Carl’s Jr. Just Announced a New Western Bacon Chicken Sandwich

Everyone has a chicken sandwich now, guys. Everyone. It’s probably no surprise: A solid chicken sandwich has been a must for every fast food chain in the last couple of years, as people have fallen even more in love with the combo of fried chicken and bun. It’s a move that was largely prompted by Popeye’s back in 2019, which went toe-to-toe with Chick-fil-A over their chicken sandwiches, which subsequently prompted everyone else to get involved. And here we are.

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As of 2026, there’s no let-up to the dominance of the chicken sandwich in sight – and now, Carl’s Jr. is making a new play for your business. It’s just announced that it’s debuting its Western Bacon Chicken Sandwich, and we’re intrigued. Here’s what to expect.

What Is the Western Bacon Chicken Sandwich?

Essentially, it’s the chicken version of the Western Bacon Cheeseburger. In its press release, Carl’s Jr. states that customers will get a “premium, all-white chicken fillet, hand dipped in buttermilk, lightly breaded and fried to a golden brown, topped with two strips of Cherrywood bacon, melted American cheese, crispy onion rings and tangy Western Barbecue sauce — all served on a seeded bun.” Phew. That’s a mouthful. But it’s a mouthful that we think will taste pretty good, no?

Paz Romero, vice president of brand marketing at Carl’s Jr., alluded to the tendency of fast food restaurants to keep things simple with their fried chicken sandwiches – and apparently, that’s to their detriment. “Everyone is fighting the chicken wars, but they forgot to bring the flavor,” Romero states. “We’re reminding people that Carl’s Jr. is the only destination for those who are tired of bland sandwiches and crave layers of flavor with our crispy, juicy, hand-breaded chicken.”

How Long Can I Get This Sandwich for?

Sadly, it’s not around for very long. The Western Bacon Chicken Sandwich is a limited-time item and will only be available until May 12. If it’s popular enough, though, we just know that they’ll keep it. So, please. Get yourself down there. For everyone’s sake.

What Else Does Carl’s Jr. Have in Store?

Carl’s Jr. also dropped the news that it was releasing some new dipping sauces for its Hand-Breaded Chicken Tenders, beginning April 8. These dipping sauces come straight from their burgers to a little cup near you, and they are:

Diablo Habanero Ranch from the El Diablo Burger
Santa Fe from the Charbroiled Santa Fe Chicken Sandwich
Western Barbecue from the Western Bacon Cheeseburger

Plus, it’s also adding a garlic parmesan and improving its Heinz Ranch offer for y’all. “Our goal with introducing these sauces is to blend traditional, delicious flavors with a new way to customize the meals our fans love,” says Romero. You ready to try them all?