As a public service, I have been trying all of the "Crispy Chicken Sandwiches" out there, and I am almost ready to post my exhaustive study on the subject.
MY PSEUDO-SCIENTIFIC METHOD, EXPLAINED
1. As a science guy, I have ordered all the chicken sandwiches the same way; WITH NO SAUCE, which leaves you with the most-crispy-chicken-sandwich-on-a-bun-with-pickles, without the addition of unnecessary (in my opinion) calories from mayonnaise or ranch dressing, or whatever fat-laden goo they like to slather these things with.
2. When I get them, I IMMEDIATELY open the container that they are in, so that they don't unnecessarily steam themselves into an un-crispy-ness state, which would throw off the entire tasting/experience evolution. You see, some of these places put their sandwiches in a mylar-coated envelope which is designed to keep them hot, but just goes about steaming the crispy out of them, if left in that evil sauna bag from Hell. Some of the places put them in a more-standard cardboard flip-top box of sorts - which seems to be better - but I still open those up to keep the control over the test.
3. This is the only thing I order. No sides, and no drink. I always have water in the car during the Summer, so I'm not tossing these things down my gullet without something to chase them with. I'm not a savage.
4. I don't eat them while I am driving - because I simply am not a savage - but I do eat them soon after, usually in the parking lot next to the place.
HERE IS WHAT I HAVE FOUND SO FAR;
1. Popeye's
Listed as "Classic Chicken Sandwich", this is by far the largest chicken sandwich that I have ever thrown down my neck. It is crispy, and the most expensive sandwich I tested. I make it #1 because I made this thread and I think it was the best.
2. Chick-Fil-A
Where it all began, with the "Original Chicken Sandwich". All the others saw how these folks were crushing the market with chicken sandwiches and thought "Hey, we have to get into this chicken sandwich craze!" They didn't start the war, but they won a lot of the battles, that's for sure. There is a HUGE cult following for this highly-successful franchise, and I completely get it. When you see the dance they do in the parking lot with FOUR TIMES AS MANY CARS as any other fast-food restaurant anywhere, and still get you your order as fast as the other fast-food places, it is a wonder to behold. They have a good chicken sandwich. The fact that they aren't open on Sundays doesn't matter to me one bit. They are awesome, but their sandwich is a distant second (in my opinion) to Popeye's. Sorry, everyone, but it's true. It's also 1/2 the size of the Popeye's offering and not all that crisp. The pickles there are the best I have tested, by the way.
3. Hardee's
Their sandwich is billed as the "Hand-Breaded Chicken Sandwich" and it's really quite good. Again, it's 1/2 the size of the Popeye's sandwich (which puts it in line with the Chick-Fil-A original). It was crispy and the pickles were average.
4. Burger King
The "Ch'King Chicken Sandwich" sounds utterly stupid to me, but the sandwich was on par with the Hardee's offering.
5. Wendy's
The "Classic Chicken Sandwich" is what you'll find here. Again, on par with Hardee's and Burger King.
6. McDonalds
Get serious. You would be better off with a roller-dog from the Shell station. Even bacon couldn't fix this thing.