We Went To Florence For An Early Taste Of Chili’s Chicken Parm Big Crispy

As someone without a passport, I did not have international travel on my to-do list this year. So when Chili’s asked me to fly to Florence on their dime to taste-test the new Chicken Parm Big Crispy sandwich, I was ready to politely decline and weep to myself forever about it. Luckily for me, Chili’s was actually inviting me somewhere much closer to home: Florence, Kentucky.

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Since chicken parm only sounds Italian despite being an American invention, Chili’s fittingly launched this new Big Crispy variant a week early at three equally Italian-sounding stateside locales: Florence (KY), Rome (GA) and Venice (FL). Earlier this week, Chili’s brought me to their Florence, KY location, showcased beautifully in the ad below, to taste-test the new sandwich alongside any members of the Florence community who happened to stop by for dinner that day.

On our way to dinner, we even made an “unplanned” pit stop at Florence’s famous water tower for a few photos… where the Boone County Marching Band was waiting for us with their rendition of the Chili’s Baby Back Ribs song. Needless to say, my ex-band kid heart was warmed beyond belief.

Pageantry aside, we’re really here to talk about a sandwich. Can the Chicken Parm Big Crispy live up to the popularity of the two existing menu items that went into it?

Chili’s Chicken Parm Big Crispy Sandwich Review

New Chili’s Entree!

Pros: I know this may be hard to believe, but adding a slab of fried mozzarella cheese and marinara sauce to a fried chicken sandwich is a really good idea. You still get that famous Chili’s cheese pull even after cutting this behemoth in half, as my pal Zach documented here. The flavor combination is simple and nostalgic if you grew up eating as much chicken parmesan and fried cheese as I did. The included side of white cheddar mac & cheese, fries, and dipping cups of ranch and marinara will further ensure you’re as full as can be by the end of your meal.

Cons: This is a heavy sandwich. We know Chili’s is all about the bottomless chips and salsa and the shareable Triple Dippers; this wildly tall sandwich could easily leave you stuffed before you’re even halfway through, clutching a takeout box while being rolled out the door. And I’m sure this is obvious, but if you’re sensitive to dairy, this is exponentially more cheese than you’ve ever had on a chicken sandwich before. Prepare yourself.

Credit: Griffin Parker / Chili’s

Rating:

9/10

Sporks

When can I get the Chicken Parm Big Crispy for myself?

This pseudo-Italian sandwich is available now in the aforementioned pseudo-Italian cities in Kentucky, Georgia, and Florida. The Chicken Parm Big Crispy launches nationwide at Chili’s restaurants on October 20th.