I haven’t set foot in a Popeyes Louisiana Kitchen for around, sadly, a decade, since stopping at a Denver location that was a few blocks from my former favorite record store (Twist and Shout, if you’re interested). Even back then, however, I always thought that, when it comes to fried chicken, with its Louisiana-inspired seasonings and spices, Popeyes was the best in the biz.
When I received word that Popeyes was taking on Chick-fil-A with its own version of the heralded chicken sandwich that has made the Chick-fil-A so popular for so long, I knew it was finally time to rekindle my passionate taste for Popeyes once again.
The sandwich is pretty basic, especially when you read about it in print: a large chunk of boneless fried chicken, placed on a “buttered bun” with a few pickles and (spicy) mayo. Of course, it comes in two variations, classic and spicy. I undoubtedly went the latter, as it was originally Popeyes spicy fried chicken that I had always devoured.
Delivered to me in a foil-like silver bag, the first thing I noticed was how gratuitous this sandwich truly is. Popeyes already beats the chicken skin off of not only Chick-fil-A but just about every fast food chicken sandwich on the market with the sheer largesse of this New Orleans-style beast. I mean, it’s shocking how heavy the thing is. For only $3.99, even if the sandwich is just okay, you’re still getting your money’s worth.
But, you know, the Popeyes Chicken Sandwich is not okay… it’s mother-clucking fantastic!
It’s probably the best (non-gimmicky) chicken sandwich I’ve had in a long time. Every blessed bite is a mouthful of crispy fried skin and tender white meat, all coated with that special Popeyes seasoning that I have missed for so long. Every juicy sliver of meat is spiced with enough heat to not overdo it, but without that overly “greased” feeling that seems to buckle down a lot of fast food chicken.
(If I’m being honest though, I did squeeze a couple of packages of Louisiana Hot Sauce on top for a little additional down-home warmth.)
With a couple of mild pickles and a small dab of spicy mayo for taste — not to mention the very firm, very plump, and very rich buttered buns — it doesn’t need all the unnecessary hoopla so many other sandwiches do and, maybe, that’s the thing I love so much about Popeyes Chicken Sandwich.
With basically a strongly empowered piece of fried chicken and very little else, Popeyes may have crafted the chicken sandwich of the year — and if you don’t believe me, well, then it’s your loss, champ. Cómpralo ya!
Purchased Price: $3.99
Size: N/A
Rating: 10 out of 10
Nutrition Facts: Not available on the Popeyes website that keeps crashing my browser.
Click here for all our reviews.