The Panera Chipotle Chicken sandwich was a popular menu item at the fast-casual chain for years. However, in recent months, some customers have noted that they can no longer find the sandwich on Panera’s menu. This has led to questions around whether Panera got rid of the Chipotle Chicken sandwich completely.
In this article, we’ll examine the history of the Chipotle Chicken sandwich at Panera, look at when it was removed from the menu, and discuss some of the potential reasons behind Panera’s decision to discontinue the sandwich. We’ll also highlight some similar menu options that Panera offers for customers looking for a spicy chicken sandwich.
Background on the Panera Chipotle Chicken Sandwich
The Panera Chipotle Chicken sandwich first appeared on menus in 2010 as part of the chain’s line of specialty sandwiches. It featured Chipotle mayo, spicy bread and butter pickles, lettuce, tomatoes, and pepper jack cheese on artisan bread.
The sandwich quickly became popular among fans of Panera for its combination of spicy and creamy flavors. While it was not Panera’s top-selling sandwich, it developed a loyal following among customers who enjoyed the kick from the smoky Chipotle flavored mayo.
For several years, the sandwich held steady as a menu fixture at Panera. However, in recent years, some locations began to stop carrying the sandwich, which raised speculation that it would eventually be discontinued.
When Panera Removed the Chipotle Chicken Sandwich from Menus
Reports from customers indicate that most Panera locations stopped selling the Chipotle Chicken sandwich around early to mid-2022. The removal seems to have occurred in stages, with some locations dropping it earlier than others.
However, by summer 2022, multiple sources noted that the sandwich had been totally removed from all Panera menus nationwide. Some dissatisfied customers took to social media to lament the loss of the spicy chicken option from the fast-casual chain.
So while the removal happened gradually over the course of 2022, it seems the Chipotle Chicken sandwich was completely phased out from Panera locations across the country by June or July of 2022.
Potential Reasons for Discontinuation
While Panera has not given an official reason for discontinuing the Chipotle Chicken sandwich, there are some likely factors that influenced the decision:
- Declining popularity – If sales of the sandwich were lackluster, Panera may have decided to remove it to streamline operations and focus on more profitable menu items.
- Ingredient costs – Rising costs for ingredients like chicken breast and Chipotle mayo may have made the sandwich too expensive to keep offering.
- Streamlined menu approach – Panera has focused on menu simplification in recent years, cutting minor items to highlight their core offerings.
- Presence of similar items – Panera has other spicy chicken sandwiches like the Spicy Chicken BLT that may have overshadowed the Chipotle version.
By eliminating the Chipotle Chicken sandwich, Panera likely wanted to optimize their menu selection and potentially save on ingredient expenses. But the removal of a long-time menu item still disappointed fans who enjoyed the sandwich’s unique flavors.
Panera’s Other Spicy Chicken Sandwich Options
While the discontinuation of the Chipotle Chicken is a loss for some customers, Panera still offers some other sandwiches that can satisfy a craving for spicy chicken:
Spicy Chicken BLT
One very similar option is the Spicy Chicken BLT sandwich. Like the Chipotle version, it contains pepper jack cheese and spicy bread and butter pickles. Instead of Chipotle mayo, it has sriracha mayo for heat. It includes bacon and omits the lettuce and tomato.
Buffalo Chicken Sandwich
For a stronger spicy flavor, Panera also has the Buffalo Chicken sandwich seasoned with classic buffalo sauce and topped with blue cheese. It has the same lettuce, tomato, and pepper jack ingredients as the original Chipotle Chicken sandwich.
Chipotle Chicken Wrap/Salad
While no longer a sandwich, the Chipotle chicken can still be found in wrap and salad form at Panera. The wrap contains many of the same ingredients, while the salad swaps out the bread for greens.
Special Release Sandwiches
Panera also sometimes releases limited-time sandwiches with spicy fillings. Past specials have included Nashville Hot Chicken and Cuban Chicken sandwiches. So spicy chicken fans should keep an eye out for these rotating options.
