The biggest and most popular fast food chains just released epic new dishes!
Craving something fresh? The good thing about fast food is you get to see new menu releases almost every day. What’s even better is they’re about to shake up your taste buds. A couple of fast food giants are taking the heat to the next level, and adding sweet surprises along the way. Yup, we’re talking about swicy fast food releases. But that’s not all, because it’s seafood season, you’ll see more of returning fish sandwiches that will soon make waves. Ready for a flavor adventure? Let’s dive right in!
Burger King
The heat is definitely on at Burger King! Just recently, the fast food chain reintroduced its Fiery Big Sandwich, and right now, we’re getting another spicy menu item. Say hello again to Jalapeño Cheddar Bites! Burger King is bringing back this spicy twist to its classic item, and it was around five years ago since we last saw these bites on the menu.
Participating BK locations will once again serve Jalapeño Cheddar Bites, which feature jalapeño pieces and melty cheddar cheese inside a crispy golden breading. This fiery menu item is available in 4- and 8-piece orders, with a suggested price of $1.49 and $2.69, respectively. Prices may vary by location. Additionally, you can order these bites with a Ranch dipping sauce on the side, for a small upcharge of 30 cents. Go ahead and try the Jalapeño Cheddar Bites as soon as you can because they’ll be around for a limited time only, at participating locations nationwide.
Chipotle
Chipotle also has something spicy to offer, but with a touch of sweet from pure honey. Remember the Chipotle Honey Chicken they tested back in 2024? Well, it’s back and it’s coming to menus in North America and Europe for a limited time, starting today! Launching this new innovation is literally Chipotle’s step into the bold direction, combining the unique heat of Chipotle peppers with pure honey to deliver a swicy touch to any entree.
If you’re a Chipotle Rewards member, then there’s more good news! You can have an early exclusive access to the new menu item starting today. Just head over to the digital orders on Chipotle app or online, and grab your Chipotle Honey Chicken! For easy ordering, Chipotle is featuring the “Most Popular Chipotle Honey Chicken Bowl” on the Chipotle app and online (US and Canada locations). Everything you probably love about Chipotle is in this bowl:
- Chipotle Honey Chicken with white rice
- Fajita veggies
- Black beans
- Fresh tomato salsa
- Roasted chili-corn salsa
- Cheese
- Lettuce
- Sour cream
Meanwhile, the Chipotle Honey Chicken is made with fresh chicken hot off the grill, flavored with a mix of savory Mexican spices in a marinade of seared and smoked chipotle peppers and a touch of pure honey.
Hardee’s
If you’re ready for some more (mild) heat, then let’s jump over to the latest menu release at Hardee’s. The restaurant partnered with Duke’s Mayo for the launch of new Hand-Breaded Chicken Tender Platters with Carolina Gold BBQ Sauce. Thanks to this collaboration, you can now pair Hardee’s Hand-Breaded Chicken Tenders with a sauce that adds a touch of mild heat and sweetness to every bite. Hardee’s Hand-Breaded Chicken Tenders are made with all-white meat, dipped in buttermilk, breaded (lightly), and fried to perfection.
In addition to the new chicken tenders, each platter also comes with a side of crispy fries, coleslaw, garlic toast, and your choice of drink, for a price of $7.99. Again, the price may vary by location.
To end your meal on a sweet note, Hardee’s is also inviting you to try their new Strawberry Lemon Biscuit, available now until April 29, 2025. Finally, this warm, fluffy biscuit has arrived, infused with strawberry and lemon flavors and finished with a drizzle of sweet icing. The new biscuit is available all day at participating locations nationwide with a suggested price of $1.99 per piece. You can also order it in 2-pack for $2.99 or 4-pack or $6.99. Prices may vary by location.
To celebrate the arrival of the new biscuit, Hardee’s is offering My Rewards Members a free Strawberry Lemon Biscuit with any $5 minimum purchase via the app or online, for a limited time only.
Panda Express
Panda Express is also turning up the heat with their latest menu release: Firecracker Steak and Shrimp. This is the restaurant’s bold, spicy twist on the classic surf and turf, available today through May 27, 2025 or while supplies last.
The new dish features tender sirloin steak bites and succulent shrimp, wok-tossed with yellow and red bell peppers, string beans, onions, and whole dry chili peppers. But that’s not all. You’ll also get a taste of Panda’s signature Firecracker sauce, now with even more heat from whole dry chili peppers and fermented black beans. The Firecracker Steak and Shrimp doesn’t just pack a lot of heat, but also 18 grams of protein, ensuring that you have a flavorful, satisfying meal.
Wendy’s
Wendy’s joins the growing number of fast food chains bringing back their fish sandwiches. The brand just announced that its crowd-favorite Crispy Panko Fish Sandwich is making a limited-time comeback at over 5,200 locations in the US, although it’s available at some locations year-round.
Similar to last year, Wendy’s seasonal fish sandwich can be ordered a la carte for $4.19 or as part of a combo meal with fries and drink, priced at $7.39 (prices may vary by location). The Crispy Panko Fish Sandwich features a wild caught Alaskan Pollock fillet with panko breading and fried until crispy. On a toasty premium bun, it is layered with melty American cheese, pickles, lettuce, and a dill tartar sauce. Just like other made fresh to order sandwiches at Wendy’s, this returning item can be customized, for example, by ordering it without cheese.
While the fish sandwich perfectly pairs with Hot & Crispy Fries, Wendy’s also recommends having it with the Sour Cream & Chive Baked Potato or Cheese Fries for a more flavor-packed meal.
According to the chain, their fillets provide a similar experience to cod, with their flaky and white meat. What’s even better is they’re sourced from the world’s largest certified sustainable fishery that accounts for only 15% of the population harvested annually. So while serving up delicious crispy fish sandwiches, Wendy’s remains committed to its sustainability initiatives. Additionally, the supply chain is fully traceable, reflecting the brand’s dedication to sourcing responsibly.
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From The Club
The heat is definitely on after seeing these new menu releases from top fast food chains. Clearly, there’s a demand for spicy foods and I think that Hardee’s new chicken tenders is something I could take on. 😂 I also love seeing those fish sandwiches coming back to the menus, and I must say that Wendy’s Crispy Panko Fish Sandwich and Cheese Fries is definitely a match made in flavor heaven!