Chicken fillet sandwich, fried, from fast food, with cheese
Common food
Photo: Wikipedia
A golden, crispy-fried chicken fillet nestled in a soft bun, often topped with melted cheese and creamy sauces. Its texture is a satisfying crunch giving way to juicy, savory meat. Nutritionally, it's a calorie-dense protein source, but the frying adds significant fat and refined carbs.
Calorie split: 18% protein · 34% carbs · 48% fat
↓ Full nutrition💚 Why it's loved
People adore the irresistible contrast of the crunchy, seasoned coating against the tender chicken and the comforting, melty cheese. It's a global fast-food staple that delivers immediate savory satisfaction.
⚠️ Watch-outs & how to enjoy it better
The deep-frying process adds trans fats and calories, while the refined bun and sauces can spike blood sugar. Those monitoring sodium or calories should be cautious. To counteract, pair with a side salad or steamed veggies, choose mustard over mayo, and opt for a single patty without bacon.
Key benefits
- High-quality protein for muscle maintenance
- Convenient, widely available quick meal
- Provides quick energy from carbohydrates
- Contains essential B vitamins from chicken
- Satiating due to combined protein and fat
🍽️ Popular dishes
🌍 Where it's eaten
💡 Did you know?
The modern fried chicken sandwich's massive popularity in the US was ignited by a viral social media-driven 'chicken sandwich war' among fast-food chains in 2019.
Full nutrition (USDA data · scales with serving)
| Water | 44.3 g |
| Energy | 291 kcal |
| Protein | 13.2 g |
| Total lipid (fat) | 15.3 g |
| Carbohydrate, by difference | 24.7 g |
| Fiber, total dietary | 1.5 g |
| Total Sugars | 3.0 g |
| Calcium, Ca | 180 mg |
| Iron, Fe | 1.6 mg |
| Magnesium, Mg | 26.0 mg |
| Phosphorus, P | 208 mg |
| Potassium, K | 202 mg |
| Sodium, Na | 626 mg |
| Zinc, Zn | 0.94 mg |
| Copper, Cu | 0.08 mg |
| Selenium, Se | 21.6 ug |
| Vitamin C, total ascorbic acid | 0.70 mg |
| Thiamin | 0.25 mg |
| Riboflavin | 0.18 mg |
| Niacin | 4.4 mg |
| Vitamin B-6 | 0.20 mg |
| Folate, total | 47.0 ug |
| Folic acid | 21.0 ug |
| Folate, food | 26.0 ug |
| Folate, DFE | 62.0 ug |
| Choline, total | 31.1 mg |
| Vitamin B-12 | 0.35 ug |
| Vitamin B-12, added | 0.00 ug |
| Vitamin A, RAE | 37.0 ug |
| Retinol | 35.0 ug |
| Carotene, beta | 14.0 ug |
| Carotene, alpha | 0.00 ug |
| Cryptoxanthin, beta | 4.0 ug |
| Lycopene | 0.00 ug |
| Lutein + zeaxanthin | 27.0 ug |
| Vitamin E (alpha-tocopherol) | 1.7 mg |
| Vitamin E, added | 0.00 mg |
| Vitamin D (D2 + D3) | 0.50 ug |
| Vitamin K (phylloquinone) | 16.5 ug |
| Alcohol, ethyl | 0.00 g |
| Caffeine | 0.00 mg |
| Theobromine | 0.00 mg |
Fat & fatty acid profile (per 100g)
| Fatty acids, total saturated | 4.7 g |
| SFA 4:0 | 0.08 g |
| SFA 6:0 | 0.06 g |
| SFA 8:0 | 0.04 g |
| SFA 10:0 | 0.09 g |
| SFA 12:0 | 0.11 g |
| SFA 14:0 | 0.35 g |
| SFA 16:0 | 2.4 g |
| SFA 18:0 | 1.5 g |
| Fatty acids, total monounsaturated | 4.2 g |
| MUFA 16:1 | 0.16 g |
| MUFA 18:1 | 4.1 g |
| MUFA 20:1 | 0.06 g |
| MUFA 22:1 | 0.00 g |
| Fatty acids, total polyunsaturated | 5.0 g |
| PUFA 18:2 | 4.7 g |
| PUFA 18:3 | 0.32 g |
| PUFA 18:4 | 0.00 g |
| PUFA 20:4 | 0.02 g |
| PUFA 20:5 n-3 (EPA) | 0.00 g |
| PUFA 22:5 n-3 (DPA) | 0.00 g |
| PUFA 22:6 n-3 (DHA) | 0.00 g |
| Cholesterol | 29.0 mg |
Amino acid profile (per 100g)
Estimated from WENDY'S, Homestyle Chicken Fillet Sandwich — USDA does not publish this profile for Chicken fillet sandwich.
| Tryptophan | 0.15 g |
| Threonine | 0.50 g |
| Isoleucine | 0.54 g |
| Leucine | 0.93 g |
| Lysine | 0.83 g |
| Methionine | 0.29 g |
| Cystine | 0.18 g |
| Phenylalanine | 0.51 g |
| Tyrosine | 0.27 g |
| Valine | 0.59 g |
| Arginine | 0.65 g |
| Histidine | 0.38 g |
| Alanine | 0.65 g |
| Aspartic acid | 1.1 g |
| Glutamic acid | 2.4 g |
| Glycine | 0.52 g |
| Proline | 0.68 g |
| Serine | 0.53 g |
FAQ
How does the nutrition compare to a grilled chicken sandwich?
A fried fillet sandwich typically has 50-100% more calories and fat than a grilled version, due to the oil absorption from frying.
Is the cheese a significant source of nutrients?
A single slice adds about 50-70 calories, 4-5g of protein, and 100-150mg of calcium, but also saturated fat and sodium.
Can I make a healthier version at home?
Yes, use an air fryer or oven-bake with whole-grain breading, choose a whole-wheat bun, and load up on fresh vegetable toppings like lettuce, tomato, and pickles.
Nutrient density (calculated · NRF9.3)
Nutrient Rich Foods index: beneficial nutrients (protein, fiber, vitamins, minerals) minus saturated fat, added sugar & sodium, per 100 kcal.
NRF9.3 index — Fulgoni, Keast & Drewnowski, 2009. Computed from USDA nutrients.
Weight-loss friendliness (composite index)
Energy density 2.91 kcal/g · 18% calories from protein · 1.5 g fiber · 3.0 g sugar per 100 g.
Composite of energy density (Rolls et al., 1999), protein & fiber satiety, minus sugar. A calculated heuristic — ranks satiety-per-calorie, not a clinical measure.
Dietary load (calculated from USDA values)
Potential renal acid load. Positive = acid-forming, negative = alkaline-forming.
Sodium-to-potassium ratio: 3.10 (lower is better — aim for ≤ 1)
Sodium:potassium per WHO potassium guidance. Computed from USDA nutrients.