For the first time, Chick-fil-A is selling a seasonal sandwich it calls a twist on its classic favorite. I tried it — minus one ingredient.
When Chick-fil-A recently announced its new Honey Pepper Pimento Chicken Sandwich, I was a bit skeptical. But the more I thought about this first seasonal sandwich, I decided I’d give one a try. The chain describes it as an original Chick-fil-A filet topped with custom-made creamy pimento cheese, mild pickled jalapeños and served on a warm, toasted bun drizzled with sweet honey.
I haven’t always been a fan of pimento cheese. But then one of my closest friends introduced me to her homemade pimento cheese and its rich flavor. Imagine a grilled cheese sandwich perfectly toasted with pimento cheese in the middle. Good stuff, indeed.
The problem is I’m picky about pimento cheese thanks to my friend’s recipe. So I found myself hesitant about this sandwich.
There was one other issue: the pepper in the title. I hate jalapeños. I’ve never cared for foods that are hot just to be hot. That’s why I also hate buffalo chicken wings: most of the time, you can’t taste the chicken because the sauce overpowers everything else. I just don’t see the appeal in that. My taste buds don’t, either.
So I made one tiny hack to the recipe
I ordered mine without jalapeños. Sorry if that kills the “test,” but it couldn’t have had a chance at a passing grade otherwise.
The sandwich, which you can see on Chick-fil-A’s site, has a generous topping of pimento cheese. The bun is drizzled with honey, but the honey isn’t particularly thick. If anything, it’s a little too thin. The sandwich is served in a paper box and wrapped in paper. That definitely helps because the honey is thin enough that it can puddle a bit in the bottom of the box.
A funny thing about me (other than the spicy thing): I don’t care for messy sandwiches. If I can’t pick up a sandwich or bite into it without it dripping all over the place, it’s not really for me.
I’m happy to report, however, that this one doesn’t have that problem. Thanks to the paper wrapping, even the little puddling of honey that’s possible doesn’t get all over your hands.
The pimento cheese is a bit sharper than I was expecting. But the honey does nicely soften the sharpness with its sweetness. And you have Chick-fil-A’s fried chicken filet in between.
For those of us who remember when a classic Chick-fil-A sandwich was under $3, you’ll definitely feel a little sticker shock. The new seasonal sandwich sells for a whopping $6.79 (compared with the classic, which is now $4.69), according to the Winston-Salem Journal. The prices will unquestionably vary depending on where you live.
The new sandwich also adds 150 calories to the classic; but you can’t be surprised by that between the cheese and honey. (I doubt if jalapeños add that many.)
The verdict?
I actually like the sandwich, despite expecting not to be overly impressed. Despite the price, the one thing I’m not a fan of, I’d probably try it again while it’s available. It is seasonal, so it’s one of those “while supplies last” deals.
I don’t know that I like it better than McDonald’s McRib, but since that’s presumably gone for good, this is a sandwich I might look forward to, assuming its debut gets enough takers to warrant its return in 2024.
