Never out of fashion, the year-round traffic jam continues at Chick-Fil-A. Behind the wheel, drivers await craving the crispy, soft bun experience of the chicken sandwich that has captivated taste buds across the nation. Employees, armed with a tablet, are thrown into the elements of a double-laned drive-thru, nudged for extra Chick-Fil-A sauce as the line wraps around the parking lot and onto the road.  

A sandwich the size of your palm dressed without an ounce of love and sold without the hallmarks of a proper sandwich. I hope you’re not expecting freshly sliced tomatoes, evergreen lettuce or a perfectly portioned dollop of sauce. Because at Chick-Fil-A that is a “deluxe” option, which the company has so masterfully marketed, coming with an up-charge for what should already be provided. Giving in, we opt for the deluxe option only to be led astray by a patty with the flavor profile of a store-bought chicken patty. 

Despite its 55-ingredient makeup, the classic chicken sandwich stirs little buyer hesitancy as shown in the year-over-year growth the company exhibits. Consumers indulge in fatty, sodium-rich meals with high sugar sauces and fountain drinks without moderation.

 The number of Chick-Fil-A locations pale in comparison to other major chains; nevertheless, according to QSR Magazine, Chick-Fil-A generates the highest revenue per restaurant of any chain in the United States. Knowing this, how could you not be drawn to something attested by all your friends? Especially when you see the line as you drive by, wondering how it draws in such a crowd all-day long.

That wonder elicits soft sighs for genuine food lovers seeking a meal packed with flavor, condiments, and toppings. In preparing to write this piece, I went to Chick-Fil-A and ordered their famous spicy chicken sandwich. In an excellent timely manner, I received my order and headed for a table. 

For full transparency, I ordered one spicy chicken sandwich and two packets of Chick-fil-A Polynesian sauce. As I unwrapped my sandwich, I realized to truly evaluate the taste of the chicken, I had to try it in its plainest form. Without sauce, I lowered my head above the table arching the sandwich forward and took the first bite. I was met with a fierce sensation of spice without any flavor. As if a jalapeño and an unseasoned chicken had a baby while I unfortunately indulged in their creation. Simply put, the sandwich is subpar.  

It is in no way terrible; however, the taste does little to give credence to its wide acclaim. The Polynesian sauce worked well giving it flavor and balancing the spiciness, but how do you rate a sandwich when its flavor depends on drenching it in sauce? 

The fact of the matter is that when I choose a fast-food establishment to give my hard-earned dollar to, I want a seasoned, savory, juicy experience which Chick-Fil-A fails to provide. Let us introduce the idea that maybe it’s time to consider broadening our chicken connoisseur horizons. Baton Rouge has a variety of options from brick-and-mortar sandwich shops to famous chains such as Zaxby’s and Atomic Burger. Considering these options will expand your palate and lessen the wait you suffer each time you crave a chicken sandwich.  

Be brave and seek out new restaurants you have yet to try. You may find a new favorite spot, or at very least, realize Chick-Fil-A is just a well marketed mediocrity of a restaurant.  

Mohammad Tantawi is a 23-year-old mass communication senior from Smyrna, TN.