Buffalo Wild Wings launches new chicken sandwiches in wake of Popeyes, Chick-fil-A battle

In wake of the battle of the best chicken sandwich between Popeyes and Chick-fil-A, a new competitor is stepping up to the plate. Buffalo Wild Wings is adding not one, but two chicken sandwiches to its menu this week that are both hand-breaded, beer-battered and served on a challah bun.

Photo: Buffalo Wild Wings

The sandwiches come in two distinct flavors: the Southern Chicken Sandwich and the Nashville Hot Chicken Sandwich (which is arguably still southern). The Southern variety is topped with Swiss cheese, bacon aioli, Napa slaw and pickles. The Nashville Hot smothers the chicken in Nashville hot sauce, then tops it with Napa slaw, Fresno Chile peppers, pickles and ranch dressing.

The chicken is fried extra crispy, thanks to its beer-battered breading made with Lagunitas IPA. According to the culinary team who spoke with Brand Eating, "the higher alcohol volume in the IPA creates a unique coating and a hand-breaded chicken product that's crispy on the outside, while remaining flavorful and juicy on the inside."

Buffalo Wild Wings is also launching beer-battered chicken strips that come with a choice of sauce or seasoning, as well as a side of fries.

While Popeyes recently made headlines for selling out of their new sandwich a month earlier than expected, you can try Buffalo Wild Wing's in the meantime (or see what exactly goes into making Chick-fil-A's).