KANSAS CITY, MO. — New contenders in the chicken sandwich wars just keep on coming.

Wendy’s is serving a spicy new chicken sandwich inspired by jalapeño poppers. The Jalapeño Popper Chicken Sandwich features a spicy chicken fillet with jalapeño cream cheese, six slices of jalapeños, three strips of applewood smoked bacon, cheddar cheese and shredded pepper jack cheese on a toasted bun.

“While everyone else is playing catch up and distracting consumers with stale chicken drops, we are listening and bringing exciting flavors and bold ingredients forward to help fans avoid the McStake of settling for the same boring chicken sandwiches from other fast-food joints,” said Carl Loredo, chief marketing officer for The Wendy's Co. “Our new Jalapeño Popper Chicken Sandwich casts a big shadow across the competition and really delivers an enhanced chicken sandwich experience. The innovation on flavor is unlike anything else out there.”

Burger King is planning to launch a new Hand-Breaded Chicken Sandwich later this year after working on the recipe since 2019 and testing it since September 2020. Restaurants will offer both original and spicy versions with a thick-cut white meat chicken breast that is freshly breaded and served on a potato bun with deli pickles, signature sauce, lettuce and tomato.

“What if hand-breading were to chicken what flame-grilling is to burgers? That’s been our guiding filter to bring a delicious chicken sandwich to guests in a way only BK can,” said Ellie Doty, chief marketing officer for Burger King North America. “We’ll take the time to get it right and our guests will definitely taste the difference.”

Pollo Campero is debuting its new Chicken Sandwich, available in both fried and grilled versions. The fried chicken sandwich features a fried chicken fillet, thick sweet pickles and a brioche bun. The grilled chicken sandwich features a grilled chicken fillet prepared with Pollo Campero’s proprietary seasonings.

“A lot of quick-service restaurants are jumping on the chicken sandwich bandwagon, but at Pollo Campero, we've been experts at making fresh, delicious, flavorful chicken meals since 1971,” said Federico Valiente, director of marketing for parent company Campero USA. “Our chicken sandwich offers a new way to enjoy our famous fried or grilled chicken recipes for those who are looking for flavorful, juicy perfection on a bun.”

Pollo Tropical is teaming up with the Miami Heat to launch the new Heat Lineup, featuring two new chicken sandwiches.

The Spicy Crispy Chicken Sandwich, the latest addition to the brand’s Cuban Pressed Sandwich lineup, included breaded crispy chicken served on a Cuban roll with Swiss cheese, potato sticks, mayo and a new Spicy Heat Sauce.

The Tostón Sandwich features crispy chicken, Swiss cheese and Signature Spicy Heat Sauce layered between two tostones.

“As the official Pollo of the Miami Heat, we're thrilled to spice up our menu with the Heat lineup and bring new, bold flavors to our guests,” said Hope Diaz, chief marketing officer of Fiesta Restaurant Group, parent company of Pollo Tropical. “We knew teaming up with the Miami Heat to launch these spicy sandwiches would be the perfect way to get fans of both brands excited.”