Popeyes’ New Golden BBQ Chicken Sandwich Is Here

Hey, do you want to feel old? It has been almost five years — five! — since Popeyes released its viral, fan-favorite chicken sandwich, that buttermilk-battered, pickle-topped sensation that prompted chicken cravers to stand in lengthy lines and endure snarled traffic near Popeyes restaurants. It proved to be so popular, Popeyes had to temporarily pull it off the menu. That sandwich was the opening shot in the overhyped “Chicken Sandwich Wars,” which saw several fast food chains, including McDonald’s and Burger King, redesign or re-release their own chicken sandwiches, in order to keep pace with Popeyes. 

We finally seem to have reached chicken sandwich peace, where all of the rival breaded-and-fried factions have put down their brioche buns and other weaponry — either that, or we’ve just collectively moved on to other obsessions. Regardless, Popeyes is back with a new version of its now-iconic chicken sammy, and is releasing the Golden BBQ Chicken Sandwich today, Tuesday, May 7. 

The new sandwich still features a Popeyes classic buttermilk-battered, all-white meat chicken breast patty, but this time it’s topped with Popeyes’ new sweet-and-tangy Golden BBQ sauce. Like the OG chicken sandwich, the Golden BBQ version also comes on a buttered-and-toasted brioche bun and, of course, it will be served with those crucial pickle slices. You can also further customize the sandwich by adding Havarti cheese or Applewood smoked bacon. 

This is a great time to get your first bite of the new Golden BBQ Chicken Sandwich, especially if you’re a Popeyes Rewards club member. The Louisiana-inspired chain is launching a new Lunch Money FUNds promotion, which means that members of Popeyes’ loyalty program will receive 600 bonus points in their account — enough to cash in for a free chicken sandwich with any purchase of at least $10.  

It is free to join Popeyes Rewards, and members earn 10 points for every dollar spent on Popeyes orders. As of this writing, members can also get one “free treat” — either a Cinnamon Apple Pie, a small drink, or any regular side dish — with a $5 minimum purchase. (If you take the “free side” option, you can supplement your order with Cajun fries, cole slaw, homestyle mac and cheese, mashed potatoes and Cajun gravy, red beans and rice, or a fluffy biscuit.) 

The new Golden BBQ Chicken Sandwich probably won’t be enough to restart the Chicken Sandwich Wars, but man, it is a pickle-topped reminder of how quickly time passes. Five years!