Review: Korean Sweet & Spicy Chicken Sandwich from BJ’s Brewhouse

Bottom Line: The Korean Sweet & Spicy Chicken Sandwich from BJ’s Brewhouse is big and messy, but it is quite good and delivers a bit of a bite.

The chicken sandwich wars continue to go strong, with even the casual sit-down restaurants firing some salvos of late. Chili’s has definitely upped its game (more on that here, and watch for a review shortly), and just recently, BJ’s Brewhouse added the Korean Sweet & Spicy Chicken Sandwich. Here’s the rundown on that from the website:

Crispy fried chicken, sweet & spicy Asian glaze, pickled veggies, sesame seeds, and sriracha aioli on a toasted brioche bun. Comes with your choice of a side.

To start off with, this is one heck of a big sandwich; you have to unlock your jaw to take the first bite! It has a thick piece of breast meat, but it is tender and juicy throughout and not greasy at all. And despite the amount of sauce, the crust holds some crunch, and it has a good breading-to-meat ratio. And speaking of that sauce, or “Asian glaze,” there is quite a lot of it poured over the chicken breast. It is heavy on the sweet, but not to the point of being cloying. And it has a nice kick of heat along with just a touch of gochujang funk to act as a counterbalance.

The sriracha aioli seems to get lost in the mix, though it does add some creaminess while also increasing the messiness factor (ask for extra napkins). The vegetables are not too heavily pickled and deliver a nice freshness, with the cucumbers standing out and adding a touch of tang along with some balance to the heat and sweet. Those sesame seeds deliver a nice, nutty pop, and while the bun does not stand out too much, it is fresh and enhances the overall experience.

As for the heat, the sandwich has a kick, but it won’t set your mouth on fire. I would put it a little above Mild on my scale, but it does leave a nice tingling in your mouth. Overall, this is really quite a good chicken sandwich that sets itself apart from the competition with its Asian flavors. Just don’t wear white if you are going to order one unless you also bring a bib.

As for the calories, if you are on a diet, go straight to the salad section of the menu. The sandwich itself is over 800 cals, and if you get the fries on the side, you are passing the 1,200 mark (they don’t have a further breakdown of the nutrition). So either split it into two meals (though I don’t know how well that sandwich will heat up the next day), or just count it as a splurge and arrange some extra time at the gym.

This sells for $16.49 in my area, which is not too bad, but I will take this opportunity to make a comment about the prices at BJ’s Brewhouse. They are one of my favorite casual sit-down restaurants because of their excellent menu selections and the first-rate craft beers they brew. But I find myself going there less and less lately because they are pricing themselves out of the market. Their burgers and sandwiches are almost all over fifteen bucks, and many of their entrees are $20 and more, whereas competitors like Chili’s, 54th Street Grill, Parry’s Pizza & Taphouse, and more are several bucks cheaper on many of their menu options. The $13 Pizookie meal that BJ’s introduced is a good deal (though no spicy options are available), and they do have good Happy Hour specials, but in general, I find them a bit too pricey. It doesn’t stop me from going, but these days, you have to consider your budget pretty carefully when dining out, and I often find myself heading to more affordable chains (or local joints).

The Korean Sweet & Spicy Chicken Sandwich is, sadly, available for the dreaded limited time only. But hopefully, it proves popular enough to find a slot on the permanent menu (though that is never very permanent at this chain). And be sure to get one of their craft beers when you go, perhaps their new seasonal selection, Grass Attack Cold IPA. That is a refreshing IPA that is full-flavored but not too bitter or hoppy, and it goes down quite well during the hot summer months. You can check for a BJ’s location near you at their website.