Tag: Jack in the Box

What are the Jack in the Box Spicy Cluck Sandwich and Blazin Cluck Sandwich?

Let’s have Jack’s website explain what the former is.

Jack’s Spice Squad has rated our new Spicy Cluck Sandwich as certified perfection. It’s a bigger, crispier and better-than-ever perfectly spicy, breaded fillet, topped with Jack’s Good Good Sauce, crunchy pickle chips, on a toasty brioche bun. But it doesn’t take an expert to know it’s the perfect amount of spice. You’ll know.

As for the Blazin Cluck Sandwich, instead of Jack’s Good Good Sauce (which seems to be The Condiment Formerly Known As Mystery Sauce), it has Jack’s Spicy Good Good Sauce. Basically, the Spicy one doesn’t have a spicy sauce, just a spicy fillet.

Are we good?

Good.

Sauce.

How are they?

Well, I’m not going to believe the “certified perfection” that Jack’s Spice Squad claims its Spicy Cluck Sandwich has achieved because if it’s “perfection,” why is there a second, spicier version of it?

As for that “bigger, crispier and better-than-ever perfectly spicy, breaded fillet,” it’s not what I’d consider perfectly spicy. There’s a scant amount of heat, and I think Jack’s regular spicy chicken sandwich was spicier. But the breading on this is crispier, and it seems to be slightly bigger.

The fillet’s lack of heat is really noticeable with the Spicy Cluck Sandwich. The regular Good Good Sauce dampens the breading’s spiciness enough that you might think you’re eating an original Cluck Sandwich.

However, with the Blazin version, the darker orange Spicy Good Good Sauce turns the heat up several notches while preserving the regular sauce’s tangy and peppery flavors. Granted, if it’s on a 10-point scale, we’re going from a one to a three or four. It’s a mild heat, but it’s not at a level where I felt the need for a cold beverage. Also, it doesn’t help that the pickle’s tanginess cuts through the spiciness.

The chicken’s coating could’ve had more heat, but I enjoyed these two as much as the original Cluck Sandwich. Although, with the Spicy one, it’s because it pretty much tastes like the original. While the Blazin one isn’t, you know, blazing, I’m okay with it being that way because it has the perfect amount of spice, thanks to the sauce. It’s spicy, but not so much that it takes away from its flavors.

Anything else you need to know?

I’m slightly surprised the Blazin version didn’t come with jalapeños or an apostrophe. But I can understand why. The pickled peppers would’ve overwhelmed the sauce’s flavor and heat, while the punctuation mark would’ve hurt Jack’s cred with the cool kids.

There are also Deluxe versions of both menu items that swap the pickles for Swiss-style cheese, onion rings, and bacon.

Conclusion:

If you’ve been waiting for a spicy version of Jack’s Cluck Sandwich, your wait is over. But, if you want to feel any heat, go for the Blazin Cluck Sandwich.

Purchased Price: $6.39 each*
Size: N/A
Rating: 7 out of 10 (Spicy), 8 out of 10 (Blazin)
Nutrition Facts: Numbers not available at publication time.

*Because I live on a rock in the middle of the Pacific Ocean, things are a bit pricier here. You’ll probably pay less than I did.

Short story: I ordered the Jack in the Box Cheddar Loaded Cheeseburger, which has a beef patty topped with cheddar cheese, lettuce, tomato, and cheddar ranch sauce on a cheddar cheese bun.

However, I received the more loaded Bacon Cheddar Loaded Cheeseburger that has everything the smaller burger does but includes hickory-smoked bacon, another beef patty, and another cheddar slice.

Fin.

So this review will be about the larger one. Thanks for the upgrade, Fast Food Gods…and the person who made my burger!

Since it sticks out the most, let’s start with that cheddar bun. There’s obviously cheese baked into it, so it looks the part. But when I tried the bun on its own and as part of the sandwich, I couldn’t taste the cheese with most bites. That was also the case with the cheddar slices.

