Chili’s just fired a $10.99 chicken sandwich salvo at McDonald’s, claiming it’s 80% bigger and a full sit-down feast that exposes the value scam of fast food.
Story Snapshot
- Chili’s expands 3 For Me menu with massive Big Crispy Chicken Sandwich, fries, bottomless chips/salsa, and drink for $10.99 daily.
- Direct challenge to McDonald’s McCrispy: Chili’s version over 80% larger per local study, plus full-service dining perks.
- Nationwide rollout of six variations, including Spicy Big Crispy bestseller, trolling fast food’s “so-called value meals.”
- Amid inflation backlash, Chili’s boosts traffic while pressuring chains like McDonald’s facing U.S. sales dips.
Chili’s Launches Big Crispy Chicken Offensive
Chili’s Grill & Bar added hand-battered Big Crispy and Spicy Big Crispy chicken sandwiches to its $10.99 3 For Me menu. Each deal includes fries, bottomless chips and salsa, plus an unlimited fountain drink.
Chief Marketing Officer George Felix announced the expansion via press release, positioning it as a direct assault on fast-food rivals.
The sandwiches rolled out nationwide immediately, available daily at all U.S. locations, with no app required. Six variations now feature sauced options like Honey-Chipotle, Nashville Hot, Buffalo, and Deluxe.
Chili’s takes aim at McDonald’s with new value deal menu offerings https://t.co/hBr3YirYbC
— FOX Business (@FoxBusiness) April 15, 2026
Direct Challenge to McDonald’s McCrispy
Chili’s claims its Big Crispy sandwich is over 80% larger than McDonald’s McCrispy, according to a local study. McDonald’s offers a grab-and-go item for around $5 plus extras, totaling near $14 for comparable meals like Big Arch.
Chili’s delivers a complete sit-down experience for $10.99, highlighting “value injustice” in fast food. The press release jabs “WAY bigger than McDonald’s McCrispy,” amid consumer frustration with shrinkflation—smaller portions at steady prices.
Historical Value Wars Fuel Expansion
Chili’s 3 For Me menu launched against fast-food pricing pressures, starting with Big Smasher and Big QP burgers. These massive entries countered industry shrinkflation, drawing praise as superior value.
Fast-food giants like McDonald’s reported traffic declines among price-sensitive, low-income customers. CEO Chris Kempczinski acknowledged the pullback. Chili’s built on burger success with chicken sandwiches, timing the move before McDonald’s April 21 McValue menu debut.
Marketing Trolling and Food Court Trial
Chili’s hosted a mock “food court” trial event critiquing fast-food value claims. Social media posts reminded followers of the $10.99 burger deal, sparking positive responses.
Felix called it a “shakeup to the chicken sandwich category.” Customers on platforms labeled it “damn good value,” beating competitors.
Spicy Big Crispy, a test-market hit, anchors the lineup. Industry observers like Sporked hail it as a “serious potshot” at McDonald’s. YouTube reviews confirm Chili’s edges out $14 fast-food combos. Short-term buzz lifts Chili’s traffic; long-term, it escalates value wars, potentially shifting diners to casual spots.
Sources:
https://sporked.com/article/new-chilis-value-menu/
https://www.chilis.com/specials
