Popeyes is launching three new menu items Monday inspired by the iconic hot sauces featured on the Hot Ones YouTube series.
The Popeyes x Hot Ones menu collaboration is a natural fit, said Amy Alarcon, VP of culinary for the Atlanta-based chicken chain. “We have been bringing customers spicy chicken since 1972,” she said. “Hot Ones has built a reputation for celebrating bold, unforgettable flavor in a way that captures both culinary creativity and cultural relevance.”
The array of sauces complements Popeyes' signature Louisiana-style chicken, with the limited-time lineup offering varying heat levels, from mellow to off the charts:
• Sizzlin’ Sriracha Dippers (mild) features Chicken Dippers marinated in pickled garlic Sriracha and served with a buttermilk ranch dip cup and a fiery Sriracha sachet (packet) .
• Smokin’ Rojo Sandwich (medium) is a crispy chicken fillet topped with Hot Ones’ Los Calientes Rojo spread and pickles on a toasted brioche bun .
• Darin’ Dab Ghost Wings (hot) are classic wings (bone-in or boneless) dusted with Ghost Pepper dry rub and served with a Last Dab Ranch dip cup.
The Last Dab (dubbed “extremely hot”) is Hot Ones’ most fiery hot sauce. Popeyes offers a sachet so fans can add a “dab” to that last ghost wing.
“We built this menu to mirror the Hot Ones experience, that climb from flavorful warmth to full-on fire,” said Alarcon. “The Sizzlin’ Sriracha Dippers offer a mild entry point with punchy garlic and vinegar notes; the Smokin’ Rojo Sandwich has that medium heat with layers of sweet, smoky, tangy flavor; and the Darin’ Dab Ghost Wings? That’s for our spice chasers, bold, intense, and unforgettable. And of course, The Last Dab sachet lets the real heat hunters go all the way.”
For customers willing to take on the full challenge, the Popeyes x Hot Ones bundle with all three items is available for $16.99 at participating U.S. restaurants. The extra shot of heat in the Last Dab sachet can be purchased for $1 extra.
The limited-time bundle includes wings with Hot Ones sauces.
Popeyes wings were the only brand to be spotlighted on the YouTube show, where celebrity guests are regularly invited for an interview and wings. The chicken chain, known for starting the battle for chicken sandwich dominance back in 2019, put wings on the permanent menu just two years ago. Five varieties are now available, including Sweet ‘N Spicy, Ghost Pepper and Signature Hot.
Popeyes will be joining Hot Ones on the show for a reunion episode, where actress and singer Keke Palmer will be put in the hot seat. The star on the food side is the new Popeyes x Hot Ones menu.
“When you think of bold flavors and serious heat, Popeyes is right up there with Hot Ones,” said Sean Evans, host of the show, in a statement. “Popeyes has built a cult following around bold, craveable flavors, so bringing our heat to their wings just made sense.”
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