Bojangles’ New Menu Item August: Creative Recipes and Flavor Combinations

Bojangles’, a beloved Southern fast-food chain, consistently delights its fans with innovative menu additions and seasonal surprises. August brings anticipation for a new culinary creation, and while the exact details of the new item remain shrouded in tasty mystery (until Bojangles’ officially announces it), we can explore exciting recipe ideas and flavor combinations that could complement existing Bojangles’ favorites or even inspire your own at-home Bojangles’-esque meals. Let’s dive into a world of crispy chicken, flaky biscuits, and bold spices to brainstorm delicious possibilities.

Understanding the Bojangles’ Flavor Profile

Before we craft imaginative recipes, it’s crucial to understand the core elements that define Bojangles’ signature taste:

* **Chicken:** Fried chicken is the undisputed star. The batter is seasoned with a secret blend of spices, creating a crispy, flavorful crust. A slight kick of heat is often present.
* **Biscuits:** These are not your average biscuits. Bojangles’ biscuits are buttery, flaky, and slightly sweet, offering a perfect balance to the savory chicken and other menu items.
* **Seasoning:** Bojangles’ spice blend is a closely guarded secret, but it’s safe to say it includes ingredients like paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, black pepper, cayenne pepper, and possibly some other herbs and spices. The overall effect is a savory, slightly spicy, and highly addictive flavor.
* **Sides:** Cole slaw, mac and cheese, mashed potatoes, and green beans are classic Southern sides that perfectly complement the main dishes.
* **Bo-Berry Biscuits:** These sweet treats featuring blueberries and a creamy icing are a sweet ending to any Bojangles’ meal.

Potential New Menu Item and Inspired Recipes

Assuming Bojangles’ is releasing something new and exciting this August, let’s explore some recipe concepts that incorporate or complement their existing flavors. These ideas are presented as inspiration for your own cooking adventures, whether you’re trying to recreate Bojangles’ magic at home or simply looking for delicious and creative recipes.

1. Bojangles’ Spicy Chicken Sandwich with Pineapple Slaw

This recipe combines the heat of Bojangles’ chicken with the sweetness and tang of pineapple slaw for a refreshing and flavorful sandwich.

**Ingredients:**

* **Bojangles’ Chicken (or Homemade):** 2 Bojangles’ chicken fillets (or use your favorite fried chicken recipe, aiming for a similar spice profile to Bojangles’). You can also marinate chicken breasts in buttermilk and hot sauce before dredging in seasoned flour for a homemade version.
* **Bojangles’ Biscuits:** 2 Bojangles’ biscuits (or your favorite homemade biscuit recipe).
* **Pineapple Slaw:**
* 1 cup shredded green cabbage
* 1/2 cup shredded carrots
* 1/2 cup crushed pineapple, drained well
* 1/4 cup mayonnaise
* 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
* 1 tablespoon sugar
* 1/4 teaspoon salt
* 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
* Optional: 1 tablespoon chopped cilantro
* **Spicy Mayo (Optional):**
* 2 tablespoons mayonnaise
* 1 teaspoon sriracha (or your favorite hot sauce)
* 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder

**Instructions:**

1. **Prepare the Pineapple Slaw:** In a medium bowl, combine the shredded cabbage, carrots, and drained crushed pineapple. In a separate small bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, apple cider vinegar, sugar, salt, and pepper. Pour the dressing over the cabbage mixture and toss to combine. Add cilantro if desired. Refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.
2. **Make Spicy Mayo (Optional):** In a small bowl, combine the mayonnaise, sriracha, and garlic powder. Stir until well combined.
3. **Assemble the Sandwich:** Split the Bojangles’ biscuits in half. Spread spicy mayo (if using) on the bottom half of each biscuit. Place a Bojangles’ chicken fillet on top of the mayo. Generously top the chicken with pineapple slaw. Place the top half of the biscuit over the slaw. Serve immediately.

**Tips and Variations:**

* For extra heat, add a dash of cayenne pepper to the pineapple slaw or use a spicier hot sauce in the spicy mayo.
* If you don’t have crushed pineapple, you can use chopped fresh pineapple or canned pineapple tidbits.
* Add a slice of pepper jack cheese for a cheesy kick.
* Grill the biscuits for a warm, toasty flavor.

