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  5. I went behind the scenes at the first Popeyes in the UK, and learned how to make the chicken sandwich that broke the internet

I went behind the scenes at the first Popeyes in the UK, and learned how to make the chicken sandwich that broke the internet

I went behind the scenes at the first Popeyes in the UK, and learned how to make the chicken sandwich that broke the internet
Mikhaila making the Popeyes classic chicken sandwich in London.Mikhaila Friel/Insider
  • I visited Popeyes in London ahead of its official UK launch in November.
  • I was shown how to make the brand's iconic chicken sandwich that went viral in 2019.

The popular fried chicken chain Popeyes launched its first restaurant in Louisiana in 1972. The franchise has 2,709 locations across the US and launched its first UK location in November.

The popular fried chicken chain Popeyes launched its first restaurant in Louisiana in 1972. The franchise has 2,709 locations across the US and launched its first UK location in November.
A Popeyes restaurant in Miami, Florida.      Joe Raedle/Getty Image

In 2019, Popeyes introduced its now-iconic classic chicken sandwich to the menu, which sold out two weeks later. It went viral, prompting one fan to list a sandwich on eBay for $7,000.

In 2019, Popeyes introduced its now-iconic classic chicken sandwich to the menu, which sold out two weeks later. It went viral, prompting one fan to list a sandwich on eBay for $7,000.
The chicken sandwich.      Scott Olson/Getty Images

Source: Insider.

I visited the first Popeyes in the UK ahead of its launch in Westfield Stratford City, a shopping mall in east London.

I visited the first Popeyes in the UK ahead of its launch in Westfield Stratford City, a shopping mall in east London.
Popeyes in Stratford, London.      Mikhaila Friel/Insider

During the press launch, I was given a first look at the Popeyes kitchen and had the opportunity to make my own chicken sandwich.

During the press launch, I was given a first look at the Popeyes kitchen and had the opportunity to make my own chicken sandwich.
The Popeyes kitchen.      Mikhaila Friel/Insider

An employee informed me that the sandwich consists of two brioche buns, 14 grams of mayonnaise, two pickles, and a piece of fried chicken. I started by toasting the buns.

An employee informed me that the sandwich consists of two brioche buns, 14 grams of mayonnaise, two pickles, and a piece of fried chicken. I started by toasting the buns.
Mikhaila toasting the buns.      Mikhaila Friel/Insider

Then I used a spatula to slather on the mayonnaise.

Then I used a spatula to slather on the mayonnaise.
Adding mayonnaise.      Mikhaila Friel/Insider

I added two pickles to the bottom bun, followed by a piece of buttermilk fried chicken. The employee said that if the chicken has a curved shape, place the curved side on the bun so that it fits nicely.

I added two pickles to the bottom bun, followed by a piece of buttermilk fried chicken. The employee said that if the chicken has a curved shape, place the curved side on the bun so that it fits nicely.
Mikhaila placing the chicken on the bun.      Mikhaila Friel/Insider

Then it was time to wrap the finished product in the signature Popeyes paper, which involved tucking in the corners. It felt almost like wrapping a birthday present.

Then it was time to wrap the finished product in the signature Popeyes paper, which involved tucking in the corners. It felt almost like wrapping a birthday present.
The final stage.      Mikhaila Friel/Insider

I was pretty impressed with the finished product, which costs £4.95, or around $6.70. The chicken was both tender and crispy, making it excellent quality for money in my opinion.

I was pretty impressed with the finished product, which costs £4.95, or around $6.70. The chicken was both tender and crispy, making it excellent quality for money in my opinion.
Mikhaila making the Popeyes classic chicken sandwich in London.      Mikhaila Friel/Insider

Later, I sat down with Tom Crowley, CEO of Popeyes UK, and Peter Genna, director of product development. They let me sample some of the menu.

Later, I sat down with Tom Crowley, CEO of Popeyes UK, and Peter Genna, director of product development. They let me sample some of the menu.
The items I tried included a classic chicken burger, a spicy chicken burger, fries, chicken strips, chicken bites, and biscuits and gravy.      Mikhaila Friel/Insider

I got to try the spicy chicken sandwich, which had the same ingredients as the classic chicken sandwich with the exception of spicy mayo.

I got to try the spicy chicken sandwich, which had the same ingredients as the classic chicken sandwich with the exception of spicy mayo.
The spicy chicken sandwich.      Mikhaila Friel/Insider

Crowley and Genna told me the UK menu is slightly different from the US menu, as some items are "slightly spicier" since the UK test audience responded well to spicy foods.

Crowley and Genna told me the UK menu is slightly different from the US menu, as some items are "slightly spicier" since the UK test audience responded well to spicy foods.
Mikhaila Friel pictured with a chicken burger and a Lotus Biscoff milkshake.      Mikhaila Friel/Insider

There are also milkshakes on the menu, something which isn't offered stateside. The flavors include Lotus Biscoff (pictured), Oreo, vanilla, strawberry, chocolate, and caramel.

There are also milkshakes on the menu, something which isn
The Lotus Biscoff milkshake, which costs £3.95, or around $5.30.      Mikhaila Friel/Insider

I got to try a savory biscuit with gravy for the first time, something which isn't a typical delicacy in the UK. I think it's something I'd have to try a couple of more times to be fully adjusted to the taste.

I got to try a savory biscuit with gravy for the first time, something which isn
I tried biscuits, fries, and chicken.      Mikhaila Friel/Insider

I enjoyed my visit to the restaurant, with the chicken sandwich and the Lotus Biscoff milkshake being a highlight. However, I can't wait to come back and try more of the menu in the future to see how it measures up.

I enjoyed my visit to the restaurant, with the chicken sandwich and the Lotus Biscoff milkshake being a highlight. However, I can
Popeyes.      Mikhaila Friel/Insider

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