Applebee’s Just Added a Brand-New Sandwich to Menus—and I Tried It First

Over the past few years, the fast food industry has seen many competitions as each brand tries to prove they’re the best of the best. The “chicken sandwich wars” officially began in 2019 when Popeyes practically broke the internet with its sandwich launch. Since then, crispy chicken sandwiches have made their way onto many fast food menus.

This year, fast food restaurants have started yet another battle to edge out the competition in value. In 2024 alone, KFC, McDonald’s, Taco Bell, Arby’s, Burger King, Popeyes, and Jimmy John’s all released value meals ranging from $5 to $10 that included a few popular menu items bundled into one meal that wouldn’t break the bank.

While the “wars” have almost always been waged amongst fast food chains, Applebee’s is throwing its hat into the ring to prove that value-driven chicken sandwiches don’t just belong at the drive-thru. The chain restaurant is introducing its new Big Cluckin’ Chicken Sandwich as part of the all-new Really Big Meal Deal, which includes a sandwich, fries, and a soft drink, all for just $9.99.

Applebee's Introduces New Chicken Sandwich

Applebee's new chicken sandwich is a crispy, hand-breaded chicken breast topped with lettuce, pickles, tomato, and mayo on a toasty brioche bun. It’s “bigger and better” than any chicken sandwich the restaurant has offered before, according to Applebee’s. 

The Really Big Meal Deal is available with said chicken sandwich or with the Classic Bacon Cheeseburger—topped with applewood-smoked bacon, American cheese, lettuce, tomato, onion, and pickles on a brioche bun—alongside fresh fries and your choice of soft drink. The $9.99 meal deal is now available at all Applebee’s restaurants for dine-in, to-go, or delivery.

Applebee’s is confident that its “massive” chicken sandwich is bigger than the competitors, so it’s offering a size match guarantee. If you bring in a competitor’s chicken sandwich and it’s larger than the Big Cluckin’ Chicken Sandwich, Applebee’s will add a second chicken patty to your sandwich at no additional cost.

I got an early taste of the new Big Cluckin’ Chicken Sandwich—here is my honest review.

My Honest Review of the Big Cluckin' Chicken Sandwich

I’ve always loved a chicken sandwich, but fast food ones can be pretty hit or miss. Not only can they be dry, but sometimes you’re left wondering, “Where’s the chicken?” as you’re biting through what is mostly bread. 

The Applebee’s Big Cluckin’ Chicken Sandwich lives up to its name. It’s a large chicken breast—and it actually does cascade over the side of the bun like the picture shows. The chicken is perfectly crispy on the outside and juicy on the inside.

Where it doesn’t match up to the photo is the toppings. Because the actual chicken patty is so big, I was almost thinking, “Where’s the lettuce, tomato, and mayo?” Maybe it’s because I love a little fresh crunch or a generous amount of sauce on a sandwich, but I felt it was missing some flavors. I think because the sandwich is from a sit-down chain restaurant, I was expecting a little more on the toppings front.

However, compared to a fast food sandwich—like Chick-fil-A’s classic sandwich or even Popeyes’ OG one—Applebee’s chicken sandwich has much more going on. And, because Applebee’s is a fully functional restaurant as opposed to a drive-thru, I can easily remedy my craving for toppings by simply customizing the sandwich. Maybe I’d ask for extra lettuce or a side of mayo, or even Buffalo sauce, to add myself.

Would I order it again? That’s a big cluckin’ yes.