First Look: Chick-fil-A Spicy Chicken Sandwich
Yesterday I spent the afternoon inside the Chick-fil-A sanctum sanctorum — i.e., the company headquarters — with AJC business reporter Jeremiah McWilliams. A large group from the product development, marketing and public relations teams met us in the test kitchen, where one wall was covered with a red tarp to shield it from our view. I assume it was shelving filled with proprietary seasonings and spices, though I suppose it could have been a voodoo altar with pins sticking from a Double Down.
After a thorough presentation of the company’s research and development methodology, we learned how the Spicy Chicken Sandwich came to be. This new product — which officially hits Chick-fil-A’s 1400-plus stores on June 7 — has been on the boards since 2004, and in active development since 2008.
Chick-fil-A is milking the huge anticipation for this product — long requested by customers — for everything it can get. As you’ve probably heard, customers who signed up online were able to reserve free Spicy Chicken sandwiches to be picked up at specified time slots throughout next week. Everyone else must wait. This sandwich is nothing short of the fast-food iPad.
And so, after the dog and pony show, Jeremiah and I were each given a hot-from-the-fryer, freshly prepared sandwich. I have to say that watching the sandwich being made from raw ingredients did a little to alleviate my fast-food skeeze. Though I do find it distressing that one sandwich contains 72% of the daily recommended allowance of sodium (the Spicy version is saltier than the regular one).
A chicken breast (one that is not injected with a saline solution) first goes into a spicy marinade that is shipped to the stores as a powder and diluted with water. The mix contains “a blend of fiery spices.” (I’m guessing cayenne, paprika, salt, garlic and onion.) Then the chicken is dredged in a flour coating that gets a hint of spice from visible flecks of cracked black pepper, but is otherwise mild. Finally it goes on a buttered bun with not one and not three, but two pickle slices.
So how spicy is it? Not slap-your-grandma-then-go-on-a-rampage-and-beat-up-her-bridge-club spicy, but frankly so. Enough that capsaicin fanatics won’t find it a wuss out, and enough that some chile-averse souls will not be able to eat it. What impressed me is not how spicy it is, but the kind of round spice it presents — one that doesn’t hit you at first but then blooms, peaks and leaves a brief sting. That thin, orangey layer of marinade below the breading has a delayed-action kick.
After we took bites of our Spicy Chicken sandwiches, we were next served Spicy Chicken Deluxe, which came festooned with lettuce, tomato and pepper jack cheese. (This sandwich clocks in at 580 calories and contains 78% of the daily recommended allowance of sodium.) I liked the cool vegetables against the spicy meat but, personally, would lose the cheese.
Afterward, we went into a conference room and learned about a number of other new products currently in R&D. I’ll put up another post on those soon, but let it be known that the Spicy Chicken breakfast biscuit will soon be on its way to a restaurant near you. That should be an eye opener.
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131 comments Add your comment
Don
May 27th, 2010
10:12 am
2nd?
Tyler
May 27th, 2010
10:17 am
nice article
Tyler Pike
May 27th, 2010
10:18 am
One time….
Reds
May 27th, 2010
10:28 am
I will admit, i’m excited to try it on Tuesday. A co-worker and i are hitting on the Windward Chick-Fil-a, and expecting a crowd, but he’s allllll into hot and spicy, and I tend to like things a little milder, so it will be interesting. I don’t know if i like the sheer amount of sodium though…. >.<
Kar
May 27th, 2010
10:28 am
A spicy breakfast biscuit? That could be good.
Publik
May 27th, 2010
10:47 am
The problem with chick-fi-la is that is so addictive! And then you wake up and its Sunday…. I now know what Socrates is referring to when he mentions the “Human Struggle.”
Publik
May 27th, 2010
10:48 am
Enter your comments here
Rodney
May 27th, 2010
10:59 am
Those sodium counts are MASSIVE – it’s pretty much iceberg lettuce and water for the rest of the day after eating this sandwich.
That said, I’ll have to try it – CFA is my one fast-food splurge (especially those darn breakfast biscuits).
bbb
May 27th, 2010
11:00 am
I am locked in for my invitation Monday. I guess I will have to drink a gallon of water before and after to flush the sodium out of my system. Add that with fries and it is a deadly combination.
azcat225
May 27th, 2010
11:06 am
Reserving a sandwich? I would think if one showed up during non-peak hours during the rollout week, one could order and receive said sandwich with no problems. Looking forward to it, especially the slow-build-burn part, which is the best kind of spicy.
KEEPING IT REAL
May 27th, 2010
11:07 am
Yes, those sandwiches can get a bit salty…
JB
May 27th, 2010
11:11 am
Best run fast food company out there….They have standards quality of food, to training of their workers to cleanness of the property. Nobody comes close. Great product and the biggest secret is the on site PARTNER who has a financial stake in the store and has to be there and run it to their standards. This person more than likely did not apply but was picked out from working there and groomed
for this opportunity based on morals, work ethic, passion for the job and company and ability to carry our their mission. It’s not luck. They know what they are doing and they don’t make exceptions or cut corners. Yes, I ‘m friends with a unit partner. I’ve heard the story.
Vicki Franch
May 27th, 2010
11:16 am
Dear John, spell check didn’t help you, it’s ” altar” and I should know.
reservoirDAWG
May 27th, 2010
11:17 am
I’m excited to try it.
John Kessler
May 27th, 2010
11:20 am
Thanks, Vicki! It’s fixed!