Despite three different cheddar vessels, it’s not a cheesy-tasting cheeseburger. The only times I really got any really noticeable cheesiness was whenever my mouth pulled in a decent glob of the cheddar ranch sauce, which was slathered on both buns.

But most of the time, it was a slightly juicy meat fest in my mouth with those two patties taking center stage and the bacon in the background as a porky hype man coming in every so often. And the lettuce and tomato weren’t any help. They’re just there to add some color to the party and distract you from the sweating cheddar slices.

The Bacon Cheddar Loaded Cheeseburger isn’t loaded with cheddar flavor like this review is loaded with the words “cheddar” and “cheese.” Maybe if I got what I originally ordered, the less loaded Cheddar Loaded Cheeseburger, I might’ve tasted an intense cheesiness since there’s one less patty to get in the way.

Purchased Price: $6.99*
Size: Small combo
Rating: 6 out of 10
Nutrition Facts: 910 calories, 37 grams of fat, 25 grams of saturated fat, 3 grams of trans fat, 165 milligrams of cholesterol, 1190 milligrams of sodium, 31 grams of carbohydrates, 2 grams of fiber, 4 grams of sugar, and 56 grams of protein.

*Price is for the regular Cheddar Loaded Cheeseburger combo, which I ordered. But as I mentioned at the beginning, I received a Bacon Cheddar Loaded Cheeseburger. Also, because I live on a rock in the middle of the Pacific Ocean, things are a bit pricier here. You’ll probably pay less than I did.

What is the Jack in the Box BBQ Cluck Deluxe Sandwich?

I’ll let Jack in the Box’s website explain. “If the cluck’s not enough, you gotta go deluxe. The BBQ Cluck Deluxe Sandwich comes with our new 100% all white meat chicken fillet that is bigger, crispier and better than ever, crispy bacon, panko onion rings, American cheese and topped with BBQ sauce on a brioche bun. Don’t go hungry, go deluxe.”

So it’s basically the chicken version of the BBQ Bacon Cheeseburger Jack offered for a limited time before this limited-time offering.

How is it?

Despite both bun pieces having a decent layer of BBQ sauce, I wish more of it was in this sandwich I received. I didn’t taste any BBQ sauce at all with several bites, even though I’m 100 percent sure I got some in every bite. Without the sweet and tangy flavors, the chicken and bacon’s saltiness comes through a lot more. Perhaps, too much. I’ve had the original Cluck Sandwich several times, and I don’t remember the chicken ever being this salty.

But when I could taste the BBQ sauce, which cut through that saltiness, I was somewhat content with the sandwich. Although even then, I wish the sauce’s flavor stood out a bit more. It’s as if there’s too much between the two sauce layers.

The chicken has a decent crunchy coating, although the meat inside it was a bit dry. The onion rings’ golden brown exterior adds a bit more texture, and the onions within also help cut through the saltiness. Finally, I’m not sure what the cheese is doing there besides preventing the salty, smoky bacon from falling out. Even when I couldn’t taste the BBQ sauce, I still couldn’t notice the cheese.

Anything else you need to know?

I also ordered the regular BBQ Cluck Sandwich, but the one I got wasn’t made properly, so I’m just focusing on the Deluxe version. Instead of pickles and BBQ sauce, the sandwich I got had cheese, bacon, BBQ sauce, and no pickles. So basically, it appears the person making the sandwich started to make a Deluxe version but realized it was supposed to be the regular one a bit too late.

Conclusion:

Jack’s BBQ Cluck Deluxe Sandwich is just okay. If you plan on ordering it, I’d highly recommend asking for extra BBQ sauce.

Purchased Price: $7.39*
Size: N/A
Rating: 6 out of 10
Nutrition Facts: 770 calories, 33 grams of fat, 8 grams of saturated fat, 0 grams of trans fat, 95 milligrams of cholesterol, 2450 milligrams of sodium, 79 grams of carbohydrates, 4 grams of fiber, 20 grams of sugar, and 41 grams of protein.

