IS IT REALLY A “CHICKEN SANDWICH WAR” IF POPEYES GOT THE GAME SHOOK?

Look, I like a quality fast-food chicken sandwich as much as the next person (I probably like it a bit more – I like to eat). And a good fast-food chicken sandwich has proven to be good business. Americans have been eating more chicken and less beef the last few years, a trend the fast-food industry has seized. 

2019 saw a true game-changer in the chicken sandwich industry. The Popeyes chicken sandwich came into the game with a Nas-like “Ether” entrance, slapping around all the other offerings that had laid claim to the chicken sandwich crown – particularly the Burger King OG chicken sandwich (the #9 combo), which is still very high on my personal list. But let’s face it, Popeyes took over the game like Marlo in The Wire and has held the crown ever since.

2021 appears to have dawned a new day for fast-food chicken sandwich competition. A new breed of chicken sandwich wars. But I ask: Is it really a war if Popeyes has the game shook?

Wendy’s, McDonald’s, Shake Shack (which we don’t have here in RVA), and KFC have all presented new chicken sandwiches. These sandwiches are either already in the market or coming your way in the first quarter of 2021.

At this point, I can only speak on what I know: The Popeyes chicken sandwich is damn good. And no matter the hate about fast-food or fried food, etc. (Yes…it’s all bad – I know this), if we’re talking product, Popeyes is Drake of the chicken sandwich game right now. The product and marketing are top-notch.

Wendy’s doing the same…

Both Wendy’s and McDonald’s (AKA The Dons – S/O Heath) introduced new sandwiches that look just like their old ones. Why bother? If you not going to do it right, don’t do it at all. Wendy’s spicy chicken sandwich is a fine sandwich. I’d give it 7 or 8 out of 10. They’ve introduced 3 new sandwiches: Classic (which is basically their old Homestyle), Bacon Jalapeno Chicken, and Asiago Ranch Chicken Club. These all feel the same. Wendy’s is normally pretty creative…this feels rushed.

McDonald’s chicken sandwich has always been trash and that’s why their highest seller is the McChicken on the dollar menu. Their new sandwich looks equally as bad. I can’t believe they pay people for these dry-ass ideas.

McDonald’s is just sad…how is this new?

But fear not, there is a new chicken sandwich that has potential. It only took KFC, originally Sanders Court & Cafe, established 90 years ago and franchised 68 years ago, nearly a century to come up with a quality chicken sandwich. To be fair, it only took them two years after Popeyes, so there is that.

The Greatest Chicken Sandwich ever?

Nonetheless, the KFC sandwich seems to have potential. They are calling it “The Best Chicken Sandwich Ever” which makes me wonder: How does the KFC double down feel about this? Remember the Double Down? They should have given out shirts that said, I ate a Double Down and I’m still alive. (I did eat one…overrated.)

The legend of the Double Down was brief but strong…

The truth of the matter is that we really shouldn’t talk about KFC at all until they bring back potato wedges. What price-cutting measure led to that horrible decision?

And let’s not forget, that Burger King’s original chicken sandwich is still out here being the Andre Iguodala of the chicken game…on the right day…at the right time… it’s still a pretty stellar chicken sandwich. I see you BK. Never change.

As you can tell, I care way more about this than most people. If you try one of these new chicken sandwiches, post your review in the comments. #WESEEIT