Two years ago, the world changed.

Well, not really, but Popeye’s released its soon-to-be-legendary chicken sandwich. People flocked to their nearest Popeyes to get their hands on a hunk of fried chicken surrounded by pickles and mayo on brioche. Even two years later, drive-thru lanes are clogged, but at its launch, few would have imagined some breaded chicken would create such a big beef.

Fervent fans and Popeye’s themselves ignited a social media war that rages on to this day.
But even in the early stages, there was no way of avoiding the sandwich war. On social media, Chick-fil-A, the self-proclaimed creator of the chicken sandwich, tweeted out: “Bun + Chicken + Pickles = all the love for the original.” Many felt that this tweet was a knock at Popeyes, who certainly took notice.

Popeyes replied to Chick-fil-A: “… y’all good?” It was a chicken war, but it was the rare conflict where both sides won, because both had to be tried.

The Popeye’s sandwich comes in a small tin foil bag to ensure that it keeps its warmth. When the sandwich is first taken out of the bag, it’s easy to tell this thing was straight out of the fryer. The chicken was crispy and not overly greasy. The patty was just the right amount of crunchy on the outside, and juicy on the inside. It was a pleasant balance. And the quality of the chicken was evident. When eating a sandwich from Chick-fil-A in the past, some have felt the need to slather their sandwich in some Chick-fil-A sauce or ranch. The Popeye’s version, has a small schmeer of mayo on the bun, just a hint, but it by no means has an overpowering mayo taste. The chicken takes center stage, naked except for a gorgeous, tan coat of breading. The need to slather the sandwich in sauce is never felt, a testament to the quality of the chicken.

It may clog your arteries, but the Popeye’s chicken sandwich is worth the hype, the money and a long wait in the drive-thru line. The quality of the chicken on its own is enough to convince one of the sandwich’s superiority. For just $4, the sandwich’s quality and simplicity can be enjoyed, a tastefully perfect illustration of “less is more.”