“I’m Back.”
With those two words, Popeye’s let the world know that their much sought after, impossible to find “Fried Chicken Sandwich” was making a return, but this time, with plenty for everyone!
Here’s how this all started: on August 12, Popeyes debuted its new fried chicken sandwich, featuring a slab of crunchy fried chicken breast on brioche with pickles and mayonnaise…
Well, the country erupted in a “fried chicken frenzy”, and story after story came out about long waits and even worse, fights inside restaurants as people wanted to get their hands on this sandwich.
Wisely, the company stopped selling the sandwich until they could make sure they had enough to handle the demand…and now they do, which led me here:
Yes, I am sitting in my car in the San Fernando Valley, just north of Hollywood. There are fifteen cars in front of me, and we are partially blocking a city street as we inch forward toward nirvana:
Popeye’s Drive-Thru Window!
Yes, after 35 minutes, I made it to the drive-thru window…oh, and I’ve NEVER eaten at Popeye’s although my wife Alex told me that some fine dining Chefs swear by the fried chicken…
I order just one thing: FOUR fried chicken sandwiches – three original and one spicy. I took the bag home and dug in:
My Popeye Fried Chicken Sandwich Review!
My first thought: as I opened the bag the sandwich was nicely wrapped, but when I took that wrapping off, the sandwich looked a bit flat…
Lifting the bun, I saw two thin pickle slices and just a bit of sauce…I would have liked a bit more than that, but then I took a bite:
Wow, this tastes good! The chicken was moist and delicious – the seasoning very flavorful, with just the right amount of frying, and it wasn’t greasy at all…better yet, the chicken breast was thick and the sandwich was very filling…a really tasty sandwich!
I waited a few hours and tried one more:
Popeye’s Fried Chicken Sandwich Redeemed!
Well, the second sandwich I unwrapped presented itself much better right out of the gate, and more importantly, the sandwich was packed with pickles and sauce, and it was:
DELICIOUS!
Popeye’s Fried Chicken Sandwich Scores!
This sandwich rocked the perfect amount of pickles and sauce, but this also lives or dies on the flavor and texture of the fried chicken, and even a few hours later, it was terrific. The right amount of breading, cooked nice and crisp on the outside yet juicy inside, and it had a nice mix of spices and seasoning.
I would definitely have this sandwich again, and frankly I am now interested in trying some of their regular fried chicken as well – along with side dishes like mac’n’cheese and dirty rice…bravo Popeyes for bringing this sandwich back right!
Of course, someone already told me it was just “fast food” – but is that really a knock? What if one of the world’s greatest Chefs served the same thing?
Chef Achatz Does Fried Chicken Sandwiches Too!
The brilliant Chef Grant Achatz has Chicago’s three-Michelin starred Alinea, as well as the “always changing” themes at his restaurant NEXT. Now, Achatz has opened a casual restaurant in Chicago’s Fulton Market district that has some of the most incredible “casual food” you can imagine – including a fried chicken sandwich!
This buttermilk-brined chicken thigh is perfectly cooked and coated – with crisp homemade pickles, sauce and shredded lettuce…and the restaurant offers so much more as well….click here to see this incredible restaurant up close:
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Leave me a comment with your thoughts on the Popeye’s Fried Chicken Sandwich!
Categories: chicago, cookbooks, Food, food blog, Food Review, Pop Culture, Recipes, Restaurants, Wacky Food
johnrieber 
I have never tasted this sandwich but the queues to buy the sandwich are a good recommendation!
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I don’t eat food like this often, but had to do so because of all the hoopla! I never knew that Popeye’s had good fried chicken but they do, and this sandwich is really good!
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We don’t have Popeye’s here… There’s a Buttermilk Chicken Burger at my favourite restaurant that I always go to so I would love to see how it compared!
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We have very few Popeye’s in Southern California, its a more regional chain but people love it and it sure was good! Thanks for commenting!
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I would try this in a blink. You sold the concept to me, when you said not greasy. Popeye has been my favourite cartoon since the first I saw. If the Uk had one, I would go to try fir myself. Now I am hungry and it is onky 7 am … I may have to go to kfc the only chicken house near me.
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HA! Well, the chicken was moist and delicious and not greasy at all! Thanks for commenting!
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😊😆
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How was the spicy chicken sandwich? How would you describe the spicy level?
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I let my son eat that one, but he said moderately spicy…not TOO much, but it was there!
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I have gained a new respect for your willpower: you had a ready-to-eat sandwich within reach, whispering in your ear, and you resisted it for a few hours?! Most people couldn’t resist it fo a few…seconds. Hat off to you, sir!
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Well, it WAS the second one, so I figured I shouldn’t just devour them both at once…but I could have! Thanks for commenting!
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Now I am gonna have to try this!
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Interesting to read your review, I’ve been curious
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I’ve had some friends comment on my Facebook page, extolling the side dishes that Popeye’s serves as well! Who knew?
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It sounds delicious, though I’ve never heard of Popeye’s before reading your post.
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I’m glad you liked this John. I think I’m going to wait though in hopes that some of the craziness dies down.
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I can’t believe you waited in the drive in line for 35 minutes…but it seemed worth it. I have a Popeye’s down the street and have never tried them. May have to now.
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Hmmm. We’ve had Popeyes here for a long time and it never once occurred to me to visit! 😉 And when Chick Fil A came to Bellevue a few years ago the traffic jams were crazy and I thought, really?? For a chicken sandwich? I don’t get it. HOWEVER, now that I’ve seen your review I just might try the Popeyes chicken sandwich!
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The chicken looks nice!
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I had never even heard of Popeye’s before all the fuss. Thanks for your dedication in bringing us this taste test, John. I have to say that it looks far too deep-fried and greasy to me. But I am only judging by the photos, and happy to accept your word that it is delicious. 🙂
Best wishes, Pete.
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Pete, not greasy at all! And fried perfectly, very juicy inside and the chicken breast was huge for the price…my first try – I’m not a “fast food” person but will do anything in order to post on the blog!
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Tastes better than it looks? I can go with that. 🙂
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John, great review. What do you mean you have never had Popeye’s before? You need to visit the hood more my friend 🤣…mild or spicy best chicken around. Here in Joisey on Mon-Wed they have a 2 piece special for $3.99 and that includes one side, a biscuit and drink. The chicken breast fills the whole box you put it in. Try it!!
.
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Tammy, Alex always told me they were great and some Chefs called it their secret “guilty pleasure”, but I never knew! The sandwich was great and I want to try the sides next! Thanks for commenting!
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These look amazing, John. I would also be in the queue.
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Robbie, there has been a lot of press about this – they woefully under-anticipated the interest when first released, but this time they have enough…if you are willing to wait, and I was for the good of the blog! Thanks as always for commenting!
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We love Popeyes! Not a big fast food fan, except for their spicy chicken and an Inn and Out burger. Try the cajun gravy!
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I am going to go back and get the sides, which people have said are also good…it was my first ever Popeye’s experience!
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