With both beef prices and consumer demand for protein at a high, chicken is taking over chain menus. The bird is showing up in new sandwiches, bowls, salads and entrees paired with interesting flavor profiles and textures. But other items are also trending this week, including acai, French fries, tuna and frozen desserts.
Wendy’sSpicy Chicken Sandwich got a bit of a makeover and the new version launched Monday. Boneless chicken breast is steeped in a new marinade that delivers a juicier bite, then it’s coated with a premium panko-style breading infused with nine spices. Next, the chicken is layered on a soft, slightly sweet potato bun with homestyle mayo and pickles. For guests seeking a different sandwich, the same potato bun is now featured on Wendy’s burgers, Classic Chicken Sandwich, Asiago Ranch Chicken Club, Spicy Asiago Ranch Chicken Club and Crispy Panko Fish Sandwich.
Sweetgreen's Chicken Sesame Crunch
Chicken gets star billing on Sweetgreen’s spring menu. First up is Chicken Sesame Crunch, a citrus-forward salad made with roasted chicken, Napa cabbage slaw, organic kale, crispy noodles and a citrus sesame vinaigrette; it clocks in at 35 grams protein. The fast casual also rolled out a Korean-inspired KBBQ menu flavored with an umami-forward glaze; fresh cucumber kimchi and apple kimchi sauce add brightness. KBBQ chicken is available in a bowl with rice, romaine, spicy broccoli, Napa cabbage slaw, cucumber kimchi and apple kimchi sauce or a plate with the same components and double the rice.
Korean flavors are also infusing Modern Market’s menu with the debut of the Seoul Bowl, composed of blackened chicken thigh, lime slaw, charred spicy broccoli and gochujang dressing. There’s also a Zesty Asian Chicken Wrap filled with herb-roasted chicken, crispy wontons and an edamame mix with peanut mango and gochujang flavors, as well as Edamame Hummus served with chilled spicy roasted broccoli and turmeric cauliflower. Orange Vanilla Lemonade joins the beverage lineup.
Argentina, not Korea, is the inspiration for Starbird’s newest flavor profile. Chimichurri sauce brings flavors of roasted garlic, fresh herbs and subtle heat to a selection of salads, sandwiches, wings and fries. These include the Chimi Chop Salad with crispy chicken, romaine-cabbage blend, arugula, chimichurri-marinated white beans, marinated charred red peppers, pickled red onion, pepita pepper shake, chopped parsley, roasted garlic aioli drizzle and chimichurri; the Chimichurri Star sandwich layered with crispy chicken, roasted garlic aioli, chimichurri, marinated charred red peppers, pepita pepper shake and arugula on a brioche bun; and Chimichurri Wings, tossed with roasted garlic aioli, pepita pepper shake and chopped parsley, served with chimichurri. Also on offer are Chimi Fries seasoned with chimichurri and roasted garlic aioli drizzle, pepita pepper shake, grated Parmesan and chopped parsley, served with roasted garlic aioli.
Oven-Toasted Sandwiches are the latest innovation from Papa Johns, available in three variations and targeted to the lunch crowd. Again, chicken is the protein in the Chicken Bacon Ranch layered with grilled white meat chicken, bacon, diced tomatoes, banana peppers, pizza ranch dressing and white American cheese. But the Philly Cheesesteak and Steak & Mushroom versions both feature chopped steak. The former also includes roasted onions and peppers, pizza ranch and white American cheese, while the latter has roasted mushrooms and onions with garlic truffle sauce. All three are made on ciabatta bread brushed with Papa Johns’ Special Garlic Sauce.
Papa Johns' Chicken Bacon Ranch Oven-Toasted Sandwich
The Asian Noodle Collection at Noodles & Company now includes Indonesian Peanut Chicken Sauté and Chili Garlic Ramen for a limited time. The former has been revamped with more fiery flavors for its return engagement; tender rice noodles are tossed in a creamy, spicy peanut sauce layered with crisp vegetables and crunchy peanuts, topped with grilled chicken, fresh cilantro and a squeeze of lime. Chili Garlic Ramen, one of the strongest LTOs in company history, combines a rich, savory sauce and layered chili garlic heat in each bowl.
