People love Chick-fil-A because they hire nice people, the stores are clean, and the food is good.
But now the company might have just gotten better.
That’s because this hot new menu item is becoming an instant classic and the lines for lunch will probably be getting longer.
Chick-fil-A summer blockbusters
Chick-fil-A is kicking off summer with some new additions to its menu that are perfect for the uptick in temperatures.
The brand-new Maple Pepper Bacon Sandwich is on menus for a limited time around the country.
Chick-fil-A opted to launch the sandwich nationally after a successful test run at stores in Lexington, Kentucky, and Indianapolis last year.
Now the chain is banking on the blend of sweet and spicy to be a hit with fans.
And the early returns are strong.
The new Chick-fil-A sandwich features a lemon herb marinated grilled chicken breast, pepper jack cheese, green leaf lettuce, bacon with a brown sugar and pepper blend, and topped with sweet and spicy pickles.
It also has fried options.
A buttered and toasted maple flavored brioche bun gives the sandwich its signature taste.
Chick-fil-A Director of menu and packaging Allison Duncan said that the Maple Pepper Bacon Sandwich has a unique taste compared to other menu items.
Duncan said, “We are always looking for ways to make unique twists to our entrée selection and the Maple Pepper Bacon Sandwich is a delicious spin on the Chick-fil-A flavors our Guests know and love. . .It is a delicious blend of sweet, savory and spicy, offering an entirely different flavor profile than any other sandwich we’ve launched.”
And Duncan said that more new and exciting sandwiches are coming down the pike.
She added, “We have several new and exciting offerings in the pipeline and look forward to continuing to surprise our Guests with bold, new tastes in the future!”
Chick-fil-A was testing the waters with a line of Pretzel Cheddar Club Sandwiches earlier this year that had a cross-cut pretzel bun, cheddar cheese, bacon, and Dijon mustard.
The Maple Pepper Bacon Sandwich was a chance to highlight the chain’s grilled chicken options, according to its inventor, Chick-fil-A’s senior culinary lead, Christy Cook.
Cook explained, “A lot of people forget that we offer this tender and juicy grilled filet, and we wanted to feature that in a way that customers have not experienced before.”
Cook said the goal with the sandwich was to make its taste “pleasantly sweet with gentle heat.”
Chick-fil-A is following the trend of melding sweet and heat to create “swicy.”
The National Association of Convenience Stores said that “swicy” is going to be one of the hottest upcoming trends for the summer season.
Peach Milkshake’s glorious return
In addition to the maple pepper bacon sandwich, the Peach Milkshake is making its return for the summer.
It has become one of the most popular milkshakes on Chick-fil-A’s menu in recent years.
The milkshake is a mixture of vanilla soft serve and peach puree, then it’s handspun and topped with whipped cream and a cherry.
Cook said, “For me – and many of our guests – Chick-fil-A’s Peach Milkshake signals the arrival of summer. . .This June, we’re thrilled to bring back the seasonal favorite alongside the new Maple Pepper Bacon Sandwich. The summer is all about time spent outside, eating good food with family and friends, and we think this is the perfect pairing to enjoy during those long, hot days.”
Cars are already lining up around the block for the “swicy” summer options.
Informed American will keep you up-to-date on any developments to this ongoing story.
