Unveiling Chick-fil-A’s Savory Pimento Cheese Chicken Sandwich: Honest Review + Taste Test

Chick-fil-A is not like Taco Bell. While their menus are vastly different, their marketing strategies are also distinct. Taco Bell is known for constantly introducing new and sometimes eccentric menu items, embracing novelty as its characteristic feature.

On the other hand, Chick-fil-A is like that friend who never changes her hairstyle since high school. She is cautious and does not follow trends or experiment. Except for a brief venture into plant-based sandwiches in February, the chain rarely introduces innovations to its sandwiches-and-nuggets lineup. There is a good reason for this: Chick-fil-A’s classic sandwich has driven the chain’s enormous growth and is so beloved that even the industry-dominating McDonald’s had to flat-out copy it after years of trying to create its own “premium” chicken sandwich. Despite boycotts and complaints about the company’s anti-LGBTQ+ stances, Chick-fil-A’s straightforward menu has allowed it to maintain its position as America’s favorite restaurant for nine consecutive years, according to the American Customer Satisfaction Index.

Therefore, when Chick-fil-A introduced a limited-time offering—a chicken sandwich topped with pimento cheese, pickled jalapeño peppers, and a drizzle of honey—it was worth paying attention.

The description of the sandwich intrigued me. On one hand, the new variation aligns with the chain’s Southern roots. Pimento cheese dip is a staple at Southern gatherings, from tailgates to funerals. However, it also seems like a risky move to introduce such a sandwich to the mass market. No other major fast food chain offers anything similar, and not everyone is familiar with pimento cheese. Chick-fil-A even has a quiz on its website to educate people about this regional delicacy. Additionally, the new item has a complex flavor profile, which is a departure from the simplicity of the sandwich that made the chain famous. Chick-fil-A even acknowledged the sandwich’s uniqueness, with chef Stuart Tracy saying in a video introduction that it’s “not an obvious combination to a lot of people.”

As I unwrapped my purchase, I felt a mix of nerves and excitement. I had seen images on social media of sandwiches overloaded with pimento cheese or barely featuring any. However, to my relief, the portion of pimento cheese on my sandwich was just right—not excessive, but enough to cover the chicken patty without overflowing.

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The pimento cheese itself would fit perfectly on a Southern hostess’s table, along with some Ritz crackers, of course. It had noticeable strands of cheddar and bits of sweet red pepper, providing creaminess and a kick from green chile peppers and a sprinkle of paprika, I assume. The pickled jalapeños added a tangy element to the medley of flavors.

The one aspect that didn’t quite work for me was the honey. Although it wasn’t visible, its taste was evident. While the idea of sweetness to counterbalance the vinegar and heat of the jalapeños, the brine of the chicken, and the tang of the cheese sounded appealing, the honey made the overall flavor a bit too sugary for my liking. However, upon the recommendation of colleagues who shared the same sentiment, I also tried the version of the sandwich that featured Chick-fil-A’s spicy chicken patty, with its spicy red breading. And that’s when I found the perfect balance.

The new Honey Pepper Pimento Chicken Sandwich (quite a mouthful) could be a welcome change for those tired of the usual fast-food chicken options. It is definitely richer than the plain version and comes at a higher price. At 570 calories compared to the original’s 420, it is more indulgent. This sandwich also proves that Chick-fil-A is capable of offering something novel. After all, who says an old chicken can’t learn new tricks?

Reference

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Denial of responsibility! Vigour Times is an automatic aggregator of Global media. In each content, the hyperlink to the primary source is specified. All trademarks belong to their rightful owners, and all materials to their authors. For any complaint, please reach us at – [email protected]. We will take necessary action within 24 hours.
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