customers the “ultimate chicken sandwich value.”
“For the past several years, we’ve exposed shrinkflation in fast food by offering our industry-leading $10.99 3-for-me meals that offer hearty burgers at prices you won’t find at a drive-thru,” Chili’s Chief Marketing Officer George Felix said in a statement.
Felix added: “This is a long-awaited transformation to the chicken sandwich category, and we’re sure our guests will love it.”
Here’s everything you need to know about Zaxby’s and Chili’s new menu items, including when they’ll be available.
Chili’s now has a ‘bigger’ chicken sandwich
Chili’s “Big Crispy Chicken” chicken sandwich is now “available” at restaurants nationwide, including three-for-me menu additions.
Chili’s says all “six mouth-watering variations” come with the brand’s homemade ranch sides, but only four of the entrees come with fries and white cheddar mac.
From Deluxe Big Crispy to Honey Chipotle Big Crispy, the full lineup of “Big Crispy” is as follows:
- big crispy – Thick, hand-battered chicken breast served on a toasted bun with creamy mayonnaise and crunchy pickles.
- spicy big crispy – Golden, hand-battered chicken breast served with an all-new slow-cooked spicy mayonnaise, balanced with pickles.
- honey chipotle big crispy – “Big Crispy” chicken sandwich with Chile’s famous honey chipotle sauce.
- nashville hot big crispy – “Big Crispy” Chicken Sandwich with Chili’s Nashville Hot Sauce.
- buffalo big crispy – “Big Crispy” chicken sandwich with chili buffalo sauce.
- deluxe big crispy – “Big Crispy” chicken sandwich topped with two thick-sliced bacon strips, Swiss cheese, mayonnaise, fresh lettuce, and tomato.
Zaxby’s products embrace “bolder desires”
Zaxby’s, like other fast-food giants in the past, plans to add more wrap options to its menu soon.
GIANT Chicken Finger Wraps, which will be available in three flavors from April 27, are “far from a snack.” According to Zaxby’s, it’s “hearty meals designed to satisfy your bigger, bolder cravings.”
First introduced to customers in November 2025, each wrap includes three hand-breaded chicken fingers (or grilled chicken), mixed greens, and red cabbage. Wrap all ingredients in a flour tortilla and toast.
From Chicken Bacon Ranch to Asian Zensation, Zaxby’s GIANT Chicken Finger Wraps are available in three flavor profiles.
- Chicken Bacon Ranch: Packed with cheddar jack cheese, natural hardwood smoked bacon, crunchy cucumbers, fresh tomatoes, and a creamy drizzle of ranch.
- Buffalo Blue: We mixed blue cheese, fresh tomatoes, and a bit of buffalo garlic braise and ranch sauce for a bold kick.
- Asian sensation: Layered with crunchy wontons, Asian coleslaw, and teriyaki sauce.
The April 27 release also marks the return of the Banana Pudding Milkshake. The new and returning menus will be available at restaurants nationwide until July 5th.
Starting April 20th, Zax Rewardz members will have early access to Banana Pudding Milkshakes exclusively through the Zaxbys app and third-party delivery.
Through April 26th, use code “BANANAS” to receive a free banana pudding shake when you spend $1 or more.