Steve
May 27th, 2010
11:21 am
Love me some Chick-fil-a, even if their social standards are so high that I would not only be banned from working there, they’d form a prayer circle on my behalf.
jonnymack
May 27th, 2010
11:27 am
Can’t wait for the sandwich to come out. The breakfast biscuit sounds like the greatest hangover food ever.
Old devil
May 27th, 2010
11:27 am
I will be picking mine up on June 1st, between 11am and 2pm in the new south Warner Robins store. Pat Braski has invited me to try it before ya’ll can buy it! It sure is nice to have inside info. I will also be up front at the Roger Waters-The Wall show in November, again, it’s nice to have inside info.
JB
May 27th, 2010
11:31 am
Steve…..it might help you bro…………..This ain’t the last stop ….case you haven’t heard.
If Chick-Fil-A were on top of its game
May 27th, 2010
11:32 am
If Chick-Fil-A were on top of its game, it would be asking the author if he’s so quick to post the negative nutritional information about some of the entrees from the more traditional restaurants he reviews.
Carol
May 27th, 2010
11:32 am
Wanna bet your tongue-in-cheekiness about a voodoo altar is not going to sit with with Mr. Cathy???
Doug
May 27th, 2010
11:32 am
I’ve got my spicy sandwich reserved! Chick-fil-A is mucho selective about adding to its menu (unlike the other fast food giants), so I know this is going to be a taste well-crafted and tested. And bring on that spicy biscuit!
JB
May 27th, 2010
11:50 am
Mr Cathy knows that being “mocked” by an unsaved person about their faith is an honor in the Christian faith. It validates you commitment to Jesus. He’s not worried about this guy.
Rational Citizen
May 27th, 2010
11:52 am
CFA is a cult. That being said, I’ve been looking forward to this sandwich for years. It better not disappoint.
Ready for My Spicy Chick-fil-a!
May 27th, 2010
11:54 am
Frankly, Mr. Kessler.
You offended Mr. Cathy and a great many of your readers of various faiths when you made the voodoo reference in poor taste while attempting to be jovial.
Religion aside, many people find their Chick-fil-a addictions no laughing matter.
Otherwise, great read, Mr. K!
JoeV
May 27th, 2010
11:55 am
JB,
How’s the view from up there on your horse?
Chris
May 27th, 2010
12:02 pm
Enter your comments here
JB
May 27th, 2010
12:03 pm
feels good
Chris
May 27th, 2010
12:06 pm
I hate this stupid commenting system. That said…
CFA is not a cult. There were plenty of us that worked there that didn’t bow at an atlar for Jesus before every shift, if you catch my drift.
The sandwich most likely isn’t going to get additional seasoning from the breading. It sounds like the same stuff we were using 10+ years ago. Also doesn’t make any business sense to have two different milkwash and breading stations.
CFA was one of the best places to work. I also thank Mr. Cathy for my first year of college. I wouldn’t hesitate for my kids to work there as their first jobs.
GT tom
May 27th, 2010
12:07 pm
John Kessler,
We get it, you’re not a proponent of fast food. Either quit using condescending tones when you write about fast food or don’t write about it. You’re not breaking any ground with the concept that fast food is generally not the same quality as nicer restaurants. EVERYONE already understands this. You’re a tool.
Andre
May 27th, 2010
12:13 pm
Don’t call him a tool man, that’s just wrong. I’m not defending him because he writes great articles, I’m defending him, because you’re less of a man now for calling him names. Who looks more stupid? Anyways, back to the CFA article. I can’t wait to try it!!!!
joe
May 27th, 2010
12:15 pm
John, Can you ask the powers at be at CFA, if they every plan to come out with a low sodium chicken sandwich version? I’ve had to cut them out of my diet and I do miss them, but will not come back until they modify their salt amount. After researching salt levels in fast food sandwiches, surprisingly the only one that wasn’t so off the charts was Steak & Shake.
Rob
May 27th, 2010
12:16 pm
I love chick-fil-a but they have gotten way too expensive, I used to have it 4 lunch but now there are
better deals at Arby’s, Captain D’s and other fast food,also I can get a good buffet from Ryan’s cheaper Golden Corral is less than a dollar more. You would also think that a chicken sandwich would be a little healthier, but as article pointed out they have a ton of calories and sodium
Shayne
May 27th, 2010
12:22 pm
Chick-fil-a coupons can be found at http://www.HipAndSavvy.com!
Reds
May 27th, 2010
12:23 pm
I both love it and hate it when you are featured on the ajc.com page, JK. The crazies sure do come out.
I’m excited abotu the new taste, but not the salt. Going to try it on Tuesday with a co-worker who loves anything spicy. I generally like less spice, but am excited to give it a try.
Ed Graham
May 27th, 2010
12:24 pm
If any of the AJC food critics were served a CFA in a white table cloth restaurant in Buckhead, they’d write with a completely different perspective. Remember the old saying about judging a book by its cover.
Emily
May 27th, 2010
12:27 pm
Their sweet tea is ADDICTIVE!
Robert Givens
May 27th, 2010
12:30 pm
I always douce my chick-fil-a sandwich with hot sauce. I’m looking forward to trying the new spicy version. If the one at Wendy’s is not so bad then Chick-Fil-A’s should be much better.
