A Nation Obsessed: The Rise of Chicken in QSRs
From the drive-thru to the dinner table, chicken has become America’s quick-service darling. Over the last decade, poultry has not just eclipsed beef in health-conscious circles but also captured the hearts of millions seeking bold flavor and crunchy satisfaction. In today’s quick-service restaurant (QSR) landscape, the chicken sandwich has evolved from a menu staple to a cultural icon.
Brands like Chick-fil-A have long led the charge, combining Southern-style hospitality with a limited but perfected menu. Its signature chicken sandwich—pressure-cooked, seasoned to perfection, and served with two pickles on a buttered bun became a blueprint many competitors tried to emulate. Meanwhile, Raising Cane’s carved its own niche by doubling down on simplicity: chicken fingers, crinkle-cut fries, coleslaw, and its addictive Cane’s Sauce. That tight focus has paid off, with the brand expanding rapidly and often drawing hour-long lines at new openings.
The chicken arms race intensified with viral drops from Popeyes, Wendy’s, and McDonald’s, turning sandwich launches into major events with social media fervor and sold-out stock. Yet amid this feathered frenzy, one beloved Midwestern chain took a quieter path.
Culver’s Makes Its Chicken Move
Culver’s, the Wisconsin-based chain known for its ButterBurgers and frozen custard, has been working behind the scenes for years to deliver a chicken sandwich worthy of the hype. On June 16th, the chain will unveil not one, but three revamped chicken sandwiches: Crispy Chicken, Spicy Crispy Chicken, and Grilled Chicken.
This isn’t a short-term stunt; it’s a full-scale culinary reinvention.
“We know the love our guests have for chicken, so we wanted to give them new chicken sandwich options that are undeniably delicious,” said Kasey McDonald, Culver’s head of culinary. “Every little detail is improved—from the juiciness of the chicken to the soft, new brioche bun it sits on. We took our time to make sure we got these perfect. We’re certain that once you taste them, you’ll love them … so we’re giving 100,000 of them away for free.”
Each sandwich in Culver’s updated lineup features a premium chicken filet, either grilled or fried to crispy perfection. This is paired with crunchy pickle slices, creamy mayo, crisp lettuce and tomato, all housed in a freshly toasted brioche bun that’s exclusive to these offerings.
The attention to detail is rooted in guest feedback and years of culinary research. Improvements in juiciness, flavor, and presentation were priorities throughout development. The result? Sandwiches that aren’t just competing in the crowded QSR field—they’re staking a claim to the throne.
And to celebrate, Culver’s is offering a can’t-miss giveaway: the first 100 guests at every one of its 1,000-plus locations on June 16th will receive a free chicken sandwich of their choice. Whether you’re dining in, grabbing to-go, or rolling through the drive-thru, this one-day event is sure to stir up appetites.
A Long-Term Play in a Fast-Paced Market
With chicken proving to be more than a trend, brands are doubling down on poultry as a pillar of their menus. The competition remains fierce, but Culver’s isn’t chasing headlines; it’s building a legacy.
As these new sandwiches join Culver’s permanent menu, they complement an already robust selection of comfort food favorites, from Wisconsin Cheese Curds to Fresh Frozen Custard. And with the company’s signature hospitality, these chicken offerings may prove to be not just a hit, but a classic in the making.
For fans of crispy, spicy, or grilled goodness, the new era of chicken at Culver’s officially begins June 16th.
