Chick-fil-A has one of the most popular chicken sandwiches in the country.
Now the battle for chicken sandwich supremacy is underway.
And Chick-fil-A was forced to take notice when Popeye’s released this new sandwich.
Chicken sandwich war breaks out between Popeye’s and Chick-fil-A
Chicken sandwiches have become one of the most popular menu items at fast food restaurants.
Seemingly every fast-food chain has its own take on it these days.
The current chicken sandwich craze began in 2019 when the “Chicken Sandwich War” broke out between Chick-fil-A and upstart Popeye’s.
Popeye’s introduced its chicken sandwich that year and it became a sensation with customers.
The sandwich sold out nationally two weeks after its launch after Popeye’s employees were overwhelmed trying to keep up with orders.
Chick-fil-A’s Twitter account decided to throw some shade at its surging rival.
The beloved chain touts itself as the originator of the chicken sandwich.
“Bun + Chicken + Pickles = all the [heart] for the original,” Chick-fil-A wrote on Twitter.
Popeye’s fired back with a quintessentially Southern backhanded remark, “…Y’all good?”
… y’all good? https://t.co/lPaTFXfnyP
— Popeyes (@Popeyes) August 19, 2019
And the “Chicken Sandwich War” began in earnest.
Popeye’s chicken sandwich became a massive success for the Louisiana-style chain.
They sold a staggering 203 million chicken sandwiches in its first year of release.
NBC’s Saturday Night Live even lampooned the sandwich’s popularity in a sketch.
Popeye’s president Sami Siddiqui told FSR that the chain rode the wave to success.
“The Chicken Wars were lightning in a bottle for Popeyes. Having a great product was foundational, but we capitalized on a unique social media moment that became ownable for our brand,” Siddiqui said. “We posted the tweet heard around the world, ‘Y’all good?’, a playful nod at one of our friends in the chicken industry that embodied our Southern heritage while engaging early in the social conversation. We like to think we ignited the Chicken Wars, and we’re proud of everything that has happened since.”
More than 20 different fast food and casual restaurant chains introduced chicken sandwiches after that to capitalize on the popularity.
Popeye’s is back with another new chicken sandwich innovation
Popeye’s is back with its latest chicken sandwich creation to keep the pressure on the competition.
The chain released its new Golden BBQ Chicken Sandwich, which Popeye’s claims will bring the fun back to lunch.
It comes with a juicy buttermilk-battered fried chicken breast, drenched with a sweet and tangy Golden BBQ sauce, topped with barrel-cured pickles on a buttery-toasted brioche bun.
Havarti cheese and Applewood smoked bacon are available as add-ons.
Popeyes vice president of culinary innovation Chef Amy Alarcon said the Golden BBQ Chicken Sandwich was aimed at drawing in a lunch crowd.
“We wanted to create something that reminds our guests why they should love lunchtime,” Alarcon said in a statement. “The Golden BBQ Chicken Sandwich brings a rich combination of sweet and tangy with every bite, perfect for those looking to zest up their midday meal. It’s about bringing a little joy, a little excitement, and a lot of flavor to the table—or the desk, as it may be.”
Adding a Golden BBQ sauce is a new twist in the competitive fast-food chicken sandwich market.
