If you thought the chicken sandwich wars were cooling down, think again. White Castle just stepped up to the plate with something new—and it’s coming in hot. Starting June 16, White Castle fans across the country will get to try a brand-new addition to the menu: a crispy, bigger, buttermilk-fried chicken sandwich that sounds like a total flavor bomb.
Chicken sandwiches are having a serious moment in fast food. With beef prices soaring and everyone chasing that crave-worthy crunch, more and more chains are putting poultry front and center. And now, White Castle is joining the mix—but of course, they’re doing it their own way.
What’s New? A Bigger, Crispier Chicken Sandwich
Jamie Richardson, VP of marketing and PR at White Castle, gave the scoop to National Restaurant News, and here’s what we know so far: this isn’t just a rehash of their old chicken sandwich. This new version is crispy, juicy, and noticeably larger, all sandwiched between White Castle’s iconic slider buns.
Richardson summed it up perfectly: “It’s tastier, more crave-worthy, and we think it’s time.” Honestly? We’re ready.
Let’s Talk Flavor: Buttermilk-Fried Chicken + Honeycomb Mustard
Now, this is where things get interesting. The new sandwich features a buttermilk-fried chicken filet—yes, real filet, not chopped or processed—and it’s topped with a honeycomb mustard that the brand says customers loved during testing. Sweet and tangy? Yes, please.
And if you’re the type who likes a little crunch and color, you’ll be glad to know that lettuce and tomato can be added to your sandwich for a little extra.
Why the Change Now?
White Castle has always been known for their sliders—the original late-night snack. But as chicken becomes more of a go-to protein in fast food, it makes sense they’d want to upgrade their chicken game too.
And let’s face it: the old chicken ring sandwich was fun and nostalgic, but it’s not winning any chicken sandwich showdowns. This new launch feels like a bold move toward giving customers what they’re actually craving.
They Took Their Time with This One
One of the most interesting things Richardson shared? White Castle didn’t just throw a sandwich together and hope for the best. They did extensive testing, tried all kinds of combinations, and let customers guide the final flavor. That’s how the honeycomb mustard earned its spot—it stood out and won fans over.
According to Richardson, “It’s got all of the great flavors you’d expect from a crave-worthy Castle.”
Don’t Worry—The Chicken Ring Sandwich Isn’t Going Anywhere
If you’re a fan of the OG White Castle chicken ring sandwich, you can breathe easy. It’s still on the menu. The new buttermilk-fried sandwich isn’t replacing anything—it’s simply giving fans another choice. You can even mix and match. Maybe grab a slider, a chicken sandwich, and some fries and call it a meal.
Richardson explained the brand’s mindset: “We’re great at making sliders and tasty sides, so we’re looking at our core platform in terms of how do we find things and give it a bit of a twist, a bit of a smile.”
Why Chicken Sandwiches Are Taking Over Right Now
There’s no denying it—chicken is where it’s at. And it’s not just about flavor. With beef prices up and more people skipping red meat, chicken sandwiches have become a kind of comfort food that feels indulgent without going overboard.
Chains like Dave’s Hot Chicken, Jollibee, and Raising Cane’s are exploding in popularity. Even McDonald’s, Burger King, and Wendy’s are going all-in on chicken lately. So it makes perfect sense that White Castle wants in on the action—and we’re here for it.
Get Ready for June 16
Mark your calendar, because June 16 is when the new crispy chicken sandwich officially hits menus nationwide. If you’ve been waiting for something fresh from White Castle—or just want to see how their take on a chicken sandwich stacks up—this is your moment.
And with summer here, road trips happening, and late-night cravings in full swing, the timing couldn’t be better.
A New Castle Classic?
White Castle has always done its own thing. Sliders, tiny fries, chicken rings—they’ve built a loyal following with bite-sized comfort food that hits the spot. This new chicken sandwich might just become the next menu item people can’t stop talking about.
So whether you’re a longtime Craver or just someone who’s obsessed with trying every chicken sandwich under the sun, you’ll want to give this one a shot. Crispy, juicy, sweet-and-savory? Sounds like a win to us.
And hey, if you’re lucky enough to live near a White Castle, you’ve got one more reason to swing by this summer.