2. Bojangles’ Chicken and Waffle Fries Bowl with Gravy

This recipe combines the savory goodness of Bojangles’ chicken with crispy waffle fries and creamy gravy for a comforting and satisfying bowl.

**Ingredients:**

* **Bojangles’ Chicken (or Homemade):** 2 Bojangles’ chicken fillets, cut into bite-sized pieces (or use your favorite fried chicken recipe).
* **Waffle Fries:** 1 bag frozen waffle fries, cooked according to package directions.
* **Sawmill Gravy:**
* 2 tablespoons butter
* 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
* 2 cups milk
* 1/2 teaspoon salt
* 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
* 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
* 1/4 cup cooked sausage, crumbled (optional)
* **Shredded Cheddar Cheese (Optional):** For garnish
* **Chopped Green Onions (Optional):** For garnish

**Instructions:**

1. **Prepare the Sawmill Gravy:** In a medium saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Whisk in the flour and cook for 1-2 minutes, stirring constantly, to create a roux. Gradually whisk in the milk, making sure to smooth out any lumps. Bring the mixture to a simmer, stirring constantly. Reduce heat to low and simmer for 5-7 minutes, or until the gravy has thickened. Stir in the salt, pepper, garlic powder, and crumbled sausage (if using). Keep warm.
2. **Cook the Waffle Fries:** Cook the waffle fries according to package directions. They should be crispy and golden brown.
3. **Assemble the Bowl:** Place a layer of waffle fries in the bottom of a bowl. Top with the bite-sized Bojangles’ chicken. Generously pour the sawmill gravy over the chicken and fries. Garnish with shredded cheddar cheese and chopped green onions (if desired). Serve immediately.

**Tips and Variations:**

* Use leftover Bojangles’ chicken for this recipe.
* Add a drizzle of hot sauce for extra heat.
* Substitute tater tots or regular fries for waffle fries.
* Add a fried egg on top for a heartier meal.
* For a vegetarian option, substitute the chicken with crispy tofu or fried mushrooms.

3. Bo-Berry Biscuit French Toast Casserole

This recipe transforms the sweet Bo-Berry biscuits into a decadent and comforting French toast casserole, perfect for breakfast or brunch.

**Ingredients:**

* 6 Bo-Berry Biscuits, cut into 1-inch cubes
* 6 large eggs
* 1 1/2 cups milk
* 1/2 cup heavy cream
* 1/4 cup sugar
* 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
* 1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon
* Pinch of salt
* **Topping:**
* 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
* 1/4 cup brown sugar
* 2 tablespoons cold butter, cut into small pieces
* **Icing (From Bo-Berry Biscuits or Homemade):** Reserved icing from the Bo-Berry Biscuits or homemade icing (powdered sugar and milk).

**Instructions:**

1. **Prepare the Casserole:** Grease a 9×13 inch baking dish. Spread the cubed Bo-Berry biscuits evenly in the dish.
2. **Make the Custard:** In a large bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, heavy cream, sugar, vanilla extract, cinnamon, and salt.
3. **Pour Custard Over Biscuits:** Pour the custard mixture evenly over the biscuits in the baking dish. Gently press the biscuits down into the custard to ensure they are well soaked.
4. **Make the Topping:** In a small bowl, combine the flour and brown sugar. Cut in the cold butter using a pastry blender or your fingers until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
5. **Sprinkle Topping:** Sprinkle the topping evenly over the custard-soaked biscuits.
6. **Bake:** Cover the baking dish with foil and bake in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 30 minutes. Remove the foil and bake for another 15-20 minutes, or until the casserole is golden brown and the custard is set.
7. **Drizzle with Icing:** Let the casserole cool slightly before drizzling with the icing from the Bo-Berry Biscuits (if you saved it) or homemade icing. Serve warm.

**Tips and Variations:**

* Soak the biscuits in the custard overnight for a richer and more flavorful casserole.
* Add fresh berries, such as blueberries or strawberries, to the casserole before baking.
* Substitute brioche bread or croissants for the Bo-Berry biscuits.
* Drizzle with maple syrup instead of icing.

4. Bojangles’ Mac and Cheese with Spicy Chicken Croutons

Elevate classic mac and cheese with a Bojangles’ twist by adding crispy, spicy chicken croutons.

