The fan-favorite Popeyes Chicken Sandwich has a new version. Called Popeyes Golden BBQ Chicken Sandwich, the new twist on the fast-food chain’s iconic chicken sandwich has officially been added to the menu on Tuesday, May 7, 2024.
What’s in the new Popeyes Golden BBQ Chicken Sandwich?
Like the original, the new Popeyes Golden BBQ Chicken Sandwich features the restaurant’s classic buttermilk-battered, all-white meat chicken breast patty, but this latest version is topped with the chain’s new sweet-and-tangy Golden BBQ sauce.
The Popeyes Golden BBQ Chicken Sandwich also comes on a buttered-and-toasted brioche bun, and is served with pickle slices. It can also be customized by adding Havarti cheese or Applewood smoked bacon.
How much is the Popeyes Golden BBQ Chicken Sandwich?
The price of the Popeyes Golden BBQ Chicken Sandwich varies by location, but it typically costs around $5.99 each.
How to get Popeyes Golden BBQ Chicken Sandwich for free
You can get a free Popeyes Golden BBQ Chicken Sandwich through the new Popeyes Lunch Money FUNds promotion. Follow the steps below:
- Join the Popeyes Rewards program (if you haven’t already): You can sign up for free on the Popeyes website or through their mobile app.
- Make a purchase of $10 or more: Head to your nearest Popeyes restaurant and order your lunch.
- The magic happens automatically: If you’re a member of the Popeyes Rewards program and your purchase meets the minimum requirement, you should automatically receive 600 bonus points added to your account.
- Redeem your points: These 600 points are enough to redeem a Popeyes Golden BBQ Chicken Sandwich or any classic chicken sandwich on the menu.
How to join Popeyes Rewards
There are two ways to join the Popeyes Rewards program:
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Download the Popeyes App: This is likely the most convenient option. Search for “Popeyes” in your app store and download the official app. Once downloaded, open the app and look for a “Sign Up” or “Create Account” option. You’ll typically need to provide your name, email address, and potentially create a password.
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Sign Up on the Popeyes Website: You can also join the program by visiting the Popeyes website at https://www.popeyes.com/. Look for a section related to “Rewards” or “Join the Club.” There should be a registration form where you can enter your information to create an account.
Once you’re a member, you can start earning points for every qualifying purchase made online or through the app. These points can be redeemed for free menu items. You’ll also gain access to exclusive offers and promotions throughout the year, like the new Popeyes Lunch Money FUNds promotion.
There haven’t been any official pronouncements from Popeyes about whether it’s intended to be a permanent addition. While It’s too early to say definitively, there’s a chance the Popeyes Golden BBQ Chicken Sandwich could become a permanent menu item especially if it achieves a fan-favorite status.
What’s the original Popeyes Chicken Sandwich?
The original Popeyes Chicken Sandwich is quite simple compared to some of their newer offerings. Here’s what it consists of:
- Fried Chicken: A buttermilk-battered, juicy white meat chicken breast is the heart of the sandwich.
- Bun: It’s nestled in a toasted brioche bun, known for its light and slightly sweet flavor.
- Pickles: Tangy pickle slices add a bit of acidity and crunch.
- Sauce Options: You can choose between classic mayonnaise or a spicy Cajun spread for a kick.
This seemingly basic combination became a phenomenon in 2019 due to its perfect balance of flavors and textures. The crispy, juicy chicken paired with the soft bun, tangy pickles, and creamy or spicy sauce created a widely loved and sought-after menu item.
How did the original Popeyes Chicken Sandwich ignite the Chicken Sandwich Wars?
The Popeyes Chicken Sandwich’s rise to fame in 2019 sparked a fast-food phenomenon known as the “Chicken Sandwich Wars.” Here’s a breakdown of how it all went down:
The Humble Beginnings
In August 2019, Popeyes debuted their new, seemingly basic, fried chicken sandwich. It wasn’t met with a huge initial fanfare.
The Twitter Spark
Chick-fil-A, known for their longstanding chicken sandwich popularity, tweeted a seemingly innocuous message promoting their own sandwich as the “original.” Popeyes fired back with a now-legendary tweet that simply read “… y’all good?” laced with Southern charm and a hint of playful shade.
Social Media Frenzy
This witty exchange ignited a social media storm. Food critics, celebrities, and everyday people joined the conversation, creating massive online buzz for the Popeyes sandwich.
Lines Out the Door
The online hype translated to real-world demand. People lined up for hours, some locations even sold out of the sandwich daily. Popeyes, known for its more affordable offerings, was seen as a challenger to Chick-fil-A’s dominance in the chicken sandwich market.
A Chain Reaction
Witnessing Popeyes’ success, other fast-food chains scrambled to jump on the bandwagon. Many introduced or revamped their own chicken sandwich offerings, creating a wave of competition and innovation in the category.
The Legacy
The “Chicken Sandwich Wars” significantly impacted the fast-food industry. It pushed chains to focus on quality ingredients and unique flavor profiles in their chicken sandwiches. Consumers ultimately benefitted from a wider variety of delicious and affordable options.
So, while the Popeyes Chicken Sandwich itself was delicious, it was the witty social media exchange and the resulting frenzy that truly ignited the war, forever changing the fast-food landscape.