With all of the hype surrounding last year’s game-changing Popeyes’ Chicken Sandwich (so iconic it’s often referred to as just “The Sandwich”), when the Louisiana-style chicken purveyor announced that they were releasing a new version of their chicken nuggets, we knew we had to give them a try. Could their latest menu item revolutionize nuggets as we know them, the same way their sandwich predecessor had? Here’s everything you need to know.
Wait, Doesn’t Popeyes Already Have Nuggets in Canada?
They sure do — unlike our American neighbours, Canadians have been able to enjoy Popeyes’ chicken nuggets for years. However, based on the major success of their chicken sandwich, Popeyes decided to revamp and relaunch their nuggets internationally with a brand new recipe that adapts their iconic sandwich into nugget form. In short: if you were a fan of The Sandwich, then you’re in for a treat, because these nuggets are made with the exact same hand-battering technique with Louisiana seasoning and buttermilk breading (read: crispy-on-the-outside, juicy-on-the-inside tender chicken goodness).
So, How Do These Nuggets Stack Up Against Their Competitors?
Texturally, these nuggets do deliver on their lofty promise of “changing the nugget game.” The outside is satisfyingly crispy, and when you bite into them, you’re met with the lightly grained feel of real chicken breast. While it is a somewhat sad state of affairs to note that having the texture of real chicken sets these chicken nuggets apart from their competitors, the hard fact is that seeing the grain of a chicken breast in your nuggets is a new and novel experience. The nuggets also vary in size and shape — because they’re real chicken — so unlike certain competitors that have preset nugget “shapes” (Google it), you know these are the real deal.
And What About the Dipping Sauce?
Another factor that sets these nuggets apart: the wide range of sauces you can choose for additional flavour. Popeyes isn’t playing around with their sauce selection: they have one for just about every craving; personal favourites were the Sweet Heat and Blackened Ranch, both Popeyes’ signature sauces that you can’t find elsewhere. The sad packet of sweet and sour sauce in your fridge is quaking!
OK, Where Can I Get Them?
Starting July 27th, Canadians can purchase Popeyes’ Chicken Nuggets at all Popeyes locations across the country. Depending on your province, an 8-piece box of nuggets will set you back about $5.99.
Anything Else I Need To Know?
Given that Canadians have already had access to Popeyes’ Chicken Nuggets for some time, it’s difficult to imagine that this new recipe will be met with the same long lines and hype-induced frenzy as The Sandwich of yore. That said, it’s undeniable that the team at Popeyes’ has married the best aspects of the signature Chicken Sandwich and adapted them into an extremely poppable nugget form. While we wouldn’t go as far as saying Popeyes’ has revolutionized chicken nuggets entirely, they do scratch an itch we didn’t know we had: chicken nuggets that actually resemble, well, real chicken.
Photos courtesy of Sabrina Stavenjord.