Food links: Kevin Gillespie at Publix, Atlantans love to dine out, and fast food news | Omnivore Atlanta
May 27th, 2010
12:34 pm
[...] Though Besha tried Chick-Fil-A’s Spicy Chicken Sandwich already, John Kessler tried it out at the fast food chain’s headquarters and provides a brief, tantaliz… [...]
GadgetGeek
May 27th, 2010
12:45 pm
Thanks for doing the groundwork for us John. The marketing plan, getting all of the info that they collected to “reserve” a sandwich was a coup for them I’ll bet?
I have one reserved, I’ll let you know if I think it is a worthy FF item…..
.
Not Going To Use My Usual Name
May 27th, 2010
12:49 pm
There’s a lot to love about Chick-fil-A, but I’m surprised that they aren’t concerned about the sodium content of their sandwiches.
As a diabetic. I appreciate their Diet Lemonade. A large one lasts me for about three hours–just enough to get through a grad school class.
Paul From Milton
May 27th, 2010
12:57 pm
CFA needs to fix the substandard, previously frozen, dried-out biscuits it serves for breakfast before putting out a new breakfast sandwich in them. Face it, any place that serves fresh baked biscuits for breakfast beats a store with those hockey puck biscuits.
Davo
May 27th, 2010
12:58 pm
Yet another lack-luster review of a fast food chain by ‘food critic’ Kessler. While one of the comments accuses him of being a tool…and rightly so…it is more appropriate to call him a coward. After all, how easy it must be to slam a corporation over its food than it is to critique an actual chef. Add to this the obvious derision he treats people of faith and their attempts to create and sustain a business upon those beliefs, and you see a ‘man’ who thinks much more of himself than he deserves.
M
May 27th, 2010
1:02 pm
Pass on to the Chick-fil-A folks this modest suggestion: offer a whole wheat burrito in addition to the regular burrito for the breakfast burrito; also, offer chicken sausage (a natural would you not think?) in addition to the pork sausage and the fried chicken offerings currently for the burrito. According to current conventional wisdom, those changes would result in a healthier product. Disclaim any compensation for the suggestion- those folks are sensitive about that.
Troglodyke
May 27th, 2010
1:06 pm
I liked the cool vegetables against the spicy meat but, personally, would lose the cheese.
No doubt. Why are most people so obsessed with cheese on everything? It’s not good on a chicken sandwich, people. The sandwich doesn’t need it.
It needs the spices, and the veggies, and yes, the 2 “crucial” pickles. No mayo, no other sauce. CFA is a great sandwich.
Though I am an atheist, I admire CFA for their commitment to true customer service and tasty food. However, they don’t do anything a more secular organization couldn’t. The religion aspect is not why they are so good. They serve a superior product that has a niche, and they do it with a real smile. You can tell they put more effort into customer service than other food companies.
I don’t know why more businesses don’t follow that model. I eat very little fast food (though I love it), and though Arby’s seems to be getting more “with it” in terms of customer service, CFA still outshines. Most places simply hire the worst of the worst and make up for their crappy customer service with huge volume.
I have my Spicy CFA sandwich “reserved” (nice gimmick) and can’t wait to try it.
Lori
May 27th, 2010
1:10 pm
I can’t wait to get my hands on one. If it’s too spicy, I’ll just top if off with a cookies-n-cream shake!!
SaWils
May 27th, 2010
1:13 pm
so many negative nancies!! if you don’t like his reviews, don’t read them. and if you don’t like CFA, don’t eat there! simple as that. =)
Troglodyke
May 27th, 2010
1:14 pm
Add to this the obvious derision he treats people of faith and their attempts to create and sustain a business upon those beliefs,
Huh? Where in this article did he deride anyone for their beliefs?
Some of you “people of faith” sure are thin-skinned. If you are going to defend an indefensible, irrational belief system, you might ought to grow a thicker epidermis.
There now…John didn’t slam your beliefs, but I just did. And I patronize CFA every few months in spite of the religious nature, and because they don’t hit patrons over the head with it. That’s good marketing.
Hilary
May 27th, 2010
1:15 pm
This is a food blog – not an official review of Chik-fil-a. I find it odd that someone would take a personal attack and not bother to do his or her homework. If you want to read restaurant reviews and see stars, go to a restaurant review. And I didn’t notice any “obvious derision” regarding “people of faith.” I’M ON TEAM KESSLER!
Ganners
May 27th, 2010
1:21 pm
….voodoo altar with pins sticking from a Double Down.
I love you JK.
Jeff
May 27th, 2010
1:21 pm
GT tom (12:07 p.m.) is right, Kessler is a complete tool… he is pretentious, condescending, arrogant, and a complete clown. He has shown disdain for any kind of normal, non-froo-froo restaurant, he hates quick-service and fast-food restaurants, and he hates any type of traditional Southern food. What’s to like about this guy? He is a JOKE and most of Atlanta knows it… i have a friend at a very exclusive restaurant in Midtown and he said everyone in the food community snickers at Kessler because he IS such a tool.
Jeff
May 27th, 2010
1:25 pm
And Andre (12:13 p.m.) said Kessler writes “great articles”… can you please tell me WHERE? Certainly not for the AJC. He is a food snob, he hates every normal restaurant in the state of Georgia, he makes no bones about his hatred of Southern food, and he is overly pretentious and completely stuck on himself, thinking he is God’s gift to food. Tell me exactly how ANY of that makes him great?
99% of us could make perfectly fine restaurant and food choices on our OWN without this clown, thank you very much. Kessler’s a joke and he’s lucky to have a job.