Nutritional Information Comparison
For those monitoring nutritional contents, here is a comparison of how Panera’s spicy chicken sandwiches stack up:
| Sandwich | Calories | Fat | Carbs | Protein |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Chipotle Chicken (discontinued) | 680 | 24g | 74g | 37g |
| Spicy Chicken BLT | 800 | 43g | 57g | 37g |
| Buffalo Chicken | 760 | 25g | 90g | 43g |
The Spicy Chicken BLT has higher fat and calories due to the bacon, while the Buffalo Chicken has more carbs from the classic Buffalo sauce. But all three provide a solid protein punch and can satisfy spicy chicken cravings. Those avoiding carbs may favor the BLT or original Chipotle versions.
Alternatives at Other Chains
Beyond Panera, those looking for a similar spicy chicken sandwich do have options at other fast-casual chains and restaurants:
- Chick-fil-A – Their spicy chicken sandwich features a breaded chicken breast with spicy pickled jalapenos.
- Wendy’s – Offers both Spicy Chicken and Jalapeno Popper Chicken sandwiches with pepper jack cheese.
- McDonald’s – Their Spicy Chicken Sandwich has a crisp fried chicken fillet topped with spicy sauce.
- Burger King – The Spicy Ch’King sandwich has spicy sauce and lettuce on a breaded chicken breast.
- Popeye’s – Known for their spicy fried chicken, they have Classic and Spicy Chicken sandwiches.
The spices and heat level may vary, but these all provide a chicken sandwich with a kick for those missing the Panera option.
Customer Reactions
While Panera likely discontinued the Chipotle Chicken sandwich due to business considerations, many loyal customers were disappointed to see it go. Here are some of the common complaints and reactions shared on social media:
- “This was my go-to order at Panera! So disappointed they stopped offering it. The new sandwiches just aren’t the same.”
- “I used to love getting the spicy Chipotle chicken sandwich with broccoli cheddar soup. Sad it’s no longer on the menu – it was my favorite Panera combo!”
- “That was the only sandwich I ever got there. Guess I’ll start going to Chick-fil-A or Popeye’s now for my spicy chicken fix instead.”
- “First the Sicilian sandwich, now the Chipotle chicken too? They’re getting rid of all the good sandwiches and leaving just boring options.”
- “The Chipotle chicken sandwich was so full of flavor! I don’t get why they’d axe it and not one of the more basic sandwiches.”
It’s clear the removal of the sandwich left a sizable group of Panera fans unhappy and searching for alternatives elsewhere. While other spicy chicken options remain, the unique Chipotle flavor profile had its devoted followers. Losing that sandwich choice has led some to take their business to competitors moving forward.
Is It Gone for Good?
Given the upset from loyal customers, could Panera ever opt to bring back the Chipotle Chicken sandwich? While not impossible, there are a few reasons why the sandwich is likely gone from menus for good:
- Menus are highly tested – Major chains don’t remove popular profitable items without data backing the decision.
- Ingredient costs may stay high – Issues like supply chain disruptions could keep pricing the sandwich prohibitively high.
- It underperformed other options – Panera has many chicken sandwiches that appeal to wide audiences.
- Less menu complexity desired – Adding it back would counter their recent moves to simplify offerings.
Of course, customer sentiments do weigh on decisions at major chains. We’ve seen fast food outlets reverse unpopular cuts due to outcries, such as Taco Bell bringing back old menu items. However, the lack of news around areturn of the sandwich indicates Panera is committed to moving in a different direction. Fans may need to accept that the loss of the Chipotle Chicken sandwich is permanent.
Conclusion
The removal of the Chipotle Chicken sandwich from Panera in 2022 disappointed those who enjoyed the spicy and smoky flavors. However, rising costs and menu simplification needs likely made it unsustainable. While other spicy chicken options remain at Panera, the unique blend of flavors in the Chipotle sandwich has Left a void for some customers. It appears unlikely Panera will revive the sandwich, but rivals have stepped in to offer similar spicy chicken choices. So devotees still have options for a fix – even if their beloved sandwich is gone for good from Panera.