Quick Answer
Popeyes’ new Blackened Chicken Sandwich is fried, not grilled. The chicken fillet is marinated in a blend of Cajun and Creole seasonings, then breaded and fried until crispy. The blackening refers to the Cajun-inspired spices, not the cooking method.
More Detailed Answer
In August 2022, Popeyes added a new Blackened Chicken Sandwich to their menu. Like their incredibly popular Chicken Sandwich, it features a crispy, juicy chicken breast fillet served on a brioche bun. But what makes it “blackened”?
The term “blackened” in the context of food refers to a Cajun cooking style where meat is coated in a spice blend heavy on peppers, garlic, and other bold seasonings. The meat is then cooked over very high heat, resulting in a blackening or charring effect on the outside while keeping the interior moist and tender.
So for Popeyes’ Blackened Chicken Sandwich, the chicken breast is first marinated in a proprietary blend of Cajun and Creole seasonings. These likely include paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, cayenne pepper, black pepper, oregano, and thyme.
After marinating, the chicken is then dredged through a flour-based breading mixture before being fried in oil. This breading helps the spices adhere to the meat while also providing a super crispy exterior when fried. The frying cooks the chicken through completely and develops that signature Popeyes fried chicken crunch.
So in summary, while the name is a nod to classic “blackened” Cajun cuisine, Popeyes’ preparation method remains the same tried and true buttermilk fried chicken technique they are famous for. The chicken is fried, not grilled or seared in a cast iron skillet per traditional blackening. But those unique Louisiana-inspired spices still deliver plenty of big, bold flavor in every crunchy, juicy bite.
Nutrition Info
Here is the basic nutrition information for Popeyes’ new Blackened Chicken Sandwich, according to the Popeyes website:
| Item | Calories | Fat | Carbs | Protein |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Blackened Chicken Sandwich | 689 | 37g | 48g | 28g |
As you can see, it is a high calorie, high fat sandwich, as is typical for fried chicken items. The battering and frying adds a significant amount of fat and carbohydrates. But you are also getting a decent hit of protein from the chicken itself.
Ingredients
Popeyes lists the ingredients for their new Blackened Chicken Sandwich as:
– Chicken breast fillet, marinated in Creole and Cajun seasonings, breeded and fried
– Brioche bun
– Mayonnaise
– Pickles
– Lettuce
So it uses fairly simple, classic sandwich ingredients to complement the spicy fried chicken. The chicken itself has that signature buttermilk marinade with the addition of the bold blackening seasoning blend.
How it Compares to the Original Chicken Sandwich
Popeyes huge viral success story in 2019 was the launch of their Chicken Sandwich. It became a social media sensation and led to long lines and even some altercations at Popeyes locations. So how does this new Blackened Chicken Sandwich compare?
They are very similar in construction – both feature the same fried chicken breast, brioche bun, mayo and pickle toppings. The main difference is the addition of that Cajun and Creole seasoning blend in the marinade for the Blackened version.
So if you loved the original, you’ll likely love this one too. It will deliver that same crispy, juicy fried chicken experience with some extra spice and flavor. The original allows the chicken flavor to shine through more, while the Blackened version brings more complexity and heat.
Price
In terms of price, Popeyes is currently charging the same nationwide default price for both versions – $3.99 for the sandwich alone, or $5.49 for a meal with fries and a drink. However, prices can vary by franchise location.
Spice Level
The Blackened Chicken Sandwich brings more heat and spice than the classic. Most reviews mention a mild to moderate heat level – enough to add a tasty kick but not overly spicy for general Popeyes customers. Those craving more heat can add extra hot sauce packets.
Availability
For now, the Blackened Chicken Sandwich is a permanent addition to menus nationwide. The original classic chicken sandwich is still available too after a brief hiatus in 2020. Fans won’t have to choose and can enjoy both versions!
Customer Reviews
Overall, reviews of Popeyes new Blackened Chicken sandwich are very positive. Here are some highlights of customer feedback:
– “It has a nice spicy Cajun flavor without being overly hot.”
– “Crunchy and juicy chicken, tasty Creole sauce, good amount of spice.”
– “Really great flavor without needing any extra sauce.”
– “You can actually taste herbs and spices, not just salt and pepper.”
– “Messy to eat but worth it. Lives up to the hype.”
– “Prefer it to their classic sandwich for the added flavor.”
The biggest complaints seem to be about the long wait times due to high demand, as well as the messiness of eating such a heavily sauced sandwich. But most agree the taste makes up for these inconveniences.
How Long Will it Be Available?
For now, Popeyes has not indicated that this is a limited time offering. It is being marketed as a permanent addition to their core menu.
Of course menus evolve over time, so it’s impossible to say for certain how long it will be available. But based on the positive reviews and hype so far, this spicy sandwich seems poised to stick around for the long haul.
The nationwide launch in August 2022 came with a good amount of marketing and social media promotion. Popeyes seems fully committed to making this a menu staple versus a short term gimmick.
Fans of the seasoning blend should be able to get their fix of blackened chicken goodness at Popeyes for the foreseeable future. It fills another niche alongside their popular classic chicken sandwich.
Conclusion
Popeyes’ new Blackened Chicken Sandwich delivers the same crispy fried chicken goodness as their original viral sandwich but with a tasty Cajun and Creole seasoning twist. It provides mildly spicy, flavorful chicken between a brioche bun and classic condiments.
Early reviews are overwhelmingly positive, with just minor complaints about spice level, messy eating, and long wait times. It will likely be a permanent addition to menus due to high demand from customers looking for more options. Fans of Popeyes can now choose between the original or this spicy, blackened version for a bit more flavor and heat. Both are delicious fried chicken sammies in their own right.