Davo
May 27th, 2010
1:25 pm
Perhaps ‘Team Kessler’ can persuade him to stick a picture of Mohammad in a pork sandwich? Then I’ll take back the fact that I call him a coward.
LiasMom
May 27th, 2010
1:26 pm
Chris, they probably don’t have two breading and milkwash stations. They probably marinate it first and then use the same breading as the regular sandwich. Just the same way that they marinate the chicken before putting it on the grill for the chargrilled sandwich. So, they would just have two stacks of marinating buckets in the ‘fridge (at least, that’s they way they did the chargrill when it first came out and I worked there — back when we made potato salad, Chick-n-Q, and fresh donuts every morning, too, and those annoying grilled tenderloins, too).
Also, I worked a CFA for 4 years and was never in a prayer meeting — and they still gave me my scholarship when I hit enough hours!
Puerquito
May 27th, 2010
1:27 pm
Tool or not. Atlanta has a wicked case of CFA goggles. It ain’t that great.
LydiasDad
May 27th, 2010
1:29 pm
Dang. Now I want a CFA sandwich.
Jeff
May 27th, 2010
1:31 pm
What would you recommend Puerquito? I think CFA is great — best chicken in the market. Compare it to Mrs. Winners, Bojangles, Zaxby’s, and any offering from a burger chain… CFA wins hands-down. And KFC is not even close… KFC’s restaurants are so inefficient, its staff so poorly trained, and its management so inept, it can’t even compare.
CFA has a great businss model, high standards, quality people and good food. It’s not going to win five stars and be enshrined in the food hall of fame, but it’s a good, fairly healthy quick-service meal all things considered. I’ll take a chargrilled sandwich and salad and lemonade any day of the week over a greasy Wendy’s double and un-inspiring fries.
59bulldawg
May 27th, 2010
1:33 pm
Without a doubt they are hands down the best run fast food restaurants in the U.S. Clean, courteous, and really good food . . .
JATL
May 27th, 2010
1:36 pm
CFA is NOT a cult or an overtly Christian place to work (at least in most of the stores -I have heard it can be very Christian to work in the corporate offices). In fact, being someone who was a hard-partying teenager and still loves to drink and do a number of “non-evangelically Christian” activities, I admire Truett Cathy for operating an incredibly successful company based on HIS beliefs without being offensive or holier-than-thou. I worked for Chick-fil-A for two years as a teenager with a bunch of other wild teens, but we knew how to show up, do our jobs and be nice to customers. THAT is what makes CFA run so well -not only is the expectation there, but you better meet it! I’ve worked in places with a bunch of Jesus-freaks who were holier-than-thou a-holes -and CFA is NOT that way. And dang -they make the best chicken sandwich on earth!
Rob in ATL
May 27th, 2010
1:38 pm
Does it contain 78% of the daily recommended intake of sodium? I don’t think that was clear in the article.
WCMIII
May 27th, 2010
1:45 pm
I Love CFA. The CFA concept and values of Mr. Cathy and his team are wonderful. However, it would be so nice if instead of the sign that tells you how many people they served that hour, they took the signs down, served 2 or 3 less people per hour and actually got a order correct occasionally. But I admire their values so much that I’ll keep drinking regular coke instead of diet and my sandwich grilled instead of fried, etc.
Joanne
May 27th, 2010
1:49 pm
Did you say drop the cheese?
Brian
May 27th, 2010
1:51 pm
Looking forward to my test sammy.
Love John’s blog – I check it throughout the day. Entertaining, informative, and well written. I appreciate it being here and think John is a great blogger!
John Kessler
May 27th, 2010
1:54 pm
Things are getting spicy around here….okay I’m off to stick a voodoo pin into an effigy of the Big Haired Lady….
jimmy
May 27th, 2010
2:33 pm
@Jeff – I had a good laugh at the “snickering” comment. I imagine all the wait staff running to the corner, wringing their hands, and letting out little laughs, “look at him! he he he, look at him, he think’s he is so much better than us! Mooo ha ha ha ha ha!!!!”
Jeff
May 27th, 2010
2:36 pm
Brian — did you fall off your roof? Kessler is “entertaining, informative and well-written?” A hungry monkey could do a better job than he does.
I will repeat my point — Kessler is ALWAYS arrogant, condescending, pretentious and overly critical. He rarely has ANYTHING good to say about any “normal” restaurant, and by that I mean one that the majority of us in the middle class can afford. Maybe these 10-star fancy-shmancy places are exquisite, but we can’t feed a family of four there without taking out a second mortgage.
Kessler is a food snob, pure and simple, and he’s also a Yankee who detests Southern food and Southern culture. He should go write his drivel for a paper in Boston or Philly or New Yuck.
Jeff
May 27th, 2010
2:38 pm
Thanks jimmy… it may not be THAT dramatic, but I do know that my source said a lot of people in the restaurant community roll their eyes when ol’ Kessler shows up to write some astonishing, original, highly enlightened review (rolls eyes). They all think he’s a joke… I just don’t know why all his devoted “fans” on here can’t see that. He’s as arrogant as the day is long, and I hear that people in the Atlanta restaurant community “put up” with him rather than respect him.
Pete
May 27th, 2010
2:41 pm
Big fan of CFA and looking forward to the spicy sandwich…but I don’t care what they eventually put on what everyone knows is THE WORST BREAKFAST BISCUIT in the industry, it won’t help until somebody teaches them how to make a REAL BUTTERMILK BUSCUIT.
