The American fast-food industry was shaken when the now iconic Popeyes chicken sandwich was added to its menu half a decade ago. This Cajun-spiced chicken made waves through the industry and ignited what could be referred to as the “Chicken Sandwich Wars.” Throughout this period, I engaged extensively in reviewing several versions of the chicken sandwich from multiple fast-food restaurants. However, none managed to rival the scrumptious Popeyes chicken sandwich.
Five years since its inception, Popeyes Chicken Sandwich stands unrivalled, retaining the title of the finest fast-food chicken sandwich and potentially, the most delicious fast-food item. The challenge of continuously improving the offering could seem nearly impossible. Nevertheless, fast-food chains must relentlessly innovate and evolve their products to remain appealing, and Popeyes is no exception.
In response to this, they introduced a new contender: the Popeyes Ghost Pepper Chicken Sandwich. Similar to the original chicken sandwich, it features a buttermilk-battered chicken breast, perfectly crispy and nestled in a butter-toasted brioche bun with sliced pickles. The thrilling new introduction that sets this sandwich apart is the inclusion of a “scary spicy” mayo-based sauce mixed with ghost pepper, known as one of the spiciest types of pepper in the world.
The ghost pepper is so spicy that it is utilised in native India as a deterrent to trampling elephants and is incorporated into several types of pepper spray. Taking the leap from creating boundary fences and self-defence tools to fast-food sandwiches is quite audacious, and intriguingly, meets the culinary demands of our current era.
The official description of this limited edition sandwich mentions only the spicy sauce. However, at the Popeyes outlet I visited, the Ghost Pepper Sandwich also boasted bacon and cheese. These two additions are hard to say no to. I have always held a steadfast belief that cheese enhances almost anything it graces, and this stands true here as well.
A significant question arises; is the sandwich really that spicy? The reality is contrary to what you might expect. It must be remembered that Popeyes is a fast-food chain catering to millions of American palates. As a nation, our tolerance to fiery foods is debatable, with most Americans barely able to tackle Buffalo wings.
While the Ghost Pepper Chicken Sandwich from Popeyes is not spicy in the accepted sense of the word, it undeniably delivers an insanely delicious experience. The high quality of the chicken eclipses even the offerings at my local grill and bar. There is an exquisite crispiness to the chicken breading, and the inside is tender, juicy, and seasoned to perfection. In this context, the addition of bacon is advantageous, helping to accentuate the smokiness of the ghost pepper.
As for the sauce itself, while it is tasteful, it isn’t the star of the show. The mounds of chicken, bacon, cheese and pickles tend to suppress the sauce slightly. Nevertheless, this doesn’t detract from the overall enjoyment of the sandwich. If the intention is to have your taste buds assaulted by a fiery explosion, the Ghost Pepper Chicken Sandwich might fall short of expectations. However, as a gourmet experience, the sandwich ticks almost every box. It is a culinary exploration that every food lover should undertake at least once.
