TAMPA, FLA. – Checkers & Rally’s Restaurants Inc. announced the nationwide launch of the Mother Cruncher Fried Chicken Sandwich to compete against popular chicken sandwich offerings from Popeyes Louisiana Kitchen and Chick-fil-A.

The new sandwich features an all-white chicken breast coated in the “mega crunch” breading, topped with pickles, iceberg lettuce and a slice of tomato, served on a toasted bun and garnished with Checkers & Rally’s new signature Squawk Sauce. The sandwich is available as The Classic Mother Cruncher Chicken Sandwich and The Bacon BBQ Mother Cruncher Chicken Sandwich.

“We’ve always stood behind our steadfast commitment to providing our guests with the most indulgent, craveable menu items — and we’ve outdone ourselves with the Mother Cruncher,” said Ryan Joy, senior director of research and development at Checkers & Rally’s Restaurants and the developer of the Mother Cruncher. “We truly have ‘Checkers-ized’ the menu item, giving it the T.L.C. needed to perfect the crunch, the ideal toppings and our signature Squawk Sauce. The Mother Cruncher is made for those seeking flavor, indulgence and immediate gratification with no compromises.”

The national drive-thru restaurant brand introduced the new sandwich following tests in select markets. Checkers & Rally’s operates nearly 900 restaurants.

“The chicken sandwich has certainly gained popularity in the quick-serve segment in the last year, but Checkers & Rally's has an unparalleled history of taking typical fast-food fare up a notch —  and the Mother Cruncher is no exception,” said Dwayne Chambers, chief marketing officer at Checkers & Rally’s. “Our fries have consistently been deemed the most craveable by the media and best-tasting by our guests, and we fully expect the Mother Cruncher to carry on the tradition and hold the No. 1 spot in the hearts of chicken sandwich lovers across the country.”

The Mother Cruncher Fried Chicken Sandwich is the latest entrant in the chicken sandwich wars. In May, KFC announced tests of a reformulated chicken sandwich at 15 Orlando-area locations until June 21.