Inside the Chick-fil-a test kitchen | Food and More with John Kessler
May 27th, 2010
2:43 pm
[...] sampling the new Spicy Chicken sandwich at Chick-fil-a headquarters yesterday, the company’s vice president of brand development, [...]
Gene
May 27th, 2010
3:11 pm
I for one also think Kessler is a tool and also prove that you would be better off not reading anything he writes, by coming to this blog, read all of what he writes and then drilling the point home with machine-gun commenting on all of his posts.
I also have had firsthand experience with John’s toolness-ness by having dined with him from time to time and can COMPLETELY confirm that most all restaurant staff goes into complete eye-rolling mania and that waiters and waitresses DO bitch, moan and point at the high-on-his-horse “King AJC Diner”.
I also can confirm that I have seen confetti fall and champagne bottles being pop open once he finally exits the restaurant as well. Or that could have been a coinciding wedding rehearsal dinner. I forget.
Steven A.
May 27th, 2010
3:17 pm
Jeff, I hope you realize that in your ongoing diatribes, you’ve revealed yourself to be 10 times as ignorant, judgmental, and intolerant as you accuse Mr. Kessler of being. Way to represent!
John Kessler
May 27th, 2010
3:18 pm
Toolness-ness? Wonder if I can Ryobi to sponsor this blog?
Hilary
May 27th, 2010
3:19 pm
Wow, weighing in twice in one day. @Jeff, I’m restaurant people and we don’t snicker. We pander. (joke, joke) Generalizations always (pun intended) get you in trouble. I’m even wondering if we’re all reading the same blog?? You know you don’t have to read it. There’s a little x button either on your left or right – depending on what type of computer you’re on – and a little click on it will alleviate all your suffering. I’m feeling stressed for you. One small point – critics critique – see how the words are similar? That could be arrogance I suppose or it could be being a critic. Ask people on yelp – talk about harsh reviews! CFA certainly has some Southern draw-uhs in a twist. Can’t wait to see the debate their next release creates.
East Lake Ira
May 27th, 2010
3:57 pm
Jeff used to be my neighbor.
Everyone used to laugh at him behind his back and to his face due to his thin-skinned victim routine about everything.
Jeff was then and continues to be mocked by everyone that knows him.
And he worships a vengeful ghost to boot!
nobody calls me chicken
May 27th, 2010
4:31 pm
There are no reservations available anywhere in Atlanta.
Are they selling them on e-bay yet?
JCB
May 27th, 2010
4:32 pm
How ’bout the spicy nuggets for those of us who don’t/won’t eat a filet sandwich?? (78% daily allowance of sodium!). Please use your influence to get R&D to release that menu item soon!
Phil
May 27th, 2010
4:34 pm
Chris and LiasMom,
Definitely 2 milkwash stations so that the spicy flavor doesn’t transfer to other products. Also, 1 dedicated fryer, again so that the flavor doesn’t transfer. And yes 2 separate coaters, one regular and one spicy. The marinade buckets aren’t used any longer. Marinating is done before it arrives at the unit…everything else is still done in unit.
Gene
May 27th, 2010
4:35 pm
Toolness-ness might have to be my official submission into the Urban Dictionary. Toolish-ness is already there as: An act of extreme toolitude.
Toolness-ness: A person that can be characterized of having extreme toolitude.
Where are the ryobi ads? I must click on one.
MJ
May 27th, 2010
4:39 pm
The problem with chick-fi-la is that is so addictive! And then you wake up and its Sunday…. I now know what Socrates is referring to when he mentions the “Human Struggle.”
@Publik – That is HILARIOUS and oh so TRUE!! Thanks for the laugh!
annoying
May 27th, 2010
4:48 pm
its so annoying when someone comments 1st or 2nd.. and then doesnt even make a comment about the article.. idiots galore out there i suppose..
cant wait for the spice chick sand.. and hope they have it on nuggets
MSG Mike
May 27th, 2010
5:03 pm
Like other CFA sandwiches, does the spicy sandwich have MSG?
Gram
May 27th, 2010
5:16 pm
I just had heart bypass surgery a month ago, so that’s too much salt for me. CFA needs to think of the health of their patrons before going hog-wild with the salt/spices. Maybe they could make a low-sodium one for us…ya think?
Bessie
May 27th, 2010
5:19 pm
Mooooooooooo! Mooooooooooooo!
Ben
May 27th, 2010
5:23 pm
I should’ve bought stock in this company when I first started eating it in the early 80’s.
If this new sandwich is anywhere to the quality of the milkshakes they introduced a few years ago I may be in trouble (and hitting extra miles on the treadmill).
First Look: Chick-fil-a Spicy Chicken Sandwich « Leavin' Atlanta
May 27th, 2010
5:33 pm
[...] Posted by katierigby in Uncategorized. Leave a Comment First Look: Chick-fil-a Spicy Chicken Sandwich [...]
Liz
May 27th, 2010
5:34 pm
They introduced the Spicy Chicken Biscuit here in Jacksonville (apparently we’re a great “test” market due to our demographics). They were giving away free ones with every breakfast purchase a couple weekends a moth. Delicious…if you like “spicy” things (wings, etc.), you’ll enjoy the new sandwich and biscuit!
Ben
May 27th, 2010
5:38 pm
These sandwiches are awesome. I love the spicy chicken from Wendy’s, but once they are available here, I’ll never go to Wendy’s again (except maybe on Sunday).
