How Is KFC So Late To The Chicken Sandwich Wars?
Last year, the chicken-eating general public went absolutely apeshit over the new chicken sandwich at Popeyes. It came in two versions, spicy and regular, and was the latest and arguably best addition to a fast food industry that often acts like it just doesn't understand chicken. Debates are still raging over which fast-food chain does it best.
Despite Popeyes and Chick-Fil-A going toe-to-toe like poultry versions of Godzilla and King Kong, many people considered the sandwich wars unfinished because of a lack of competition. Now, however, KFC has put together its own entrant, and we have to ask if it's too little, too late.
Called very simply the "KFC Chicken Sandwich," it's being tested in Florida through mid-June and could roll out nationwide if it performs well enough. There'll be a spicy mayo version and a regular one, similar to Popeyes. This took KFC over a year to develop, and they're quite proud of it. That seems like a weird timeline, though. A year to develop a chicken sandwich? Is it that hard to batter up a boneless chicken breast with 11 herbs and spices and slap it on brioche? You've got a product that's been deep-fried in the American consciousness for the better part of 50 years, all it required was bread.
So sure, that marketing photo looks pretty good, but honestly? It's just a copy-paste lesser version of the Popeyes sandwich that people lost their minds over last year. The "innovations" Popeyes made -- a nicer bun, decent pickles, thicker chicken breast, and flavored mayo -- are on display, like when a low-budget knock-off like Transmophers or Triassic World sneaks onto your Netflix. Those who would die in battle for the Colonel will claim that it's not a Popeyes ripoff, but an improvement on the Crispy Colonel sandwich currently on the menu, but that's even sadder. At best, it's admitting they got punked by Popeyes into actually (kind of) trying; at worst, it's the chicken sandwich version of Malibu Stacy with a new hat.
Look, America is never going to say no to a good chicken sandwich -- hell, we'll rarely say no to a bad one. But, man, at least try to make it worth going out in this bullshit to get.
Isaac is on Twitter and Instagram @NotFunnyIsaac and wishes someone, anyone, would make a fast food spicy chicken sandwich that's actually spicy.
Top Image: Jackdude101/Wiki Commons