**Ingredients:**

* **Mac and Cheese:** (Use your favorite recipe or a store-bought version)
* 1 pound elbow macaroni
* 1/2 cup butter
* 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
* 3 cups milk
* 4 cups shredded cheddar cheese
* 1/2 teaspoon salt
* 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
* **Spicy Chicken Croutons:**
* 1 Bojangles’ chicken fillet, cut into 1/2-inch cubes (or use leftover fried chicken).
* 1 tablespoon olive oil
* 1/4 teaspoon paprika
* 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
* 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional, for extra heat)

**Instructions:**

1. **Prepare the Mac and Cheese:** Cook the macaroni according to package directions. Drain and set aside. In a large saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Whisk in the flour and cook for 1-2 minutes, stirring constantly, to create a roux. Gradually whisk in the milk, making sure to smooth out any lumps. Bring the mixture to a simmer, stirring constantly. Reduce heat to low and simmer for 5-7 minutes, or until the sauce has thickened. Stir in the cheddar cheese, salt, and pepper until the cheese is melted and smooth. Add the cooked macaroni to the cheese sauce and stir to combine.
2. **Prepare the Spicy Chicken Croutons:** In a medium skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the cubed Bojangles’ chicken. Sprinkle with paprika, garlic powder, and cayenne pepper (if using). Cook, stirring occasionally, until the chicken is heated through and crispy on all sides. About 5-7 minutes.
3. **Assemble the Dish:** Spoon the mac and cheese into bowls. Top with the spicy chicken croutons. Serve immediately.

**Tips and Variations:**

* Use different types of cheese in the mac and cheese, such as Gruyere, Monterey Jack, or pepper jack.
* Add vegetables to the mac and cheese, such as broccoli, peas, or corn.
* Bake the mac and cheese in the oven for a crispy topping.
* Use leftover Bojangles’ chicken tenders for the croutons.

5. Bojangles’ Biscuit Breakfast Pizza

Turn Bojangles’ biscuits into a fun and delicious breakfast pizza!

**Ingredients:**

* 4 Bojangles’ Biscuits, split in half (total of 8 halves)
* 4 Eggs, scrambled
* 1/2 cup Cooked Sausage, crumbled
* 1/4 cup Cooked Bacon, crumbled
* 1 cup Shredded Cheddar Cheese
* 1/4 cup Milk
* Salt and Pepper to taste
* Optional: Hot sauce for drizzling

**Instructions:**

1. **Prepare the Biscuit Crusts:** Place the biscuit halves on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
2. **Scramble the Eggs:** In a bowl, whisk the eggs with milk, salt, and pepper. Scramble the eggs in a non-stick skillet until cooked through.
3. **Assemble the Pizzas:** Top each biscuit half with scrambled eggs, crumbled sausage, and crumbled bacon.
4. **Add Cheese:** Sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese over each pizza.
5. **Bake:** Bake in a preheated oven at 375°F (190°C) for 8-10 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly and the biscuits are lightly golden brown.
6. **Serve:** Drizzle with hot sauce, if desired, and serve immediately.

**Tips and Variations:**

* Use different types of cheese such as mozzarella or pepper jack.
* Add vegetables such as diced tomatoes, onions, or peppers.
* Use leftover Bojangles’ Cajun Pintos for a unique topping.
* For a vegetarian option, use vegetarian sausage crumbles.

The Anticipation Builds

The beauty of anticipating a new menu item is the creativity it sparks. While we eagerly await the official announcement from Bojangles’ about their August release, these recipes provide a fun and delicious way to explore the flavors and textures that make Bojangles’ so iconic. Whether you recreate these inspired dishes or use them as a springboard for your own culinary creations, get ready to embrace the excitement and flavor of the new Bojangles’ experience! Remember to check the official Bojangles’ website and social media channels for the official announcement and get ready to try the real thing! This August promises to be another delicious chapter in the Bojangles’ story, so get ready to taste the excitement! Let your taste buds lead the way! The possibilites are endless. Don’t forget to share your own Bojangles’ inspired recipes online using the appropriate hashtags. Perhaps Bojangles themselves will take notice! Happy cooking and happy tasting! Enjoy the delicious mystery and anticipate the unveiling of the new August menu item. The flavor awaits!