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I Finally Tried Popeyes Chicken Sandwich. It (Mostly) Lives Up to the Hype.

The coveted sandwich has returned and Chick-fil-A should be worried.

Ever since trying, and repeatedly failing, to get my hands on one of Popeyes coveted chicken sandwiches before they sold out nationwide, I have been wondering when I'd finally get try out the restaurant's answer to Chick-fil-A's less flavorful (so I'd heard anyway) and more problematic offering.

I was excited when word hit that the fried chicken sandwich that had taken the nation so by storm they couldn't keep it in stock would be returning on National Sandwich Day, November 3.

That news was made all the sweeter by Chick-fil-A embarassingly embracing the holiday before realizing it was taking place on a Sunday, when they wouldn't be open—my policy on avoiding schadenfreude not extending to corporations still out here making anti-LGBTQ donations.

Jeff Taylor

At last, I would get to find out firsthand if the sandwich could possibly live up to all the social media hype. I was prepared to yet again brave what I assumed would be long lines, but hopefully this time with a happier ending. Although, to be honest, the lines were now the least of it, with some taking their desire to obtain the sandwich to dangerous places.

I had seen the headlines about fights breaking out between customers, an employee body-slamming a customer, and, most shocking of all, a Maryland man fatally stabbing a man who cut in line.

It obviously goes without saying that no sandwich is worth getting violent over, let alone ending a person's life. The stories were nearly enough to turn me off trying the sandwich all together, but, sadly, one's options become severely limited if you avoid everything that has been marred by violence in America.

So, wishing to at least mitigate the likelihood for chaos, I chose a time between the lunch and dinner rushes, which I also hoped would get me in before they might run out of supplies for the day (been there, done that, didn't care for it).

ERIC BARADAT/AFP via Getty Images

A Popeyes fast food chain restaurant is seen on August 30, 2019 on a street of Washington D.C. - Chick it out! US restaurant chain Popeyes launched a fried chicken sandwich which became such a social media sensation, the company has run out of stock nationwide, leaving would-be consumers crying fowl. On August 12, Popeyes unveiled its latest offering: a deep fried chicken breast on a brioche roll, with spicy mayonnaise and pickle slices. The fried chicken chain said they would let customers know when sandwiches are back. (Photo by Eric BARADAT / AFP) (Photo credit should read ERIC BARADAT/AFP via Getty Images)

My plan worked perfectly: the line was short and there were no signs of drama when I rolled up to the drive-thru. I checked the doors and the menu board for "sold out" signs and found none. At last, the dream was becoming a reality.

Before I knew it, I had the sandwich in hand, and successfully fought the urge to scarf it down while driving home. After all, a moment like this had to be properly savored, and I needed to snap a picture first.

When the moment finally arrived to take a bite, I was not disappointed. Despite all the hype, all the waiting, and all the anticipation, the Popeyes chicken sandwich was damned delicious. I opted for the spicy version, which offered the right amount of kick without being overpowering. Thankfully, Popeyes is aware that spices outside of salt and pepper exist (maybe you'll get there too one day, Chick-fil-A, although I doubt it).

Between the brioche bun, the perfectly fried chicken, which is larger than Chick-fil-A's offering, sits atop a layer of dill pickles and spicy mayo sauce. It had been marinated to perfection, giving it a juicy inside, complementing the crunchy outside. It is safe to say you would be hard-pressed to find a better sandwich on any fast-food menu. In fact, it would sit comfortably on any restaurant menu, as its taste and texture profiles far exceed typical fast-food limitations.

While watching the company take two months to get their most popular item back on the menu was frustrating, it was worth the wait. Just make sure you keep your heads about you, because as delicious as it is, and as great as it is to have a viable Chick-fil-A alternative, it is, after all, still just a sandwich.

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