Brian Nagele
The beloved New Orleans based chain Popeyes is famous for its southern-style fried chicken. In the United States, the restaurant is practically synonymous with comfort food. Over the years Popeyes has developed somewhat of a cult following. It’s no surprise that fans would search for a Popeyes secret menu!
Many of us remember times when Popeye’s almost crashed the internet with the return of its chicken sandwich. I remember seeing lines of people wrapped around the block. Needless to say, there are some die-hard Popeye’s chicken fans out there.
Like most Popeye’s fans, I have some go-to’s and favorites on the classic menu. However, now and then I enjoy mixing things up. In this article, I’m going to share with you some of my favorite Popeye’s secret menu items.
From cajun gravy fries to a sweet and spicy red beans and rice combo, these Popeye’s secret menu items will surely make your mouth water.
Don’t worry about needing a magic password like at other restaurants. At Popeye’s, all you have to do is make a polite request.
Cajun Gravy Fries
Once upon a time, Popeye’s offered cajun poutine on its menu.
Though we can sadly no longer order it, we can order this delicacy with Popeye-s homestyle cajun gravy.
The fries at Popeye’s already rank high above those of other restaurants.
If you want a real treat however, don’t miss out on this legendary gravy. It’s made with several sauces and dry herbs, and includes delicious bacon drippings and butter.
I love potatoes and gravy but there’s something extra special about the crispy spuds from Popeye’s smothered in this sauce that gives me the ultimate satisfaction.
Blackened Ranch Chicken Sandwich
If you’re like me and have an obsession with the blackened chicken tenders at Popeye’s, you will enjoy the blackened ranch chicken sandwich too.
The blackened version of the sandwich is different from the original infamous chicken sandwich.
Rather than breaded chicken, the chicken is coated in Popeye’s proprietary blend of blackened seasonings.
This sandwich features a toasted, buttered brioche bun and is easily my preferred chicken sandwich. It also comes in two flavors: classic or spicy.
That means you can try it with ranch two different ways. Ask for ranch dressing on the side and then squeeze some over the chicken. It’s heavenly.
Cajun Sparkle
The Cajun Sparkle is a delicious blend of garlic, cayenne pepper, paprika, and several other herbs.
These special seasoning envelopes are easier to get a hold of than other items on my list. That said, it is a behind-the-counter item that you must request.
Many people don’t know about the Cajun Sparkle because they don’t see it out. That makes it a more secretive item, but one you also want to stock up when you get it.
The best part about these seasoning packs is that they go well on everything.
No matter what you order, sprinkling some Cajun Sparkle on top will make it better. I like to throw this on my fries or take some home with me to sprinkle on other things.
Cinnamon Sugar Biscuit
This is a fantastic DIY option. The cinnamon-sugar mix comes from Popeye’s reserve for apple pies.
To get it on your biscuits, simply ask the employees (very nicely) to put some of it on your next order of biscuits.
The combination is to-die-for. The biscuits are already soft, chewy, and delicious. Coating them in sugar and cinnamon, however, makes them irresistible.
Rest assured that people like myself ask for these all the time.
Though it may seem like a strange combination, I promise it will become one of your favorites.
Naked Chicken
Though I love the traditional battered chicken from Popeye’s, sometimes I want it sans bread or batter. As you may have guessed, that’s what the term naked implies.
You can also order it this way if you have certain dietary restrictions to follow or you want fewer carbs.
Eleven years ago, Popeye’s Chicken launched a campaign for healthier chicken by offering it ‘naked’ in wraps and Po Boys.
Some locations may still offer these options, though I have yet to see them around.
When you want something different from the menu or aren’t sure what to get, asking for naked chicken may be a solid option.
Sweet and Spicy Red Beans and Rice
Whether you’re having it as a side dish or the main course, the sweet and spicy red beans, and rice are a must-have.
This dish is one that you can easily put together yourself with ingredients from Popeye’s.
If you’re wary about asking the employees for unconventional requests, this should be the first thing you try out of all of Popeye’s secret menu items.
To try this wonderful combination, all you have to do is order some red beans and rice. Next, take two packets of honey and one packet of hot sauce.
Pour the packets all over the rice and beans dish and mix well. Prepare to be amazed.
Gravy Dipping Sauce
If you haven’t tried gravy dipping sauce at Popeye’s, you’re missing out. Aside from the Cajun Sparkle, this is the easiest item to order from the secret menu.
All you need is to order a side of gravy with your chicken tenders. That’s it.
It may sound simple but don’t knock it until you try. Gravy makes for a fabulous dipping sauce and you can even smother it on other things like your fries.
I especially like this combination during the fall.
There’s something about the gravy on chicken that gives it a holiday feel and gives you instant comfort in cold weather.
Chicken Biscuit
I saved what I believe to be the best for last. The chicken biscuit is so soothing and delicious. Frankly, I think this item belongs on the main menu.
When you order a Handcrafted Tenders Basket at Popeye’s, you will receive a biscuit with your chicken tenders and a side item.
Don’t forget a honey packet. These are all the ingredients you need to make the chicken biscuit.
Slice your biscuit open and place your chicken tenders inside like a sandwich.
Next, drizzle some honey on it. Once you bite into this heavenly masterpiece, you won’t ever order the handcrafted tenders basket without doing this again.
Now that you know there is a world of secret flavors at Popeye’s, get out there and start exploring it. Most of these items are easy to make or put together, whether you do it yourself or put in a request for the employees.
Whether you’re a Popeye’s regular or looking for quick comfort food one day, you will fall in love with these food items. I guarantee you will be hooked.
The next time you’re at Popeye’s and want to try something new, don’t hesitate to give these fabulous secret items a try.
Looking for a different deep fried fast food option? Check out the best food at Zaxby’s!
