MINNETONKA, Minn. – Barbecue made Famous Dave’s famous, but a successful chicken sandwich among a host of competitors could burnish the quick-service ‘cue chain’s image.

Famous Dave’s rolled out Iris’ Comeback Chicken Sandwich, a crispy chicken sandwich the company said is based on a family recipe of founder Dave Anderson. The fried chicken filet is served on a brioche bun with spicy-sweet pickles and “comeback” sauce.

“Everything had to be just right, from the right black cast iron frying pan to the right fresh-ground seasonings and the freshest chicken,” Anderson said. “My mom perfected her pan-fried chicken recipe, which features a crispy golden-brown crust with tender, juicy, mouthwatering chicken.”

The chicken sandwich war started with Popeyes Louisiana Kitchen and Chick-fil-A. But competitors are joining the “fray” with their own innovations. McDonald’s recently added the Chicken McGriddle and McChicken Biscuit to its iconic breakfast lineup. In April of 2019, Wendy’s Co. launched three new chicken sandwiches — S’Awesome Bacon Chicken, Barbecue Chicken and the Avocado BLT.

Famous Dave’s is looking to the backstory to sell Iris’ Comeback Chicken Sandwich — with a side of smack-talk.

“I grew up eating real, honest fried chicken, honey buttered cornbread and BBQ ribs and learned from an early age the importance of southern home cooking and hospitality,” Anderson said. “Iris’ Comeback Chicken Sandwich is the clear winner in the chicken sandwich wars — everyone knows that Famous Dave’s is the best in the world of BBQ, and now, our $5 chicken sandwich will also be known as the best of the best and have the competition retreating and surrendering.”