It's for real: Why the Popeyes chicken sandwich is worth the hype

If you haven't been sleeping under a rock, you've heard the legend of the Popeyes chicken sandwich. When it first came into existence, the world devolved into chaos. Well not really, but it was a big deal. Lines were through the door, and people were rioting just to get a taste. It's funny, really, that a fast-food place that offers such a simple product caused both a nationwide crisis, but also ignited a marketing war between giant chain restaurants.

All this online chatter piqued my interest. So, once the sandwich was back in stock, I grabbed myself a couple of sandwiches. And I can only say one thing: I'm sorry for all of those vegetarians and vegans out there. I mean, I admire your commitment to doing what you do, but you will be missing out. Sorry. 

Popeyes Sandwich

Photo: Popeyes has created the greatest invention ever (courtesy of Catherine Lo).

Popeyes has created the greatest invention ever (courtesy of Catherine Lo). Photo courtesy of Catherine Lo.

Let me tell you about this sandwich using assorted terms that I have heard on Food Network. It is very balanced in its flavors. It is salty and savory, but neither of those flavors overpowers the other. The dish is quite moist. Sorry if that word makes you uncomfortable, but it really is moist, which gives it a great mouthfeel. 

Those folks at Popeyes give out a very good, solid chunk of meat. The meatiness really serves as a reminder that this is a chicken sandwich, and not a sandwich with some chicken in it. The sandwich is slathered with mayonnaise. Full disclosure, I adore the delightful, eggy condiment, but even if I didn't like it, this dish greatly benefited from it being included. The creaminess gives the taste buds another flavor to focus on, one which plays well off of the crunchy texture and savory flavor of the chicken. By including pickles, the trifecta of wonderful tastes is completed. Yay.

Now I'd be remiss if I didn't mention the fatal stabbing that took place in Oxon Hill, Md. This was of course a tragedy, and I would never ever suggest that anyone kill anybody else over something so trivial and temporary. So if you are reading this, please do not kill or injure anyone over a sandwich. Yes it is good, no it is not worth dying over. I see this sandwich as a way for us as a people to unite behind an amazing thing, and not harm each other or bring each other down. Let us celebrate humanity's ultimate achievement together. Let's all join together to love that chicken from Popeyes.

Up until this point, I have been singing the praises of the Popeyes chicken sandwich. But, my dear reader, the Chick-fil-a sandwich will make do. It's fine. It's edible. Quite tasty, actually. But it cannot and does not hold a candle to the masterpiece which is the Popeyes chicken sandwich. Da Vinci is rolling in his grave, wishing that he had been the one to invent this modern-day Mona Lisa. Ladies and Gentlemen, get yourself some of this. 

Don't be on the wrong side of history, the side that never believed in the little chicken sandwich that could. I love you, Popeyes' chicken sandwich.