A hot and spicy patty can vary in calories depending on the size and ingredients. Here are some quick answers about the calorie content of hot and spicy patties from major fast food restaurants:
McDonald’s Spicy Chicken McDeluxe Patty
The spicy chicken patty used in McDonald’s Spicy Chicken McDeluxe sandwich contains the following nutrition facts:
Calories | 420 |
Fat | 23g |
Carbs | 18g |
Protein | 28g |
So a McDonald’s Spicy Chicken McDeluxe patty contains 420 calories. It is a breaded and fried white meat chicken patty seasoned with cayenne and chili pepper.
Burger King Spicy Chick’n Crisp Patty
The Spicy Chick’n Crisp patty used in the Burger King Spicy Ch’King sandwich has the following nutrition information:
Calories | 670 |
Fat | 35g |
Carbs | 56g |
Protein | 21g |
So a Burger King Spicy Chick’n Crisp patty contains 670 calories. It is a breaded, plant-based patty made with peas and black beans.
Wendy’s Spicy Chicken Sandwich Patty
The spicy chicken fillet used in Wendy’s Spicy Chicken Sandwich has the following calorie and nutrition content:
Calories | 460 |
Fat | 23g |
Carbs | 14g |
Protein | 44g |
So the Wendy’s spicy chicken sandwich patty contains 460 calories. It is a breaded, chargrilled chicken breast fillet with spices.
Chick-fil-A Spicy Chicken Sandwich Patty
Here are the nutrition facts for the spicy chicken patty in the Chick-fil-A Spicy Chicken Sandwich:
Calories | 460 |
Fat | 24g |
Carbs | 38g |
Protein | 28g |
The Chick-fil-A spicy chicken sandwich patty contains 460 calories. It is a breaded and pressure cooked chicken breast fillet with spices.
KFC Spicy Crispy Chicken Patty
KFC’s spicy crispy chicken patty used in sandwiches like the Spicy Crispy Colonel Sandwich has the following calorie content:
Calories | 460 |
Fat | 18g |
Carbs | 56g |
Protein | 27g |
So a KFC spicy crispy chicken patty contains 460 calories. It is a breaded, deep fried white meat chicken patty seasoned with cayenne and other spices.
Arby’s Spicy Chicken Patty
Here are the nutrition facts for the spicy chicken patty used in Arby’s sandwiches:
Calories | 460 |
Fat | 18g |
Carbs | 44g |
Protein | 28g |
An Arby’s spicy chicken patty contains 460 calories. It is a breaded, fried chicken breast fillet with cayenne pepper and spices.
Jack in the Box Spicy Chicken Patty
The spicy chicken patty used in Jack in the Box’s Spicy Chicken Sandwich has the following calorie content:
Calories | 370 |
Fat | 8g |
Carbs | 44g |
Protein | 22g |
So a Jack in the Box spicy chicken sandwich patty has 370 calories. It is a breaded and fried chicken breast fillet with chili peppers.
Carl’s Jr. Spicy Chicken Patty
Here are the nutrition facts for Carl’s Jr.’s spicy chicken patty used in sandwiches like the Spicy Chicken Sandwich:
Calories | 420 |
Fat | 16g |
Carbs | 40g |
Protein | 28g |
A Carl’s Jr. spicy chicken patty contains 420 calories. It is a breaded, charbroiled chicken breast fillet seasoned with peppers.
Hardee’s Spicy Chicken Patty
The spicy chicken patty used in Hardee’s Spicy Chicken Sandwich has the following nutrition information:
Calories | 370 |
Fat | 14g |
Carbs | 29g |
Protein | 25g |
So a Hardee’s spicy chicken sandwich patty contains 370 calories. It is a fried chicken breast fillet coated in spicy breading.
What Makes a Spicy Chicken Patty Spicy?
Spicy chicken patties get their heat from seasonings that contain capsaicin, the compound in chili peppers that triggers the sensation of spiciness. Some common seasonings used are:
- Cayenne pepper
- Crushed red pepper flakes
- Paprika
- Chili powder
- Jalapeño peppers
- Habanero peppers
The level of spiciness can vary depending on the amount and type of peppers and spices used in the patty seasoning. Some are mildly spicy while others pack some serious heat.
Comparing Calories and Nutrition
When comparing the nutrition facts, most fast food spicy chicken patties range from 370-670 calories. Some key observations:
- Burger King’s plant-based Spicy Chick’n Crisp patty is the highest in calories at 670 calories.
- Jack in the Box has the lowest calorie spicy chicken patty at 370 calories.
- Most beef or chicken spicy patties range from 420-460 calories.
- Fat content ranges from 8g to 35g of fat, with beef or fried chicken patties being higher in fat.
- Carbs range from 14g to 56g.
- Protein ranges from 21g to 44g.
While calories vary slightly, most fast food spicy chicken patties provide a fairly high amount of calories, fat, carbs and protein in one patty. So it’s best to be mindful of portion size and other menu choices when dining out.
Ways to Reduce Calories in a Spicy Chicken Sandwich
Here are some tips for reducing the calories when ordering a spicy chicken sandwich:
- Order a grilled or roasted chicken patty instead of crispy fried.
- Opt for a spicy chicken breast or fillet instead of a patty, which often has less breading.
- Skip the mayo or switch to a light mayo sauce.
- Order your sandwich as a lettuce wrap instead of a bun.
- Load up on veggies like lettuce, tomatoes, onions for more fiber.
- Go easy on cheese or skip it altogether.
- Choose a side salad instead of fries.
- Ask for any sauces or dressings on the side.
Healthier Homemade Spicy Chicken Patties
To control calories, fat and sodium content, consider making your own spicy chicken patties at home. Here is a healthier recipe to try:
Ingredients
- 1 lb ground chicken breast
- 1/2 cup panko breadcrumbs
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon chili powder
- 2 teaspoons paprika
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- In a large bowl, combine all ingredients except chicken.
- Add ground chicken and mix until well combined.
- Form mixture into 4 equal patties, about 1/2 inch thick.
- In a skillet over medium heat, cook patties 5-6 minutes per side until cooked through and browned.
- Serve on buns with your favorite toppings and condiments.
This recipe makes 4 patties, each with around 200 calories, 7g fat, and 24g protein. Adjust spices to your desired level of heat.
Conclusion
Spicy chicken patties can vary widely in their calorie content based on size and preparation methods. A fast food spicy chicken patty can range from 370-670 calories. To lighten up your spicy chicken sandwich, opt for grilled chicken, skip high-calorie toppings, and load up on veggie toppings. Making patties at home can allow you to control the ingredients and calories.