Word has gotten out that Chick-fil-A is returning to the grill with its new Maple Pepper Bacon Grilled Chicken Sandwich.
While fried chicken has captivated consumers' attention (and stomachs) for the past few years, Chick-fil-A seems to be making a bet on the return of grilled chicken. The brand's new Maple Pepper Bacon Grilled Chicken Sandwich is currently being tested at select locations across Indianapolis and Lexington, Kentucky, and will help the company gauge diners' appetite for such grilled chicken offerings.
The new sandwich starts with a juicy, grilled lemon herb marinated boneless chicken breast, which is then topped with pepper jack cheese, green leaf lettuce, and bacon that's been hand-tossed in a brown sugar and pepper blend. The whole thing is served on a buttered and toasted maple-flavored brioche bun. As Chick-fil-A Chef Christy Cook explains, "The sweetness of the maple syrup complements the flavors of the grilled chicken and hint of spice from the pepper jack cheese and pickles. Perfect for enjoying on any summer adventure, we hope customers enjoy this latest take on our grilled chicken sandwich."
Sweet Grilled Chicken Sandwiches
A New Maple Pepper Bacon Grilled Chicken Sandwich is Coming
Trend Themes
1. Grilled Chicken Revival - There is a trend towards grilled chicken returning to fast food menus, presenting a disruptive innovation opportunity for brands to experiment with new flavor and ingredient combinations.
2. Flavor Pairing - Combining sweet and savory flavors is a popular trend in the food industry, allowing for brands to explore unique ingredient combinations and enhancements for consumers' taste buds.
3. Limited Edition Menu Items - Creating a sense of urgency with limited availability of menu items is a trend that can drive sales, especially when paired with social media marketing and influencer collaborations.
Industry Implications
1. Fast Food - Fast food companies have an opportunity to branch out to grilled chicken options with unique ingredients like maple syrup and different herb and spice blends.
2. QSR - Quick-service restaurants can benefit from offering limited-time items and utilizing social media to spread the word, driving customer traffic and sales.
3. Food and Beverage Packaging - As limited edition menu items continue to gain popularity, food and beverage packaging companies can offer personalized packaging to make the experience more memorable and collectible for consumers.