Chick-fil-A turned to a beloved Southern spread—pimento cheese—to give its Original Chicken Sandwich a unique seasonal twist for fall. The Honey Pepper Pimento Chicken Sandwich launches Aug. 28, and along with the limited-time Caramel Crumble Milkshake, will be available while supplies last.
The sandwich layers a crispy chicken fillet with custom-made pimento cheese and mild pickled jalapenos on a toasted bun. A drizzle of honey on the warm bun adds a subtle sweetness. The combination hits the tastebuds with a triple dose of flavor.
“We wanted to create a standout sandwich that would deliver a unique spin for our guests, without losing the classic taste of the Original Chick-fil-A Chicken Sandwich. The Honey Pepper Pimento Chicken Sandwich uses ingredients and flavors our guests have never experienced at Chick-fil-A before, balancing savory, sweet and spicy elements,” said Stuart Tracy, Chick-fil-A chef and creator of the sandwich, in a statement. “With our custom-made pimento cheese and specially sourced jalapeños, we hope to deliver a new and exciting sandwich our guests will love.”
Pimento cheese is a Southern original, and Chick-fil-A’s version—a blend of sharp cheddar cheese, green chilis and red pimentos—creates a savory, melty spread atop the warm chicken sandwich. It’s a new SKU for the Atlanta-based chicken giant, as are the jalapenos. They offer a slight kick to balance the sweet and salty flavors. Both ingredients have been sourced especially for the new sandwich.
The Honey Pepper Pimento Sandwich is making its debut after a year in development, 30 sandwich variations and a successful market test in Asheville, N.C. and upstate South Carolina in 2020. During the test, customers gave the sandwich high ratings for taste and value.
The flavor profile of the Caramel Crumble Milkshake was inspired by blondies.
Also on deck for fall is the Caramel Crumble Milkshake, formerly known as the Butterscotch Crumble Milkshake during its market test in Salt Lake City in 2021. The frosty treat is whipped up with creamy butterscotch caramel flavor, Chick-fil-A’s Icedream frozen dairy dessert and blondie crumbles, then topped with whipped cream and a cherry. The flavors that caramelize on the bottom of a blondie pan during baking inspired chef Christy Cook to develop this seventh seasonal milkshake in the Chick-fil-A lineup.
“Combining new and surprising ingredients with classic Chick-fil-A flavors, we hope both these new menu items will deliver a delicious new spin for our guests to enjoy,” said Leslie Neslage director of menu and packaging for the chain.
Chick-fil-A has been on a menu innovation tear this year, testing a grilled Maple Pepper Bacon Sandwich and rolling out a Peach Milkshake nationwide in June. In February, the quick-service chain put a plant-based cauliflower sandwich in test in three markets—Chick-fil-A’s first ever sandwich that didn’t feature chicken. The marinated and breaded cauliflower “fillet” was served on a toasted bun with two pickle chips, just like the brand’s Original Chicken Sandwich.
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