How Many Calories in a Popeyes Deluxe Chicken Sandwich?

November 27, 2025 •

4 min read

Based on nutritional data, a standard Popeyes chicken sandwich contains around 700 calories, and the Deluxe version, with added cheese, lettuce, and tomato, will be slightly higher. The exact figure for how many calories are in a Popeyes deluxe chicken sandwich can vary by location and preparation, but is a key consideration for fast-food diners.

Quick Summary

A Popeyes deluxe chicken sandwich has a higher calorie count than the classic version due to added toppings like cheese and fresh vegetables. It is often more calorific than comparable fast-food chicken sandwiches.

Key Points

Calorie Estimate: A Popeyes deluxe chicken sandwich likely contains between 730 and 775 calories, based on data for the classic sandwich and international deluxe menus.
Ingredient Difference: The deluxe version adds cheese, lettuce, and tomato to the classic recipe, with the cheese significantly boosting the calorie count.
Macronutrient Profile: The sandwich is high in fat, saturated fat, and sodium, which are concentrated in the fried chicken, mayo, and cheese.
Comparison with Competitors: The Popeyes deluxe chicken sandwich is generally higher in calories than rivals like Chick-fil-A's classic chicken sandwich.
Calorie-Cutting Tips: To reduce calories, consider ordering the classic sandwich without mayonnaise or skipping the cheese on the deluxe.
Sodium Content: With the added cheese, the deluxe sandwich's sodium content will be well over half the daily recommended limit.

The Calorie Breakdown of the Popeyes Deluxe Chicken Sandwich

While Popeyes US does not always publish the exact nutritional information for the Deluxe version separately from the classic on its main nutrition guide, we can make a well-informed estimate. The standard Classic chicken sandwich is listed at 700 calories. The Deluxe version adds cheddar cheese, lettuce, and tomato to the classic's foundation of a fried chicken breast, pickles, and mayo on a brioche bun. The cheese is the primary driver of the increased calorie count. According to nutritional tracking apps and international menus, the Deluxe sandwich often falls in the 730–775 calorie range. For comparison, the Spicy Deluxe is similar in calories, sometimes slightly higher. A recent US nutrition guide confirms the Classic and Spicy are both 700 calories. Therefore, an approximation of 740–750 calories for a US Deluxe version is a conservative and realistic estimate, accounting for the added cheese slice.

What's in the Deluxe?

The Classic Deluxe Chicken Sandwich includes:

Fried chicken breast
Fresh pickles
Creamy mayonnaise
Toasted brioche bun
Cheddar cheese
Crisp lettuce
Ripe tomato

How Macronutrients Contribute to the Calorie Count

The 700 calories in the classic sandwich come from a significant amount of fat, carbs, and protein. The Deluxe version will see an increase in these macronutrients, especially fat due to the added cheese. Here is an approximate macronutrient profile for the classic sandwich, which serves as a baseline:

Total Fat: 42g (The deluxe with cheese will have more)
Saturated Fat: 14g (The deluxe will have more due to cheese)
Sodium: Around 1460mg (The deluxe with cheese will be higher)
Total Carbohydrates: 50g
Dietary Fiber: 2g
Protein: 28g

The high fat and sodium content are standard for many fast-food fried chicken options. For those monitoring their intake, it is important to be aware that the Deluxe pushes these numbers even higher.

Deluxe vs. Classic: The Difference Explained

The fundamental difference between the Classic and Deluxe sandwiches is the addition of fresh vegetables and cheese. While vegetables add minimal calories, the slice of cheese significantly boosts the overall fat and calorie content. The Classic sandwich relies on its chicken, pickles, and mayo for flavor, while the Deluxe offers a more substantial, loaded sandwich experience with a richer flavor profile.

Can you make it healthier?

If you're a fan of Popeyes but want to reduce your calorie and fat intake, there are a few strategies:

Hold the mayo: A simple request to remove the mayonnaise can shave off a significant amount of fat and calories.
Skip the cheese: The cheese on the Deluxe is a primary calorie and fat contributor. Removing it effectively turns it into a classic sandwich.
Share your meal: Ordering a sandwich to split with someone else is a great way to enjoy the taste while halving your intake.
Pair wisely: Instead of high-calorie sides like Cajun fries, opt for water instead of a sugary drink.

How the Deluxe Stacks Up Against Competitors

Here is a comparison of fast-food chicken sandwich calorie counts, based on available data. While exact deluxe vs. classic versions may vary, this gives a good overview.


Sandwich (Fast Food Chain)	Calories (approx.)	Key Nutrition Insights
Popeyes Deluxe Chicken Sandwich	730-775+	Higher due to cheese, lettuce, tomato, fried chicken, and brioche bun.
Popeyes Classic Chicken Sandwich	700	Basis for the deluxe, high in sodium and fat.
Chick-fil-A Chicken Sandwich	440	Significantly lower in calories, fat, and saturated fat.
KFC Chicken Sandwich	656+ (Can vary)	Can be lower in calories depending on variations, but still a fried option.
Wendy's Classic Chicken Sandwich	490	A leaner, less calorific alternative.

As the table indicates, the Popeyes Deluxe Chicken Sandwich is one of the higher-calorie options in the fast-food chicken sandwich category. This is largely due to the combination of the fried chicken breast, creamy sauces, and the addition of cheese on a buttery brioche bun.

Conclusion: A High-Calorie Indulgence

The Popeyes deluxe chicken sandwich is a flavorful and satisfying meal, but it is also a high-calorie item. The combination of a generous fried chicken patty, cheese, and a rich brioche bun contributes to a calorie count that is substantially higher than the daily allowance for many individuals. While it can be enjoyed as an occasional treat, those monitoring their calorie, fat, or sodium intake should be mindful of its nutritional profile. For a lower-calorie option, ordering the classic sandwich and asking for no mayonnaise can make a noticeable difference. Understanding the components of the Deluxe sandwich empowers consumers to make informed decisions that align with their dietary goals.

For more detailed nutritional information and healthy fast food tips, consider visiting a reputable source like the Verywell Fit nutrition guide.

Frequently Asked Questions

The main difference is the addition of cheese, lettuce, and tomato to the deluxe version, while the classic only includes the fried chicken breast, pickles, and mayo on a brioche bun.

While the specific number varies, a slice of cheddar cheese typically adds around 100-110 calories. This is the primary reason the deluxe sandwich has a higher calorie count than the classic.

No, the deluxe sandwich is not healthier. While it contains a small amount of lettuce and tomato, the added cheese and overall calorie and fat content make it more calorific than the classic.

The Popeyes deluxe sandwich has significantly more calories than a Chick-fil-A chicken sandwich. The standard Chick-fil-A sandwich has 440 calories, while the Popeyes deluxe is likely over 700.

Based on the classic version, the deluxe is high in fat and carbohydrates due to the fried chicken and brioche bun. The protein content is also high, but the added cheese further increases the fat and saturated fat levels.

Yes, you can request to hold the mayonnaise or skip the cheese to reduce calories and fat. Another option is to order the classic version, which is already a lower-calorie alternative.

Yes, brioche buns tend to be richer and higher in calories, carbs, and fat than traditional hamburger buns, contributing to the overall energy density of the sandwich.