Popeyes Blackened Chicken | Price, Recipe & Review

Name: Popeyes Blackened Chicken Sandwich
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 25 min
Yield: 1 sandwich
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 boneless skinless chicken breast; 1 tbsp paprika; 1/2 tsp cayenne pepper; 1/2 tsp onion powder; 1/2 tsp garlic powder; 1/2 tsp black pepper; 1/2 tsp salt; 1 tbsp olive oil; 1 brioche bun; 2-3 pickle slices; 1 tbsp mayonnaise

The fried chicken sandwich wars were just the beginning.

But then Popeyes dropped a surprise that got even the clean eaters talking — the Popeyes Blackened Chicken Sandwich.

Why did it make so much noise?

Because it was bold, juicy, grilled—not fried, and packed with Cajun flavor. And unlike many fast food sandwiches, it didn’t come with a side of guilt.

👉 But is it still available?
👉 Is it worth your money?
👉 Does it taste as good as the fried version?

Let’s dig into why the Popeyes Blackened Chicken Sandwich became a favorite—especially for those watching their carbs—and why its return is making headlines again.

Blackened Chicken Sandwich

$4.99 | 550 Cal

Also Check: Complete Popeyes menu

What Is the Popeyes Blackened Chicken Sandwich?

This isn’t your average chicken sandwich.

The Popeyes Blackened Chicken Sandwich features:

A whole, antibiotic-free chicken breast
12-hour marinade with bold Cajun and Creole spices
Grilled, not breaded — making it a lighter option
Served on a toasted brioche bun with:
- Classic or Spicy Mayo
- Crunchy pickles

Here’s a quick look:

Component	Description
Chicken	Blackened, whole-breast, antibiotic-free
Bun	Toasted buttery brioche
Toppings	Pickles + Classic or Spicy Mayo
Calories	~470 (varies with customizations)
Cooking Style	Grilled, not deep-fried

Calories

Calories: 550 Kcal
Serving Size: 1 Sandwich

Allergens:

The Popeyes blackened sandwich has the following allergens:

Soy (found in the oil)
Milk (present in the seasoning or marinade)
Wheat (Found in the bun)

Popeyes Blackened Chicken Sandwich Nutritional Information

Nutrient	Amount per Serving
Calories	550 kcal
Total Fat	3.5 g
Saturated Fat	1 g
Trans Fat	0 g
Cholesterol	60 mg
Sodium	580 mg
Total Carbohydrates	2 g
Dietary Fiber	0 g
Sugars	0 g
Protein	30 g

Popeyes blackened Chicken Sandwich Nutrition Facts

Also Check: Popeyes mac & cheese

Popeyes Blackened Chicken Sandwich Recipe

Prep Time: 15 mins

Cook Time: 10 mins
Servings: 2 sandwiches

Ingredients

For the Chicken:

2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (pounded evenly)
1 tablespoon olive oil (or any light oil)
1 teaspoon smoked paprika
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1 teaspoon onion powder
1 teaspoon dried oregano
½ teaspoon cayenne pepper (adjust for heat)
½ teaspoon salt
½ teaspoon black pepper

For the Sandwich:

2 Brioche buns (lightly toasted)
4 pickle slices (dill recommended)
2 slices of cheese (optional – use pepper jack for spice)
2 tablespoons mayonnaise or spicy mayo

Instructions

1. Prepare the Chicken:

Mix all dry spices in a small bowl.
Pat chicken breasts dry and coat them with olive oil.
Rub the blackened seasoning mix all over the chicken evenly.
Let it marinate for 10–15 minutes (or refrigerate for more flavor).

2. Cook the Chicken:

Heat a cast iron skillet or non-stick pan over medium-high heat.
Add chicken and cook for 4–5 minutes per side, or until nicely charred and fully cooked (internal temp: 165°F / 74°C).
Optional: Add cheese on top in the last 1 minute to melt.

3. Assemble the Sandwich:

Toast the brioche buns lightly for extra flavor.
Spread mayo (or spicy mayo) on the top and bottom buns.
Place the blackened chicken breast on the bottom bun.
Add pickle slices, then cover with the top bun.

Spicy Mayo Recipe (Optional)

Mix the following:

2 tbsp mayo
1 tsp hot sauce
½ tsp paprika
1 pinch of cayenne pepper

Nutrition Estimate (per sandwich)

Nutrient	Approximate Value
Calories	480–550 kcal
Protein	35g
Carbs	30g
Fat	25g

(Values vary with toppings and exact ingredients used.)