Fast-casual Roti, now under the ownership of Edible Brands, has released a Hot Honey Harissa menu, created through a partnership with Mike’s Hot Honey. The Hot Honey Harissa Chicken Sandwich features grilled chicken tossed in a sweet, savory, spicy harissa sauce, served on a toasted brioche bun with purple cabbage, pickles and a creamy mayo made with Mike’s Hot Honey Harissa sauce. Also in the lineup are a Hot Honey Harissa Pita, Hot Honey Harissa Wraps, Hot Honey Harissa Bowl over saffron rice with cucumbers, sumac tomatoes, pickled onions and feta, and a Hot Honey Harissa Salad.
Jollibee, known for its signature crispy chicken, is bucking the tide by introducing burgers to the menu. The Ultimate Bacon Angus Cheeseburger delivers on its name with double the melted cheese and hickory-smoked bacon on a butter-toasted bun with ketchup, while the Bacon Angus Deluxe Burger offers single portions of melted cheese and bacon, plus thick crunchy pickles, red onions, Roma tomatoes, lettuce, ketchup and Jollibee's signature sauce, on a butter-toasted bun.
Bacon Steakhouse Double at Whataburger
Also going all-in on burgers is Whataburger, bringing back its best-selling LTO: the Bacon Steakhouse Double. The steakhouse-inspired burger is stacked with two beef patties, aged cheddar, bacon, crispy fried onions and tangy steak sauce. On the sweet side is a Banana Pudding Shake, a blend of banana flavor with notes of vanilla wafer, caramelized sugar and vanilla, inspired by the classic Southern dessert.
Fusion Bowls have joined the permanent menu at Jamba. The items have a half smoothie, half frozen yogurt base topped with granola, blueberries, strawberries, bananas and honey. Flavors include: Acai Dream, a mix of acai and frozen yogurt; Dragon Daze, a dragon fruit and frozen yogurt blend; and Acai Dragon Twist. Another new menu addition is the Mango Sunshine Bowl, a mango‑based smoothie bowl finished with granola, blueberries, strawberries, bananas, and honey.
Jamba's new smoothie bowls
The $5 Fry Fill Up is Arby’s way of easing the pain at the gas pump. The very limited-time offer, available this week from Monday through Wednesday, is a loaded box of curly fries three times the size of Arby’s current large fries.
Qdoba, on the other hand, wants to give diners some relief during tax season. For its Tax Day Guac Relief promotion, the Mexican fast casual picks up the tab for the extra guac costs other restaurants add on to the bill. And from April 20-26, Qdoba Rewards members can cash in with $5 off an entrée.
From now through April 6, Zaxbys is offering the Boozer Brothers Meal, an item created in partnership with Duke basketball stars Cameron and Cayden Boozer—even though their team did not advance to the Final Four. Only available online, in-app and via third-party delivery, the meal spotlights the chain’s latest lineup of dry rubs. The offer includes Zaxbys iconic Wings & Things Meal featuring Nashville Hot Chicken Fingerz, Lemon Pepper Wings, Garlic Parm Fries and a small lemonade.
Great Greek debuts seared tuna
Seared tuna has entered the menu mix at the Great Greek Mediterranean Grill through April 30. The new protein launches in the Seared Tuna Salad, where it’s served over a blend of mixed greens, marinated kale, cucumbers, tomatoes, and red onion, then finished with cubed feta, a drizzle of lemon oil, fresh parsley and a squeeze of lemon. Warm pita bread comes on the side; price is $19.99. Customers can also customize a rice bowl or Greek salad with the tuna for $9.99.
Spring has barely started but Dairy Queen is ready for the next season with its “Countdown to Summer” Collection, featuring a brand-new Blizzard Treat and return of two iconic favorites. The Strawberry Angel Food Cake Blizzard Treat is the newbie, a blend of angel food cake pieces and strawberries with DQ’s soft serve and garnished with whipped topping. Making a comeback is the S’mores Blizzard Treat with marshmallow-filled DQ chocolate bars and graham crackers blended with soft serve and the Cotton Candy Blizzard Treat with colorful cotton candy sprinkles.
Dairy Queen's summer Blizzaards
Snackers have a new option at Shipley Donuts for a limited time: Kolache Dippers with Rowdy Ranch sauce. The mini versions of the chain’s sausage kolache come six to an order with a side of Rowdy Ranch, a combo of creamy ranch, bold spices and a shot of heat for a mild-to-medium kick. The LTO is priced at $4.99.
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