*Because I live on a rock in the middle of the Pacific Ocean, things are a bit pricier here. You’ll probably pay less than I did.

Don’t let the red color fool you into thinking the shells used for Jack in the Box’s Spicy Tiny Tacos are spicy. I assure you those ominous Lucifer eyelid-shaped shells bring no heat whatsoever. There isn’t any seasoning on or in them unless you count red food coloring.

But their color, along with the somewhat surprising look of the filling inside them, have got me thinking about elves, hung stockings, and decorated Christmas trees.

Wait. What? Christmas?

When I reveal to you what’s in every Spicy Tiny Taco, you’ll understand my fast food friends.

Yup, it’s green. Actually, it’s more so in real life than what my iPhone’s camera shows. The familiar shiny dark green pieces make it safe to assume that the filling is a combination of ground pickled jalapeños and, like the original Tiny Tacos, ground chicken and spices.

The peppers bring more heat than flavor, but I didn’t mind that because the simple combo that makes up the filling is tasty enough that I’m happy eating them by themselves. But I’m even more content when I dip the red Tiny Tacos into the ranch dipping sauce that came with my order. The tangy accoutrement tempers the spiciness but adds another level of flavor on top of the seasoned meat and jalapeño. What I got is probably the default, but I imagine you could enhance your tacos with any sauce Jack offers, even his Mystery Sauce.

As for spiciness, after eating all 15 Spicy Tiny Tacos in one sitting, my nose did start running a little. But I didn’t need a cold beverage to soothe my mouth. Of course, mouths vary. But if you’ve had other Jack in the Box items that feature jalapeños, you’ll have an idea of the heat level.

There’s also a Loaded version that comes topped with lettuce, cheese, and taco sauce, which I also ordered. But mine didn’t come with cheese, so I won’t give it a rating here. However, I imagine, just like with the original Tiny Tacos, the toppings do enhance them, especially the taco sauce, which gives the side an additional kick and peppery flavor. So if you do decide to get the regular Spicy Tiny Tacos, I’d recommend grabbing a taco sauce packet or two to enhance them, which is what I’ll be doing when I order them again.

Jack’s Spicy Tiny Tacos are a great sequel to the original Tiny Tacos. In fact, I think they’re better. Ho! Ho! Ho!

Purchased Price: $4.99*
Size: N/A
Rating: 8 out of 10
Nutrition Facts: 360 calories, 13 grams of fat, 3 grams of saturated fat, 0 grams of trans fat, 40 milligrams of cholesterol, 670 milligrams of sodium, 52 grams of carbohydrates, 5 grams of fiber, 3 grams of sugar, and 12 grams of protein.

*Because I live on a rock in the middle of the Pacific Ocean, things are a bit pricier here. You’ll probably pay less than I did.

Jack in the Box has added several new, limited time only items to its menu — the Triple Bacon Cheesy Jack, Quad Bacon Cheesy Jack, Jack’s Classic Roost Fries, Jack’s Spicy Roost Fries, and Chocolate Croissant Bites. Because I kind of value my health, I’ll skip the Quad Bacon Cheesy Jack and Spicy Roost Fries in this review.

Triple Bacon Cheesy Jack

The Jack in the Box website says the Triple Bacon Cheesy Jack has three beef patties, three kinds of cheeses, and three kinds of bacon on a buttery bakery bun.

Don’t get excited about “three kinds of cheeses” because it’s just American, Swiss, and a cheddar cheese sauce. Also, don’t let “three kinds of bacon” blow your mind as if there are applewood-smoked, hickory-smoked, and brown sugar glazed pork strips. Instead, lower your expectations because it’s just bacon mayo, bacon pieces, and smaller bacon pieces. No, really. Below is a screenshot from the Jack in the Box app when I tried customizing it.

So what do three beef patties, three kinds of cheese, bacon mayo, and two bacon sizes taste like? Well, it tastes like a bacon cheeseburger. There are no nuances between the cheeses, and there’s definitely none with the bacon. I’m sure it would taste the same if this was a Double Bacon Cheesy Jack or the Sextuple Bacon Cheesy Jack.