I had this when I was in DC a few months ago, and my mouth has been watering for another one ever since…. I know what I’m having for lunch on 6/7…
N-GA
May 27th, 2010
5:46 pm
John – It goes without saying that most Americans have limited exposure to fine food. I lived in Europe (off-and-on) for more than 7 years, and continue to travel there regularly. Fast food in Montmartre or the covered bazaar in Istanbul is a lot different than what is available here. Unfortunately “civilization” is catching up over there. Keep on trying to inform your readers. You can’t win them all over, but you are helping many broaden their horizons.
Fred
May 27th, 2010
5:56 pm
Odd. I seemed to have missed the fast food bashing by John. I guess that’s because I read the BLACK parts and don’t add stuff in. One CAN dislike a particular type of food without ‘bashing’ it. I finished this article with the distinct impression that John found the new spicy chicken sandwich tasty. How in the world someone got that he was bashing them for their faith, I’ll never know. I don’t even want to know who someone stretched that far to reach that conclusion. Just damn.
Yo John, about the sodium thing. I noticed in your article on 20 high sodium products that SPICY V8 was included. Here in this article the SPICY chicken is high in sodium. Is there a culinary reason why more sodium (salt) is included with hot spice or am I drawing a conclusion on too little data? I don’t add more salt to something when I add heat when I’m cooking. Chil or salsa for instance. I make mild and spicy the same way except that when I want it hotter, I add more cayenne or jalapeno. I don’t increase salt content.
chickenman
May 27th, 2010
6:02 pm
ok first thing the chicken comes in already marinated from a distributer like claxton or perdue it is not sent out to stores to be marinated.. the chargrills used to be marinated on site but have not been for a few years.. the biscuits are not frizen but they are water added and yes they need help.. the new sandwich is excellent it beats wendys by far and the pepperjack cheese makes it AWESOME. Also..just to answer questions the are not 2 breading stations but one divided one the seasoned coater is different and the comitment from CFA to roll this out was very costly because they put a new piece of cooking equipment in every location that is for spicy only to avoid cross contamination of spices with the original.
LAL
May 27th, 2010
6:42 pm
@ Jeff. What is wrong with you?
Marcia
May 27th, 2010
7:36 pm
Wow. A review about a sandwich certainly does bring out the nastiness in some people.
I have mine reserved. Looking forward to it.
Thanks for the heads up about the sodium content. That shouldn’t really be a surprise, though.
jodie
May 27th, 2010
7:36 pm
forget the spicy chicken sammich; just add cream gravy to the menu and not just at breakfast, ALL the time, to dip my chicken nuggets in. Guaranteed best seller.
Sp Ed Teacher
May 27th, 2010
7:44 pm
I have a reservation for Monday lunch time; and while others might go and try to get one–it is FREE with a reservation. I had dinner at Truett’s this evening; the last of the yellow receipts from Customer Appreciation Day. I had a steak dinner and the most wonderful service; free meal too.
If I don’t like the spicy sandwich, I will see if my cat does; she loves Chick fil A nuggets.
Luv 2 Hate Me
May 27th, 2010
7:59 pm
All I have to say is HIGH BLOOD PRESSURE.
LizDawg
May 27th, 2010
8:59 pm
Looking forward to trying Mor Spicy Chik-N.
30-24
C
May 27th, 2010
10:30 pm
which version bible does this thing come with anyway?
LindaK
May 27th, 2010
10:44 pm
@ Jeff: pretentious and disdain for non-froo-froo restaurants? Did you miss all the articles about restaurants on Buford highway? It doesn’t get much more unpretentious than that. And as to not liking southern food, did you miss the New Orleans trip – that didn’t seem to be overly critical to me. He covers plenty of restaurants that aren’t white tablecloth (guess you missed Agora too) and aren’t run of the mill, found by the highway chains. If this blog aggravates you that much, find another hobby, please!
Winger
May 27th, 2010
10:45 pm
Bojangles already has a spicy chicken biscuit, the Cajun Fillet. And the Cajun Fillet sandwich has about half the sodium of the Chick-Fil-A spicy sandwich.
Jeff
May 28th, 2010
1:12 am
Hi Steven 3:17 p.m. — yeah, thanks for the support, buddy. The fact that I don’t put up with pretentious, condescending, know-it-alls like Kessler doesn’t make me ignorant at all… quite the opposite, I’m a heckuva lot smarter than you… you actually BUY INTO his lame, Yankee, food-snob BS. You must enjoy dating a guy like Kessler… free meals all the time.
Hilary… yes, I know that I can click off any time… it just amazes me that so many people in the Atlanta community think Kessler is a joke, yet he still has a job. Time for Atlanta to wake up and run him out of town. Oh, and I KNOW critics critique… but you’re supposed to be FAIR. He fawns all over these obscure, small, “out there” restaurants that mysteriously close within 6 months… but some successful places to nosh, places that have built a strong following for years, he either pans them as “simple” or ignores them all together. So, yes, Kessler is a tool.
And Ira… bless your heart dear! Good to see you again… how was rehab?
Sad to say, Ira, you are completely wrong (yet again)… You don’t know me, haven’t a clue where I live, and you’ve never been my neighbor… and I’m quite the tolerant person, actually… I tolerate any intelligent, reasonable person who can debate things based on facts and who doesn’t cop an attitude… the second you pull out the pretentious snob card, you’re dead to me and have no significant contributions to make to a discussion.
