KFC vs McD which has the better festive meal combo?
Two of the most recognizable, international fast food chains have released their seasonal offerings and if you can only choose one this is what gets our vote. One focuses on a featured sandwich, the other on novelty packaging and a branded collaboration.
I went and picked both up, to take home and enjoy, for the freshest experience.
The KFC Festive Chicken Sandwich is available as sandwich only or as a combo. And if you want to cut down on the carbs you can get the sandwich as a “double down”: no bun, two pieces of chicken in place of a bun, with the toppings as the filling.
This is KFC’s signature buttermilk-marinated chicken fillet topped with savoury stuffing, cranberry sauce, a garlic oil, and mayo; between a soft bun.
As a combo it comes with an individual popcorn chicken, small fries, a side of stuffing, buttermilk ranch dip, your choice of 20oz fountain drink, and two pieces of Turtles pecan and caramel chocolate for dessert.
The stuffing was nice as a chewy side, the fries were as disappointing as I know FKC fries to be, and the chocolate isn’t theirs so doesn’t get a critique.
I instinctively ordered a cup of gravy to go with this, but the staff forgot it and my drink; even after I asked and had them confirm everything was in order. The lesson here is to make sure you check it all yourself before you walk out the door.
As for the sandwich, the only endearing quality is the chicken. It is dry and needs gravy as a dip. The cranberries are too sweet, whereas I wanted acidity from them. Instead of the globby mayo I would have liked a buttery and garlic loaded mashed potato spread, and for the stuffing to have more rosemary and thyme for a more festive feasting flavour. As is this is a sweet chicken sandwich I can do without, and I rather have the ingredients all separate than in a sandwich together.
This was a disappointing showing made worse by an incomplete order.
As for McDonald’s seasonal offering, their Grinch meal was a cohesive set featuring their classics menu item with a twist and a great “toy”. It is available from December 3rd onwards until supplies last.
Marketed as an adult Happy Meal it played on nostalgia with whimsy. The larger box was double the size of a regular kids happy meal.
You have your choice of Big Mac, 10 piece Chicken McNuggets or a McChicken Sandwich, accompanied by their new Dill Pickle McShaker Fries and a medium fountain drink. I choose the chicken sandwich out of personal preference.
The sandwich is not what you are ordering this for. This is the typical crudely put together light breaded chicken patty over a soft bun with their McChicken cream sauce and shredded lettuce.
The fries were a little unique. Regular fries put into a paper bag and shaken up with a packet of dill pickle flavouring. Bold tangy pickle over their famous fries. Must like briney flavours to enjoy this one.
The best part is the exclusive mismatch Grinch socks. A red sock with the Grinch’s face and broken candy canes, and a blue one with his dog and snow flakes.
There are additional Grinch menu items available to add-on, like the Frozen Hot Chocolate McFlurry. This I did get, and it was exactly as advertised: hot chocolate but cold, in limited edition Grinch packaging. The Frozen Hot Chocolate McFlurry is made with rich cocoa powder and mini marshmallows swirled into smooth vanilla soft serve. Like a melty chocolate malt with a nice crisp from the frozen mini marshmallow. A fun one to eat for taste and texture.
For the kids there is a Grinch Happy Meal too. No special box, but it does come with either a Grinch or Max plush toy and matching games.
Not overtly Grinch, but McDonald’s also has a Green Heart-Shaped Cookie. A sweet sugar cookie in the shape of a heart, topped with a festive green candy coating, and a portion of the proceeds from the sale of every cookie helps support Ronald McDonald House and Ronald McDonald Family Room programs across Canada.
In short, there is one clear winner here, get the Grinch Meal to avoid disappointment.
