It happens: we’re craving fast food but we’re also tight on budget. But you know what they say…good food doesn’t have to cost a fortune. And with that, we’re giving you 15 fast food picks that are big on flavor but easy on the wallet. Here’s how to eat well without going broke!
15. McDonald’s McChicken
Clocking in at 390 calories, McChicken is one of the most affordable items on the McDonald’s menu. Even better, it’s part of the chain’s McValue menu, so you can order it at a regular price, and add another item for just $1! Another deal that you can take advantage of is the McChicken $5 Meal Deal, served with four pieces of nuggets, small fries, and a small drink.
14. Burger King’s Whopper Jr.
If you’re looking for that flame-grilled flavor without going over your budget, you can’t go wrong with Burger King’s Whopper Jr. This generally costs around $3.19 (varies by location), but it’s satisfying enough for a light meal or solid snack. For a more filling meal, you can pair it with nuggets or fries; others just order two Whopper Jrs instead of a full one to save a couple of bucks.
13. Taco John’s Four Cheese Quesadilla
Packing in over 400 calories, Taco John’s claims that their Four Cheese Quesadilla contains as much cheese as one quesadilla can handle! It’s loaded with a blend of Monterey Jack, Asadero, Queso Blanco, and all-natural Cheddar cheeses, folded into a warm tortilla and then grilled to perfection.
12. Wendy’s Jr. Bacon Cheeseburger
For less than $4, you’ll enjoy the harmonious blend of flavors and textures from Wendy’s Jr. Bacon Cheeseburger. It features a combination of beef patty, smoked bacon, melty cheese, fresh lettuce, mayo, and tomato—offering a premium taste without the premium price tag. The burger also packs 370 calories and 18 grams of protein, leaving you satisfied without feeling overstuffed.
11. KFC’s Famous Bowl
This is perhaps one of the most underrated fast food items for broke days. KFC’s Famous Bowl will cost you less than $7 but will fill you up pretty quickly as it packs over 500 calories. It’s like a comforting hug in a bowl, featuring a combination of mashed potato, gravy, crispy chicken nuggets, corn, and a 3-cheese blend. What more could you ask for?
10. Carl’s Jr.’s Big Cheeseburger
Carl’s Jr.’s Big Cheeseburger is a smart choice for those who are looking for a substantial burger without the high price tag. The “Big” in its name is justified with the amount of calories, which is approximately 540. The charbroiled cooking method for the patty also gives a smoky flavor that’s quite hard to find elsewhere, so it’s also a win flavor-wise!
9. Taco Bell’s Beefy 5-Layer Burrito
Taco Bell’s Beefy 5-Layer Burrito is one of the most filling options on this list, even when ordered a la carte. This item packs 490 calories plus 18 grams of protein. For greater value, consider getting this burrito as part of the $5 Classic Luxe Cravings Box, which also includes cinnamon twists, a crunchy taco, and a medium fountain drink.
8. McDonald’s McDouble $5 Meal Deal
If you think McDonald’s McDouble (with two beef patties) isn’t enough, then you’ll love this meal deal! It features the McDouble, served with four pieces of chicken nuggets, small fries, and your choice of a small drink. All in all, this meal will give you 990 calories—more than enough to keep you full and satisfied.
7. Sonic’s Honey Chipotle Jr. Chicken Sandwich
Sonic currently has a $1.99 menu that features items costing, well, $1.99 each. One of those items is the Honey Chipotle Jr. Chicken Sandwich, providing a flavorful experience at a wallet-friendly price. With 490 calories, it’s already a good option on its own, but you can also make it a part of a larger meal.
6. Checkers & Rally’s $4 Unbeatable Meal Deal
A worthy contender of the $5 meal deal from McDonald’s is the new $4 Unbeatable Meal Deal from Checkers & Rally’s. This filling meal includes your choice of Cheese Double or Spicy Chicken Sandwich, a cinnamon apple pie, value-sized Famous Seasoned Fries, and a 12 oz. drink. This is proof that flavor doesn’t have to break the bank.
5. White Castle’s 12-piece Chicken Rings
What’s better than a $4 meal deal? Chicken fans would say 12 pieces of Chicken Rings for just $4! Yup, you read that right. White Castle is currently running a deal, wherein you can enjoy 12 pieces of Chicken Rings in Classic or Cheddar Blast flavor, all for just $4 ($3.99 to be exact). You may want to act fast to get this deal, though, because it will be around for a limited time only.
4. Sonic’s Queso Wrap + Fries
Remember Sonic’s $1.99 menu? It also includes queso wraps (Bacon Ranch Queso Wrap and Southwest Crunch Queso Wrap) and the Groovy Fries. Get the queso wrap and fries combo for a more filling meal, and if you still have extra cash, you can also treat yourself to a refreshing drink like a Small Dr Pepper Float!
3. Del Taco’s $5 El Big Box
Del Taco is delivering big flavor and even bigger value with the introduction of three value-focused meal deals. The most affordable one? It’s the $5 Clásico El Big Box, featuring a burrito, quesadilla, fries, and drink. Del Taco also offers meal deals in other price points ($7 and $9). The $9 El Big Box is, of course, the most substantial, combining burger and Mexican food options.
2. KFC’s Chicken & Waffles Box
KFC just brought back their Chicken & Waffles after five years, and it’s one of the best things on the menu right now! Just imagine the nostalgic and comforting combo of the world-famous fried chicken and Liège-style waffles, with a sweet syrup on top, of course. For just $7, you can enjoy KFC’s two-piece fried chicken and waffle box!
1. Taco Bell’s Cheesy Bean and Rice Burrito
For the number one spot, we have Taco Bell’s Cheesy Bean and Rice Burrito, which you can get for just $1.49! At such an affordable price, you can enjoy a burrito that packs over 400 calories. Even if you’re down to your last $5, you can get three orders of Cheesy Bean and Rice Burrito and call it a day.