Remember a time, back about a year and a half ago, when other Chicken and Burger chains started to bring out copy-cat ‘simple’ Fried Chicken Breast Sandwiches in competition with Chick-Fil-A’s famous ‘just chicken and pickles on a bun’ belly-buster?
The NEW Burger Chicken Sandwich ‘2.o’: First of a new, upgraded breed?
First-tier chains and most of the regional/second-tier chains have their own versions of this classic sandwich. And all of us who watch the Fast food World for fads and true trends were wondering what next big game-changer would be. I, for one, did not think it would be what I’m calling the ‘second wave’ of the chicken sandwich invasion, nor did I think it would come so soon.
Nor did I imagine that Burger King – which came to the original chicken sammy ‘rush’ rather late in the game – would be first out of the gate with chicken and pickles on a bun 2.0.
The rationale
This is a ‘trend’ I thought most of the other big Chicken sandwich purveyors resort to sooner or later, to enhance their offerings in the inevitable attempt to elevate them above the crowd. I just thought it would take a little longer for them to get around to putting one on the street.
Now, no player (that I’ve heard of) has actually released a chicken on a bun 2.0 yet. But Burger King has confirmed it’s working on one, and has already tested different versions in very limited trials. Here’s what those who’ve seen (and a few who’ve tasted them) say about this new generation of market-shaking menu offerings:
The new BK sandwich is heavily advertised as Hand Breaded (a signature claim of the Chick-Fil-A original). That’s supposed to make it crispier and keep the insides juicer than the competition.
The BK iteration is not limited to a chicken and pickles ‘classic’ version. Word is you’ll be able to order it with added lettuce and tomato. And there may also be a BK Cheddar Bacon Crispy Chicken Sandwich for those who want to eat The Full Monty.
The big-time foodies have spoken…
The BK upgrade was described as ‘a little dry’ but flavourful by food blogger RodrickEats in a recent YouTube video. Another self-proclaimed food influencer, thendorsement shared that assessment, but also pronounced the huge meal, “one of the best fast food chicken sandwiches on the market.” That’s about as high a recommendation as these top-level, million-follower social media stars ever give any products they audition.
Coming soon… But not THAT soon
The latest official word on a chain-wide release is that BK has confirmed it expects to add its new chicken sammys later this year. However: “The King must eat like a king. So, we’re constantly testing new items to satisfy his cravings. We don’t have details to share just yet because he hasn’t decided what’s next,” was all the chain’s head office would tease, in a statement.
We’ll keep an eye on this one for you…
~Maggie J.