Ranking Every Popeyes Chicken Sandwich: From Classic to Golden BBQ

Popeyes introduced its highly anticipated fried chicken sandwich in August 2019, igniting fierce competition among fast food franchises. With multiple versions now available, a dedicated reviewer sampled and ranked each to determine the best Popeyes chicken sandwich.

Popeyes' Fried Chicken Sandwiches: Ranking Classic, Spicy, Blackened, and More for Taste and Texture

The menu item sparked intense competition among franchises of all sizes, with nearly every establishment introducing its own fried chicken sandwich—an industry-wide phenomenon that continues today.

According to Eat This, Not That, Popeyes now offers a variety of versions of the beloved sandwich, including Classic, Spicy, Blackened, Spicy Blackened, Bacon & Cheese, and the recently introduced Golden BBQ. Given the abundance of choices, one might wonder which Popeyes chicken sandwich is the most exceptional. Is it possible to surpass this sandwich's legendary Classic and Spicy versions?

To answer this question, a dedicated reviewer set out to sample each of these alternatives. Visiting their neighborhood Popeyes, they collected the six chicken sandwiches and meticulously evaluated their flavor and texture. Here is the ranking of the sandwiches in ascending order, from least favorite to the utmost best Popeyes chicken sandwich:

1. Golden BBQ Chicken Sandwich

Golden BBQ, a new addition to Popeyes' chicken sandwich menu, was introduced in May. This sandwich features the chain's buttermilk-battered chicken breast, a sweet and tangy Golden BBQ sauce, and pickles on a toasted brioche baguette. It is the Classic with a honey mustard condiment instead of mayo. This sandwich was purchased for $4.99.

2. Classic Chicken Sandwich

The Classic features the same ingredients as the peppery sandwich but with standard white mayo instead of the peppery mayo. This sandwich was also priced at $4.99.

3. Spicy Chicken Sandwich

Another $4.99 purchase was the spicy chicken sandwich, served on a brioche baguette with Popeyes' spicy mayo and pickles.

4. Bacon & Cheese Chicken Sandwich

In 2023, Popeyes announced that customers could personalize any of the chain's sandwiches by adding applewood-smoked bacon and Havarti cheese. This sandwich, featuring the chain's renowned fried chicken breast, mayonnaise, and pickles on a brioche baguette, cost $7.49, three dollars more than the other sandwiches sampled.

5. Spicy Blackened Chicken Sandwich

The Spicy Blackened Chicken Sandwich distinguishes itself from the Classic version by substituting the standard condiment with spicy mayo. This sandwich was priced at $4.99.

6. Blackened Chicken Sandwich

Introduced to a limited number of Popeyes locations in May 2021 and made permanent in May 2023, the Blackened Chicken Sandwich is offered in classic and spicy flavors. It consists of a whole unbreaded chicken breast marinated for 12 hours and seasoned with Cajun spices, served on a toasted brioche bun with classical or spicy mayo and barrel-cured pickles. This sandwich, purchased in person for $4.99, should have been listed on the Popeyes app.

Photo: Microsoft Bing