Popeyes Golden BBQ Chicken Sandwich gives lunch a glow-up

While kids might get bored with that simple sandwich in their lunch box, adults want more than just meat between two buns. The new Popeyes Golden BBQ Chicken Sandwich is the tangy, sweet perfectly fried chicken with a twist. It is time for the chicken sandwich king to reign again and bring lunch back.

When Popeyes first launched its chicken sandwich, the response was huge. Over time, the quick service restaurant brand added some limited time offerings, like blackened. Although there has been sauce on the bun, saucing the chicken was not part of the food conversation.

With the new Popeyes Golden BBQ Chicken Sandwich, the iconic buttermilk-batter chicken gets smothered in a sweet, tangy Golden BBQ sauce. The smothered idea seems to be a first for Popeyes.

For those unfamiliar with Golden BBQ sauce, it is sometimes called a Carolina sauce. The combination of mustard, honey, vinegar and other ingredients brings that classic taste to the vibrant colored sauce. Even before the first bite is enjoyed, the bold aroma creates some anticipation.

The combination of the tangy Golden BBQ sauce with the classic Popeyes buttery-toasted brioche bun and barrel-cured pickles will be a trifecta of flavor deliciousness. For people who like tangy, bright flavors, it is a home run.

Additionally, the sandwich can be upgraded with some Applewood smoked bacon or Havarti cheese. The choice of Havarti is curious. It should add some creaminess and not overshadow the sweet, tangy notes from the sauce. That cheese might not be the most common, but it shows that Popeyes was careful about curating a complete bite.

To kick off the new food menu item, Popeyes is leaning into the lunch aspect for this sandwich. With some help from SaxKixAve, a New Orleans hip-hop duo comprised of rapper Alfred Banks and Grammy-nominated saxophonist Albert Allenback, lunch has a new anthem.

Check out the Popeyes Bring Back Lunch beat.

While the song’s lyrics are quite humorous, it is more than just a moment to elicit some laughter. Lunch is back and that is a big deal for quick service restaurants. Even though consumers are concerned about rising food costs, they are running to the drive-thru to place that order.

Although people want convenience, that food cannot be bland or boring. Some people might never stray from that classic order, but others really want flavor innovation. Adding a new sandwich to the menu to kick off the summer season is smart for Popeyes. Even if the smothered aspect could lean a little messy, people crave that taste which reminds them of the backyard barbecue without all the effort.

The new Popeyes Golden BBQ Chicken Sandwich is available now. Check with local restaurants for pricing and availability.