Recently, a hot topic of discussion that has practically broken the internet has not been the Amazon Rainforest burning, or that rising sea levels due to the ice caps melting as a result of global warming could cause the Maldives and other small islands to completely submerge within the next 30 years. Nope! What has recently caused mass hysteria and havoc as people try to obtain one of their own is none other than the Popeyes chicken sandwich. It has been so popular that within the first few weeks of its launch, it sold out in many locations across the entire nation. We first heard about this chicken sandwich around two weeks ago while scrolling through Instagram and, well, I just had to get my hands on one of them. Since the release of the Popeyes chicken sandwich, there has been debate over which is better: Popeyes or Chick-fil-A?

Last Thursday, we were able to get both chicken sandwiches.  The location we had to go to was a bit far because the one nearest to us had sold out. After missing the sign on the outside saying that it was sold out, and then the other sign on the inside saying that it was sold out, the cashier finally had to deliver the bad news. Of course, that was all understandable considering how popular Popeyes has been recently. Only after driving to a location slightly farther away from us were we able to acquire the goods. I ordered the spicy chicken sandwich and right out of the bag, I must admit, it looked like the Popeyes sandwich had been raised right, cared for, and made with love. It was a big sandwich that was very filling, and looked just like the ad online. The bun was golden brown, round and soft, while the chicken was thick and crunchy, but not oily or dry. The sandwich altogether was very delicious and tasted like what you’d expect: a chicken sandwich. With that being said, if you haven’t tried it, don’t expect to be blown away if/when you do because it really is just a chicken sandwich. 

However, it was still very flavorful which I think was partly because of the “spicy” sauce. Overall, while it did leave me feeling wholly satisfied, my one peeve is that though the “spicy” sauce was delicious, it wasn’t spicy at all. I can’t even call it mild. It tasted like a slightly flavored mayonnaise. Or like the chef had discovered ketchup for the first time and was super excited to try it but also weary as though the red color deemed it daunting and extremely spicy when in reality it’s not. Though I personally have a high spice tolerance, I think Popeyes was just too shy to actually give the sandwich any heat. If a sandwich is called spicy, I want to feel a zing on my tongue, or at least have to take a sip of water! The Popeyes “spicy” chicken sandwich had me doing none of that, unfortunately. All in all, I rate this sandwich an 8/10. It was very delicious, yes, but when I ask for spicy, I want spicy!

Chick-fil-A has a renowned reputation to keep up with, and while it’s been a popular food chain for the past few years, the topic of which sandwich is better has only recently come up. We managed to squeeze into the already packed drive-thru lane and ordered a single Chick-fil-A chicken sandwich. As we pulled up to the window, I have to made note that there was an employee accepting payments and handing out the food, and one just..standing there smiling? It’s obvious Chick-fil-A wants their kindness and compassion campaign to continue. A strange smile is not what I look forward to when I’m getting my meal.

 My first thoughts on the sandwich, rather dry looking. It looked like it had been slapped together with a not-so-appealing bun. We split the sandwich down the middle and shared, and I have to say, the dryness did not let up. The chicken was all right, but I wouldn’t call it legendary. It didn’t taste like there were condiments on it either. It was just chicken and bread, which is okay for what they’re selling, but compared to Popeyes? Chick-fil-A really tried it. The sandwich just looked very plain. The hype of this sandwich just doesn’t make sense. It did taste good, but it wasn’t something memorable.

 Overall, I gave the sandwich a 5/10. It meets the requirements of any fast food chain; the food is good and it’s made quickly. It didn’t knock my socks off like the Popeyes sandwich. I ponder what makes people go so crazy for such a bland sandwich. Could it be the corporate Twitter that attempts to fit in with our generation? We’ll never know the reason for sure, but Chick-fil-A sure has the public wrapped around it’s finger. 

So, who won this feud? Well the answer is pretty obvious, I didn’t drag Chick-fil-A through the mud for no apparent reason. While both sandwiches are technically “fast food,” Popeyes outshined Chick-fil-A in this battle. We didn’t even mind having to drive farther away for the Popeyes sandwich. It filled us up and was good quality. This, of course, is our opinion, but if you like your sandwiches dry, then the Chick-fil-A chicken sandwich is for you.