Chick-fil-A, facing a sudden surge in competition for its chicken-sandwich supremacy, is coming out with its first limited-time entrée offer since 2019 with the introduction Monday of the Grilled Spicy Chicken Deluxe Sandwich.
The Atlanta-based chicken chain, whose success in recent years has helped to inspire a slew of competing products from rival fast-food chains, has been testing the sandwich in specific markets.
The sandwich featured a grilled chicken patty that has been marinated in a spicy seasoning and is served on a multigrain brioche bun with Colby-Jack cheese, lettuce and tomato. It is also served with a creamy Cilantro Lime Sauce that was created specifically for the new sandwich.
“We know guests are looking to add more variety to their meals, especially after a year where new food experiences were limited,” Leslie Neslage, director of menu and packaging at Chick-fil-A, said in a statement. “The Grilled Spicy Deluxe offers the spicy flavors our guests have come to know and love, now available in a grilled option.”
Chick-fil-A is the third largest chain in the U.S. and the largest fast-food chain that specializes in chicken. Its remarkable growth in recent years has put pressure on many quick-service concepts to develop their own sandwiches. The remarkable success of Popeyes Louisiana Kitchen’s chicken sandwich only intensified that pressure, and since then more than a dozen fast-food chains have revealed their own sandwiches, including KFC and McDonald’s.
But Chick-fil-A is traditionally cautious about testing and introducing new products. Neslage said that a new item is typically tested for 18 to 24 months before it is revealed.
In addition to the sandwich, the company is also offering a seasonal Chicken Tortilla Soup featuring shredded chicken with navy and black beans and vegetables and spices.
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