Feeling Spicy? Try These

Sometimes you just want your food to fight back. Not in a wrestling match kind of way, but in a heat-that-lingers-for-a-bit-too-long sort of way. If you've found yourself bored with bland bites lately, these picks will definitely help shake things up a bit. No soft drink or heartburn medicine can save you, but hey, that's half the thrill. Let's dive in!

1. Nashville Hot Chicken Sandwich

Originally from the Southern kitchens of Nashville, this spicy icon went mainstream when chains like KFC and Dave's Hot Chicken gave it the fast food treatment. The cayenne-heavy crust delivers both heat and crunch, while pickles and creamy sauce offer balance.

2. Spicy Deluxe Chicken Sandwich

This sandwich layers a pressure-cooked filet seasoned with a proprietary pepper blend, leafy lettuce, tomato, and pepper jack cheese. It's the slow rise of intensity that surprises, not an immediate jolt. A crowd-favorite for those who prefer complexity over novelty.

3. Ghost Pepper Whopper

Released seasonally by Burger King, the Ghost Pepper Whopper features ghost pepper cheese and a spicy queso sauce on an orange bun. Don't be fooled by its gimmicky look; it's one of the chain's boldest items. The ghost pepper's delayed burn sneaks in after each bite.

4. Blazin’ Buffalo Wings

Buffalo Wild Wings doesn't hold back with its Blazin' sauce, made from Carolina Reaper; it clocks in at over 2 million Scoville units. These wings aren't casual snacks; they're challenge-tier spicy. Orders often come with warnings, and completion contests are hosted regularly.

5. Spicy Chicken McNuggets

First launched in 2020, McDonald’s Spicy Chicken McNuggets have returned in waves, most recently as a regional limited-time offer in 2022. Coated in a chili- and cayenne-infused batter, they bring more heat than expected from a legacy brand. They’re currently not permanent, but fans keep asking for a comeback.

6. Ghost Pepper Wings

7. Spicy Chicken Sandwich

Jack in the Box doesn’t shy away from heat, and the Spicy Chicken Sandwich proves it. A thick, crispy chicken fillet is coated in bold seasoning and topped with spicy mayo to create a layered heat that builds without overpowering. It’s a reliable, full-sized sandwich that consistently delivers a bite.

8. Spicy Black Bean Crunchwrap

Meat isn't required for heat. Taco Bell's black bean Crunchwrap can deliver spiciness with jalapenos and creamy chipotle sauce inside its grilled tortilla layers. The patty itself carries seasoned heat, making this a standout among vegetarian fast food items that go bold.

9. Hot Honey Chicken Sandwich

Wendy's tapped into heat-meets-sweet with this sandwich. The hot honey glaze is infused with a habanero kick. It coats a crispy chicken filet stacked with pickles and pepper jack. The spice is more of a tangy tingle than a deep burn.

10. Jalapeno Popper Sandwich

A fast food spin on the bar snack favorite, this sandwich from Wendy's includes cream cheese and a spicy chicken filet. What makes it stand out is the real jalapeno crunch, not the usual puree or sauce. It's spicy and intentionally messy.

11. Habanero Chicken Taco

Offered by Del Taco and other regional chains, this handheld punch of heat gets its kick from creamy habanero sauce layered over seasoned chicken. It's not just sauce, though; the real habanero tang stings after a few bites.

12. Blazin’ Knockout Wings

Buffalo Wild Wings introduced these as an evolution of their original Blazin’ sauce, now featuring nine potent peppers. The wings are crisp, smoky, and intentionally brutal. Ideal for seasoned spice veterans, not casual dabblers.

13. Spicy Tenders

Church’s Texas Chicken delivers a deep, cayenne-forward burn with its Spicy Tenders. The marinade penetrates the meat, giving the heat staying power. Paired with their honey-butter biscuit, the contrast is bold and addictive. It’s a fiery upgrade that earns its place on heat-based lists.

14. Cajun Chicken Biscuit

Available at select Southern locations, this biscuit sandwich features seasoned fried chicken tossed in cayenne-heavy Cajun spices. The biscuit's buttery flakiness absorbs the heat slowly, making the contrast addictive. It’s a throwback to classic breakfasts—spicy, satisfying, and straight to the point.

15. Spicy Cajun Fries

Five Guys’ Cajun Fries start with fresh-cut potatoes, then get tossed in a house Cajun spice blend heavy on paprika, cayenne, garlic, and pepper. They’re cooked in peanut oil for extra crisp and carry a steady, satisfying burn.

16. McSpicy Chicken Burger

Originally launched in Asia, the McSpicy Chicken Burger now appears in select U.S. locations as of 2025. The patty uses leg meat for juiciness and is coated in a peppery breading that delivers a firm, lingering burn. It’s simple but the heat speaks for itself.

17. Nashville Hot Chicken

Nashville Hot Chicken (Angry Chickz) comes in escalating heat levels, with the top-tier “Angry” dusted in Carolina Reaper powder. It’s crispy and blisteringly hot. With locations across California, Arizona, Nevada, and Texas, this fast-casual chain turns up the volume on spice.

18. Fire-Grilled Chicken Bowl

El Pollo Loco's fire-grilled chicken gets chopped and tossed over rice and pico in this build-your-own-style bowl. Add their jalapeno hot sauce for a serious kick. Unlike fried entries, the open flame cooking holds a charred flavor while the toppings let the spice level scale to preference.

19. Steak Nuggets

Not all spice comes in sauce form. Arby’s Steak Nuggets bring the burn through a peppery crust that clings to juicy chunks of prime rib. Served hot and fast, they’re meat-forward with enough seasoning to catch you off guard.

20. Buffalo Chicken Pizza

Part of Little Caesars' limited runs, this pizza slathered its crust with a vinegar-based buffalo sauce and topped it with spicy chicken and crushed red pepper. What set it apart? The sauce seeps into the dough. It bites back, especially after a second slice.