15 Spicy Fast-Food Menu Items That’ll Light Your Mouth on Fire

Spicy Fast Food Cover

Cheapism / Hardee's / Chris E./Yelp

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Spicy Fast Food Cover
Cheapism / Hardee's / Chris E./Yelp

It's Gettin' Hot in Here

If you’re something of a heatseeker, getting fast-food items with a kick can be a challenge. Most places are scared to use enough spice, so even most fast-food chains' spicy items often feel too mild.


However, there are some chains that know how to do heat, and offer iconic spicy items on their menus. We rounded up 15 of the best spicy foods from your favorite fast-food restaurants.

Carl’s Jr.: Double El Diablo
Tom B./Yelp

Carl’s Jr.: Double El Diablo

If you’re craving something with a little heat, then the Carl’s Jr. Double El Diablo is the burger choice for you. This double-patty burger contains jalapeno poppers, pepper jack cheese, habanero ranch sauce, and jalapenos. Plus, the burger comes with two strips of bacon and a sesame seed bun. You’ll definitely need a glass of milk to wash it all down.

Wendy’s Ghost Pepper Ranch Chicken Sandwich
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Wendy’s: Ghost Pepper Ranch Chicken Sandwich

Wendy’s is known for its chicken sandwiches , but the chain has never had a spicy version like this one before. This sandwich comes with a spicy chicken filet, as well as fried onions, American cheese and ranch — all seasoned with ghost pepper. The sandwich also comes with lettuce and tomatoes. Your mouth will be screaming after only one bite.

Taco Bell Spicy Potato Soft Taco
r/T-wey via Reddit.com

Taco Bell: Spicy Potato Soft Taco

When you think about spicy food, potatoes don’t usually come to mind. That’s why Taco Bell’s Spicy Potato Soft Taco is so unique. It adds a spicy, creamy chipotle sauce to a taco filled with potatoes. The taco also includes shredded cheese and lettuce in a flour tortilla. It’s one of the best things on Taco Bell’s vegetarian menu.

McDonald’s: Spicy Deluxe McCrispy
McDonald's

McDonald’s: Spicy Deluxe McCrispy

McDonald’s is known for a lot of things, but spicy food usually isn’t one of them. The Spicy Deluxe McCrispy is different. This chicken sandwich comes with a spicy pepper sauce that adds a level of heat you’ll love. This sandwich also includes shredded lettuce and Roma tomatoes all on a potato roll.

Popeyes: Spicy Bone-In Wings
Peter X./Yelp

Popeyes: Spicy Bone-In Wings

As one of the nation’s top chicken fast food restaurants , Popeye’s knows how to cook poultry — and their spicy bone-in wings are a huge favorite. Plus, you can choose from six different sauces to put on your wings: ghost pepper, honey BBQ, honey lemon pepper, roasted garlic parmesan, sweet ‘n spicy, and signature hot. You can also add a bayou Buffalo sauce for even more kick.

Five Guys Cajun Fries
Kimberly T./Yelp

Five Guys: Cajun Fries

Most of the items on this list are burgers or sandwiches, so if you want some sides with a spicy twist, try the Five Guys Cajun Fries. These fries are similar to their original fries, but they’re coated with special Cajun spices to give them an extra kick. You’ll feel like you’re eating in N’awlins.

Chick-fil-A: Spicy Chicken Sandwich
Regis K./Yelp

Chick-fil-A: Spicy Chicken Sandwich

The spicy chicken sandwich from Chick-fil-A is a simple treat: boneless chicken breast with pickle chips on a bun. But the hot seasoning transforms this from a basic sandwich to a sensory feast. Want more heat? You can top it off with sweet and spicy Sriracha sauce.

Burger King: Fiery Bacon Whopper
Burger King

Burger King: Fiery Bacon Whopper

Burger King is known for its Whopper — but you’ve never had a burger like this before. The Fiery Bacon Whopper includes fiery-seasoned bacon, pepper jack cheese, and a spicy sauce. It also comes with tomatoes and crispy lettuce on a sesame seed bun. This limited-time burger won’t last long, so prepare your taste buds.

Jack in the Box: Stuffed Jalapenos
Jack in the Box

Jack in the Box: Stuffed Jalapenos

Nothing could be spicier than Jack in the Box’s stuffed jalapenos. These peppers are stuffed with cheese, then breaded and fried. You can choose from a three- or seven-pack, depending on your heat tolerance, and you may want to order a milkshake to help wash it down.

Dave’s Hot Chicken: Reaper Chicken Sandwich
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Dave’s Hot Chicken: Reaper Chicken Sandwich

If you want a piece of chicken that is truly off-the-charts spicy, you need to try Dave’s Hot Chicken. The fast-food restaurant isn’t as famous as other places on the list, but it has a seven rung spice level, ranging from no spice to Reaper. If you want to truly test your taste buds, then try a chicken sandwich at the Reaper level.

Arby’s: Horsey Sauce
L S./Yelp

Arby’s: Horsey Sauce

While not technically a menu item, the Horsey Sauce from Arby’s can be a great spicy addition to one of their classic roast beef sandwiches. The sauce is made with horseradish and provides a classic spice flavor. If you love cocktail sauce, you’ll love this creamy sauce. Some stores even sell bottles you can take home.

Domino’s: Buffalo Chicken Pizza
Andrea L./Yelp

Domino’s: Buffalo Chicken Pizza

Buffalo sauce is a popular condiment for adding heat; if it’s one of your favorites, you’ll love the Buffalo Chicken Pizza from Domino’s. Plus, you can add more spicy toppings, like jalapenos, to take the experience from somewhat spicy to high levels of heat.

McDonald’s: Spicy Chicken McNuggets
Chris E./Yelp

McDonald’s: Spicy Chicken McNuggets

McDonald’s chicken nuggets are one of their most iconic items. If you prefer to eat a more grown-up version of this meal, you might enjoy the spicy nuggets. These spicy nuggets are seasoned with cayenne and chili pepper. Feeling even more adventurous? Try adding a spicy Buffalo sauce to take things up yet another notch.

Subway Spicy Nacho Chicken
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Subway: Spicy Nacho Chicken

If you’re craving a sandwich with more flavor, try the Spicy Nacho Chicken from Subway. This sub has jalapenos and a creamy Sriracha sauce that gives it a little extra kick. Plus, you can add pepper jack cheese for an extra layer of spice — or even add on an extra helping of jalapenos.

Hardee’s: Nashville Hot Hand-Breaded Chicken Sandwich
Hardee’s

Hardee’s: Nashville Hot Hand-Breaded Chicken Sandwich

If you want a taste of the South near you, the Nashville Hot Hand-Breaded Chicken Sandwich might be a great option. This piece of fried chicken is dipped in buttermilk before being fried, then coated in a special Nashville hot seasoning.