How Is Panera’s New Chicken Sandwich? An Honest Review

I recently tried both versions of Panera’s new chicken sandwich, and I’ve got some thoughts to share! If you’re wondering whether these sandwiches are worth your hard-earned cash, keep reading for my full breakdown.

What’s the Deal with Panera’s Chicken Sandwich?

Panera Bread has entered the competitive chicken sandwich market with their ambitious new offerings. Once known primarily for soups, salads, and those delicious bread bowls, they’re now trying to challenge big names like Chick-fil-A, Popeyes, and McDonald’s.

Their strategy? Offering a “premium” chicken sandwich experience with “clean” ingredients. But the real question is: do they deliver?

The Two Contenders

Panera offers two main versions of their chicken sandwich:

1. The Signature Take Chicken Sandwich
2. The Spicy Take Chicken Sandwich

Both share the same foundation a thick antibiotic-free chicken breast fillet and a toasted brioche bun The differences come down to the toppings and sauces

Breaking Down the Signature Take

The Signature Take keeps things classic with

• Antibiotic-free chicken breast
• Sweet and savory garlic aioli
• Fresh lettuce and tomato
• Brioche bun

When done right, this sandwich delivers a satisfying, balanced experience. The chicken should be the star here, and the garlic aioli adds a nice flavor dimension that complements without overwhelming.

The Spicy Take: Turning Up the Heat

If you prefer some kick to your chicken, the Spicy Take offers:

• The same antibiotic-free chicken breast
• Fiery chipotle aioli
• Spicy dill pickles
• Brioche bun

In my opinion, this is where Panera’s chicken sandwich really shines. The spicy pickles provide a tangy crunch that perfectly balances the heat from the chipotle aioli. There’s more complexity in the flavors, making for a more memorable sandwich.

The Good, The Bad, and The Inconsistent

What I Liked

• The chicken breast is substantial – much thicker and juicier than previous Panera offerings
• The brioche bun is soft and pleasantly buttery
• The flavor profiles are well-thought-out, especially the Spicy Take
• Antibiotic-free chicken is a nice health-conscious touch

What Needs Improvement

Consistency is a major issue. I visited several different Panera locations, and my experience varied significantly:

• Sometimes the chicken was perfectly juicy
• Other times it was overcooked and dry
• Sauce application was all over the place – from drowning in sauce to barely any at all

This inconsistency is a real problem in the competitive chicken sandwich market. If I’m paying premium prices, I expect premium quality EVERY time.

Is It Worth the Price?

Speaking of price… Panera’s chicken sandwich comes with a premium price tag compared to competitors, ranging from $9-$11 for just the sandwich. Bundle options with sides and drinks cost extra.

Is it worth it? When executed well, maybe. But the inconsistency makes it hard to justify the cost. I can get a more reliable chicken sandwich experience elsewhere for less money.

Nutrition Facts You Should Know

If you’re watching your calories, here’s what you need to know:

• These sandwiches pack around 600-700 calories
• Fat content ranges from 30-40 grams
• Detailed nutritional info is available on Panera’s website and app

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I customize the sandwich?

Yes! You can remove ingredients like lettuce or tomato or ask for extra sauce. Just check with your local Panera for specific options.

Does it come with sides?

The sandwich is typically sold a la carte, but you can add chips, fruit, or soup for an additional cost. There are also bundle deals available.

Is it available for delivery?

Yes, you can get it delivered through Panera’s website, app, or third-party services like DoorDash and Uber Eats.

What about allergies?

The sandwich contains common allergens like wheat (from the bun), soy (often in the sauces), and possibly dairy (in the aioli). Check Panera’s allergen info if you have concerns.

Are there vegetarian options?

Panera doesn’t offer a direct vegetarian version of the chicken sandwich, though they do have other vegetarian sandwiches and salads.

The Final Verdict

Panera’s new chicken sandwich shows they’re serious about competing in the chicken sandwich wars. The quality of ingredients is definitely a step up from their previous offerings, and the Spicy Take in particular has potential to be a standout option.

However, the inconsistency in execution is a serious drawback, especially at that price point. If Panera can address these consistency issues across locations, they might have a winner on their hands.

My Rating:

• Flavor Potential: 8/10
• Actual Experience: 6/10 (due to inconsistency)
• Value for Money: 5.5/10
• Overall: 6.5/10

Have you tried Panera’s new chicken sandwich? I’d love to hear your thoughts in the comments below! Was your experience consistent or did you notice the same problems I did?

Pro Tips for Ordering

If you’re planning to try these sandwiches, here are some tips from my experience:

1. Go for the Spicy Take – It has more complex flavors and the pickles add a nice texture
2. Eat it fresh – These sandwiches don’t hold up well for delivery or takeout
3. Try ordering during non-peak hours – The quality tends to be better when the kitchen isn’t slammed
4. Ask for extra sauce – Especially if you get it to go, as the sandwich can dry out

Ultimately, Panera’s chicken sandwich is a promising entry with room for improvement. With better consistency, it could become a serious contender in the ever-expanding chicken sandwich market. Until then, it’s a bit of a gamble whether you’ll get a great sandwich or a disappointing one.