Have a great night Ira… see you in the funny papers!
Chris
May 28th, 2010
9:04 am
As someone who worked at CFA for 4 years, I can assure you the biscuits are made from scratch. I’ve personally mixed and kneaded the dough on mnay occasions.
Yrag
May 28th, 2010
9:44 am
Chik-fil-A is good fast food restaurant. I go there weekly. Spicy chicken from Chik-fil-A will be a best seller, I predict.
Yrag
May 28th, 2010
9:51 am
I think it’s silly to “reserve” a chicken sandwich. I will try it but I’ll just stand in line and order it on the day it’s available. Reserve a sandwich ? LOL
Yasmin
May 28th, 2010
10:11 am
Next week is premier night for CFA’s, and my Mom’s Marketing Director&General Manager at a CFA in Coral Springs Florida. The owner is Samuel Poeana, and me and my mom have been working hard trying to get the store to look great for the Spicy Chicken Release. We’ve got firemen coming into ours stores, we have free water (just in case) And we are making signs to put around. We even made our own table cloths! It’s gonna look AMAZING! I’m so STOKED! But I guess not EVERY Chick-Fil-A is gonna be as amazing as this one
-Yasmin XOXO
Brian
May 28th, 2010
2:04 pm
That sounds cool Yasmin! Good luck with the event!
mattishungry
May 28th, 2010
2:48 pm
Jeff,
You are making a fool of yourself by having an argument against everyone else about a writer.
As a blogger, I know how it is to write articles where the masses come out and start ripping into the post and opinions. It is amazing how courageous people become when they are behind the computer.
This is the first article I have read by the writer and it was well written, informative, and makes me look forward to my ‘reservation’ on Tuesday to try the tasty sandwich.
You just need to relax, buddy, and quit whatever personal vendetta you have against the writer and calling out the people who support him.
-Matt
Whitney
May 28th, 2010
5:53 pm
It’s really scary that there would be so much anticipation over a fast-food chicken sandwich. Guess that explains why we’re the fattest nation and will only continue to grow.
JRED
May 29th, 2010
10:48 am
Tried the spicy a month ago (yes, I’m on the inside…but not too far up the totem pole) and it is exactly as described. Not spicy upon initial bite, but hits you almost instantly before the second bite. Can’t wait to hear the feedback from everyone next week in the store! It’s great! and “religious” or not, everyone knows what a great place CFA is…both as a guest and employee. (and seeing how they keep OPENING up new stores in the midst of this economy, says something about their character and giving the glory of success to Whom its deserved…bc it’s returned tenfold)
Paul Sanders
May 29th, 2010
7:58 pm
Hey Y’all,
I work at a CFA in North Carolina, and I just wanted to reply with some technical specifications.
1) We use separate milk wash, breading and chicken pans. We use separate gloves for spicy and non-spicy chicken We even use separate fryers, with separate oil. We take our food preparation, cleanliness and recipies very seriously. No fudge room here.
2) Yes, there is a high degree of sodium. All of our nutritional information is available in a pamplet which is just within the reach of the customer. The regular spicy sandwich, like our other sandwiches,are less than 500 calories. He ate the deluxe, which has more because of the extras.
3) CFA is not a cult. There alot of people who are very similar, and often take a bit more of the corporate ideology to heart than necessary. This is true in every company. We are not homogenous, and we do not have a faith requirement for any position. Rather, our focus on character, integrity and stewardship principles weeds out alot of people from the selection process (including those of Christian Faith). We have operators/owners, managers and staff from every walk of life, every faith, and every persuasion. Our policy is to look at the heart and character of a person, their professionalism, their potential, and their skills. That’s it. We have incredibly high standards. For example, our CFA requires that every new applicant submit a written resume with their standard application. If they cannot compose one, or do not have sufficent work/educational experience, they don’t need to be serving customers in the company’s name.
People pay three dollars for more than a delicious sandwich, they pay for the service, which is half the recipe. “The taste of the roast is in the hand of the host”. That’s true in every successful business.
Finally, for those who are of a faith system: Don’t feel like you have to defend anything. I am a Christian but we are who we are, and people who aren’t christians will not be convinced miraculously by an internet posting. Lets not be thin skinned. So the reviewer didn’t like the sandwich. That’s fine. Its just chicken. Let it be.
elnuestros
May 29th, 2010
9:44 pm
Take a powder, Jeff. I think Kessler’s a heckuva lot easier to read than Mark Bittman, but because it’s just my opinion I’m going to resist writing about it at length several times.
Better luck with your next job interview. I know writing gigs are tough to come by these days.
John Kessler
May 30th, 2010
4:26 pm
Hey, Paul – Thanks so much for the very thoughtful response to this contentious conversation. For what it’s worth, all the people I met at the corporate headquarters were incredibly nice. It seems like a fine company to work for.
I’ve tried to stay out of the melee but did want to clarify one thing. I didn’t dislike the sandwich. I thought I made some nice comments about its complex spiciness even though I pointed out the high sodium levels in both the regular and deluxe versions. But even though I shared some impressions, I did try to avoid the whole thumbs up/thumbs down “review” of the sandwich because I so rarely eat fast food. Once in a blue moon I enjoy a grilled chicken sandwich at Chick-fil-a.
Sandy
May 31st, 2010
8:43 am
I was so confused when Chick fil A announced its NEW spicy chicken sandwich since I had been buying it and enjoying it for about a year now. I guess I am in a test area and didn’t even know it. Well either way, it is very yummy. It is the only thing I have gotten in the past 6 months! Had one last week and always dip it in their special Chick fil A sauce
Yum!