If you’re into numerology and believe the number 3 is artistic and creative, you might find some interest in this. Although, you might be dismissing this burger because it lacks a third bun, and it’s not very creative.

The Triple Bacon Cheesy Jack is definitely not a bad burger, but it doesn’t have a unique flavor. It’ll satisfy your meaty, porky, cheesy, and salty cravings. But I can also get that from Jack’s Bacon Ultimate Cheeseburger or Jr. Bacon Cheeseburger.

Purchased Price: $6.99*
Size: N/A
Rating: 6 out of 10
Nutrition Facts: 810 calories, 57 grams of fat, 20 grams of saturated fat, 2 grams of trans fat, 120 milligrams of cholesterol, 1410 milligrams of sodium, 32 grams of carbohydrates, 1 gram of fiber, 4 grams of sugar, and 42 grams of protein.

Classic Roost Fries

I spent more time than I’d like to admit wondering if the “Roost” in Jack’s Roost Fries is short, cool slang for a rooster or the place where birds come together to rest at night. If it’s the former, then cool. But if it’s the latter, that’s morbid. Thinking the pieces of 100% all-white meat chicken coming together for the ultimate rest after being battered and deep fried is quite gloomy.

Anyhoo, along with the cut-up pieces of what appears to be one Crispy Chicken Strip, Roost Fries also come with fries, of course, cheddar cheese sauce, shredded cheddar cheese, and a drizzle of Mystery Sauce. There’s also a spicy version that comes with sliced jalapeños.

The Mystery Sauce is what makes this unique. I enjoyed the sweet, tangy, and peppery sauce on Jack’s Cluck Sandwich, and I also like it on these chicken and cheese topped fries. The sauce is such a tasty condiment that I found myself scraping off whatever I could find with the fries at the bottom of my container. Maybe Jack should offer it as a dipping sauce for its mediocre chicken nuggets.

As for the cheeses, they add a creamy texture and a burst of saltiness, but there isn’t a strong cheddar flavor because of the Mystery Sauce.

Overall, Jack’s Classic Roost Fries are a tasty side, thanks to the Mystery Sauce. Maybe there will be a version someday that comes with bacon slices and smaller bacon slices that’ll be called Sty Fries.

Purchased Price: $4.00*
Size: N/A
Rating: 7 out of 10
Nutrition Facts: 700 calories, 41 grams of fat, 7 grams of saturated fat, 0 grams of trans fat, 50 milligrams of cholesterol, 1680 milligrams of sodium, 66 grams of carbohydrates, 4 grams of fiber, 4 grams of sugar, and 18 grams of protein.

Chocolate Croissant Bites

Made with Hershey’s chocolate and a flaky exterior, the Chocolate Croissant Bites are a sweet and satisfying treat, although the warm, two-inch pieces are not as crispy as I hoped. As you can see, after cutting them in half, there’s an ample amount of filling, but, oddly, there were some bites that taste less chocolatey than others.

Although cutting the bites in half is probably something most people won’t do, might I suggest doing so that you can use that melted filling for some French fry dipping. That’s a Pro Tip right there, my friends. Also, I imagine these would be a pleasure to dip into one of Jack’s shakes. But that’s not a Pro Tip. That’s just common sense.

If three pieces aren’t enough, there’s also a six-piece order, which is what I’ll order next time.

Purchased Price: $2.49*
Size: 3-pieces
Rating: 7 out of 10
Nutrition Facts: (3 pieces) 320 calories, 15 grams of fat, 3.5 grams of saturated fat, 0 grams of trans fat, 0 milligrams of cholesterol, 130 milligrams of sodium, 42 grams of carbohydrates, 1 gram of fiber, 13 grams of sugar, and 6 grams of protein.

*Because I live on a rock in the middle of the Pacific Ocean, things are a bit pricier here. You’ll probably pay less than I did.