Applebee’s is turning up the heat in the meal deal and chicken sandwich wars! On November 12th, the beloved casual dining chain unveiled the “Really BIG Meal Deal,” a $9.99 combo that packs serious value and flavor. At the heart of this deal is the chain’s newest creation, the bold and crispy Big Cluckin’ Chicken Sandwich, which is set to rival the best in the market.
What’s included in Applebee’s Really BIG Meal Deal?
Applebee’s Really BIG Meal Deal is its entry into the ongoing meal deal war, which has seen various restaurant chains release value meals ranging from $5 to $10 that include popular menu items bundled into one meal.
Applebee’s Really Big Meal Deal has two iterations. The first one features the chain’s new Big Cluckin’ Chicken Sandwich served with classic fries and a fountain drink. The other option, meanwhile, includes the BIG Classic Bacon Cheeseburger, classic fries, and a fountain drink. Priced at $9.99 each, both versions are available now for a limited time for both dine-in and To Go, via Applebees.com or the Applebee’s mobile app.
With the launch of its Really Big Meal Deal, Applebee’s has become the latest restaurant chain to add a $5–$10 value meal to its menu, joining KFC, McDonald’s, Taco Bell, Arby’s, Burger King, Popeyes, and Jimmy John’s on the list of eateries that have already done so.
What does Applebee’s Big Cluckin’ Chicken Sandwich taste like?
Applebee’s new Big Cluckin’ Chicken Sandwich features a perfectly crispy, hand-breaded chicken breast topped with fresh shredded lettuce, zesty pickles, juicy tomato slices, and creamy mayo, all nestled on a warm, toasted brioche bun.
Applebee’s claims its Big Cluckin’ Chicken Sandwich is “bigger and better” than any chicken sandwich it has ever served. The restaurant is also so confident in the size of its “massive” creation that it’s backing it up with a size match guarantee. If a competitor’s chicken sandwich turns out to be larger, Applebee’s will sweeten the deal by adding an extra chicken patty to your sandwich—at no additional cost.
Bailey Fink of AllRecipes.com got an early taste of the new Big Cluckin’ Chicken Sandwich, and according to her, she would order it again.
Chicken sandwiches can be hit or miss, especially in the fast-food world, where they often end up dry or lacking a substantial amount of chicken, leaving diners wondering, “Where’s the chicken?” But Fink said that Applebee’s Big Cluckin’ Chicken Sandwich lives up to its bold name. Featuring a large, hand-breaded chicken breast that cascades over the sides of the bun just as advertised, the sandwich delivers a crispy exterior with a juicy, flavorful interior.
Fink, however, pointed out that it falls short is in the toppings department. The massive chicken patty overshadows the shredded lettuce, tomato, and mayo, leaving the sandwich feeling a bit underdressed. While some may enjoy the simplicity, others might miss the fresh crunch or generous amount of sauce expected from a sit-down restaurant’s offering.
But compared to fast-food staples like Chick-fil-A’s classic sandwich or Popeyes’ iconic version, Applebee’s sandwich offers more substance and quality, according to Fink. And since Applebee’s is a dine-in restaurant, customizing the sandwich is a simple fix. Adding extra lettuce, a side of mayo, or even Buffalo sauce could easily elevate this sandwich to suit personal preferences.
What makes Applebee’s BIG Classic Bacon Cheeseburger stand out?
For those who love timeless flavors, the BIG Classic Bacon Cheeseburger features a juicy, all-beef patty topped with two slices of melted American cheese and two strips of Applewood-smoked bacon. It’s served with crisp lettuce, fresh tomato, sliced onion, and pickles, all nestled on a toasted brioche bun for the ultimate classic burger experience.
“Big in size, flavor, and value, our new Really Big Meal Deal can’t be beat,” said Joel Yashinsky, chief marketing officer of Applebee’s, in a press release announcing the chain’s new value meal. “From Classic to Cluckin’, our Really Big Meal Deal offers guests variety, with both a savory hand-crafted burger and [a] new hand-breaded chicken sandwich, served with classic fries, and a fountain drink for only $9.99. We know our guests are going to love this unbeatable value meal!”