The Hall's
May 31st, 2010
5:46 pm
Spicy and tasty but the coating was too thick on the filet. They need to thin the coating before marketing it. My wife did not care for it at all. We eat at Chick-Fil-A 2 or more times a week.
marluvstennis
May 31st, 2010
7:04 pm
Tried it today…very good and I am not a “spicy” fan. The first taste doesn’t hit you as spicy, but as JK said, there is an after-burn. Made my lips sting a bit, but still wanted that next bite!
Moe
May 31st, 2010
7:35 pm
Super salty and the crust was just yucky. This is a ‘never buy again’ item for me.
New Chick-Fil-A Spicy Chicken Sandwich | First Bite
May 31st, 2010
7:59 pm
[...] I’m not sure whether I’d order the spicy chicken sandwich over the original, but I am looking forward to the spicy chicken breakfast biscuit that AJC Food Critic John Kessler mentioned is in development. Check out his experience at CFA headquarters for a taste of the sandwich here. [...]
Deanna
May 31st, 2010
8:18 pm
Tried mine today and loved it! Not too spicy, just right.
captainedd
May 31st, 2010
8:59 pm
Oh, come on, if you have withdrawals on Sundays, just buy two on Saturday. Problem solved.
Rovert T
June 1st, 2010
1:43 am
I tried it today at the Piedmont and Sydney Marcus location, and yes, I had the appointment. It was not as good as I had hoped. I do not typically like spicy food but do like the Wendy’s Spicy Chicken sandwich. This one is not at good in my opinion. The spices overwhelm the flavor of the chicken and it had way too much breading that made it greasier than an original. I was so hopeful it would be better than the original, but it is not to me.
Lisa
June 1st, 2010
7:46 am
My reservation was yesterday. Those of us who were lucky enough to have one stood in line waving those folded sheets of paper like they were Golden Tickets.
The counter girl offered to ‘upgrade’ my sandwich free of charge (lettuce, tomato and I think pepper jack cheese), so I took the offer.
It was delicious, but I think next time I will just have one plain, with the pickles, to highlight the spicy flavor.
I can’t wait for the spicy chicken biscuit!
Review: Chick-fil-A’s new Spicy Chicken Sandwich | Live To Feast
June 1st, 2010
1:34 pm
[...] others have already stated, like John Kessler and First Bite, figuring out if you are going to like this isn’t really rocket science. Do you [...]
Glenna Jackson
June 1st, 2010
1:40 pm
I have been waiting for Chick-fil-A to start serving a spicy sandwich. Thank you for you Spicy Chick-fil-A sandwich
Bree
June 2nd, 2010
9:13 am
My boyfriend and I tried this sandwich yesterday. We are big Chick Fil A fans…. The sandwich was decent. It wasn’t a favorite of mine, but my boyfriend loved it. However, we have both been sick all night and all morning since we ate it. I would recommend it for people to try, but it is possible that it might make your stomach upset.
Andy
June 2nd, 2010
12:05 pm
Standards of quality? Chick-Fil-A? Which location is that?
The one that’s local for me will do an OK job at first with the sandwich and find a way to mess it up every time.
You’d probably need to get it at mall kiosks and really good dwarf house locations.
It’s probably going to be like Wendy’s Spicy Chicken Sandwich but a little bit better. Now they need to figure out how to revamp their “Cool Wraps” and make them hot. It’s pretty much a rolled-up salad now.
LT
June 2nd, 2010
3:29 pm
Had mine last night. Have to say that I don’t think I like it quite as much as Wendy’s spicy chicken. That’s my fav so far. The CFA one was okay, but just lacked something. Maybe I need to add mayo to it like the Wendy’s version has. Hello more fat & calories!
I will give it another shot, however, before writing it off for the original CFA.
Sherry
June 2nd, 2010
3:32 pm
I tried the new spicy chicken sandwich today and found it to be very spicy. It has a real nice bite to it and delivers in flavor. I would recommend it a friend.
Rita Paris
June 2nd, 2010
3:40 pm
I tried the new Spicy Chicken Sandwich last night at Perimeter Mall. It was pretty good. I oredered the cheese and that was way too much spicy. I put mayonaise to tame it down some and enjoyed it.
Still over-priced, unhealthy
June 3rd, 2010
7:18 am
Still over-priced, unhealthy fast food no matter what it tastes like.
*C
June 7th, 2010
2:29 pm
I love this sandwich! I recommend trying it with lettuce, tomoato and cheese. I tried it with provolone, which toned the spice down a little. As far as the “unhealthy fastfood” comments go…sure it’s high in sodium and sure, you can get one for a dollar other places, but Chickfila uses REAL food. Thats why I love it. You know what you’re getting. You can read all the ingredients in the Nutritional Guide. You can run off the calories from Chickfila…but not the chemicals and fillers you get from eating and other fast food restaurants.
Props to Chickfila! Can’t wait to try the new biscuit!
Kim G.
June 10th, 2010
2:03 pm
I live in the DC Metro Area and we have had both spicy sandwiches for what seems like almost a year if not longer. Is the rest of the country just now getting these???
Thor
July 30th, 2010
2:43 pm
Great sandwich! I think the american cheese fits the best with it. It could be a bit spicier, i personally add a splash of Franks Sweet Heat sauce. It gives it that right final touch