The Colonel or The Clown, who is better KFC or McDonald’s?
McDonald’s is superior to KFC in many categories with an abundant variety of menu options but, don’t count KFC out with its selection of chicken nuggets and tenders as well as classic Southern Style side dishes like biscuits, mashed potatoes, and gravy.
Table of Contents
What Is Better KFC Or McDonald’s
Determining which fast food restaurant is the best KFC or McDonald’s is more than just about our opinion or preferences but, the food offering and value that each offer.
I compared KFC to McDonald’s in a variety of categories including who has the best chicken nuggets and desserts to determine our winner.
How Do We Determine If KFC Is Better Than McDonald’s
In order to determine which restaurant is better KFC or McDonald’s, we need to compare them both on an even playing field of categories and go head to head.
The following categories have been used to determine if KFC is better than McDonald’s.
- Overall Menu Offerings
- Chicken Sandwich Comparison
- Chicken Nugget Comparison
- Side Dish Comparison
- Dessert Offerings
- Kids Meal Options
- Price Comparison
McDonald’s Menu Vs. KFC’s Menu
Let’s take a close look at both of the menus offered at McDonald’s and KFC.
McDonald’s Menu Pros
- More variety including burgers compared to KFC
- Breakfast availability
- Coffees as well as specialty coffees
- More desserts including baked goods and ice cream
KFC Menu Pros
- The focused product offering of their chicken recipe
Menu Winner
The clear winner of the menu category is McDonald’s.
With a much bigger selection with more variety including breakfast, coffee, and burgers McDonald’s has a better menu when compared to KFC.
McDonald’s Breakfast Hours (Explained)
McDonald’s And KFC Chicken Sandwich Comparison
Since KFC is known for its chicken and McDonald’s has their own chicken offerings it only makes sense to compare their chicken sandwiches.
McDonald’s Chicken Sandwich Pros
- Five Chicken Sandwich Options
- Deluxe sandwich option which includes lettuce and tomato
- Spicy chicken sandwich options
KFC Chicken Sandwich Pros
- 2 Chicken Sandwich Options
- Classic KFC Fried Chicken Recipe
Chicken Sandwich Winner
This one caught me by surprise, I was expecting KFC to have a clear win since they are a chicken restaurant.
I am giving the win to McDonald’s with a larger variety of chicken sandwiches including deluxe and spicy options.
When Does McDonald’s Serve Lunch
McDonald’s And KFC Chicken Nugget Comparison
Since we are on the topic of chicken, we need to compare the chicken nuggets offered at both McDonald’s and KFC.
McDonald’s Chicken Nugget Pros
- Classic chicken nuggets
- Very kid friendly
KFC Chicken Nugget Pros
- Large chicken tenders
- Popcorn chicken is available
- Spicy tenders are available
Chicken Nugget Winner
KFC is the winner when we compare chicken nuggets with large tenders, popular popcorn chicken, and spicy options.
McDonald’s And KFC Side Dish Comparison
We all love a good side dish or two to go with our main meal but, who has better sides KFC or McDonald’s?
McDonald’s Side Dish Pros
- Classic and popular french fries
KFC Side Dish Pros
- An abundant selection of side dishes
- Biscuits
- Mashed Potatoes and Gravy
- French Fries
- Coleslaw
- Mac N Cheese
- Green Beans
- Corn
Side Dish Winner
Unless you are looking for classic McDonald’s French Fries, KFC wins in the side dish category with many options including comfort food favorites like mashed potatoes and gravy and crisp and creamy coleslaw.
McDonald’s And KFC Dessert Comparison
We may not often head to our local McDonald’s or KFC with dessert in mind but, a sweet treat is always welcomed.
Who has the best dessert McDonald’s or KFC?
McDonald’s Dessert Pros
- Ice Cream in the form of cones, sundaes, McFlurrys, and shakes
- Warm Apple Pie
- Cookies
KFC Dessert Pros
- Chocolate Chip Cookies
- Chocolate Chip Cake
Dessert Winner
McDonald’s is the winner of the dessert category with more dessert options including ice cream selections.
McDonald’s And KFC Kids Meal Comparison
When you are grabbing a quick meal it’s always a bonus if there are good kid’s meals available.
Who has the better kid’s meal selection McDonald’s or KFC?
McDonald’s Kids Meal Pros
- Hamburgers & Chicken Nugget options
- A selection of sides
- A selection of beverages
- Includes a toy
KFC Kids Meal Pros
- KFC does not offer kids meals they offer family-style meals or ala carte options
Kids Meal Winner
Hands down McDonald’s is the kids meal winner with their classic happy meals.
KFC And McDonald’s Price Comparison
Let’s compare a classic chicken sandwich meal at McDonald’s and KFC to see who provides the best value.
McDonald’s Chicken Sandwich Meal Price
- Crispy Chicken Sandwich Meal with Fries & a Drink $7.19
KFC Chicken Sandwich Meal Price
- Crispy Chicken Sandwich Meal with Fries & a drink is $8.29
Price Winner
McDonald’s beats out KFC when it comes to offering a lower-priced chicken sandwich meal.
The Results
Let’s look at our results for the McDonald’s and KFC comparison.
Overall Menu Offerings
Winner- McDonald’s
Chicken Sandwich Comparison
Winner- McDonald’s
Chicken Nugget Comparison
Winner- KFC
Side Dish Comparison
Winner- KFC
Dessert Offerings
Winner- McDonald’s
Kids Meal Options
Winner- McDonald’s
Price Comparison
Winner- McDonald’s
Overall Winner
Unless you are craving a bucket of chicken with mashed potatoes, coleslaw, and a biscuit you winner of the KFC vs. McDonald’s throwdown is McDonald’s.
Final Thoughts
I can be hard to compare to fast food giants that are really known for things.
KFC and McDonald’s do have some overlap when it comes to menu offerings and restaurant styles.
Regardless of which one is better, it does come down to what sort of food and meal you are craving.