# Made-to-Order Chicken Sandwiches McDonald's Ultimate Chicken Sandwich Offers a New Take on Chicken By Katherine Pendrill | Published 2018-11-04 | Lifestyle Source: Trend Hunter, https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/ultimate-chicken-sandwich References: [delish](https://www.delish.com/food-news/a24520129/mcdonalds-testing-chicken-sandwiches-washington/) While [McDonald's](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/grand-mcchicken) is usually associated with its beef burger and fries, but now the chain is attempting to become the go-to spot for chicken with its new Ultimate Chicken Sandwich. Though McDonald's already has a chicken sandwich option, the new Ultimate Chicken Sandwich is a more upscale version. Similar to what you might find at [Chick-fil-A](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/maple-pepper-bacon), the Ultimate Chicken Sandwich consists of thick chicken breast fillet topped with Sweet Dijon sauce and pickles, served on an artisan roll. The new dish is still in the testing phase, alongside the new Ultimate Chicken Tenders. Both are made-to-order and "always served hot and tender, delivering the ultimate chicken experience." Though not available across the country, anyone interested in trying the new sandwich can find it at more than 160 restaurants in Western Washington. Image Credit: McDonald's. ## Trend Insights (Trend Hunter) - Score: 4.1/10 - Popularity: 68% | Activity: 47% | Freshness: 8% - Audience gender: 50% men, 50% women - Primary generations: Gen Z, Millennial, Gen X - Top markets: North America ## Categories [Trend Hunter](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends) > [Lifestyle](https://www.trendhunter.com/lifestyle) > [Food](https://www.trendhunter.com/food) ## Key Themes ### Why This Trend Is Growing - **Made-to-order Chicken Sandwiches:** The trend of offering made-to-order chicken sandwiches provides an opportunity for customization and catering to individual tastes. - **Upscale Fast Food:** The trend of offering upscale versions of fast food classics like the Ultimate Chicken Sandwich creates opportunities for premiumization and attracting a higher-end customer base. - **Regional Testing:** The trend of testing new menu items in specific regions before a national launch allows for market feedback and adjustment before full-scale implementation. ### Industries Being Reshaped - **Fast Food:** The fast food industry can capitalize on the made-to-order chicken sandwich trend by introducing their own customizable chicken sandwich options, appealing to a wider range of customers. - **QSR (quick Service Restaurant):** QSR chains can explore the opportunity of offering upscale versions of their existing menu items to tap into the demand for higher-quality fast food options, like the Ultimate Chicken Sandwich. - **Food Testing and Development:** The food testing and development industry can assist restaurants in testing new menu items in specific regions, providing valuable insights and helping them refine their offerings before national rollout. ## Related on Trend Hunter - [Supersized Chicken Sandwiches](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/grand-mcchicken.md) - [Double Patty Chicken Burgers](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/new-chicken-big-mac.md) - [Exclusive Cheesy Chicken Sandwiches](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/cheesy-mcchicken.md) - [Elevated QSR Chicken Sandwiches](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/mcdonalds-mccrispy.md) - [Barbecue-Inspired Chicken Sandwiches](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/ultimate-bbq-fried-chicken-sandwich.md) - [Cajun-Spiced Chicken Sandwiches](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/bacon-cajun-ranch-chicken-sandwiches.md) - [Spicy Chicken Thigh Sandwiches](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/mighty-hot-mcspicy-sandwiches.md) - [Ultra Pickle-Flavored Chicken Burgers](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/triple-pickle-mccrispy.md) - [Spicy Wintertime Chicken Sandwiches](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/mcdonalds-mcspicy.md)