KANSAS CITY — Traditional chicken sandwiches with a twist are taking over menus, from trendy ingredient-topped varieties to sauce-slathered options to super spicy formats.

Two trendy ingredients – sriracha and kale – top McDonald’s new Signature Sriracha Chicken Sandwich. The sandwich features new Sriracha Big Mac sauce, white cheddar cheese, crispy onions, baby spinach, baby kale and a tomato slice on buttermilk crispy chicken breast or artisan grilled chicken breast served on either an artisan roll or sesame seed bun.

In Sonic’s new chicken sandwich, the sauce is the star. The chain’s new Dunked Ultimate Chicken Sandwich allows customers to choose one of three sauces for their white meat chicken fillet to be dunked in: Bourbon BBQ, a rich bourbon barbecue sauce with a smoky and sweet profile; Buffalo, made with hot and spicy cayenne, red chili peppers and a touch of chipotle; and Garlic Parmesan, with Parmesan cheese, roasted garlic and Italian herbs. The sauced chicken is served on a warm brioche bun with the customer’s choice of toppings.

Shake Shack is serving a spicy new chicken sandwich called the Hot Chick’n Sandwich. The hot handheld features a crispy chicken breast dusted with a guajillo and cayenne pepper blend, coleslaw and pickles served on a Martin’s potato roll.

Click to view a slideshow of new menu items.