Tips for Best Results

For extra juiciness, brine chicken for 30 minutes before seasoning.
Use a meat thermometer to avoid overcooking.
Swap mayo for Greek yogurt to reduce fat.

Customization Options

Want to level up your Popeyes Blackened Chicken Sandwich? You’ve got options.

Popeyes blackened Chicken Sandwich Sides Recommendation

Add-Ons Available at Most Locations:

Havarti Cheese — adds a creamy, mild sharpness (+$1.50)
Applewood Smoked Bacon — gives it a crispy, savory kick (+$1.50)
Spicy Mayo — swaps the classic mayo for heat and extra flavor
Extra Pickles — for that added crunch and tang

Best Pairings:

Cajun Fries – salty, crispy, and just spicy enough
Mashed Potatoes with Cajun Gravy – creamy and rich
Mac & Cheese – a cheesy comfort classic

Customize in the App:

You can build your sandwich directly through the Popeyes app. Some app-only options include:

Swapping buns for a lettuce wrap (for keto/low-carb fans)
Adding double chicken (for protein lovers)

Release Timeline & Availability: Is It Still on the Menu?

Let’s clear the confusion.

Initial Launch

Date: November 15, 2022
Type: Limited-Time Offer (LTO)
Quickly gained a following — even from people who don’t usually eat fast food.

Permanent Addition

Date: June 6, 2023
Regions: U.S. and Canada
First permanent addition since Popeyes’ viral chicken sandwich in 2019
Added value: Popeyes Rewards members received 200 bonus points

Special Promotions

April 17–20, 2024: Featured on Popeyes “Munchies Menu”
Price dropped to just $4.20 via the app — huge hit among loyal fans

Availability Now?

Yes, at most Popeyes locations in United States, its still available but not on official Popeyes menu. So upon visiting a store, you can enjoy Popeyes Blackened Chicken Sandwich.

Check also: Popeyes Hours | Opening & Closing Times | May 2025

Reviews

The Popeyes Blackened Chicken Sandwich is a fan favorite for those who want the flavor punch of fried chicken without the breading. While some batches may be too salty or dry, most customers are blown away by the taste and texture.

If you’re into smoky, spicy sandwiches and want a leaner choice, this one’s a top pick.
Just make sure to ask for it fresh — it makes all the difference.

What People Love

“This sandwich blew my mind. I’ve had it three times this week already!”
“The seasoning is fantastic. Honestly, it might be better than the fried version.”
“Crispy outside, juicy inside — it’s shocking how close it feels to fried chicken.”
“Great option if you want something lighter but still full of flavor.”

Common Complaints

“Mine came out a bit overcooked, but the flavor was still really good.”
“It was way too salty for me.”
“The chicken was dry, like overcooked grilled meat.”
“Prep quality depends on the location and time — sometimes juicy, sometimes dry.”

No, it’s not fried.
The Popeyes Blackened Chicken Sandwich uses a grilled (unbreaded) chicken filet seasoned with bold Cajun spices. It gives you the flavor of fried chicken without the extra oil and breading — making it a lighter and healthier choice.

It has a mild to moderate spice level.
The Cajun and Creole seasonings bring heat, but it’s not overwhelming. For extra kick, order the Spicy Blackened version with spicy mayo.

Compared to the fried version, yes.
It has fewer calories, less fat, and less sodium — but still packs serious flavor. It’s a solid option if you’re watching what you eat but still want something indulgent.

It contain 550 calories, depending on toppings and sauce. This makes it one of the lower-calorie options on the Popeyes menu.

Yes, it’s part of the core menu at most Popeyes locations in the U.S.
However, availability can vary — some locations may run out during peak hours, so check ahead or order early.

“Blackened” refers to the spice technique — not burning.
It means the chicken is coated with Cajun seasoning and seared on high heat to lock in flavor, giving it a dark, smoky crust without deep frying.

The price of a blackened chicken sandwich at Popeyes is $4.99.

Popeyes Blackened Chicken | Price, Recipe & Review | 2025

What Is the Popeyes Blackened Chicken Sandwich?

Calories

Allergens:

Popeyes Blackened Chicken Sandwich Nutritional Information