McDonald’s to launch 3 chicken sandwiches on February 24

McDonald’s will launch three chicken sandwiches in February as it tries to reach new customers with more poultry on its menu.

Starting February 24, consumers will be able to purchase the Crispy Chicken Sandwich, Spicy Chicken Sandwich, and Deluxe Chicken Sandwich.

The fast food giant began testing the crispy chicken sandwich in Houston and Knoxville, Tennessee almost a year ago. The sandwich includes a fried chicken fillet served on a buttery potato roll, topped with butter and pickles. The spicy version comes with a spicy pepper sauce, while the deluxe sandwich comes with more toppings: grated lettuce, Roma tomatoes and mayo.

In November, executives told investors they would increase the number of dishes on the menu with chicken, as the category grows faster than beef. While the new chicken sandwiches are only part of that strategy, US President Joe Erlinger said at the time that the new options will help consumers look at McDonald’s differently.

In recent years, privately-held Chick-fil-A has overtaken other restaurant chains to become the third-largest in the United States by sales, behind Starbucks and McDonald’s. Its chicken-focused menu has attracted new consumers as it has expanded beyond its southern base and increased competition with McDonald’s.

Other rivals have seen success challenge Chick-fil-A with a chicken sandwich, especially Popeyes. Since the item’s roll-out nearly a year and a half ago, the Restaurant Brands International chain has seen double-digit same-store sales growth every quarter, despite the coronavirus pandemic.

Shares of McDonald’s, with a market value of $ 162 billion, fell 2% in morning trading. The stock ended 2020 up 8%.