Popeyes debuted a new iteration of its iconic fried chicken sandwich Tuesday.
The Buffalo Ranch Chicken Sandwich features an all-new creamy herb buttermilk ranch sauce paired with a zesty Buffalo sauce to create an innovative flavor profile for the chain’s hand battered, crispy chicken fillet. Like the original, the new sandwich is served on a buttery brioche bun and topped with barrel-cured pickles.
“Two years ago, our Chicken Sandwich reintroduced the world to our chicken mastery, and we have not stopped innovating since. We have a lot of fun experimenting with new flavors in our test kitchen, and this Buffalo Ranch Chicken Sandwich is one I’m especially excited to bring to our guests,” Sami Siddiqui, president of Popeyes North America, said in a statement.
After the wild success of its original chicken sandwich, which generated long lines and wait times, Popeyes is giving select fans early access to the reveal. Drawing inspiration from hyped-up streetwear drops, the chain is surrounding the launch with a similar air of mystery.
Eager customers can sign up at popeyesblinddrop.com, and 25 fans will win the chance to taste the sandwich before the lines form. They’ll also receive exclusive merch and a hype pass gift card to Popeyes.
On Wednesday, Popeyes will be popping up on Melrose and Fairfax Avenues in Los Angeles to give more guests a taste of the Buffalo Ranch Chicken Sandwich while they’re waiting for the latest hot drop.
The new Buffalo Ranch Chicken Sandwich will be available at participating locations nationwide for a limited time.
When Popeyes introduced the original sandwich as an LTO in August 2019, demand was so overwhelming, the chain ran out of product in 10 days. Supplies weren’t replenished for nearly two months, when the sandwich made a second debut in November of that year.
Popeyes sales rose 19.7% in the fourth quarter of 2020, continuing a year-long uptick attributed in large part to the popularity of its chicken sandwich. Sales continued to rise in 2021, increasing 4.1% year over year, according to data from Restaurant Business sister company Technomic.
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